bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missense Mutation in Human CHD4 Causes Ventricular Noncompaction by Repressing ADAMTS1
Authors: Shi Wei , Scialdone Angel P. , Emerson James I. , Mei Liu , Wasson Lauren K. , Davies Haley A. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman Jonathan G. , Cook Jeanette G. , Conlon Frank L.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a prevalent cardiomyopathy associated with excessive trabeculation and thin compact myocardium. Patients with LVNC are vulnerable to cardiac dysfunction and at high risk of sudden death. Although sporadic and inherited mutations in cardiac genes are implicated in LVNC, understanding of the mechanisms responsible for human LVNC is limited.

Methods:

We screened the complete exome sequence database of the Pediatrics Cardiac Genomics Consortium and identified a cohort with a de novo CHD4 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4) proband, CHD4
M202I
, with congenital heart defects. We engineered a humanized mouse model of CHD4
M202I
(mouse CHD4
M195I
). Histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and echocardiography were used to analyze cardiac anatomy and function. Ex vivo culture, immunopurification coupled with mass spectrometry, transcriptional profiling, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to deduce the mechanism of CHD4
M195I
-mediated ventricular wall defects.

Results:

CHD4

M195I/M195I

mice developed biventricular hypertrabeculation and noncompaction and died at birth. Proliferation of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased in
CHD4

M195I

hearts, and the excessive trabeculation was associated with accumulation of ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins and a reduction of ADAMTS1 (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 1), an ECM protease. We rescued the hyperproliferation and hypertrabeculation defects in
CHD4

M195I

hearts by administration of ADAMTS1. Mechanistically, the CHD4
M195I
protein showed augmented affinity to endocardial BRG1 (SWI/SNF–related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4). This enhanced affinity resulted in the failure of derepression of
Adamts1
transcription such that ADAMTS1-mediated trabeculation termination was impaired.

Conclusions:

Our study reveals how a single mutation in the chromatin remodeler CHD4, in mice or humans, modulates ventricular chamber maturation and that cardiac defects associated with the missense mutation CHD4
M195I
can be attenuated by the administration of ADAMTS1.
TESLA Trial: Rationale, Protocol, and Design
Authors: Zaidat Osama O. , Kasab Sami Al , Sheth Sunil , Ortega‐Gutierrez Santiago , Rai Ansaar T. , Given Curtis A. , Grandhi Ramesh , Mokin Maxim , Katz Jeffrey M. , Maud Alberto , Gupta Rishi , Smith Wade S. , Dippel Diederik W. , Gress Daryl , Nguyen Thanh N. , Brown Scott , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Eljovich Lucas , Majoie Charles , Patterson Mary S. , Slight Hannah , Below Kristine , Yoo Albert J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to be effective in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large‐vessel occlusion and small to moderate infarct volume. However, there are no randomized clinical trials for large‐core infarct volume comparing mechanical thrombectomy to medical therapy in the population selected based solely on noncontrast computed tomography brain scan. The TESLA (Thrombectomy for Emergent Salvage of Large Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) randomized clinical trial is designed to address this clinical question.

Methods

The TESLA trial aim is to demonstrate the efficacy (3‐month and 1‐year disability following stroke) and safety of intraarterial mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large‐volume infarction assessed with a noncontrast computed tomography scan. The TESLA trial design is a prospective, randomized controlled, multicenter, open‐label, assessor‐blinded anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke trial with adaptive enrichment design, enrolling up to 300 patients. Patients with anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion who meet the imaging and clinical eligibility criteria with a large‐core infarction on the basis of noncontrast computed tomography Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (2–5) adjudicated by a site investigator will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo intraarterial thrombectomy or best medical management up to 24 hours from last known well.

Results

The primary efficacy outcome is utility‐weighted modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score distribution at 90 days between the groups. The results will be based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis that will examine the Bayesian posterior probability that, adjusted for Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, patients with large‐core infarct volume treated with intra‐arterial thrombectomy have higher expected utility‐weighted mRS than those treated with best medical management alone. The primary safety outcome is the 90‐day death rate. Key secondary outcomes are dichotomized mRS 0 to 2 and 0 to 3 outcomes, ordinal mRS scores, and quality of life (EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level survey) at 90 days and 1 year, utility‐weighted mRS at 1 year, hemicraniectomy rate, and rate of 24‐hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in both groups.

