Do elite athletes experience low back, pelvic girdle and pelvic floor complaints during and after pregnancy?

PubMed

Bø, K; Backe-Hansen, K L

2007-10-01

The aim of the present investigation was to study prevalence of low back pain, pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and pelvic floor disorders during pregnancy and after childbirth in elite athletes. A postal questionnaire was sent to all elite athletes who had given birth registered with The Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (n=40). Eighty age-matched women served as the control group. The response rates were 77.5% and 57.5% in the elite athletes and control groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of low back and PGP, urinary or fecal incontinence among elite athletes and controls at any time point. The prevalence of low back pain without radiation to the leg in elite athletes was 25.8%, 18.5%, 9.7% and 29% the year before pregnancy, during pregnancy, 6 weeks postpartum and at the time of completing the questionnaire, respectively. The prevalence of PGP was 0, 29.6%, 12.9% and 19.4%. Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence was 12.9%, 18.5%, 29% and 35.5%. None of the elite athletes had fecal incontinence at any time point. There were no differences in mode of delivery or birthweight between elite athletes and controls. The elite athletes had a significantly lower body mass index at 6 weeks postpartum and at present compared with the control group.

Assessing Cognitive Performance in Badminton Players: A Reproducibility and Validity Study

PubMed Central

van de Water, Tanja; Faber, Irene; Elferink-Gemser, Marije

2017-01-01

Abstract Fast reaction and good inhibitory control are associated with elite sports performance. To evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a newly developed Badminton Reaction Inhibition Test (BRIT), fifteen elite (25 ± 4 years) and nine non-elite (24 ± 4 years) Dutch male badminton players participated in the study. The BRIT measured four components: domain-general reaction time, badminton-specific reaction time, domain-general inhibitory control and badminton-specific inhibitory control. Five participants were retested within three weeks on the badminton-specific components. Reproducibility was acceptable for badminton-specific reaction time (ICC = 0.626, CV = 6%) and for badminton-specific inhibitory control (ICC = 0.317, CV = 13%). Good construct validity was shown for badminton-specific reaction time discriminating between elite and non-elite players (F = 6.650, p < 0.05). Elite players did not outscore non-elite players on domain-general reaction time nor on both components of inhibitory control (p > 0.05). Concurrent validity for domain-general reaction time was good, as it was associated with a national ranking for elite (p = 0.70, p < 0.01) and non-elite (p = 0.70, p < 0.05) players. No relationship was found between the national ranking and badminton-specific reaction time, nor both components of inhibitory control (p > 0.05). In conclusion, reproducibility and validity of inhibitory control assessment was not confirmed, however, the BRIT appears a reproducible and valid measure of reaction time in badminton players. Reaction time measured with the BRIT may provide input for training programs aiming to improve badminton players’ performance. PMID:28210347

Assessing Cognitive Performance in Badminton Players: A Reproducibility and Validity Study.

PubMed

van de Water, Tanja; Huijgen, Barbara; Faber, Irene; Elferink-Gemser, Marije

2017-01-01

Fast reaction and good inhibitory control are associated with elite sports performance. To evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a newly developed Badminton Reaction Inhibition Test (BRIT), fifteen elite (25 ± 4 years) and nine non-elite (24 ± 4 years) Dutch male badminton players participated in the study. The BRIT measured four components: domain-general reaction time, badminton-specific reaction time, domain-general inhibitory control and badminton-specific inhibitory control. Five participants were retested within three weeks on the badminton-specific components. Reproducibility was acceptable for badminton-specific reaction time (ICC = 0.626, CV = 6%) and for badminton-specific inhibitory control (ICC = 0.317, CV = 13%). Good construct validity was shown for badminton-specific reaction time discriminating between elite and non-elite players (F = 6.650, p < 0.05). Elite players did not outscore non-elite players on domain-general reaction time nor on both components of inhibitory control (p > 0.05). Concurrent validity for domain-general reaction time was good, as it was associated with a national ranking for elite (p = 0.70, p < 0.01) and non-elite (p = 0.70, p < 0.05) players. No relationship was found between the national ranking and badminton-specific reaction time, nor both components of inhibitory control (p > 0.05). In conclusion, reproducibility and validity of inhibitory control assessment was not confirmed, however, the BRIT appears a reproducible and valid measure of reaction time in badminton players. Reaction time measured with the BRIT may provide input for training programs aiming to improve badminton players' performance.

Back pain in elite sports: A cross-sectional study on 1114 athletes

PubMed Central

Platen, Petra

2017-01-01

Objectives To establish the prevalence of back pain in German elite athletes; examine the influence of age, sex, sports discipline and training volume; and compare elite athletes with a physically active control group. Methods A standardized and validated online back pain questionnaire was sent by the German Olympic Sports Confederation to approximately 4,000 German national and international elite athletes, and a control group of 253 physically active but non-elite sports students. Results We received responses from 1,114 elite athletes (46.5% male and 53.1% female, mean age 20.9 years ± 4.8 years, mean height 176.5 ± 11.5 cm, mean weight 71.0 ± 10.3 kg) and 166 physically active sports students (74.7% male and 24.1 female, mean age 21.2 ± 2.0 years, mean height 180.0 ± 8.0 cm, mean weight 74.0 ± 14.5 kg). In elite athletes, the lifetime prevalence of back pain was 88.5%, the 12-month prevalence was 81.1%, the 3-month prevalence was 68.3% and the point prevalence was 49.0%, compared with 80.7%, 69.9%, 59.0% and 42.8%, respectively in the control group. The lifetime, 12-month and 3-month prevalences in elite athletes were significantly higher than in the control group. Regarding the individual sports disciplines, the prevalence of back pain was significantly higher in elite rowers, dancers, fencers, gymnasts, track and field athletes, figure skaters and marksmen, and those who play underwater rugby, water polo, basketball, hockey and ice hockey compared with the control group. The prevalence of back pain was significantly lower in elite triathletes. Conclusions Back pain is a common complaint in German elite athletes. Low back pain seems to be a problem in both elite athletes and physically active controls. A high training volume in elite athletes and a low training volume in physically active individuals might increase prevalence rates. Our findings indicate the necessity for specific prevention programs, especially in high-risk sports. Further research should investigate the optimal dose-effect relationship of sporting activity for the general population to prevent back pain. PMID:28662110

Perceived parenting styles differ between genders but not between elite athletes and controls

PubMed Central

Brand, Serge; Gerber, Markus; Beck, Johannes; Kalak, Nadeem; Hatzinger, Martin; Pühse, Uwe; Holsboer-Trachsler, Edith

2011-01-01

For adolescent elite athletes, parental financial and emotional support is crucial. However, parents of elite athletes may be critical and demanding. Moreover, there is evidence that girls report more favorable perceived parenting styles compared with boys. The aim of the present study was to investigate perceived parenting styles among female and male adolescent elite athletes and controls. We sampled 258 adolescent elite athletes (139 females, 119 males) and 176 controls (139 females, 37 males). Participants completed a questionnaire to assess perceived parenting styles (support, commendation, reproach, restriction, inconsistency). Results showed that parenting styles did not differ between athletes and controls, except for restriction, for which athletes reported lower levels. Female adolescents had higher scores for positive and lower scores for negative perceived parenting styles. PMID:24600271

Weight-control behaviour and weight-concerns in young elite athletes – a systematic review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Weight-control behaviour is commonly observed in a wide range of elite sports, especially leanness sports, where control over body weight is crucial for high peak performance. Nonetheless, there is only a fine line between purely functional behaviour and clinically relevant eating disorders. Especially the rapid form of weight manipulation seems to foster later eating disorders. So far, most studies have focussed on adult athletes and concentrated on manifest eating disorders. In contrast, our review concentrates on young athletes and weight-control behaviour as a risk factor for eating disorders. An electronic search according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) Statement was performed using Pubmed, PsychInfo and Spolit. The following search terms were used: weight-control, weight-control behaviour, weight gain, weight loss, pathogenic weight-control behaviour and weight-concerns, each of them combined with elite athlete, young elite athlete, adolescent elite athlete and elite sports. Overall, data are inconsistent. In general, athletes do not seem to be at a higher risk for pathogenic weight concerns and weight-control behaviour. It does seem to be more prevalent in leanness sports, though. There is evidence for pathogenic weight-control behaviour in both genders; male athletes mostly trying to gain weight whereas females emphasise weight reduction. There is not enough data to make predictions about connections with age of onset. Young elite athletes do show weight-control behaviour with varying degrees of frequency and severity. In particular, leanness sports seem to be a risk factor for weight manipulation. Further research is needed for more details and possible connections. PMID:24999399

Genetic Gains Through Testing and Crossing Longleaf Pine Plus Trees

Treesearch

Calvin F. Bey; E. Bayne Snyder

1978-01-01

A progeny test of 226 superior tree selections from nine geographic sources across the South confirmed earlier results that showed the Gulf Coast source superior in survival and growth. Family variation within a region was large and provided additional genetic gain. Control-pollinated tests of elite x elite trees yielded even more gains. Progeny of the elite x elite...

Academic performance and self-regulatory skills in elite youth soccer players.

