Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Injuries in Professional Modern Dancers Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management

Modern (or contemporary) dance has become increasingly popular, yet little has been reported with respect to modern dance injuries and their consequences. The purpose of this study is to define the incidence, risk factors, and management of musculoskeletal injuries in professional modern dancers. A total of 184 dancers in the United States completed an anonymous 17-page questionnaire on their injuries, including extensive details regarding the two most severe injuries that had occurred in the prior 12 months. According to their self-reports, a total of 82% of the dancers had suffered between one and seven injuries. The foot and ankle (40%) was the most common site of injury, followed by the lower back (17%) and the knee (16%). The rate of injuries was 0.59 per 1,000 hours of class and rehearsal. Injured male dancers returned to full dancing after a median of 21 days, while females returned after a median of 18 days. Most dancers missed no performances due to injury. Of the medical consultations sought by dancers for their injuries, 47% were made to physicians, 41% to physical therapists, and 34% to chiropractors. The majority of dancers adhered to the advice given them by consultants (87% of males and 78% of females for the most severe injury). While the majority of injuries were considered work-related (61% of the most severe injury and 69% of the second most severe), few were covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance (12% and 5% respectively). These professional modern dancers suffer from a rate of injury similar to other groups of professional dancers. Most dancers return to a partial level of dancing several weeks before attempting full-capacity dancing.
Methodology for Emotional Assessment of Product Design by Customers in Virtual Reality

The presented six-step methodology suggests a novel, integrated way of emotional assessment of future products during the early conceptual design stages by the customer. In the first step, the product developers create virtual product concepts. These will be evaluated by the lead user group, which is defined by market researchers within the second step. The third step is the design of the immersive emotional assessment environment, which combines compatible technological solutions for virtual reality and measurements of psycho-physiological data. The experiment in the fourth step consists of preparation and calibration sub-steps and of the product case scenario. After completing the statistical analysis of the experimental results in the fifth step, the variant space is reduced in a customer-centered way. The goal of this methodology is to provide relevant emotional customer feedback during the interactive experience of only virtually existing conceptual product designs at very early development stages and thus to identify emotionally suitable designs. Its novelty aspect lies in the holistic approach through the structured integration of experts from the areas of product development, marketing, virtual reality, and psychology. The presented validation study proved the coherence of the methodology. Furthermore, it showed clear preferences for the application of simple interaction gestures, the PA emotional model, and the measurement of psycho-physiological parameters—especially the zygomaticus major muscle activity—as suitable state-of-the-art solutions for capturing relevant customer emotional feedback in an immersive environment.
Needleless connectors: the vascular access catheter’s microbial gatekeeper

Needleless connectors (NCs) are essential devices which connect to the end of vascular catheters and enable catheter access for infusion and aspiration. There are various different designs which make it difficult for purchasers to identify the features which present the least risk and greatest safety. The NC is the microbial gatekeeper for vascular catheters; how it is disinfected pre access determines if, and how many, organisms enter and how quickly biofilm will form. This paper will consider these design variations and how differences in antiseptic testing methods have made it difficult to determine the best antiseptic practice pre access. One specific design characteristic is considered: the fluid pathway. The NC’s fluid pathway creates a flow which can be either direct to produce a laminar flow or indirect which creates a turbulent flow. At present, the evidence does not support there being an advantage for a specific fluid pathway design in reducing infection risks.
Surgical complications associated with the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas.

OBJECT To assess postoperative complications related to the surgical procedure, a retrospective analysis was conducted in a series of 146 consecutively treated patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region for resection of pituitary adenomas between January 1997 and July 2001. METHODS Complications were divided into groups (nasofacial, sphenoid sinus, sella turcica, supra or parasellar, and endocrine complications) according to the anatomical structures and the systems involved. Overall, a decreased incidence of complications has been observed, compared with large historical series of the traditional microsurgical transsphenoidal approach, likely because of the overview inside the anatomy facilitated by the endoscope, and the decreased surgical trauma. CONCLUSIONS Transsphenoidal surgery, either microscopic or endoscopic, is a safe procedure in experienced hands, but serious complications still occur and must be reduced as much as possible. Additional improvement can be expected with greater experience and new technical developments. A coordinated team effort with other dedicated colleagues from different specialties is advised.
Application of Elementary Neural Networks and Preview Sensors for Representing Driver Steering Control Behaviour