Conclusion

TESLA is a pragmatic trial, designed to address the unanswered question of the efficacy and safety of intra‐arterial thrombectomy in patients with large infarcts diagnosed by the site investigator only on noncontrast computed tomography scan secondary to anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion up to 24 hours from stroke symptoms onset.
Contrasting Intraurban Signatures of Humid and Dry Heatwaves over Southern California
Authors: Shreevastava Anamika , Raymond Colin , Hulley Glynn C.
Published: May 2023

Heatwaves in California manifest as both dry and humid events. While both forms have become more prevalent, recent studies have identified a shift toward more humid events. Understanding the complex interactions of each heatwave type with the urban heat island is crucial for impacts but remains understudied. Here, we address this gap by contrasting how dry versus humid heatwaves shape the intraurban heat of the greater Los Angeles area. We used a consecutive contrasting set of heatwaves from 2020 as a case study: a prolonged humid heatwave in August and an extremely dry heatwave in September. We used MERRA-2 reanalysis data to compare mesoscale dynamics, followed by high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting modeling over urbanized Southern California. We employ moist thermodynamic variables to quantify heat stress and perform spatial clustering analysis to characterize the spatiotemporal intraurban variability. We find that, despite temperatures being 10° ± 3°C hotter in the September heatwave, the wet-bulb temperature, closely related to the risk of human heat stroke, was higher in August. While dry and humid heat display different spatial patterns, three distinct spatial clusters emerge based on nonheatwave local climates. Both types of heatwaves diminish the intraurban heat stress variability. Valley areas such as San Bernardino and Riverside experience the worst impacts, with up to 6° ± 0.5°C of additional heat stress during heatwave nights. Our results highlight the need to account for the disparity in small-scale heatwave patterns across urban neighborhoods in designing policies for equitable climate action.

Significance Statement

Heatwaves are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all environmental hazards. Moreover, their frequency and intensity are on the rise due to climate change. Southern California is no stranger to extreme heat, but persistently humid heatwaves still test the adaptability limits of its residents. We find that the set of two contrasting heatwaves that afflicted Los Angeles in the summer of 2020 forms the perfect testbed for characterizing the impacts of humid versus dry heatwaves on urban environment. Because climate model forecasts and long-term observational trends point to more humid heatwaves in the future for Southern California, our results underscore the importance of including moist heat in extreme heat warning frameworks.
Rapid Vector-Based Peak Fitting and Resolution Enhancement for Correlation Analyses of Raman Hyperspectra
Authors: Schulze H. Georg , Rangan Shreyas , Vardaki Martha Z. , Blades Michael W. , Turner Robin F. B. , Piret James M.
Published: May 2023

Spectroscopic peak parameters are important since they provide information about the analyte under study. Besides obtaining these parameters, peak fitting also resolves overlapped peaks. Thus, the obtained parameters should permit the construction of a higher-resolution version of the original spectrum. However, peak fitting is not an easy task due to computational reasons and because the true nature of the analyte is often unknown. These difficulties are major impediments when large hyperspectral data sets need to be processed rapidly, such as for manufacturing process control. We have developed a novel and relatively fast two-part algorithm to perform peak fitting and resolution enhancement on such data sets. In the first part of the algorithm, estimates of the total number of bands and their parameters were obtained from a representative spectrum in the data set, using a combination of techniques. Starting with these parameter estimates, all the spectra were then iteratively and rapidly fitted with Gaussian bands, exploiting intrinsic features of the Gaussian distribution with vector operations. The best fits for each spectrum were retained. By reducing the obtained bandwidths and commensurately increasing their amplitudes, high-resolution spectra were constructed that greatly improved correlation-based analyses. We tested the performance of the algorithm on synthetic spectra to confirm that this method could recover the ground truth correlations between highly overlapped peaks. To assess effective peak resolution, the method was applied to low-resolution spectra of glucose and compared to results from high-resolution spectra. We then processed a larger spectral data set from mammalian cells, fixed with methanol or air drying, to demonstrate the resolution enhancement of the algorithm on complex spectra and the effects of resolution-enhanced spectra on two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy and principal component analyses. The results indicated that the algorithm would allow users to obtain high-resolution spectra relatively fast and permit the recovery of important aspects of the data's intrinsic correlation structure.
Numbers, Selectivity, and Rights: The Conditional Nature of Immigration Policy Preferences
Authors: Helbling Marc , Maxwell Rahsaan , Traunmüller Richard
Published: May 2023

Immigration is an extremely divisive political issue in Western Europe and North America. We examine whether immigration policy preferences are more nuanced than commonly understood. Too often, analyses of immigration policy preferences only consider the number of people allowed into the country. Yet, immigration policy must also address which people are allowed into the country and what rights they can have. We present results from a series of original surveys conducted in Germany between April 2020 and August 2022. We find preferences about policies governing immigration flows are conditional on policies governing entrance criteria and rights eligibility. Respondents who oppose immigration in general are willing to compromise and allow more immigration if entrance criteria become more selective. Respondents who support immigration are willing to compromise and accept less immigration if rights become more generous. Our findings have implications for understanding divides over immigration as well as policy debates more generally.
Can the effects of high school culinary nutrition education be sustained into adulthood?
Authors: Fredericks Lynn , Utter Jennifer , Tang Lucille , Shah Anjuman , Wilson Lofts Casey , Parry Jade , Koch Pamela A.
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To assess whether adolescents who appeared in an after-school cooking nutrition programme (Teen Battle Chef) sustained healthful food behaviours in the ensuing years into young adulthood.