PubMed

Jonker, Laura; Elferink-Gemser, Marije T; Toering, Tynke T; Lyons, James; Visscher, Chris

2010-12-01

Although elite athletes have been reported to be high academic achievers, many elite soccer players struggle with a stereotype of being low academic achievers. The purpose of this study was to compare the academic level (pre-university or pre-vocational) and self-regulatory skills (planning, self-monitoring, evaluation, reflection, effort, and self-efficacy) of elite youth soccer players aged 12-16 years (n = 128) with those of 164 age-matched controls (typical students). The results demonstrate that the elite youth soccer players are more often enrolled in the pre-university academic system, which means that they are high academic achievers, compared with the typical student. The elite players also report an increased use of self-regulatory skills, in particular self-monitoring, evaluation, reflection, and effort. In addition, control students in the pre-university system had more highly developed self-regulatory skills than those in the pre-vocational system, whereas no difference was observed within the soccer population. This suggests that the relatively stronger self-regulatory skills reported by the elite youth soccer players may be essential for performance at the highest levels of sport competition and in academia.

Application of ant colony optimization in development of models for prediction of anti-HIV-1 activity of HEPT derivatives.

PubMed

Zare-Shahabadi, Vali; Abbasitabar, Fatemeh

2010-09-01

Quantitative structure-activity relationship models were derived for 107 analogs of 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine, a potent inhibitor of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The activities of these compounds were investigated by means of multiple linear regression (MLR) technique. An ant colony optimization algorithm, called Memorized_ACS, was applied for selecting relevant descriptors and detecting outliers. This algorithm uses an external memory based upon knowledge incorporation from previous iterations. At first, the memory is empty, and then it is filled by running several ACS algorithms. In this respect, after each ACS run, the elite ant is stored in the memory and the process is continued to fill the memory. Here, pheromone updating is performed by all elite ants collected in the memory; this results in improvements in both exploration and exploitation behaviors of the ACS algorithm. The memory is then made empty and is filled again by performing several ACS algorithms using updated pheromone trails. This process is repeated for several iterations. At the end, the memory contains several top solutions for the problem. Number of appearance of each descriptor in the external memory is a good criterion for its importance. Finally, prediction is performed by the elitist ant, and interpretation is carried out by considering the importance of each descriptor. The best MLR model has a training error of 0.47 log (1/EC(50)) units (R(2) = 0.90) and a prediction error of 0.76 log (1/EC(50)) units (R(2) = 0.88). Copyright 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association Analysis of Genomic Loci Important for Grain Weight Control in Elite Common Wheat Varieties Cultivated with Variable Water and Fertiliser Supply

PubMed Central

Zhang, Kunpu; Wang, Junjun; Zhang, Liyi; Rong, Chaowu; Zhao, Fengwu; Peng, Tao; Li, Huimin; Cheng, Dongmei; Liu, Xin; Qin, Huanju; Zhang, Aimin; Tong, Yiping; Wang, Daowen

2013-01-01

Grain weight, an essential yield component, is under strong genetic control and markedly influenced by the environment. Here, by genome-wide association analysis with a panel of 94 elite common wheat varieties, 37 loci were found significantly associated with thousand-grain weight (TGW) in one or more environments differing in water and fertiliser levels. Five loci were stably associated with TGW under all 12 environments examined. Their elite alleles had positive effects on TGW. Four, two, three, and two loci were consistently associated with TGW in the irrigated and fertilised (IF), rainfed (RF), reduced nitrogen (RN), and reduced phosphorus (RP) environments. The elite alleles of the IF-specific loci enhanced TGW under well-resourced conditions, whereas those of the RF-, RN-, or RP-specific loci conferred tolerance to the TGW decrease when irrigation, nitrogen, or phosphorus were reduced. Moreover, the elite alleles of the environment-independent and -specific loci often acted additively to enhance TGW. Four additional loci were found associated with TGW in specific locations, one of which was shown to contribute to the TGW difference between two experimental sites. Further analysis of 14 associated loci revealed that nine affected both grain length and width, whereas the remaining loci influenced either grain length or width, indicating that these loci control grain weight by regulating kernel size. Finally, the elite allele of Xpsp3152 frequently co-segregated with the larger grain haplotype of TaGW2-6A, suggesting probable genetic and functional linkages between Xpsp3152 and GW2 that are important for grain weight control in cereal plants. Our study provides new knowledge on TGW control in elite common wheat lines, which may aid the improvement of wheat grain weight trait in further research. PMID:23469248

Low back pain status in elite and semi-elite Australian football codes: a cross-sectional survey of football (soccer), Australian rules, rugby league, rugby union and non-athletic controls.

PubMed

Hoskins, Wayne; Pollard, Henry; Daff, Chris; Odell, Andrew; Garbutt, Peter; McHardy, Andrew; Hardy, Kate; Dragasevic, George

2009-04-17

Our understanding of the effects of football code participation on low back pain (LBP) is limited. It is unclear whether LBP is more prevalent in athletic populations or differs between levels of competition. Thus it was the aim of this study to document and compare the prevalence, intensity, quality and frequency of LBP between elite and semi-elite male Australian football code participants and a non-athletic group. A cross-sectional survey of elite and semi-elite male Australian football code participants and a non-athletic group was performed. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire incorporating the Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale (QVAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (short form) (MPQ-SF), along with additional questions adapted from an Australian epidemiological study. Respondents were 271 elite players (mean age 23.3, range 17-39), 360 semi-elite players (mean age 23.8, range 16-46) and 148 non-athletic controls (mean age 23.9, range 18-39). Groups were matched for age (p = 0.42) and experienced the same age of first onset LBP (p = 0.40). A significant linear increase in LBP from the non-athletic group, to the semi-elite and elite groups for the QVAS and the MPQ-SF was evident (p < 0.001). Elite subjects were more likely to experience more frequent (daily or weekly OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.29-2.42) and severe LBP (discomforting and greater OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.29-2.38). Foolers in Australia have significantly more severe and frequent LBP than a non-athletic group and this escalates with level of competition.

The aging of elite male athletes: age-related changes in performance and skeletal muscle structure and function

PubMed Central

Faulkner, John A.; Davis, Carol S.; Mendias, Christopher L.; Brooks, Susan V.

2009-01-01

Objective The paper addresses the degree to which the attainment of the status as an elite athlete in different sports ameliorates the known age-related losses in skeletal muscle structure and function. Design The retrospective design, based on comparisons of published data on former elite and masters athletes and data on control subjects, assessed the degree to which the attainment of ‘elite and masters athlete status’ ameliorated the known age-related changes in skeletal muscle structure and function. Setting Institutional. Participants Elite male athletes. Interventions Participation in selected individual and team sports. Main Outcome Measurements Strength, power, VO2 max and performance. Results For elite athletes in all sports, as for the general population, age-related muscle atrophy begins at about 50 years of age. Despite the loss of muscle mass, elite athletes who maintain an active life style age gracefully with few health problems. Conversely, those who lapse into inactivity regress toward general population norms for fitness, weight control, and health problems. Elite athletes in the dual and team sports have careers that rarely extend into the thirties. Conclusions Life long physical activity does not appear to have any impact on the loss in fiber number. The loss of fibers can be buffered to some degree by hypertrophy of fibers that remain. Surprisingly, the performance of elite athletes in all sports appears to be impaired before the onset of the fiber loss. Even with major losses in physical capacity and muscle mass, the performance of elite and masters athletes is remarkable. PMID:19001883

The Sydney Blood Bank Cohort: implications for viral fitness as a cause of elite control.

PubMed

Zaunders, John; Dyer, Wayne B; Churchill, Melissa

2011-05-01

The Sydney Blood Bank Cohort comprised eight individuals who were infected with an attenuated, nef/LTR-deleted strain of HIV-1 from a single donor. All six recipients with sufficient follow-up, as well as the donor, were long-term nonprogressors. Only three recipients have maintained undetectable plasma viral loads, allowing investigation of factors that determined elite control of attenuated HIV-1 infection. Follow-up of recipients showed that infection with this attenuated HIV-1 strain resulted in either low or absent viral replication in vivo for up to 29 years. The three patients without detectable viraemia have been studied for virological, genetic and immunological correlates of elite control. CD4 proliferation in vitro in response to p24 provided the clearest distinction of elite controllers from the slow progressors. Host factors are believed to differentiate the three elite controllers; only one, C135, has identifiable genetic polymorphisms that probably contributed to nonprogression: Δ32 CCR5 heterozygosity, HLA-B57 and HLA-DR13 alleles, in addition to infection with nef-defective HIV-1. Even nef-defective HIV-1 can lead to sufficient replication in vivo to enable viral evolution and eventual progression to immunodeficiency. Host factors modified the outcome of infection with attenuated HIV-1, as exemplified by the unique patient C135.

Dynamic balance in elite karateka.

PubMed

Zago, Matteo; Mapelli, Andrea; Shirai, Yuri Francesca; Ciprandi, Daniela; Lovecchio, Nicola; Galvani, Christel; Sforza, Chiarella

2015-12-01

In karate, balance control represents a key performance determinant. With the hypothesis that high-level athletes display advanced balance abilities, the purpose of the current study was to quantitatively investigate the motor strategies adopted by elite and non-elite karateka to maintain balance control in competition. The execution of traditional karate techniques (kihon) in two groups of elite Masters (n = 6, 31 ± 19 years) and non-elite Practitioners (n = 4, 25 ± 9 years) was compared assessing body center of mass (CoM) kinematics and other relevant parameters like step width and angular joint behavior. In the considered kihon sequence, normalized average CoM height was 8% lower (p < 0.05), while CoM displacement in the horizontal direction was significantly higher in Masters than in Practitioners (2.5 vs. 1.9 m, p < 0.05), as well as CoM average velocity and rms acceleration (p < 0.05). Step width was higher in Masters in more than half of the sequence steps (p < 0.05). Results suggest that elite karateka showed a refined dynamic balance control, obtained through the increase of the base of support and different maneuvers of lower limbs. The proposed method could be used to objectively detect talented karateka, to measure proficiency level and to assess training effectiveness. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dietary Habits and Physical Self-Concept of Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boros, Szilvia

2009-01-01

Study aim: To identify main differences in nutrient patterns, food preferences and physical self-concept between the world's elite rhythmic gymnasts and untrained controls. Material and methods: A group of elite rhythmic gymnasts (n = 103) aged 15-21 years volunteered to participate in the study during the 2003 World Championships in Rhythmic…

Self-regulation and performance level of elite and non-elite youth soccer players.

