Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Serious Injury in Professional Football be Predicted by a Preseason Functional Movement Screen?

BACKGROUND Little data exists regarding injury risk factors for professional football players. Athletes with poor dynamic balance or asymmetrical strength and flexibility (i.e. poor fundamental movement patterns) are more likely to be injured. The patterns of the Functional Movement Screen(™) (FMS) place the athlete in positions where range of motion, stabilization, and balance deficits may be exposed. OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between professional football players' score on the FMS(™) and the likelihood of serious injury. METHODS FMS(™) scores obtained prior to the start of the season and serious injury (membership on the injured reserve for at least 3 weeks) data were complied for one team (n = 46). Utilizing a receiver-operator characteristic curve the FMS(™) score was used to predict injury. RESULTS A score of 14 or less on the FMS(™) was positive to predict serious injury with specificity of 0.91 and sensitivity of 0.54. The odds ratio was 11.67, positive likelihood ratio was 5.92, and negative likelihood ratio 0.51. DISCUSSION AND CONSCLUSION: The results of this study suggest fundamental movement (as measured by the FMS(™)) is an identifiable risk factor for injury in professional football players. The findings of this study suggest professional football players with dysfunctional fundamental movement patterns as measured by the FMS(™) are more likely to suffer an injury than those scoring higher on the FMS(™).
The MOC reflex during active listening to speech.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that active listening to speech would increase medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent activity for the right vs. the left ear. METHOD Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) were evoked by 60-dB p.e. SPL clicks in 13 normally hearing adults in 4 test conditions for each ear: (a) in quiet; (b) with 60-dB SPL contralateral broadband noise; (c) with words embedded (at -3-dB signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) in 60-dB SPL contralateral noise during which listeners directed attention to the words; and (d) for the same SNR as in the 3rd condition, with words played backwards. RESULTS There was greater suppression during active listening compared with passive listening that was apparent in the latency range of 6- to 18-ms poststimulus onset. Ear differences in CEOAE amplitude were observed in all conditions, with right-ear amplitudes larger than those for the left. The absolute difference between CEOAE amplitude in quiet and with contralateral noise, a metric of suppression, was equivalent for right and left ears. When the amplitude differences were normalized, suppression was greater for noise presented to the right and the effect measured for a probe in the left ear. CONCLUSION The findings support the theory that cortical mechanisms involved in listening to speech affect cochlear function through the MOC efferent system.
THE EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND COMMITMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTIFICATION: A SECTORAL COMPARISON

This study examines the effects of organizational communication and commitment on organizational identification. We draw samples from organizations operating in service and manufacturing industries. In the analysis, career communication is found to be related significantly to organizational identification in the service industry, while task communication is related significantly to organizational identification in the manufacturing industry. The results also suggest that affective commitment, when combined with organizational communication and identification, fully mediates the relationship between organizational communication and employees’ identification with the organization. This study has also some conclusions about the roles of organizational communication and commitment in fostering organizational identification.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in an Animal Model of Chronic Peritoneal Exposure

Objectives Acute infection in an animal model of chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) induces structural changes in the peritoneum and alters functional characteristics of transport. These changes may compromise observations of the chronic effects of dialysis solutions. To test the hypothesis that antibiotics would prevent acute infection without affecting transport and structural properties, we characterized the frequency of infection in our rat model of PD and examined whether the inclusion of antibiotics in the dialysis solution altered the transport and structural properties of the peritoneum. Design Female Sprague–Dawley rats were aseptically injected daily under gas anesthesia with 30 – 40 mL of a sterile solution for 2 months via a peritoneal catheter tunneled to a subcutaneous port. Solutions used were Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) alone, KRB with antibiotics (cefazolin 200 mg/L and gentamicin 2 mg/L), KRB with 4% glucose, and KRB with both glucose and antibiotics. After 2 months, osmotic filtration and solute transport were assessed in each animal and peritoneal fluid was collected for bacterial culture. Angiogenesis was evaluated by quantitative image analysis of tissue sections stained with CD31. Tissue content of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan was determined. Results Technique survival (successful PD for 2 months) and infection rate were comparable among all treated groups. There were no differences between the groups in transport properties. Structural changes were comparable between groups, with or without antibiotics. Conclusions Addition of antibiotics to the dialysis solution did not affect the transport characteristics of the peritoneum or the pathologic reaction of the tissue to the PD solution.
Impact of human herpesvirus‐6 after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