Design:

Interviews involving a short verbal survey assessing six health behaviours coded dichotomously and open-ended questions coded for themes describing how participants did or did not sustain behaviour change.

Setting:

Adults who had previously participated in TBC culinary nutrition programme while in high school discussed whether any lifestyle changes prompted by the programme continued into their adult lives.

Method:

The 30 young people were interviewed (in-person or by telephone) and the interviews were audio-recorded. Transcripts were made verbatim to allow for NVivo analysis of responses.

Results:

Thirty 17- to 24-year-olds, 6 months to 7 years after TBC programme, reported current favourable health behaviours. Results were similar for participants <3 and 3+ years post TBC. In interviews, 27 of 30 provided in-depth description of how TBC had changed their behaviours. They described cooking skills learned in TBC that they still practised. Participants discussed specific ways in which peers and family supported them to sustain behaviour change.

Conclusion:

Even modest findings of short-term evaluations of cooking programmes may be significant if impacts are sustained. More longer-term evaluations are needed to confirm these results.
Wire coating analysis using Phan–Thien–Tanner fluid subject to Lorentz force as a polymer coating material in a canonical covering die
Authors: Zeeshan  , Mohamed Abdullah , Khan Ilyas , Khan Muhammad Sheraz , Yassen Mansour F , Attaullah
Published: May 2023

Wire coating is widely used for electrical insulation to protect the wire from electric shock, prevent electrical leakage, and ensure that the electrical current flows smoothly. In this investigation, a pressurized coating die is used to explore the PTT fluid as a polymer material for wire in a magnetic field. The flow field, flow rate, temperature profile, thickness of the wire coating, volume flow rate, and shear stress are all given exact solutions. Graphs were used to illustrate the effects of certain important technical parameters, including flow rate, wire coating thickness, shear stress, and pressure gradient. It has been noted that as the values of X, Deborah number, and ratio of radii are improved, the volume and thickness of the coated wire rise. The Deborah number has a higher volume flow than the X and radii ratios. A reference to existing literature is made in order to support the validity of the current study.
Dialectical approach to unpacking knowledge-making for digital urban democracy: A critical case of Helsinki-based e-participatory budgeting
Authors: Tseng Yu-Shan , Becker Christoph , Roikonen Ida
Published: May 2023

This article investigates how OmaStadi, a Finnish platform for digital participatory budgeting, legitimises certain urban knowledge and experiences to receive public resources from the City of Helsinki. Using a quali-quantitative critical case study that combines quantitative data analysis, interviews and participatory observation, we advocate a dialectical approach for unpacking OmaStadi’s potential and limitations for democracy. It represents a socio-technical assemblage of knowledge-making for digital urban democracy in (and beyond) the post-welfare urban context. On the one hand, OmaStadi enforces epistemic enclosures that restrict the scale, object and temporality of urban knowledge that is to be considered legitimate in decision-making based on simple majoritarianism. Such enclosures lead to an individualistic and aggregated democracy. On the other hand, OmaStadi fosters an epistemic opening for democracy when wider publics join to form collective knowledge about ongoing urban struggles against privatisation and the decay of heritage. Our argument goes beyond binary and techno-deterministic analyses of digital knowledge-making and participation to build on emergent studies of digital urban democracy by discussing the democratic potential of cities in the age of platformisation.
Social Supply and the Potential for Harm Reduction in Social Media Drug Markets
Authors: van der Sanden Robin , Wilkins Chris , Rychert Marta , Barratt Monica J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Existing studies have highlighted the potential for increased drug market risks from buying drugs via social media involving strangers, such as receiving adulterated drugs or being robbed. However, social supply-driven social media drug markets may also offer enhanced social dealing and harm reduction opportunities.

Aim

To explore how social media platform features that enable expanded social networking may also support safer social drug dealing and other harm-reduction behaviors.

Method

Thematic analysis of anonymous online interviews with 33 people who buy and sell drugs via social media in New Zealand.

Results

Participants (median age 24; 22 male, 10 female, 1 gender diverse) accessing drugs via social media mostly utilized established social networks. These personal networks offered many benefits commonly associated with social media drug trading (i.e., safer and secure drug purchasing). Benefits included reducing the risk of receiving adulterated substances and being victimized. Social media affordances, which participants used to expand their everyday social networks, could also increase participants’ ability to leverage a broader social drug supply network and access related harm reduction benefits. Some participants used darknet markets to buy drugs, which they then resold to “friends” via social media platforms, facilitating supply channels that were largely “separated” from local physical drug markets and associated problems of fraud, violence, and organized crime.