PubMed

Toering, T T; Elferink-Gemser, M T; Jordet, G; Visscher, C

2009-12-01

In learning and development, self-regulation can be described as the extent to which individuals are metacognitively, motivationally, and behaviourally proactive participants in their learning process (Zimmerman, 1989, 2006). We examined the relationship between self-regulation and performance level in elite (n = 159) and non-elite (n = 285) youth soccer players aged 11-17 years (mean 14.5 years, s = 1.4). The players completed a questionnaire that assessed planning, self-monitoring, evaluation, reflection, effort, and self-efficacy. A logistic regression analysis was performed (controlling for age) to determine which self-regulatory aspects were associated with players' performance level (elite vs. non-elite). High scores on reflection and effort were associated with a higher level of performance. Findings suggest that elite players may be more aware of their strong and weak points as well as better able to translate this awareness into action. In addition, elite players appear to be more willing to invest effort into practice and competition. It is suggested that these better developed self-regulatory skills may translate into a more effective learning environment and ultimately result in an increased capacity for performance in elite players relative to their non-elite peers.

Kick frequency affects the energy cost of aquatic locomotion in elite monofin swimmers.

PubMed

Boitel, Guillaume; Vercruyssen, Fabrice; Alberty, Morgan; Nesi, Xavier; Bourdon, Lionel; Brisswalter, Jeanick

2010-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of kick frequency (K(F)) on the energy cost of aquatic locomotion in elite monofin (Mf) swimmers at the surface. Eight subjects of international calibre (4 females, 4 males) were requested to perform in a 50-m outdoor swimming pool: (1) a continuous multi-stage incremental test to determine maximal physiological responses and (2) a submaximal exercise composed of five constant Mf-swimming tests (600-m exercise, 5-min rest) at an intensity corresponding to 90% of the velocity at the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The first submaximal Mf-swimming test was systematically conducted at a freely chosen K(F) (FCK(F)) and the other tests were performed at FCK(F) - 15%, FCK(F) - 10%, FCK(F) + 10% and FCK(F) + 20% in a random order. No significant effect of K(F) on ventilation, heart rate and blood lactate concentration was observed throughout the submaximal Mf-swimming tests. However, mean values in Ec or fraction of VO2max were significantly lower during the FCK(F) + 10% condition as compared to those observed during the FCK(F) - 15% (-11.5 and -9.6%, respectively, P < 0.05) and FCK(F) - 10% (-10.4 and -9.3%, respectively, P < 0.05) conditions. In conclusion, the lack of significant differences between FCK(F) + 10% and FCK(F) or FCK(F) + 20% does not allow to identify a specific trend, but suggests the occurrence of an energetically optimal K(F) close to that freely chosen by the Mf swimmers. Variations in muscle activity level and active drag have been hypothesized to explain the observed differences in Ec consecutive to the selection of various K(F).

Comparison of brachial artery vasoreactivity in elite power athletes and age-matched controls.

PubMed

Welsch, Michael A; Blalock, Paul; Credeur, Daniel P; Parish, Tracie R

2013-01-01

Elite endurance athletes typically have larger arteries contributing to greater skeletal muscle blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery and improved physical performance. Few studies have examined structural and functional properties of arteries in power athletes. To compare the size and vasoreactivity of the brachial artery of elite power athletes to age-matched controls. It was hypothesized brachial artery diameters of athletes would be larger, have less vasodilation in response to cuff occlusion, but more constriction after a cold pressor test than age-matched controls. Eight elite power athletes (age = 23 ± 2 years) and ten controls (age = 22 ± 1 yrs) were studied. High-resolution ultrasonography was used to assess brachial artery diameters at rest and following 5 minutes of forearm occlusion (Brachial Artery Flow Mediated Dilation = BAFMD) and a cold pressor test (CPT). Basic fitness measures included a handgrip test and 3-minute step test. Brachial arteries of athletes were larger (Athletes 5.39 ± 1.51 vs. 3.73 ± 0.71 mm, p<0.05), had greater vasodilatory (BAFMD%: Athletes: 8.21 ± 1.78 vs. 5.69 ± 1.56%) and constrictor (CPT %: Athletes: -2.95 ± 1.07 vs. -1.20 ± 0.48%) responses, compared to controls. Vascular operating range (VOR = Peak dilation+Peak Constriction) was also greater in athletes (VOR: Athletes: 0.55 ± 0.15 vs. 0.25 ± 0.18 mm, p<0.05). Athletes had superior handgrip strength (Athletes: 55.92 ± 17.06 vs. 36.77 ± 17.06 kg, p<0.05) but similar heart rate responses at peak (Athletes: 123 ± 16 vs. 130 ± 25 bpm, p>0.05) and 1 minute recovery (Athletes: 88 ± 21 vs. 98 ± 26 bpm, p>0.05) following the step test. Elite power athletes have larger brachial arteries, and greater vasoreactivity (greater vasodilatory and constrictor responses) than age-matched controls, contributing to a significantly greater VOR. These data extend the existence of an 'athlete's artery' as previously shown for elite endurance athletes to elite power athletes, and presents a hypothetical explanation for the functional significance of the 'power athlete's artery'.

Environmental Pollution Control Policy-Making: An Analysis of Elite Perceptions and Preferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Althoff, Phillip; Greig, William H.

1974-01-01

This article is based on an analysis of the perceptions and preferences of elite groups concerning environmental pollution control policy making. Results showed that although the groups agreed that present methods were inadequate, they were, nevertheless, unable to agree upon the nature of a future policy-making system. (MA)

Postural control and low back pain in elite athletes comparison of static balance in elite athletes with and without low back pain.

PubMed

Oyarzo, Claudio A; Villagrán, Claudio R; Silvestre, Rony E; Carpintero, Pedro; Berral, Francisco J

2014-01-01

Although current research findings suggest that postural control or static balance is impaired in subjects with low back pain, few studies have specifically addressed the effect of low back pain on static balance in elite athletes. Forty-four athletes belonging to Chilean national teams took part in this study; 20 had low back pain and the remaining 24 were healthy controls. Displacement of the centre of pressure was analyzed by computerized platform posturography, using a standardized protocol; subjects were required to stand upright on both feet, with eyes first open then closed. The results showed that, athletes with low back pain used significantly more energy (p< 0.0182) and had a greater displacement of the centre of pressure (p< 0.005) with open eyes to control posture than healthy athletes. It may be concluded that static balance is impaired in elite athletes with low back pain and that analysis of two-footed stance provides a sensitive assessment of static balance in athletes.

Low back pain in female elite football and handball players compared with an active control group.

PubMed

Tunås, Paula; Nilstad, Agnethe; Myklebust, Grethe

2015-09-01

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among female elite football and handball players to a matched non-professional active control group. The participants were requested to answer a questionnaire based on standardized Nordic questionnaires for musculoskeletal symptoms to assess the prevalence of LBP. Included participants were elite female football (n = 277) and handball players (n = 190), and a randomly selected control group from the Norwegian population (n = 167). Fifty-seven percentage of the football players, 59 % of the handball players and 60 % of the control group had experienced LBP the previous year. There were no significant group differences in the prevalence of LBP ever (p = 0.62), the previous year (p = 0.85) or the previous 7 days (p = 0.63). For both sports, there was a significant increase in prevalence of LBP from the resting period to the competitive periods of the season (p ≤ 0.001). Seventy percent of the goalkeepers in both football and handball had experienced LBP the previous year. There were no difference in LBP among female elite football and handball players compared with the control group. However, female elite athletes in football and handball reported a high prevalence of LBP compared to previous studies. The variations in LBP and playing positions indicate that specific field positions, in football and handball, is a risk factor for developing LBP.

COL5A1 gene variants previously associated with reduced soft tissue injury risk are associated with elite athlete status in rugby.