SUMMARY This paper demonstrates the use of elementary neural networks for modelling and representing driver steering behaviour in path regulation control tasks. Areas of application include uses by vehicle simulation experts who need to model and represent specific instances of driver steeringcontrol behaviour, potential on-board vehicle technologies aimed at representing and tracking driver steering control behaviour over time, and use by human factors specialists interested in representing or classifying specific families of driver steering behaviour. Example applications are shown for data obtained from a driver/vehicle numerical simulation, a basic driving simulator, and an experimental on-road test vehicle equipped with a camera and sensor processing system.
Evaluating Multi-User Selection for Exploring Graph Topology on Wall-Displays

Wall-displays allow multiple users to simultaneously view and analyze large amounts of information, such as the increasingly complex graphs present in domains like biology or social network analysis. We focus on how pairs explore graphs on a touch enabled wall-display using two techniques, both adapted for collaboration: a basic localized selection, and a propagation selection technique that uses the idea of diffusion/transmission from an origin node. We assess in a controlled experiment the impact of selection technique on a shortest path identification task. Pairs consistently divided space even if the task is not spatially divisible, and for the basic selection technique that has a localized visual effect, it led to parallel work that negatively impacted accuracy. The large visual footprint of the propagation technique led to close coordination, improving speed and accuracy for complex graphs only. We then observed the use of propagation on additional graph topology tasks, confirming pair strategies on spatial division and coordination.
Differential effects of pregnancy on contractile behavior of rat fast and slow skeletal muscles.

BACKGROUND The effect of pregnancy on skeletal muscle still has not been clearly established. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of pregnancy on muscle weight and contractile properties of soleus and plantaris muscles. METHODS The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: nonpregnant (NP, 250 ± 4 g, n = 8) and late-pregnant (LP, 305 ± 13 g, n = 8). The right plantaris and soleus muscles were liberated from the surrounding tissues. Each muscle was placed on setup to mechanical recording with electric stimulation. In the optimum length of each muscle were recorded single twitches, tetani and fatigue. RESULTS The weight and cross-sectional area of soleus and plantaris muscles from pregnant rats was increased respect to nonpregnant rats. The maximal twitch tension decreased in both muscles during pregnancy respect to nonpregnant group. The soleus muscle of LP group developed lesser tetanic tension than NP group. However, the plantaris muscle showed a different behavior: to lower frequencies (5-30 Hz) the NP group developed greater tetanic tension than LP group, and for higher frequencies (40-100 Hz), the LP group developed greater tetanic tension than NP group. Finally, the soleus muscle was more resistance to fatigue than plantaris muscle in pregnant rats. CONCLUSION The fast and slow skeletal muscles show a differential contractile response during pregnancy, in tetanic tension and fatigue (Fig. 4, Ref. 48).
Subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma: further evidence for a distinct neoplasm originating from large granular lymphocytes of T/NK phenotype

We report the case of a 20 year‐old caucasian woman who presented a primary subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) as an invasive tumor of the chest wall. Herein, the neoplastic cells were found to express a CD3+CD8+ phenotype but also displayed variably the natural killer (NK)‐associated antigens CD56 and CD57 as well as granzyme B. On cytological examination, these cells showed a large granular lymphocyte (LGL)‐like morphology with presence of azurophilic granules in their cytoplasm. Electron dense and membrane bound granules like those found in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were also demonstrated by electron microscopy. Neither rearrangement of the T‐cell receptor subunits nor Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) genome was observed at the molecular level. The LGL‐like features of the neoplastic cells found in this case and the presence of NK‐associated antigens provide additional support to the cytotoxic derivation of most SPTCL.
Iron-regulated outer membrane protein of Bacteroides fragilis involved in heme uptake

Under iron starvation, Bacteroides fragilis expresses various iron-regulated outer membrane proteins. In this study, a deferrated minimal medium was used in growth experiments, and the role of one of these iron-regulated outer membrane proteins (a 44-kDa protein) in an iron uptake mechanism which acquires iron from heme compounds was elucidated. When a specific 44-kDa protein antiserum was used in a medium with heme as the only iron source, growth inhibition was observed. These results demonstrate that the 44-kDa outer membrane protein plays an important role in the uptake of heme in B. fragilis.
Phenotypical features of the p.R120W mutation in the GDAP1 gene causing autosomal dominant Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease

Mutations in the ganglioside‐induced‐differentiation‐associated protein 1 gene (GDAP1) can cause Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease with demyelinating (CMT4A) or axonal forms (CMT2K and ARCMT2K). Most of these mutations present a recessive inheritance, but few autosomal dominant GDAP1 mutations have also been reported. We performed a GDAP1 gene screening in a clinically well‐characterized series of 81 index cases with axonal CMT neuropathy, identifying 17 patients belonging to 4 unrelated families in whom the heterozygous p.R120W was found to be the only disease‐causing mutation. The main objective was to fully characterize the neuropathy caused by this mutation. The clinical picture included a mild–moderate phenotype with onset around adolescence, but great variability. Consistently, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were impaired to a similar degree. Nerve conduction studies revealed an axonal neuropathy. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated selective involvement of intrinsic foot muscles in all patients and a uniform pattern of fatty infiltration in the calf, with distal and superficial posterior predominance. Pathological abnormalities included depletion of myelinated fibers, regenerative clusters and features of axonal degeneration with mitochondrial aggregates. Our findings highlight the relevance of dominantly transmitted p.R120W GDAP1 gene mutations which can cause an axonal CMT with a wide clinical profile.
Micro-Doppler classification of ballistic threats using Krawtchouk moments

The challenge of ballistic missiles classification is getting greater importance in last years. In fact, since the antimissile defence systems have generally a limited number of interceptors, it is important to distinguish between warheads and confusing objects that the missile releases during its flight, in order to maximize the interception success ratio. For this aim, a novel micro-Doppler based classification technique is presented in this paper characterized by the employment of Krawtchouk moments. Since the evaluation of the latter requires a low computational time, the proposed approach is suitable for real time applications. Finally, a comparison with the 2-dimensional Gabor filter based approach is described by testing both the techniques on real radar data.
Hyperosmolar Saline Is a Proinflammatory Stress on the Mouse Ocular Surface

Purpose. To investigate whether hyperosmolar stress stimulates production of inflammatory mediators and activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, c-jun n-terminal kinases (JNKs), extracellular-regulated kinases (ERKs), and p38 on the mouse ocular surface. Methods. 129SvEv/CD-1 mixed mice were treated with a balanced salt solution (BSS) (305 mOsM) or a hyperosmotic saline solution (HOSS) (500 mOsM). Untreated age-matched mice were used as controls. The concentrations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gelatinase activity was determined by in situ zymography. Corneal and conjunctival epithelia were lysed for Western blot with MAPK antibodies or used for semiquantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction and gene array. Results. Compared with age-matched controls and mice treated with BSS, the concentration of IL-1β in tear fluid washings and the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α and gelatinolytic activity in the corneal and conjunctival epithelia were significantly increased in mice treated with HOSS for 2 days. The expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) messenger RNA by the corneal and conjunctival epithelia were also notably stimulated in mice treated with HOSS. The levels of phosphorylated JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPKs in the corneal and conjunctival epithelia were slightly increased in mice treated with BSS, but markedly increased in mice treated with HOSS. Conclusions. These results show that the hyperosmolarity stimulates expression and production of IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and activates JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways on the mouse ocular surface. These findings suggest that hyperosmolar stress, as it may occur in dry eye, promotes ocular surface inflammation.
Laboratory as a Service (LaaS): A model for developing and implementing remote laboratories as modular components

This contribution introduces a novel model, Laboratory as a Service (LaaS), for developing remote laboratories as independent component modules and implementing them as a set of loosely-coupled services to be consumed with a high level of abstraction and virtualization. LaaS aims to tackle the common concurrent challenges in remote laboratories developing and implementation such as inter-institutional sharing, interoperability with other heterogeneous systems, coupling with heterogeneous services and learning objects, difficulty of developing, and standardization.
Intravitreal steroid and anti-vascular endothelial growth agents for the management of retinal vein occlusion: evidence from randomized trials

Introduction: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disorder, affecting visual acuity and quality of life. Macular edema (ME) and retinal ischemia are the main causes for visual impairment in RVO. Although several modalities have been evaluated for the treatment of ME secondary to RVO in clinical trials, various questions need to be clarified when translating clinical trials into real-world practice. Areas covered: Intravitreal steroids and anti-VEGF agents are now widely used for the treatment of ME due to RVO. Herein, evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the use of steroids and anti-VEGF agents in ME related to RVO are presented. In addition, an approach regarding the optimal treatment regimen, the most suitable time for initiating treatment and monitoring patients, as well as the potential role of ischemia in the response to treatment and the impact of treatment on the natural course of the disease was made. Expert opinion: A comprehensive presentation of randomized clinical trials evaluating intravitreal steroids and anti-VEGF treatment for RVO indicates that both are effective and safe. However, the comparative effectiveness of the various anti-VEGF agents, the most suitable dosing regimen and the effect of these agents on retinal ischemia remains unclear.
Femoral structure and stiffness in patients with femoral neck fracture