Conclusion

Social media drug markets offer a range of harm reduction benefits that contribute to a lower-risk local drug market. We suggest this may reflect a closer alignment between social media platform affordances and their adaptation to social supply drug trading.
Real-Time Mapping With Global Positioning Systems Devices in a Mixed Methods Toolkit for Studying Social and Environmental Change
Authors: Fowler Cynthia Twyford
Published: May 2023

To explore the process through which people develop knowledge about socioecological change, this article describes a mixed-methods toolkit containing a technique for making maps in real time while moving through landscapes. The quantitative component of the toolkit is grounded in ethnobiologists’ embeddedness in place-based communities and harnesses the power of global positioning systems (GPS). As GPS-wielding ethnobiologists engage in participatory mapping by moving through landscapes with their research collaborators, we can use handheld devices and simultaneously communicate with satellites in outer space to produce maps in real time. Within the existing, large inventory of ethnobiological methods, using handheld GPS devices can be combined with other types of data-collecting techniques to enhance studies of interactions in more-than-human landscapes. Moreover, mapmaking implements movement trace, a tactic for interpreting space-time cultures and documenting grounded experiences with socioecological change. By bringing together interests in the disciplines of ethnobiology and qualitative geographic information systems (GIS), this article describes methods that make it possible to explain the space-time culture that guides people to move through their homelands and to communicate about their experiences even as they work toward integrating and directing the changing circumstances of their lives.
Exercise Dependence in Elite Female Dancers
Authors: Pierce Edgar E , Daleng Myra L.
Published: May 2023

Exercise dependence may be defined as a condition that compels an individual to exercise despite contraindications, and which results in physical and psychological complications when withdrawn. While the syndrome of exercise dependence has been previously associated with athletes in various sports, this research report demonstrates that student dancers exhibit higher levels of exercise dependence than do both endurance and non-endurance athletes. As an extension of this research, the present study was undertaken to explore the level of exercise dependence among elite female ballet dancers. Ten subjects were tested, using an exercise addiction scale that was modified for dancers from the instrument created by Rudy and Estok. Results indicated that the mean exercise dependence score for this population was 21.2 ± 1.6 (SE), which represents a “high” category of exercise dependence according to normative standards. This finding raises concerns, given the psychophysiological disturbances that have been previously associated with the syndrome of exercise dependence. Further research is encouraged to examine the clinical implications of exercise dependence that are unique to dancers, and to develop interventions for addressing this emerging disorder.
The Prevalence of Injury among Tap Dancers
Authors: Mayers Lester , Judelson Daniel , Bronner Shaw
Published: May 2023

A literature search revealed no information on the prevalence of tap dance injuries, one of several dance styles involving percussive footwork. We conducted a retrospective survey to determine the rates and patterns of injury among a cohort of experienced tap dancers enrolled in “advanced” or “master” classes at the New York City Tap Festival. Demographic factors, dance/performance, exercise, and injury histories were recorded and analyzed and the injury rate per 1000 dance exposures calculated. Calculated injury rates among the tap dancers were substantially lower than those previously reported for other dance and athlete populations. We conclude that kinetic and kinematic analysis is required to explain the apparent decreased risk of injury among tap dancers. Comparison data may lead to improved strategies for injury prevention in these other areas.
An Analysis to Define the Clinical Practice of Physical Therapy for Performing Artists
Authors: Gamboa Jennifer M. , Hagins Marshall , Manal Tara Jo
Published: May 2023

The Performing Arts Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association performed a study to describe the unique knowledge and responsibilities of physical therapists’ management of performing artists. This was a survey study using a non-experimental descriptive research design and a sample of convenience. A national advisory group (NAG) of subject matter experts created a list of 144 knowledge (foundational content) and responsibility (skills and abilities) items for inclusion in the survey. The final survey items were rated on frequency, critical-ity, and level of judgment. The survey was sent to 650 subjects who belonged to one of three major organizations with missions to advance health outcomes in performers. The response rate was 13%. The majority of respondents had between four and ten years of experience treating performing artists. In terms of frequency, almost all responsibility items within the survey occurred at least monthly. In terms of criticality, no item was ranked as low or minimally critical. Based on the generally high scores of all items, the NAG consensus was to include all items in the final description of specialized practice. The results of this survey study describe the core competencies for the specialized practice of physical therapy for performing artists. These competencies can be used to guide the development of continuing education opportunities, post-professional educational curricula (e.g., residencies or fellowships), future research endeavors, and credentialing efforts in the subspecialty of physical therapy for performing artists.
Arthroscopic Debridement of Hip Labral Tears in Dancers
Authors: Kocher Mininder S. , Solomon Ruth , Lee B. Minsuk , Micheli Lyle J. , Solomon John , Stubbs Allston
Published: May 2023