PubMed

Heffernan, Shane M; Kilduff, Liam P; Erskine, Robert M; Day, Stephen H; Stebbings, Georgina K; Cook, Christian J; Raleigh, Stuart M; Bennett, Mark A; Wang, Guan; Collins, Malcolm; Pitsiladis, Yannis P; Williams, Alun G

2017-11-14

Two common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the COL5A1 gene (SNPs; rs12722 C/T and rs3196378 C/A) have previously been associated with tendon and ligament pathologies. Given the high incidence of tendon and ligament injuries in elite rugby athletes, we hypothesised that both SNPs would be associated with career success. In 1105 participants (RugbyGene project), comprising 460 elite rugby union (RU), 88 elite rugby league athletes and 565 non-athlete controls, DNA was collected and genotyped for the COL5A1 rs12722 and rs3196378 variants using real-time PCR. For rs12722, the injury-protective CC genotype and C allele were more common in all athletes (21% and 47%, respectively) and RU athletes (22% and 48%) than in controls (16% and 41%, P ≤ 0.01). For rs3196378, the CC genotype and C allele were overrepresented in all athletes (23% and 48%) and RU athletes (24% and 49%) compared with controls (16% and 41%, P ≤ 0.02). The CC genotype in particular was overrepresented in the back and centres (24%) compared with controls, with more than twice the odds (OR = 2.25, P = 0.006) of possessing the injury-protective CC genotype. Furthermore, when considering both SNPs simultaneously, the CC-CC SNP-SNP combination and C-C inferred allele combination were higher in all the athlete groups (≥18% and ≥43%) compared with controls (13% and 40%; P = 0.01). However, no genotype differences were identified for either SNP when RU playing positions were compared directly with each other. It appears that the C alleles, CC genotypes and resulting combinations of both rs12722 and rs3196378 are beneficial for rugby athletes to achieve elite status and carriage of these variants may impart an inherited resistance against soft tissue injury, despite exposure to the high-risk environment of elite rugby. These data have implications for the management of inter-individual differences in injury risk amongst elite athletes.

ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and explosive leg-muscle power in elite basketball players.

PubMed

Garatachea, Nuria; Verde, Zoraida; Santos-Lozano, Alejandro; Yvert, Thomas; Rodriguez-Romo, Gabriel; Sarasa, Francisco J; Hernández-Sánchez, Sonsoles; Santiago, Catalina; Lucia, Alejandro

2014-03-01

To determine the association of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism with leg-muscle explosive power in Spanish (white) elite basketball players and controls. 100 (60 men) elite basketball players (cases) and 283 nonathletic controls. The authors assessed power performance by means of the vertical-squat and countermovement-jump tests. Genotype distributions did not differ between groups (cases: 37.0% [RR], 42.0% [RX], and 21.0% [XX]; controls: 31.8% [RR], 49.8% [RX], and 18.4% [XX]; P = .353). The authors did not observe any effect of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on study phenotypes in either group, including when they performed the analyses separately in men and women. They found no association between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the likelihood of being an elite basketball player using the dominant or the recessive model, and the results remained unaltered when the analyses were adjusted for sex, weight, height, and age or when performed for men and women separately. Although the ACTN3 R577X is associated with explosive muscle performance and this phenotype is important in the sport of basketball (ie, during jumps), the authors found no association with leg explosive power in elite basket players or with the status of being this type of athlete.

Incidence of Shoulder Injury in Elite Wheelchair Athletes Differ Between Sports: A Critically Appraised Topic.

PubMed

Fairbairn, Jessica R; Huxel Bliven, Kellie C

2018-02-06

Clinical Scenario: Until recently, injury epidemiology data on elite Paralympic athletes was limited. Current data suggests high rates of shoulder injury in wheelchair athletes. Differences in shoulder injury rates between sports have not been reported in this population. Is the incidence of shoulder injury in elite wheelchair athletes different between sports? Summary of Key Findings: Shoulder injury rates are high in elite wheelchair athletes, particularly in sports such as field events and fencing that require a stable base (eg, trunk, core control) from which to perform. Wheelchair racing requires repetitive motions that contribute to shoulder injuries, but rates are lower than field sports and fencing. Wheelchair curling and sledge hockey have low shoulder injury risk. Clinical Bottom Line: Shoulder injury rates vary based on sport in elite wheelchair athletes. In addition to incorporating shoulder complex specific rehabilitation for overuse shoulder injuries, clinicians should focus on core and trunk stabilization in elite wheelchair athletes competing in sports such as field events and fencing. Strength of Recommendation: Grade C evidence exists that reports shoulder injury rates among elite wheelchair athletes differ base upon sport participation.

The Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Training Programs Applied to Elite Wrestlers on Body Mass Index (BMI) and Blood Lipids

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demirel, Nurcan; Özbay, Serhat; Kaya, Fatih

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of aerobic and anaerobic training programs applied to elite wrestlers on body mass index (BMI) and blood lipids. 20 elite wrestlers, whose average age is (experimental group; 15.20 ± 4.61, n = 10), control group; 15.90 ± 2.08, n = 10), participated in the study and they were randomly divided into…

Participation in leanness sports but not training volume is associated with menstrual dysfunction: a national survey of 1276 elite athletes and controls

PubMed Central

Torstveit, M; Sundgot-Borgen, J

2005-01-01

Objective: To examine the prevalence of menstrual dysfunction in the total population of Norwegian elite female athletes and national representative controls in the same age group. Methods: A detailed questionnaire that included questions on training and/or physical activity patterns, menstrual, dietary, and weight history, oral contraceptive use, and eating disorder inventory subtests was administered to all elite female athletes representing the country at the junior or senior level (aged 13–39 years, n = 938) and national representative controls in the same age group (n = 900). After exclusion, a total of 669 athletes (88.3%) and 607 controls (70.2%) completed the questionnaire satisfactorily. Results: Age at menarche was significantly (p<0.001) later in athletes (13.4 (1.4) years) than in controls (13.0 (1.3) years), and differed among sport groups. A higher percentage of athletes (7.3%) than controls (2.0%) reported a history of primary amenorrhoea (p<0.001). A similar percentage of athletes (16.5%) and controls (15.2%) reported present menstrual dysfunction, but a higher percentage of athletes competing in leanness sports reported present menstrual dysfunction (24.8%) than athletes competing in non-leanness sports (13.1%) (p<0.01) and controls (p<0.05). Conclusions: These novel data include virtually all eligible elite athletes, and thus substantially extend previous studies. Age at menarche occurred later and the prevalence of primary amenorrhoea was higher in elite athletes than in controls. A higher percentage of athletes competing in sports that emphasise thinness and/or a specific weight reported present menstrual dysfunction than athletes competing in sports focusing less on such factors and controls. On the basis of a comparison with a previous study, the prevalence of menstrual dysfunction was lower in 2003 than in 1993. PMID:15728691

The FTO A/T Polymorphism and Elite Athletic Performance: A Study Involving Three Groups of European Athletes

PubMed Central

Eynon, Nir; Nasibulina, Emiliya S.; Banting, Lauren K.; Cieszczyk, Pawel; Maciejewska-Karlowska, Agnieszka; Sawczuk, Marek; Bondareva, Elvira A.; Shagimardanova, Roza R.; Raz, Maytal; Sharon, Yael; Williams, Alun G.; Ahmetov, Ildus I.

2013-01-01

Objective The FTO A/T polymorphism (rs9939609) is a strong candidate to influence obesity-related traits. Elite athletes from many different sporting disciplines are characterized by low body fat. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether athletic status is associated with the FTO A/T polymorphism. Subjects and Methods A large cohort of European Caucasians from Poland, Russia and Spain were tested to examine the association between FTO A/T polymorphism (rs9939609) and athletic status. A total of 551 athletes were divided by type of sport (endurance athletes, n = 266 vs. sprint/power athletes, n = 285) as well as by level of competition (elite-level vs. national-level). The control group consisted of 1,416 ethnically-matched, non-athletic participants, all Europeans. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between FTO A/T genotypes and athletic status/competition level. Results There were no significantly greater/lesser odds of harbouring any type of genotype when comparing across athletic status (endurance athletes, sprint/power athletes or control participants). These effects were observed after controlling for sex and nationality. Furthermore, no significantly greater/lesser odds ratios were observed for any of the genotypes in respect to the level of competition (elite-level vs. national-level). Conclusion The FTO A/T polymorphism is not associated with elite athletic status in the largest group of elite athletes studied to date. Large collaborations and data sharing between researchers, as presented here, are strongly recommended to enhance the research in the field of exercise genomics. PMID:23573268

Mobility and muscle strength in male former elite endurance and power athletes aged 66-91 years.

PubMed

Manderoos, S; Wasenius, N; Laine, M K; Kujala, U M; Mälkiä, E; Kaprio, J; Sarna, S; Bäckmand, H M; Kettunen, J A; Heinonen, O J; Jula, A M; Aunola, S; Eriksson, J G

2017-11-01

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare mobility and muscle strength in male former elite endurance and power athletes aged 66-91 years (n = 150; 50 men in both former elite athlete groups and in their control group). Agility, dynamic balance, walking speed, chair stand, self-rated balance confidence (ABC-scale), jumping height, and handgrip strength were assessed. Former elite power athletes had better agility performance time than the controls (age- and body mass index, BMI-adjusted mean difference -3.6 s; 95% CI -6.3, -0.8). Adjustment for current leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and prevalence of diseases made this difference non-significant (P = 0.214). The subjects in the power sports group jumped higher than the men in the control group (age- and BMI-adjusted mean differences for vertical squat jump, VSJ 4.4 cm; 95% CI 2.0, 6.8; for countermovement jump, CMJ 4.0 cm; 95% CI 1.7, 6.4). Taking current LTPA and chronic diseases for adjusting process did not improve explorative power of the model. No significant differences between the groups were found in the performances evaluating dynamic balance, walking speed, chair stand, ABC-scale, or handgrip strength. In conclusion, power athletes among the aged former elite sportsmen had greater explosive force production in their lower extremities than the men in the control group. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A culture of striving augments use of working memory? Implications for attention control.