We studied 228 consecutive stem cell transplant recipients, screened for reactivation of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) in peripheral blood and other specimens as clinically indicated by means of qualitative polymerase chain reaction. Among them, 197 received an allograft and 31 autograft. Ninety‐six of 228 patients (42·1%) showed HHV‐6 reactivation in peripheral blood and 129 of 228 (56·6%) demonstrated HHV‐6 in at least one of the specimens tested. 41·9% of patients were asymptomatic when HHV‐6 was identified. Clinical features, noted when HHV‐6 was detected, included interstitial or alveolar pneumonia, gastroduodenal and colorectal disease, bone marrow suppression and liver disease. However, based on clinical and histopathological criteria, HHV‐6 was considered a causal agent in only a minority of patients, in particular, those suffering from bone marrow suppression (n = 11), gastroduodenitis (five), colitis (three), interstitial/alveolar pneumonia (five), skin rash (one), pericarditis (two) and encephalitis (one). HHV‐6 reactivation was significantly associated with the occurrence of graft‐versus‐host disease [odds ratio (OR) 5·31], Epstein–Barr virus coinfection (OR 8·89) and unrelated donor transplantation (OR 5·67) indicating an increased stage of immunosuppression.
Analyses of Rear-End Crashes Based on Classification Tree Models

Objective. Signalized intersections are accident-prone areas especially for rear-end crashes due to the fact that the diversity of the braking behaviors of drivers increases during the signal change. The objective of this article is to improve knowledge of the relationship between rear-end crashes occurring at signalized intersections and a series of potential traffic risk factors classified by driver characteristics, environments, and vehicle types. Methods. Based on the 2001 Florida crash database, the classification tree method and Quasi-induced exposure concept were used to perform the statistical analysis. Two binary classification tree models were developed in this study. One was used for the crash comparison between rear-end and non-rear-end to identify those specific trends of the rear-end crashes. The other was constructed for the comparison between striking vehicles/drivers (at-fault) and struck vehicles/drivers (not-at-fault) to find more complex crash pattern associated with the traffic attributes of driver, vehicle, and environment. Results. The modeling results showed that the rear-end crashes are over-presented in the higher speed limits (45–55 mph); the rear-end crash propensity for daytime is apparently larger than nighttime; and the reduction of braking capacity due to wet and slippery road surface conditions would definitely contribute to rear-end crashes, especially at intersections with higher speed limits. The tree model segmented drivers into four homogeneous age groups: < 21 years, 21–31 years, 32–75 years, and > 75 years. The youngest driver group shows the largest crash propensity; in the 21–31 age group, the male drivers are over-involved in rear-end crashes under adverse weather conditions and the 32–75 years drivers driving large size vehicles have a larger crash propensity compared to those driving passenger vehicles. Conclusions. Combined with the quasi-induced exposure concept, the classification tree method is a proper statistical tool for traffic-safety analysis to investigate crash propensity. Compared to the logistic regression models, tree models have advantages for handling continuous independent variables and easily explaining the complex interaction effect with more than two independent variables. This research recommended that at signalized intersections with higher speed limits, reducing the speed limit to 40 mph efficiently contribute to a lower accident rate. Drivers involved in alcohol use may increase not only rear-end crash risk but also the driver injury severity. Education and enforcement countermeasures should focus on the driver group younger than 21 years. Further studies are suggested to compare crash risk distributions of the driver age for other main crash types to seek corresponding traffic countermeasures.
Extraction of the envelope from surface EMG signals.

Electrical signals recorded by means of surface electromyography (SEMG) contain some useful information for a better understanding of strategies underlying human movement. In particular, a great contribution to biomechanic studies may be provided by a correct estimation of the amplitude of SEMG signals that is related to the force exerted by muscles. This information could, in fact, represent an indirect assessment of muscular force obtained without using invasive measurement techniques. This article presents a new fully automatic estimation technique adaptively working on SEMG signal characteristics. The discussion of the theoretical background of the estimator together with a feasibility study demonstrates the usefulness of its application. An example of the application to signals recorded during dynamic protocols is also shown.
An Association Rule Discovery System for Geographic Data

An association rule discovery system has been developed for geographic data. Association rules are applicable to the interpretation of remote sensing images, in which ancillary data are used to guide land cover mapping. The software system developed, called Aspect, works with standard geographic data formats and extends the association rule formulation to handle spatial relationships. Multiple strategies provide guidance for selecting the relevant variables to include in the rules. Association rule results are presented that are derived from environmental conditions, anthropogenic features, land cover, and vegetation. Many of the data layers used in geospatial analysis are derived from remote sensing data products. These data sets might include vegetation conditions, land use, human structures, and terrain. In some cases, the results from an association rule analysis can be used as ancillary information to assist in the interpretation of remote sensing images. Associations between data layers can be used to guide image recognition and identification (1), or can be applied to validation and error checking of data. Association rules can also be applied to prediction, in which rules found in one domain are applied to new domains where the data are not complete. In those cases it may be useful to infer the presence of features in an area based on the known patterns of occurrence elsewhere.
Global Gene Expression in the Developing Rat Brain After Hypoxic Preconditioning: Involvement of Apoptotic Mechanisms?