Bone morphological characteristics may relate to the risk of hip fracture. We applied finite element modeling to radiologic data for two groups of women in vivo to address two questions: (a) Do individuals who have just sustained a femoral neck fracture exhibit reduced three‐dimensional structural stiffness? and (b) Are victims of hip fracture disproportionately more susceptible to loads sustained in a fall than to stance‐type loads? Ten white women (age: 64–76 years) who had just sustained a femoral neck fracture and 18 female volunteers (age: 65–76 years), matched as groups for race, age, and body mass index, were evaluated, From quantitative computed tomography scans, femoral morphometric and volumetric cancellous density measurements were obtained and a finite element model was constructed. Two load conditions were simulated: single‐stance phase and lateral fall. Global stiffness values were determined for each model. The cancellous bone density was significantly lower at the femoral neck and the femoral neck and head diameters were significantly larger in the women in the fracture group than in those in the control group. The stiffness of the proximal femur did not differ significantly between the groups for either load condition. An apparently linear relationship was found for stiffness at stance load compared with stiffness at fall load (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), and slopes did not differ significantly between the groups. Although cancellous density was reduced at the fracture site in patients with femoral neck fractures, this did not result in a reduction in the predicted bone stiffness. Previous studies have established a very strong relationship between the stiffness and strength of bone. Since these modeling methods were thoroughly validated ex vivo, we conclude that although decreased bone density at the femoral neck may predict where fracture initiates, the risk of hip fracture per se may be more strongly dependent on issues such as the risk of falling and fall biomechanics than on the structural characteristics of bone.
A Novel Interference Cancellation Technique for Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA)

In this paper, a novel interference cancellation (IC) technique is proposed for asynchronous non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems. The bit error rate (BER) performance of an uplink NOMA system with the proposed IC technique is presented. Numerical and simulation results have shown that NOMA with the proposed asynchronous IC technique outperforms NOMA with a conventional-IC technique for uplink transmissions. It is also shown that employing iterative IC provides significant performance gain in NOMA and the number of required iterations depends on the modulation level and the received power ratio between users.
Fatal Case of Endocarditis Due to Weissella confusa

ABSTRACT This is the first reported case of endocarditis due to the Lactobacillus-like vancomycin-resistant gram-positive bacillus Weissella confusa. Full identification and susceptibility testing of Lactobacillus-like organisms recovered in blood culture should be performed for patients with clinical presentations that suggest endocarditis.
A biotic ligand model predicting acute copper toxicity for Daphnia magna: the effects of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and pH.

The extent to which Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ ions and pH independently mitigate acute copper toxicity for the cladoceran Daphnia magna was examined. Higher activities of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+ (but not K+) linearly increased the 48-h EC50 (as Cu2+ activity), supporting the concept of competitive binding of these ions and copper ions to toxic action or transport sites at the organism-water interface (e.g. fish gill, the biotic ligand). The increase of the EC50 (as Cu2+ activity) with increasing H+, however, seemed to suggest cotoxicity of CuOH+ rather than proton competition. Based on the biotic ligand model (BLM) concept, we developed a methodology to estimate stability constants for the binding of Cu2+, CuOH+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and H+ to the biotic ligand, solely based on toxicity data. Following values were obtained: log K(CuBL) = 8.02, log K(CuOHBL)= 7.45, log K(CaBL) = 3.47, log K(MgBL) = 3.58, log K(NaBL) = 3.19, and log K(HBL) approximately 5.4. Further, we calculated that on average 39% of the biotic ligand sites need to be occupied by copper to induce a 50% acute effect for D. magna after 48 h of exposure. Using the estimated constants, a BLM was developed that can predict acute copper toxicity for D. magna as a function of water characteristics. The presented methodology can easily be applied for BLM development for other organisms and metals. After validation with laboratory and natural waters (including DOC), the developed model will support efforts to improve the ecological relevance of presently applied risk assessment procedures.
Transition to Breast Cancer Survivorship: A Longitudinal Qualitative Follow-Up Study of Two-Year Survivors

This article reports on a qualitative, longitudinal follow-up of a cohort of breast cancer survivors through which their pretreatment psychological adjustment thought processes and behaviors were compared with those 2 years following diagnosis. Analysis revealed five interrelated themes reflecting changing thought processes and behaviors over time. Quantitative measures of psychological adjustment at 2 years were consistent with the qualitative findings in some respects; however, the concepts measured by these tools were inconsistent with themes identified through qualitative analysis. Findings support a need to study ways to assess women's psychosocial needs and intervene to support adjustment among 2-year breast cancer survivors.