PubMed

Buszard, Tim; Masters, Rich S W

2017-01-01

A culture of striving was notable in the developmental background of many of the elite and super elite athletes in the Hardy et al. Critically, a culture of striving was credited with a positive influence on a range of issues relevant to elite sports performance, including performance under pressure. Of the six athletes who did not reveal a culture of striving, five reported the greatest difficulty performing in high-pressure situations. We suspect that a culture of striving facilitates the development of attention control ability, which subsequently assists performance under pressure. We discuss attention control from the perspective of working memory and hypothesize that a culture of striving trains individuals to maximize their working memory capacity. © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The importance and development of ball control and (self-reported) self-regulatory skills in basketball players for different positions.

PubMed

Te Wierike, Sanne Cornelia Maria; Huijgen, Barbara Catharina Helena; Jonker, Laura; Elferink-Gemser, Marije Titia; Visscher, Chris

2018-03-01

This study first investigated the importance of ball control and (self-reported) self-regulatory skills in achieving the elite level in basketball. The second aim was to gain insight into the development of, and association between ball control and (self-reported) self-regulatory skills that contribute to achieving the elite level, with taking into account positional differences. Talented male players (N = 73; age 16.56 ± 1.96) completed the STARtest to measure ball control and a questionnaire to measure (self-reported) self-regulation from 2008-2012. Results showed that (self-reported) reflective skills were most important to achieve the elite level (OR = 11.76; P < 0.05). There was no significant improvement in (self-reported) reflection over time for guards, forwards, and centers. Improvement in ball control was evident for guards (r = -0.65; P < 0.05). Furthermore, guards and forwards had better ball control compared to centers (P < 0.01). For those two positions, negative correlations were found between (self-reported) reflection and ball control, i.e., higher reflection was related to better ball control (guards r = -0.19; forwards r = -0.18) in contrast to centers (r = 0.34). It is concluded that (self-reported) reflective skills are important to achieve the elite level, while ball control seems especially important for guards.

The potential role of myostatin and neurotransmission genes in elite sport performances.

PubMed

Filonzi, L; Franchini, N; Vaghi, M; Chiesa, S; Marzano, F Nonnis

2015-09-01

Elite athletes are those who represent their sport at such major competition as the Olympic Games or World contests. The most outstanding athletes appear to emerge as a result of endogenous biologic characteristics interacting with exogenous influences of the environment, often described as a 'Nature and Nurture' struggle. In this work, we assessed the contribution given by 4 genes involved in muscles development (MSTN) and behavioural insights (5HTT, DAT and MAOA) to athletic performances. As for neurotransmission, 5HTT, DAT and MAOA genes have been considered as directly involved in the management of aggressiveness and anxiety. Genotypes and allelic frequencies of 5HTTLPR, MAOA-u VNTR, DAT VNTR and MSTN K153R were determined in 50 elite athletes and compared with 100 control athletes. In this work we found a significant correlation between the dopamine transporter genotype 9/9 and allele 9 and elite sport performances. On the contrary, no association was found between muscle development regulation or serotonin pathway and elite performances. Our data, for the first time, suggest a strong role of dopamine neurotransmitter in determining sport success, highlighting the role of emotional control and psycological management to reach high-level performances.

Study of connected system of automatic control of load and operation efficiency of a steam boiler with extremal controller on a simulation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabanin, V. R.; Starostin, A. A.; Repin, A. I.; Popov, A. I.

2017-02-01

The problems of operation effectiveness increase of steam boilers are considered. To maintain the optimum fuel combustion modes, it is proposed to use an extremal controller (EC) determining the value of airflow rate, at which the boiler generating the desired amount of heat will consume a minimum amount of fuel. EC sets the determined value of airflow rate to airflow rate controller (ARC). The test results of numerical simulation dynamic nonlinear model of steam boiler with the connected system of automatic control of load and combustion efficiency using EC are presented. The model is created in the Simulink modeling package of MATLAB software and can be used to optimize the combustion modes. Based on the modeling results, the conclusion was drawn about the possibility in principle of simultaneously boiler load control and optimizing by EC the combustion modes when changing the fuel combustion heat and the boiler characteristics and its operating mode. It is shown that it is possible to automatically control the operation efficiency of steam boilers when using EC without applying the standard flue gas analyzers. The article considers the numerical simulation dynamic model of steam boiler with the schemes of control of fuel consumption and airflow rate, the steam pressure and EC; the purpose of using EC in the scheme with linear controllers and the requirements to the quality of its operation; the results of operation of boiler control schemes without EC with estimation of influence of roughness of thermal mode maps on the nature of static and dynamic connection of the control units of fuel consumption and airflow rate; the phase trajectories and the diagrams of transient processes occurring in the control scheme with EC with stepped changing the fuel quality and boiler characteristics; analysis of modeling results and prospects for using EC in the control schemes of boilers.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm.

PubMed

Storms, William W

2009-01-01

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a relatively common condition that affects both recreational and elite athletes. The latest data suggest that it is an inflammatory process, especially in elite athletes. Proper diagnosis is important to differentiate EIB from other respiratory conditions. Effective treatment usually controls this condition.

Incidence, etiology, and symptomatology of upper respiratory illness in elite athletes.

PubMed

Spence, Luke; Brown, Wendy J; Pyne, David B; Nissen, Michael D; Sloots, Theo P; McCormack, Joseph G; Locke, A Simon; Fricker, Peter A

2007-04-01

Upper respiratory illness (URI) is the most common medical condition affecting elite athletes. The aims of this study were to identify and evaluate the incidence, pathogenic etiology, and symptomatology of acute URI during a 5-month training and competition period. Thirty-two elite and 31 recreationally competitive triathletes and cyclists, and 20 sedentary controls (age range 18.0-34.1 yr) participated in a prospective surveillance study. Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were collected from subjects presenting with two or more defined upper respiratory symptoms. Swabs were analyzed using microscopy, culture, and PCR testing for typical and atypical respiratory pathogens. The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-44) was used to assess symptomatology and functional impairment. Thirty-seven URI episodes were reported in 28 subjects. Incidence rate ratios for illness were higher in both the control subjects (1.93, 95% CI: 0.72-5.18) and elite athletes (4.50, 1.91-10.59) than in the recreationally competitive athletes. Infectious agents were identified in only 11 (two control, three recreationally competitive, and six elite) out of 37 illness episodes. Rhinovirus was the most common respiratory pathogen isolated. Symptom and functional impairment severity scores were higher in subjects with an infectious pathogen episode, particularly on illness days 3-4. The results confirm a higher rate of URI among elite athletes than recreationally competitive athletes during this training and competition season. However, because pathogens were isolated in fewer than 30% of URI cases, further study is required to uncover the causes of unidentified but symptomatic URI in athletes. Despite the common perception that all URI are infections, physicians should consider both infectious and noninfectious causes when athletes present with symptoms.

Smart-device environmental control systems: experiences of people with cervical spinal cord injuries.

PubMed

Hooper, Bethany; Verdonck, Michele; Amsters, Delena; Myburg, Michelle; Allan, Emily

2017-09-06

Environmental control systems (ECS) are devices that enable people with severe physical limitations to independently control household appliances. Recent advancements in the area of environmental control technology have led to the development of ECS that can be controlled through mainstream smart-devices. There is limited research on ECS within Australia and no known research addressing smart-device ECS. The current study sought to explore users' experiences with smart-device ECS within Australia. The study followed a single embedded case study method. Participants (n = 5) were existing ECS users with a cervical spinal cord injury. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants, reflexive journals and field notes. An inductive approach was used to analyze the data thematically. The experience of using a smart-device ECS presented both opportunities and costs to users. The opportunities included: independent control, choice, peace of mind, connection, effective resource use, and control over smart-phone functions and applications. The associated costs included: financial, time, frustration, and technical limitations. While findings are similar to previous research into traditional ECS this study indicates that smart-device ECS also offered a new opportunity for users to access mainstream smart-device functions and applications. Future research should investigate methods and resources that practitioners could utilize to better support new users of smart-device ECS. Implications for Rehabilitation As with traditional environmental control systems, users of smart environmental control systems report increased independence, choice and control. Smart-device environmental control systems provide users with access to mainstream smart-device functions and applications, which facilitate connection to family and the outside world. The costs to the user of smart-device environmental control systems include monetary and time investment, dealing with technical limitations and resulting frustration. Prescribers and installers must consider ways to mitigate these costs experienced by users.

Knee joint position sense ability in elite athletes who have returned to international level play following ACL reconstruction: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Relph, Nicola; Herrington, Lee

2016-12-01

Following an ACL injury, reconstruction (ACL-R) and rehabilitation, athletes may return to play with a proprioceptive deficit. However, literature is lacking to support this hypothesis in elite athletic groups who have returned to international levels of performance. It is possible the potentially heightened proprioceptive ability evidenced in athletes may negate a deficit following injury. The purpose of this study was to consider the effects of ACL injury, reconstruction and rehabilitation on knee joint position sense (JPS) on a group of elite athletes who had returned to international performance. Using a cross-sectional design ten elite athletes with ACL-R and ten controls were evaluated. JPS was tested into knee extension and flexion using absolute error scores. Average data with 95% confidence intervals between the reconstructed, contralateral and uninjured control knees were analyzed using t-tests and effect sizes. The reconstructed knee of the injured group demonstrated significantly greater angle of error scores when compared to the contralateral and uninjured control into knee flexion (p=0.0001, r=0.98) and knee extension (p=0.0001, r=0.91). There were no significant differences between the contralateral uninjured knee of the injured group and the uninjured control group. Elite athletes who have had an ACL injury, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returned to international play demonstrate lower JPS ability compared to control groups. It is unclear if this deficiency affects long-term performance or secondary injury and re-injury problems. In the future physical therapists should monitor athletes longitudinally when they return to play. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detailed heart rate variability analysis in athletes.