Exposure to hypoxia before hypoxia-ischemia (HI) confers substantial protection referred to as preconditioning (PC). We hypothesized that PC induces critical changes of genes related to apoptotic cell death to render the brain more resistant. PC hypoxia (8% O2, 36°C, 3 h) was induced in rats on postnatal day (PND) 6, and the rats were killed at 0, 2, 8, and 24 h. Total RNA was extracted from cerebral cortex and analyzed using Affymetrix rat genome 230 2.0 array. PC induced significant changes in 906 genes at 0 h, 927 at 2 h, 389 at 8 h, and 114 at 24 h. Ontology analysis revealed significant alterations in genes involved in cell communication, signal transduction, transcription, phosphorylation, and transport. Genes involved in cell death/apoptosis as well as those related to brain development (cell differentiation, neurogenesis, organogenesis, blood vessel development) were overrepresented. A detailed analysis demonstrated that 77 significantly regulated genes were involved in apoptosis, specifically related to the Bcl-2 family, JNK pathway, trophic factor pathways, inositol triphosphate (PI3) kinase/Akt pathway, extrinsic or intrinsic pathway, or the p53 pathway. The study supports that the epidermal growth factor receptor family, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases, and Bcl-2–related proteins and the PI3 kinase/Akt pathway may have roles in providing resistance in the developing central nervous system (CNS).
The change in blood glucose levels in tuberculosis patients before and during anti-tuberculosis treatment in China

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to observe (i) changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in tuberculosis (TB) patients before and during anti-TB treatment, (ii) whether FBG levels were stable or unstable and (iii) baseline characteristics associated with an unstable FBG. Method: TB patients consecutively attended six clinics or hospitals. FBG measurements were made at months 0, 2 and 6. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 232 patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) whose initial FBG < 6.1 mmol/L, over 90% maintained FBG < 6.1 mmol/L during treatment and no patient developed DM. Of 17 patients without DM and initial FBG between 6.1 and 6.9 mmol/L, over half had FBG < 6.1 mmol/L during treatment and no patient had DM at the end of treatment. Eight DM patients with already known DM had their FBG controlled at < 7.0 mmol/L during treatment. There were 13 DM patients newly diagnosed with FBG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, and 69% continued to have FBG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L. After adjustment for confounding, the odds for an unstable FBG were higher for HIV-positive status, already having DM, smoking and coming to hospitals rather than clinics. Conclusion: TB patients who do not have DM based on FBG measurements do not develop DM during anti-TB treatment. Those newly diagnosed with DM on screening in general maintain their DM status with high FBG and need to be better managed.
Study of the environmental contamination of human and veterinary medicines in the south Brazil

Le sud du Bresil est une region agricole qui connait une forte croissance de sa production tant au niveau cerealier qu'animal. L'intensification des pratiques agricoles ainsi que l'urbanisation grandissante dans cette region generent egalement une forte pression anthropique pour les milieux aquatiques et les sols. Le present travail vise a mieux comprendre l'impact lie a l'utilisation puis au rejet de composes pharmaceutiques (humain ou veterinaire) sur les rivieres et les sols a travers l'exemple du bassin versant du Rio Guapore. L'etude des sols a montre une contamination par les composes pharmaceutiques dans les zones agricoles, ou l'epandage de lisiers apparait comme une source importante de contamination et de genes de resistance aux antibiotiques. Les molecules detectees varient selon le type d'exploitation des sols et les epandages effectues. L'erosion importante que subissent les sols de cette region et leur lessivage par les pluies peuvent favoriser ensuite le transport de ces contaminants vers les milieux aquatiques. L'etude des milieux aquatiques, a travers le biofilm epilithique et les POCIS, ont permis de montrer que les zones de plus forte production agricole sont les plus contaminees. Une forte contamination par les zones urbaines a ete cependant aussi mise en evidence. Ces resultats sont a mettre en relation avec l'absence de reseaux d'assainissement urbains dans cette region. La nature et l'ampleur de la contamination sont influences par les variations saisonnieres. L'utilisation de la sucralose et de la carbamazepine comme traceurs de l'activite anthropique s'est averee prometteuse de meme que l'usage des biofilms et des POCIS comme echantillonneurs.
Acyl-CoA-binding Protein Is a Potent m-Calpain Activator*