This study looks for the first time at outcomes of arthroscopic hip surgeries in dancers. The subjects were thirty dancers, mean age 20.1 years (range: 14.1 to 38 years), each of whom had undergone arthroscopic debridement of a hip labral tear at least five months prior to follow-up (range: 5 to 51 months), and completed two questionnaires, the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) and a Dance Questionnaire (DQ) devised specifically for this occasion. The questionnaire responses demonstrate a significant average increase (p < 0.001) in HH scores, from a preoperative mean of 52.7 to 91.5 postoperatively, which indicates marked improvement in pain reduction and restoration of function. DQ responses verify significant pain reduction (preoperative 7.49 to postoperative 2.47), and show that 15 patients had returned at follow-up to full functionality. Close examination of the cases of the other 15 subjects suggests that most of them would also have been dancing at full capacity but for factors extraneous to the surgery or related to the extreme demands of the discipline. It is concluded that, while labral tears are particularly debilitating in this population, most dancers with this injury can anticipate an acceptable outcome of surgical intervention, with decreased pain, increased function, and return to dance.
Ground Reaction Force Comparison between Jumps Landing on the Full Foot and Jumps Landing en Pointe in Ballet Dancers
Authors: Chockley Christina
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare ground reaction forces (GRF) as measured by a force plate between vertical jumps of ballet dancers landing en pointe and landing on the full foot. Seven female dancers did two trials of three consecutive jumps landed by rolling through the full foot and then two trials of three consecutive jumps landing en pointe. The left leg was positioned to land on a NMFL Force Plate 9281C so as to record the GRF's at the landing phase of the jump. This data was preliminarily analyzed using inverse dynamics to find the joint reaction forces at the ankle for later interpretation. For the GRF's recorded, landing en pointe generated a mean maximum force of 531.14 N (± 82.28) while landing on the full foot generated 735.93 N (± 95.79). Thus landing en pointe created 72.17% of the force that landing on the full foot did. When jumping from and landing on pointe, due to ankle mobility restriction, jump height decreased from when the participant jumped from and landed on the full foot. The difference in jump height between the two jumping styles is a reason for the differences in GRF values. Ankle mobility restriction is related to the ankle GRF duration differences because the ankle has a wider range of motion in jumps landing on the full foot.
Lower Extremity Kinetics in Tap Dance
Authors: Mayers Lester , Bronner Shaw , Agraharasamakulam Sujani , Ojofeitimi Sheyi
Published: May 2023

Tap dance is a unique performing art utilizing the lower extremities as percussion instruments. In a previous study these authors reported decreased injury prevalence among tap dancers compared to other dance and sports participants. No biomechanical analyses of tap dance exist to explain this finding. The purpose of the current pilot study was to provide a preliminary overview of normative peak kinetic and kinematic data, based on the hypothesis that tap dance generates relatively low ground reaction forces and joint forces and moments. Six professional tap dancers performed four common tap dance sequences that produced data captured by the use of a force platform and a five-camera motion analysis system. The mean vertical ground reaction force for all sequences was found to be 2.06 ± 0.55 BW. Mean peak sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane joint moments (hip, knee, and ankle) ranged from 0.07 to 2.62 N-m/ kg. These small ground reaction forces and joint forces and moments support our hypothesis, and may explain the relatively low injury incidence in tap dancers. Nevertheless, the analysis is highly complex, and other factors remain to be studied and clarified.
Perspectives on Dance Science Rehabilitation
Authors: Liederbach Marijeanne
Published: May 2023

This article reviews selected issues of importance in the evaluation, treatment, and reconditioning of dancers during and following injury and offers some insights on injury prevention. The athletic training practice domains of prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation and reconditioning within the context of dance medicine are the general focus. In particular, issues relating to the rehabilitation of dancers are presented as they reflect the reasonable, objective practices of the health care profession.
Vitamin D Status and Musculoskeletal Health in Adolescent Male Ballet Dancers
Authors: Ducher Gaele , Kukuljan S. , Garnham A. P. , Nowson C. A. , Kimlin M. G. , Cook J.
Published: May 2023

Adequate vitamin D levels during growth are critical to ensuring optimal bone development. Vitamin D synthesis requires sun exposure; thus, athletes engaged in indoor activities such as ballet dancing may be at relatively high risk of vitamin D insufficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of low vitamin D levels in young male ballet dancers and its impact on musculoskeletal health. Eighteen male ballet dancers, aged 10 to 19 years and training for at least 6 hours per week, were recruited from the Australian Ballet School, Melbourne, Australia. Serum 25(OH)D and intact PTH were measured in winter (July) from a non-fasting blood sample. Pubertal stage was determined using self-assessed Tanner criteria. Body composition and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the whole body and lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Injury history and physical activity levels were assessed by questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained from 16 participants. Serum 25(OH)D levels ranged from 20.8 to 94.3 nmol/L, with a group mean of 50.5 nmol/L. Two participants (12.5%) showed vitamin D deficiency [serum 25(OH)D level < 25 nmol/L], seven dancers (44 %) had vitamin D insufficiency (25 to 50 nmol/L), and the remaining seven dancers (44 %) had normal levels (> 50 nmol/L). No relationship was found between vitamin D status, PTH levels, body composition, and aBMD. The most commonly reported injuries were muscle tears and back pain. The average number of injuries reported by each dancer was 1.9 ± 0.4 (range: 0 to 5). There was no difference in the frequency of reported injuries between subjects with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (2.1 ± 0.6 injuries) and those with normal vitamin D levels (1.4 ± 0.6 injuries). This pilot study showed that more than half of highly-trained young male ballet dancers presented with low levels of vitamin D in winter. Further investigations in larger samples of adolescent athletes are needed to determine if this could negatively impact bone growth and place them at higher risk for musculoskeletal injuries.
Injuries in a Modem Dance Company
Authors: Ojofeitimi Sheyi , Bronner Shaw
Published: May 2023