PubMed

Kiss, Orsolya; Sydó, Nóra; Vargha, Péter; Vágó, Hajnalka; Czimbalmos, Csilla; Édes, Eszter; Zima, Endre; Apponyi, Györgyi; Merkely, Gergő; Sydó, Tibor; Becker, Dávid; Allison, Thomas G; Merkely, Béla

2016-08-01

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis has been used to evaluate patients with various cardiovascular diseases. While the vast majority of HRV studies have focused on pathological states, our study focuses on the less explored area of HRV analysis across different training intensity and sports. We aimed to measure HRV in healthy elite and masters athletes and compare to healthy, but non-athletic controls. Time-domain HRV analysis was applied in 138 athletes (male 110, age 28.4 ± 8.3) and 100 controls (male 56, age 28.3 ± 6.9) during Holter monitoring (21.3 ± 3.0 h). All studied parameters were higher in elite athletes compared to controls [SDNN (CI) 225.3 (216.2-234.5) vs 158.6 (150.2-167.1) ms; SDNN Index (CI) 99.6 (95.6-103.7) vs 72.4 (68.7-76.2) ms; pNN50 (CI) 24.2 (22.2-26.3) vs 14.4 (12.7-16.3) %; RMSSD (CI) 71.8 (67.6-76.2) vs 50.8 (46.9-54.8) ms; p < 0.001]. Masters had higher HRV values than controls, but no significant differences were found between elite athletes and masters athletes. Some parameters were higher in canoeists-kayakers and bicyclists than runners. Lower cut-off values in elite athletes were SDNN: 147.4 ms, SDNN Index: 66.6 ms, pNN50: 9.7 %, RMSSD: 37.9 ms. Autonomic regulation in elite athletes described with HRV is significantly different than in healthy controls. Sports modality and level of performance, but not age- or sex-influenced HRV. Our study provides athletic normal HRV values. Further investigations are needed to determine its role in risk stratification, optimization of training, or identifying overtraining.

Clinical outcomes of elite controllers, viremic controllers, and long-term nonprogressors in the US Department of Defense HIV natural history study.

PubMed

Okulicz, Jason F; Marconi, Vincent C; Landrum, Michael L; Wegner, Scott; Weintrob, Amy; Ganesan, Anuradha; Hale, Braden; Crum-Cianflone, Nancy; Delmar, Judith; Barthel, Vincent; Quinnan, Gerald; Agan, Brian K; Dolan, Matthew J

2009-12-01

Durable control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and lack of disease progression in the absence of antiretroviral therapy were studied in a military cohort of 4586 subjects. We examined groups of elite controllers (ie, subjects with plasma HIV RNA levels of <50 copies/mL; prevalence, 0.55% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.35%-0.80%]), viremic controllers (ie, subjects with plasma HIV RNA levels of 50-2000 copies/mL; prevalence, 3.34% [95% CI, 2.83%-3.91%]), and subjects with a lack of disease progression (ie, long-term nonprogressors [LTNPs]) through 7 years of follow-up (LTNP7s; prevalence, 3.32% [95% CI, 2.70%-4.01%]) or 10 years of follow-up (LTNP10s; prevalence, 2.04% [95% CI, 1.52%-2.68%]). For elite and viremic controllers, spontaneous virologic control was established early and was typically observed when the initial viral load measurement was obtained within 1 year of estimated seroconversion. Elite controllers had favorable time to development of AIDS (P=.048), a CD4 cell count of 350 cells/microL (P= .009), and more-stable CD4 cell trends, compared with viremic controllers. LTNPs defined by 10-year versus 7-year criteria had a longer survival time (P=.001), even after adjustment for differing periods of invulnerability (P= .042). Definitions of controllers and LTNPs describe distinct populations whose differing clinical outcomes improve with the stringency of criteria, underscoring the need for comparability between study populations.

Externalizing symptoms, effortful control, and intrusive parenting: A test of bidirectional longitudinal relations during early childhood.

PubMed

Eisenberg, Nancy; Taylor, Zoe E; Widaman, Keith F; Spinrad, Tracy L

2015-11-01

At approximately 30, 42, and 54 months of age (N = 231), the relations among children's externalizing symptoms, intrusive maternal parenting, and children's effortful control (EC) were examined. Both intrusive parenting and low EC have been related to psychopathology, but children's externalizing problems and low EC might affect the quality of parenting and one another. Mothers' intrusive behavior with their children was assessed with observations, children's EC was measured with mothers' and caregivers' reports, and children's externalizing symptoms were assessed with mothers', fathers', and caregivers' reports. In a structural equation panel model, bidirectional relations between intrusive parenting and EC were found: EC at 30 and 42 months predicted low levels of intrusive parenting a year later, controlling for prior levels of parenting and vice versa. Moreover, high levels of children's externalizing problems at both 30 and 42 months negatively predicted EC a year later, controlling for prior levels of EC. Although externalizing problems positively predicted high EC over time, this appeared to be a suppression effect because these variables had a strong negative pattern in the zero-order correlations. Moreover, when controlling for the stability of intrusive parenting, EC, and externalizing (all exhibited significant stability across time) and the aforementioned cross-lagged predictive paths, EC and externalizing problems were still negatively related within the 54-month assessment. The findings are consistent with the view that children's externalizing behavior undermines their EC and contributes to intrusive mothering and that relations between intrusive parenting and EC are bidirectional across time. Thus, interventions that focus on modifying children's externalizing problems (as well as the quality of parenting) might affect the quality of parenting they receive and, hence, subsequent problems with adjustment.

ELITE-3 active vibration isolation workstation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Eric H.; Houghton, Bowie

2001-06-01

This paper describes the development and capabilities of ELITE-3, a product that incorporates piezoelectric actuators to provide ultrastable work surfaces for very high resolution wafer production, metrology, microscopy, and other applications. The electromechanical, electronic, and software/firmware parts of the ELITE-3 active workstation are described, with an emphasis on considerations relating to the piezoelectric transducers. Performance of the system and its relation to the smart materials is discussed. As the floor beneath a vibration-sensitive instrument supported by ELITE-3 moves, piezoelectrics are controlled to minimize the motion of the instrument. A digital signal processor (DSP) determines the appropriate signals to apply to the actuators. A PC-based interface allows reprogramming of control algorithms and resetting of other parameters within the firmware. The modular product allows incorporation of vibration isolator, actuator and sensor modules into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products. Alternatively, a workstation can be integrated as an integrated standalone system. The paper describes the system architecture, overall approach to vibration isolation, and various system components, and summarizes motivations for key design approaches.

Emerging effortful control in toddlerhood: the role of infant orienting/regulation, maternal effortful control, and maternal time spent in caregiving activities.

PubMed

Bridgett, David J; Gartstein, Maria A; Putnam, Samuel P; Lance, Kate Oddi; Iddins, Erin; Waits, Robin; Vanvleet, Jessica; Lee, Lindsay

2011-02-01

Latent growth modeling (LGM) was used to examine the contribution of changes in infant orienting/regulation (O/R) to the emergence of toddler effortful control (EC), the contributions of maternal EC to the development of infant O/R and the emergence of toddler EC, the influence of maternal time spent in caregiving activities on toddler EC and the slope of infant O/R, and the contribution of maternal EC to subsequent maternal time spent in caregiving activities. Mothers from 158 families completed a self-report measure of EC when their infants were 4 months of age, a measure of infant O/R when their infants were 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months of age, and a measure of toddler EC when their children reached 18 months of age. Information concerning maternal time spent in various interactive caregiving activities was collected when infants were 6 months old. Results indicated higher maternal EC predicted interindividual differences in the intercept (i.e., higher intercepts), but not slope, of infant O/R and that higher maternal EC, higher infant O/R intercept, and higher infant O/R slope contributed to higher toddler EC. Furthermore, higher maternal EC predicted greater maternal time spent in interactive caregiving activities with their infants and greater maternal time in interactive caregiving with infants also contributed to higher toddler EC after controlling for maternal EC. These findings contribute to the understanding of the influence of maternal EC, directly and through caregiving, on toddler EC. Additional implications as they are related to early developing regulatory aspects of temperament are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Left Atrium Size in Elite Athletes.

PubMed

Iskandar, Aline; Mujtaba, Mohammad Tokir; Thompson, Paul D

2015-07-01

The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the published literature to investigate the relationship of high levels of exercise training to left atrial (LA) size. The "athlete's heart" is a series of cardiac adaptations to systematic exercise training and may include LA enlargement. We conducted a systematic review of English-language studies in MEDLINE and Scopus from inception through April 29, 2014, that reported LA size in elite athletes. A total of 54 studies comprising 7,189 elite athletes and 1,375 controls were included. Forty-eight of the 54 studies reported absolute LA diameter in 7,018 athletes and 1,044 controls. Nine of the 54 studies (including 992 athletes and 426 controls) presented LA volume corrected for body surface area. The adjusted weighted mean LA diameter was 4.1 mm greater in athletes overall compared with sedentary controls (p < 0.0001), and LA volume index was 7.0 ml/m(2) greater in athletes than controls (p < 0.01). Compared with controls, LA diameter was 4.6 mm greater in endurance-trained athletes (p < 0.0001), 2.9 mm greater in strength-trained athletes (p < 0.03), 3.5 mm greater in combined strength- and endurance-trained athletes (p < 0.0001), and 4.2 mm greater in athletes with unspecified training (p < 0.02). To our knowledge, this is the largest compilation of studies documenting that elite athletes have larger LA dimensions compared with controls when evaluated by either LA diameter or LA volume corrected for body surface area. The largest average LA diameters were reported in endurance athletes. Physicians evaluating athletes should be aware that the LA is increased in both strength- and endurance-trained elite athletes. Copyright © 2015 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ACTN3 R577X Gene Variant Is Associated With Muscle-Related Phenotypes in Elite Chinese Sprint/Power Athletes.