Acyl-CoA-binding protein, a 20-kDa homodimer that exerts many physiological functions, promotes activation of the classic calpain forms, most markedly that of the m-isozyme. This protein factor was purified from rat skeletal muscle and was also expressed inEscherichia coli. Both native and recombinant acyl-CoA-binding proteins show the same molecular properties and an identical capacity to decrease the [Ca2+] required for m-calpain activity. The binding of long-chain acyl-CoAs to acyl-CoA-binding protein does not modify the activating effect on calpains. Acyl-CoA-binding protein seems to be involved in the m-calpain regulation process, whereas the previously identified UK114 activator is a specific modulator of μ-calpain. Acyl-CoA-binding protein is proposed as a new component of the Ca2+-dependent proteolytic system. A comparative analysis among levels of classic calpains and their activator proteins is also reported.
Investigation on the upgrade of existing 10Gbps Metro DWDM networks to 40Gbps based on measured PMD data of deployed fiber in Malaysia

We present analysis of different modulation formats using actual Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) data of deployed fiber links in the metro area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Simulations have been conducted for comparing the performance of Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ), Return-to-Zero (RZ), Carrier-Suppressed Return-to-Zero (CSRZ), Phase Shaped Binary Transmission (PSBT) and Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) modulation formats for possible future upgrade to 40Gbps from an existing 10Gbps DWDM system. The performance in terms of BER is presented to illustrate the limitations attributed to PMD based on current existing network configurations.
Musculoskeletal disorders in relation to age and occupation in Swedish construction workers.

BACKGROUND Physical exposure load varies between trades in the construction industry. Our hypothesis is that the prevalence of MSD in a trade, reflects the level of physical exposure; the aim of the study was to describe MSD in relation to age and occupation within the industry. METHODS The study is based on data from self-administered questionnaires filled out by 85,191 males in the Swedish construction industry. RESULTS Construction workers had higher age-adjusted prevalence of MSD than foremen and office workers. In general prevalence rates increased steadily with age. Scaffolders showed the highest prevalence of MSD in all body locations. Elevated prevalence of neck disorders was found in crane operators, insulators, and painters, and of lower back and lower extremity disorders in roofers and floorers. CONCLUSION MSD increase with age. The variation between trades of MSD prevalence seems to correspond to the variation with respect to physical exposure.
A hardware accelerated Scale Invariant Feature detector for real-time visual localization and mapping

Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) has drawn attention in the field of computer vision, recently. SIFT has been adopted in many visual localization and mapping applications, for its robustness to scale, rotation and illumination changes. However, the high computational cost limits its use in practical scenarios. In this paper, we present a real-time FPGA-based hardware accelerator of SIFT. The design is composed of two main parts: key-point detection component and feature generation component. The key-point detection component applies an octave-interleaved scale-parallel pipeline structure, as a tradeoff between frame rate and resource consumption. The feature generation component works in task-level burst mode for each key-point. The buffer together with buffer management logic enables quasi-parallelism between the two components, and also enables task-level quasi-parallelism between main orientation generation and local descriptor generation in the feature generation component. Our proposal can perform feature extraction of 720p video with real-time efficiency of 42fps at a clock frequency of 100MHz.
Short tandem repeat (STR) variation in eight village populations of the island of Korčula (Croatia)

The aim of this study was to analyse short tandem repeat (STR) variation using the data on nine loci (D3S1358, vWA, FGA, THO1, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820) in the populations from eight villages on the island of Korčula, Croatia, in order to analyse its genetic and population structure. The analysis of STR data in this study indicated an appreciable degree of genetic homogeneity among the studied village populations on the island, even though a so-called `east-west dichotomy' and differentiation between the inhabitants of the most recent settlement and the remaining ones was indicated with respect to the loci CSF1PO and TPOX, respectively. The validity of STR markers in assessing genetic structure of small populations and especially in determining the relationships among geographically closely related but reproductively isolated groups remains to be further evaluated, especially in terms of a larger number of studied loci in order to possibly find specific markers useful for resolving genetic patterns of variability at regional levels.
Assessing the risk of bluetongue to UK livestock: uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of a temperature-dependent model for the basic reproduction number

Since 1998 bluetongue virus (BTV), which causes bluetongue, a non-contagious, insect-borne infectious disease of ruminants, has expanded northwards in Europe in an unprecedented series of incursions, suggesting that there is a risk to the large and valuable British livestock industry. The basic reproduction number, R0, provides a powerful tool with which to assess the level of risk posed by a disease. In this paper, we compute R0 for BTV in a population comprising two host species, cattle and sheep. Estimates for each parameter which influences R0 were obtained from the published literature, using those applicable to the UK situation wherever possible. Moreover, explicit temperature dependence was included for those parameters for which it had been quantified. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses based on Latin hypercube sampling and partial rank correlation coefficients identified temperature, the probability of transmission from host to vector and the vector to host ratio as being most important in determining the magnitude of R0. The importance of temperature reflects the fact that it influences many processes involved in the transmission of BTV and, in particular, the biting rate, the extrinsic incubation period and the vector mortality rate.