Injury costs strain the finances of many dance companies. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effect of comprehensive management on injury patterns, incidence, and time loss and examine its financial impact on Workers Compensation premiums in a modern dance company. In this retrospective-prospective cohort study, injury was defined as any physical insult that required financial outlay (Workers Compensation or self insurance) or caused a dancer to cease dancing beyond the day of injury (time-loss injury). Injury data and insurance premiums were analyzed over an eight-year period. Injuries were compared using a mixed linear model with phase and gender as fixed effects. It was found that comprehensive management resulted in 34% decline in total injury incidence, 66% decrease in Workers Compensation claims, and 56% decrease in lost days. These outcomes achieved substantial savings in Workers Compensation premiums. Thus, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of an injury prevention program in reducing injury-related costs and promoting dancers’ health and wellness in a modern dance company.
Hyperpronation in Dancers Incidence and Relation to Calcaneal Angle
Authors: Me Nowacki Rélana , Air Mary E. , Rietveld A. B. M.
Published: May 2023

Hyperpronation is a common finding when examining the dancer-patient and is thought to be implicated in several dance-related injuries. Little is known about the incidence of hyperpronation-related symptoms in dancers. Additionally, there is no current easy method for estimating the degree of hyperpronation. This study was designed to investigate the incidence of symptoms related to foot hyperpronation in dancer-patients and to evaluate the potential correlation between the patient's calcaneal angle and severity of hyperpronation. A retrospective study of 2,427 dancers’ charts over the past 6 years was undertaken to identify dancers who presented with musculoskeletal complaints or problems related to hyperpronation. Physical exam data and diagnoses were collected. Among 24 new dancer-patients presenting to clinic with hyperpronation-related symptoms, the calcaneal angle was measured and correlated with a clinical grading scale based on the Hübscher maneuver. Per chart review, the incidence of symptomatic hyperpronation resulting in prescription for orthotics was 30% (739 dancers out of 2,427). The most common related diagnosis was retropatellar chondropathy (10%). Clinical severity of hyperpronation was linearly related to the calcaneal angle (95% CI [1.25, 4.14], p = 0.0006; Pearson's r2 = 0.97). The calcaneal angles among mild, moderate, and severe hyperpronators differed significantly (H = 13.45, p = 0.0012). It was concluded that measuring the calcaneal angle may be a useful adjunct to the Hübscher maneuver for grading the clinical severity of a dancer's hyperpronation. Healthcare providers working with dancers should be aware of the presence of hyperpronation, its relation to compensatory turnout techniques, and association with injuries in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and low back. A standard, time-efficient method of measuring and grading hyperpronation is still needed.
Thigh Peak Torques and Lower-Body Injuries in Dancers
Authors: Koutedakis Y. , Khaloula M. , Pacy P. J. , Murphy M. , Dunbar G. M. J.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify possible relationships between the sum of knee flexion and extension peak torques and the severity of lower-body injuries in professional dancers. Twenty male [age 26.6 (± 6.0) years] and 22 female [age 27.1 (± 5.4) years] ballet and contemporary dancers reported one or more low-back, pelvis, leg, knee and foot injuries. The severity of injuries was established by recording the days off dance activities. Subjects were then monitored on a Cybex II or a KIN-CON isokinetic dynamometer. Knee flexion and extension peak torques were obtained bilaterally during three maximal contractions at the velocities of 1.04 and 4.19 rad/sec. No musculoskeletal injuries were reported at the time of data collection. At 1.04 rad/sec, results revealed significant correlation coefficients between relative thigh peak torques — expressed in Nm/kg fat free mass (FFM) — and prevalence of low extremity injuries. These findings suggest that the lower the thigh-power output, the greater the degree of injury. Female dancers demonstrated higher correlation coefficients (r -0.70; p < 0.005) than their male counterparts (r = -0.61; p < 0.01). However, no such correlations were found at the angular velocity of 4.19 rad/sec (p > 0.05), nor when low-back injuries and thigh-power outputs were considered at both velocities (p > 0.05). The main conclusions are: a) low thigh power outputs are likely to be associated with the severity of low extremity injuries, but not with low-back injuries, and b) such relationships are better identified at lower compared to higher isokinetic velocities.
Graph neural networks for detecting anomalies in scientific workflows
Authors: Jin Hongwei , Raghavan Krishnan , Papadimitriou George , Wang Cong , Mandal Anirban , Kiran Mariam , Deelman Ewa , Balaprakash Prasanna
Published: May 2023