PubMed

Yang, Ruoyu; Shen, Xunzhang; Wang, Yubin; Voisin, Sarah; Cai, Guang; Fu, Yongnan; Xu, Wangyu; Eynon, Nir; Bishop, David J; Yan, Xu

2017-04-01

Yang, R, Shen, X, Wang, Y, Voisin, S, Cai, G, Fu, Y, Xu, W, Eynon, N, Bishop, DJ, and Yan, X. ACTN3 R577X gene variant is associated with muscle-related phenotypes in elite Chinese sprint/power athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1107-1115, 2017-The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) has been shown to influence athletic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of this polymorphism in elite Chinese track and field athletes, and to explore its effects on athletes' level of competition and lower-extremity power. We compared the ACTN3 R577X genotypes and allele frequencies in 59 elite sprint/power athletes, 44 elite endurance athletes, and 50 healthy controls from Chinese Han origin. We then subcategorized the athletes into international level and national level and investigated the effects of ACTN3 genotype on lower-extremity power. Genotype distribution of the sprint/power athletes was significantly different from endurance athletes (p = 0.001) and controls (p < 0.001). The frequency of the RR genotype was significantly higher in international-level than that in the national-level sprint/power athletes (p = 0.004), with no international-level sprint/power athletes with XX genotype. The best standing long jump and standing vertical jump results of sprint/power athletes were better in the RR than those in the RX + XX genotypes (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism influences the level of competition and lower-extremity power of elite Chinese sprint/power athletes. Including relevant phenotypes such as muscle performance in future studies is important to further understand the effects of gene variants on elite athletic performance.

The influence of winter vitamin D supplementation on muscle function and injury occurrence in elite ballet dancers: a controlled study.

PubMed

Wyon, Matthew A; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Wolman, Roger; Nevill, Alan M; Allen, Nick

2014-01-01

Athletes who train indoors during the winter months exhibit low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations due to a lack of sunlight exposure. This has been linked to impaired exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of oral vitamin D₃ supplementation on selected physical fitness and injury parameters in elite ballet dancers. Controlled prospective study. 24 elite classical ballet dancers (intervention n=17; control n=7) participated in a controlled 4-month oral supplementation of vitamin D₃ (2000 IU per day). Isometric muscular strength and vertical jump height were measured pre and post intervention. Injury occurrence during the intervention period was also recorded by the in-house medical team. Repeated measures ANOVA and Mann-Whitney-U statistical tests were used and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Significant increases were noted for the intervention group for isometric strength (18.7%, p<0.01) and vertical jump (7.1%, p<0.01). The intervention group also sustained significantly less injuries than the controls during the study period (p<0.01). Oral supplementation of vitamin D₃ during the winter months has beneficial effects on muscular performance and injury occurrence in elite ballet dancers. Copyright © 2013 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Corporate Culture, Schooling, and Educational Administration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bates, Richard J.

1987-01-01

Argues that organizational control ideologies serving elites are prevalent in schools as well as in corporations. Schools, as meeting places for those in and those out of power, develop complex cultures, which those in power see as "irrational." Illustrates how school cultures incur difficulties because elites define them as…

New Zealand rugby health study: motor cortex excitability in retired elite and community level rugby players.

PubMed

Lewis, Gwyn N; Hume, Patria A; Stavric, Verna; Brown, Scott R; Taylor, Denise

2017-01-13

Rugby union is a high contact sport in which players frequently experience brain injuries. Acute brain injury is associated with altered corticomotor function. However, it is uncertain if long-term exposure to rugby is associated with any alterations in corticomotor function. The aim of the study was to assess measures of corticomotor excitability and inhibition in retired rugby players in comparison to retired non-contact sport players. The design was a cross-sectional study with three groups of retired athletes: elite rugby (n=23), community level rugby (n=28) and non-contact sport control (n=22). Assessments of corticomotor excitability were made using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Resting motor threshold was significantly higher and long-interval intracortical inhibition was greater in the elite rugby group compared to the control group. Participants in the two rugby groups had sustained significantly more concussions than the control group. We provide some evidence of altered corticomotor excitation and inhibition in retired elite rugby players in comparison to retired non-contact sport players. Given the absence of findings in the community rugby group, who had experienced a similar number of concussions, the association with previous brain injury is unclear.

Performing high-level sport is strongly associated with urinary incontinence in elite athletes: a comparative study of 372 elite female athletes and 372 controls.

PubMed

Carvalhais, Alice; Natal Jorge, Renato; Bø, Kari

2017-06-22

To evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in female elite athletes compared with controls and to investigate potential risk factors for UI among elite athletes. This cross-sectional study included 372 elite athletes (athletes group, AG) and 372 age-matched controls (control group, CG). The median age was low (19 years) and the vast majority were nulliparous. Potential risk factors, including clinical, demographic and sports practice characteristics, were collected by using a questionnaire. The International Consultation on Urinary Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form was applied to estimate the prevalence of UI. OR with 95% CIs were used to estimate the association with UI. The final model was adjusted for constipation, family history of UI and history of urinary infection. The prevalence of UI was 29.6% and 13.4% in AG and CG, respectively (p<0.001). The following prevalences were obtained: AG: 19.6% and CG: 3.5% (p<0.001) for stress UI, AG: 3.8% and CG: 5.4% (p=0.292) for urgency UI and AG: 5.9% and CG: 0.8% (p<0.001) for mixed UI. After adjustment, performing high-level sport (adjusted (adj) OR=3.31; 95% CI 2.20 to 4.97), family history of UI (adj OR=1.54; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.29), history of urinary infection (adj OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.23) and constipation (adj OR=1.79; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.98) were associated with UI. The prevalence of UI among Portuguese female elite athletes is high and the odds of UI were three times higher than in controls. Also, constipation, family history of UI and history of urinary infections were significantly associated with UI. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

A Comparative Study of Sleep and Mood Between Young Elite Athletes and Age-Matched Controls.

PubMed

Harris, Anette; Gundersen, Hilde; Andreassen, Pia Mørk; Thun, Eirunn; Bjorvatn, Bjørn; Pallesen, Ståle

2017-06-01

Sleep and mood have seldom been compared between elite athletes and nonelite athletes, although potential differences suggest that physical activity may affect these parameters. This study aims to explore whether adolescent elite athletes differ from controls in terms of sleep, positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Forty-eight elite athletes and 26 controls participating in organized and nonorganized sport completed a questionnaire, and a 7-day sleep diary. On school days, the athletes and the controls who participated in organized and nonorganized sport differed in bedtime (22:46, 23:14, 23:42, P < .01), sleep onset (23:03, 23:27, 00:12, P < .01), and total sleep time (7:52, 8:00, 6:50, P < 01). During weekend, the athletes, the controls who participated in organized and nonorganized sport differed in bedtime (23:30, 00:04, 00:49, P < .01), sleep onset (23.42, 00:18, 01:13, P < .01), rise time (9:15, 9:47, 10:55, P < .01), sleep efficiency (95.0%, 94.2%, 90.0%, P < 05), and sleep onset latency (11.8, 18.0, 28.0 minutes, P < .01). Furthermore, the athletes reported less social jetlag (0:53) and higher score for PA (34.3) compared with the controls who participated in nonorganized sport (jetlag: 1:25, P < .05, PA: 29.8, P < .05). An almost dose-response association was found between weekly training hours, sleep, social jetlag and mood in adolescents.

Use of nutritional supplements by Danish elite athletes and fitness customers.

PubMed

Solheim, S A; Nordsborg, N B; Ritz, C; Berget, J; Kristensen, A H; Mørkeberg, J

2017-08-01

The nutritional supplement (NS) industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, and NS use in Denmark is among the highest in Europe. However, the exact use in elite athletes and fitness customers targeted for doping control is unknown. Information from 634 doping control forms obtained in 2014 was evaluated (elite athletes: n = 361; fitness customers: n = 273). The majority of female (92.6%) and male (85.0%) elite athletes and female (100.0%) and male (94.0%) fitness customers declared using one or more NS. The use of non-ergogenic NS was more prevalent in women than in men and in younger (15-34 years) compared with older (35-49 years) subjects, but it was less prevalent in intermittent compared with endurance and power/strength sports. Additionally, fitness customers who tested positive for doping also reported using more NS than subjects testing negative, indicating an association between NS and doping abuse. The present results demonstrate a very high prevalence of NS usage in both elite athletes and fitness customers. This highlights the importance of a strong national regulation of NS to avoid contamination of NS with doping substances. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

ELITE S2 - A Facility for Quantitative Human Movement Analysis on Board the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neri, Gianluca; Mascetti, Gabriele; Zolesi, Valfredo

2014-11-01

This paper describes the activities for utilization and control of ELITE S2 on board the International Space Station (ISS). ELITE S2 is a payload of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for quantitative human movement analysis in weightlessness. Within the frame of a bilateral agreement with NASA, ASI has funded a number of facilities, enabling different scientific experiments on board the ISS. ELITE S2 has been developed by the ASI contractor Kayser Italia, delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in 2006 for pre-flight processing, launched in 2007 by the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-118), integrated in the U.S. lab and used during the Increments 16/17 (2008) and 33/34 (2012/2013). The ELITE S2 flight segment comprises equipment mounted into an Express Rack and a number of stowed items to be deployed for experiment performance (video cameras and accessories). The ground segment consists in a User Support Operations Center (based at Kayser Italia) enabling real-time payload control and a number of User Home Bases (located at the ASI and PIs premises), for the scientific assessment of the experiment performance. Two scientific protocols on reaching and cognitive processing have been successfully performed in eight sessions involving three ISS crewmembers: IMAGINE 2 and MOVE.