Identifying and addressing anomalies in complex, distributed systems can be challenging for reliable execution of scientific workflows. We model these workflows as directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), where the nodes and edges of the DAGs represent jobs and their dependencies, respectively. We develop graph neural networks (GNNs) to learn patterns in the DAGs and to detect anomalies at the node (job) and graph (workflow) levels. We investigate workflow-specific GNN models that are trained on a particular workflow and workflow-agnostic GNN models that are trained across the workflows. Our GNN models, which incorporate both individual job features and topological information from the workflow, show improved accuracy and efficiency compared to conventional learning methods for detecting anomalies. While joint trained with multiple scientific workflows, our GNN models reached an accuracy more than 80% for workflow level and 75% for job level anomalies. In addition, we illustrate the importance of hyperparameter tuning method in our study that can significantly improve the metric(s) measure of evaluating the GNN models. Finally, we integrate explainable GNN methods to provide insights on job features in the workflow that cause an anomaly.
Virtual narratives, physical bodies: Designing diegetic sensory experiences for virtual reality
Authors: Harley Daniel
Published: May 2023

This article presents a reflection on four virtual reality (VR) research projects to foreground questions about how physical and sensory interactions are incorporated into VR narratives. The four projects explore a range of experiences, from interactions with digitally mediated and found objects, to sensory interactions and outdoor play. Bringing these projects together here offers an opportunity to contribute insight into conceptualizations of diegetic design and the ‘design space’ of VR, providing questions and considerations towards designing sensory experiences for narratives in VR.
European by action: How voting reshapes nested identities
Authors: Sczepanski Ronja
Published: May 2023

Although research has questioned the stability of identities, we know little about identity change. I examine a political event as a driver of identity change, namely the Brexit vote. I contend that the act of voting, choosing between two options, boosts the European and British identity underlying the vote choice. I test whether the increased identification with Europe or Britain comes with a reduction in the other identity. Using British Election Study panel data in a two-way fixed-effects design, I show that voting to remain increases identification with Europe but voting to leave does not increase British identification for Leavers. However, voting has no impact on how Remainers identify with Britain or Leavers identify with Europe. The results contribute to the growing literature on the link between politics and identities.
Using a Joint Display for Building Integration in a Sequential Study: Informing Data Collection for a Participatory Second Phase
Authors: Jackson-Gordon Rachel , Plano Clark Vicki L.
Published: May 2023

In the explanatory sequential mixed methods design, methods-level integration occurs between quantitative and qualitative phases. In typical use of this design, statistical findings alone may inform the qualitative phase. However, in studies that apply a participatory approach in the second phase, this can be a missed opportunity to incorporate participant perspectives. This Research Note presents the integration of quantitative and qualitative survey results from phase one of an explanatory sequential study using a joint display, which is then used to inform the development of qualitative data collection prompts. This strategy contributes to the field of mixed methods research by detailing the process for undertaking building integration to inform an explanatory sequential study’s second participatory qualitative phase.
Cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic airway diseases: mutual pharmacological interferences
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Rogliani Paola , Ora Josuel , Calzetta Luigino , Matera Maria Gabriella
Published: May 2023

Chronic airway diseases (CAD), mainly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are frequently associated with different comorbidities. Among them, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pose problems for the simultaneous treatment of CAD and comorbidity. Indeed, there is evidence that some drugs used to treat CAD negatively affect comorbidity, and, conversely, some drugs used to treat comorbidity may aggravate CAD. However, there is also growing evidence of some beneficial effects of CAD drugs on comorbidities and, conversely, of the ability of some of those used to treat comorbidity to reduce the severity of lung disease. In this narrative review, we first describe the potential cardiovascular risks and benefits for patients using drugs to treat CAD and the potential lung risks and benefits for patients using drugs to treat CVD. Then, we illustrate the possible negative and positive effects on T2DM of drugs used to treat CAD and the potential negative and positive impact on CAD of drugs used to treat T2DM. The frequency with which CAD and CVD or T2DM are associated requires not only considering the effect that drugs used for one disease condition may have on the other but also providing an opportunity to develop therapies that simultaneously favorably impact both diseases.
Co-producing just geographies: Resourcing, bridging, and critical crossings in engaged scholarship
Authors: Scheba Suraya , Scheba Andreas
Published: May 2023

In this commentary, we argue for the continued importance of engaged scholarship to the futures of geographical thought and praxis. In drawing on our own situated research and teaching lives in Cape Town, we suggest three avenues to advance the future possibilities of this mode of work: ‘resourcing prefiguration’, ‘bridging incommensurability’, and ‘critical institutional praxis’. We offer these as our contribution to advancing scholarship committed to making knowledge more alive to the world and acting in support of socio-political struggle and emancipatory geographic futures.
Critical computation on a geographical register
Authors: Wilmott Clancy
Published: May 2023

This commentary lays out a framework for building on early critical cartographic and critical geographic information system work to develop a critical approach for the computational future of geographical thought and praxis. Computation – as a highly representational and structural form which combines speech and action – is a very particular way of building worlds. As computation becomes more prevalent in critiques of deep fakes, GeoAI, and platform geographies, geographers have also developed the foundations for a critical computational approach with an explicitly spatial or geographical focus that combines both theory and practice. Yet, while many of the technological affordances of spatial computation are relatively novel, the critiques raised by social, political, economic, and cultural geographers shadow debates that emerged two decades ago between cartographers and geospatial scientists about the power and praxis of mapping as it becomes translated into a digital era. This commentary argues that by returning to these debates, as well as critique by Black, queer, and Indigenous computing seen in other disciplines, geographers find themselves in a moment of opportunity to deeply influence the future of computation via a situated, critical geographical thought and praxis.
Impact of COVID-19 Fear on COVID-19 Policy Support Among University Students in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hocheol , Nam Sanggon , Nam Eun Woo
Published: May 2023

Objective: As the fourth wave of COVID-19 spread in South Korea in 2022, society experienced various adverse effects, including COVID-19 phobia, depression, and loneliness. Addressing these factors became a vital part of the anti-COVID-19 individual and public mental health efforts, conducted partly by fostering COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with public prevention practice guidelines under the controversial policy of living “with COVID-19”. Method: The study used a cross-sectional online survey-based design. Participants comprised a convenience sample of Korean university students ( n = 460). A survey was distributed to the participants to measure their agreement/disagreement with the policy “with COVID-19” and a structural equation model and path analysis to examine the impact of the latent variables of COVID-19 phobia and COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practice as of April 2022. Results: The mean COVID-19 phobia score was 48.13/100, with psychological and social phobia scores higher than in previous studies, while psychosomatic and economic phobia scores were lower than in previous research. Higher psychological phobia significantly increased COVID-19 practices and attitudes. Conversely, higher psychosomatic phobia decreased practices and attitudes. Moreover, higher psychological phobia was significantly associated with disagreement with the policy. Conclusion: The results suggest that efforts to increase South Korean university students’ acceptance of easing COVID-19 restrictions should focus on mitigating psychological phobia.
Customer Journey Value: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Hollebeek Linda D. , Urbonavicius Sigitas , Sigurdsson Valdimar , Arvola René , Clark Moira K.
Published: May 2023

Though firms are making substantial investments in the customer journey (CJ), the return on these investments remains tenuous, yielding a critical need for enhanced CJ-related accountability. Addressing this gap, we develop the concept of ‘customer journey value’ (CJV), defined as the perceived value of a customer’s journey to the customer and the firm, which facilitates the development of accountability in this regard. We also develop a social exchange theory-informed framework of CJV, which proposes customer- and firm-based customer engagement value (CEV) as core CJV antecedents. In turn, CJV is predicted to yield the customer-based consequences of attitudinal and behavioural brand loyalty and the firm-based consequences of enhanced customer lifetime value, as formalized in a set of propositions based on the framework. We conclude by outlining pertinent implications that arise from our analyses.
Radiative slip transport of magnetized gyrotactic micro-organisms submerged with nano fluid along a vertical stretching surface with suction/injection effects
Authors: Mehmood Rashid , Ali Iqra , Ijaz Shagufta , Rana Siddra , Maraj Ehnber Naheed
Published: May 2023

Micro-organisms play an important role in numerous conditions such as toxin release, digestion and antibiotics. These remarkable features of motile organisms can lead to bio convection phenomena. Keeping in view, the present article is focused to study the collective impact of motile organisms and nanoparticles on flow past an elastic porous surface. Thermal radiation, viscous dissipation and prescribed surface slip condition is also imposed in order to acquire physically realistic analysis. The flow governing problem is modeled using fundamental laws of momentum and energy which afterward is transformed by utilizing a suitable scaling analysis. Role of emerging sundry parameters on quantities of physical interest are portrayed graphically and discussed in a physical manner. It is observed that fluid’s velocity and temperature rises for radiation parameter but concentration of fluid drops down. Local motile density slightly enhances with Dissipation, Suction and Radiation factor while it drops down with Slip factor. When injection of fluid raised then skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, Sherwood number and motile microorganism density also raised.