Effects of an 8-Week Body-Weight Neuromuscular Training on Dynamic Balance and Vertical Jump Performances in Elite Junior Skiing Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Vitale, Jacopo A; La Torre, Antonio; Banfi, Giuseppe; Bonato, Matteo

2018-04-01

Vitale, JA, La Torre, A, Banfi, G, and Bonato, M. Effects of an 8-week body-weight neuromuscular training on dynamic balance and vertical jump performances in elite junior skiing athletes: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 911-920, 2018-The aim of the present randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week neuromuscular training program focused on core stability, plyometric, and body-weight strengthening exercises on dynamic postural control and vertical jump performance in elite junior skiers. Twenty-four Italian elite junior male skiers were recruited and randomized to either an experimental group (EG), performing neuromuscular warm-up exercises, (EG; n = 12; age 18 ± 1 years; body mass 66 ± 21 kg; height 1.70 ± 0.1 m) or a control group (CG) involved in a standard warm-up (CG; n = 12; age 18 ± 1 years; body mass 62 ± 14 kg; height 1.73 ± 0.1 m). lower quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) at baseline (PRE) and at the end (POST) of the experimental procedures were performed. No significant differences between EG and CG were observed at baseline. Results showed that EG achieved positive effects from PRE to POST measures in the anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral directions, and composite score of YBT for both lower limbs, whereas no significant differences were detected for CG. Furthermore, 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni's multiple comparisons test did not reveal any significant differences in CMJ and DJ for both EG and CG. The inclusion of an 8-week neuromuscular warm-up program led to positive effects in dynamic balance ability but not in vertical jump performance in elite junior skiers. Neuromuscular training may be an effective intervention to specifically increase lower limb joint awareness and postural control.

Effect of electron cyclotron beam width to neoclassical tearing mode stabilization by minimum seeking control in ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Minho; Na, Yong-Su; Seo, Jaemin; Kim, M.; Kim, Kyungjin

2018-01-01

We report the effect of the electron cyclotron (EC) beam width on the full suppression time of neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) using the finite difference method (FDM) based minimum seeking controller in ITER. An integrated numerical system is setup for time-dependent simulations of the NTM evolution in ITER by solving the modified Rutherford equation together with the plasma equilibrium, transport, and EC heating and current drive. The calculated magnetic island width and growth rate is converted to the Mirnov diagnostic signal as an input to the controller to mimic the real experiment. In addition, 10% of the noise is enforced to this diagnostic signal to evaluate the robustness of the controller. To test the dependency of the NTM stabilization time on the EC beam width, the EC beam width scan is performed for a perfectly aligned case first, then for cases with the feedback control using the minimum seeking controller. When the EC beam is perfectly aligned, the narrower the EC beam width, the smaller the NTM stabilization time is observed. As the beam width increases, the required EC power increases exponentially. On the other hand, when the minimum seeking controller is applied, NTM stabilization sometimes fails as the EC beam width decreases. This is consistently observed in the simulation with various representations of the noise as well as without the noise in the Mirnov signal. The higher relative misalignment, misalignment divided by the beam width, is found to be the reason for the failure with the narrower beam widths. The EC stabilization effect can be lower for the narrower beam widths than the broader ones even at the same misalignment due to the smaller ECCD at the island O-point. On the other hand, if the EC beam is too wide, the NTM stabilization time takes too long. Accordingly, the optimal EC beam width range is revealed to exist in the feedback stabilization of NTM.

Shoulder Dynamic Control Ratio and Rotation Range of Motion in Female Junior Elite Handball Players and Controls.

PubMed

van Cingel, Robert; Habets, Bas; Willemsen, Linn; Staal, Bart

2018-03-01

To compare glenohumeral range of motion and shoulder rotator muscle strength in healthy female junior elite handball players and controls. Cross-sectional case-control study. Sports medical center. Forty elite female handball players and 30 controls active in nonoverhead sports participated in this study. Passive external rotator (ER), internal rotator (IR), and total range of motion (TROM) of the dominant and nondominant arm were examined with a goniometer. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate concentric and eccentric rotator muscle strength at 60 and 120 degrees/s with dynamic control ratio (DCR = ERecc:IRcon) as the main outcome parameter. Except for the ER range of motion in the nondominant arm, no significant differences were found between groups for IR, ER of the dominant arm, and the TROM. Within the handball group, the side-to-side difference for IR of the dominant arm was -1.4 degrees. The ER and the TROM of the dominant arm were significantly larger, 6.3 and 4.9 degrees, respectively. For both groups, the DCR values were above 1 and no significant differences were found between the dominant and nondominant arm. The DCR values in the handball group were significantly lower than in the control group. Based on the adopted definitions for muscle imbalance, glenohumeral internal range of motion deficit and TROM deficit our elite female handball players seem not at risk for shoulder injuries. Prospective studies are needed to support the belief that a DCR below 1 places the shoulder at risk for injury.

Mucosal immunity in HIV controllers: the right place at the right time.

PubMed

Shacklett, Barbara L; Ferre, April L

2011-05-01

The phenomenon of long-term nonprogression in HIV infection has been recognized for some time, and the ability of rare individuals, designated 'elite controllers', to control HIV in the absence of therapy is the focus of numerous ongoing studies. This review focuses on studies of HIV-specific immune responses in mucosal tissues as a potential correlate of immune control, with an emphasis on recently published work. Genetic studies have implicated a role for elements localized to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6 in the immune control of HIV infection. In parallel, functional studies have strongly implicated MHC class I-restricted, CD8+ T-cell responses as a major contributor to elite control. In addition, the localization of HIV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with respect to the major sites of virus replication in the body may be critical in determining clinical outcome. Recent findings suggest that MHC class I-restricted, CD8+ T cells are a major component of immune control in 'elite controllers'. In addition, the presence of these effector cells at or near critical viral reservoirs, such as mucosal tissues, may be critical in determining their effectiveness at limiting viral replication and dissemination.

Rejection Sensitivity and Executive Control: Joint predictors of Borderline Personality features

PubMed Central

Ayduk, Özlem; Zayas, Vivian; Downey, Geraldine; Cole, Amy Blum; Shoda, Yuichi; Mischel, Walter

2008-01-01

Two studies tested the hypothesis that rejection sensitivity (RS) and executive control (EC) jointly predict borderline personality (BP) features. We expected high RS to be related to increased vulnerability for BP features specifically in people who also had difficulties in executive control (EC). Study 1 tested this hypothesis using a sample of college students (N = 379) whereas Study 2 (N = 104) was conducted using a community sample of adults. Both studies operationalized EC by a self-report measure. For a subsample in Study 2 (N = 80), ability to delay gratification at age 4 was also used as an early behavioral precursor of EC in adulthood. In both studies, high RS was associated with increased BP features among people low in self-reported EC. Among those high in self-reported EC, the relationship between RS and BP features was attenuated. Study 2 found parallel findings using preschool delay ability as a behavioral index of EC. These findings suggest that EC may protect high RS people against BP features. PMID:18496604

Advanced Communications Technology Satellite high burst rate link evaluation terminal experiment control and monitor software maintenance manual, version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinhart, Richard C.

1992-01-01

The Experiment Control and Monitor (EC&M) software was developed at NASA Lewis Research Center to support the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) High Burst Rate Link Evaluation Terminal (HBR-LET). The HBR-LET is an experimenter's terminal to communicate with the ACTS for various investigations by government agencies, universities, and industry. The EC&M software is one segment of the Control and Performance Monitoring (C&PM) software system of the HBR-LET. The EC&M software allows users to initialize, control, and monitor the instrumentation within the HBR-LET using a predefined sequence of commands. Besides instrument control, the C&PM software system is also responsible for computer communication between the HBR-LET and the ACTS NASA Ground Station and for uplink power control of the HBR-LET to demonstrate power augmentation during rain fade events. The EC&M Software User's Guide, Version 1.0 (NASA-CR-189160) outlines the commands required to install and operate the EC&M software. Input and output file descriptions, operator commands, and error recovery procedures are discussed in the document. The EC&M Software Maintenance Manual, Version 1.0 (NASA-CR-189161) is a programmer's guide that describes current implementation of the EC&M software from a technical perspective. An overview of the EC&M software, computer algorithms, format representation, and computer hardware configuration are included in the manual.

Molecular basis for endothelial lumen formation and tubulogenesis during vasculogenesis and angiogenic sprouting

PubMed Central

Davis, George E.; Stratman, Amber N.; Sacharidou, Anastasia; Koh, Wonshill

2013-01-01

Many studies reveal a fundamental role for extracellular matrix-mediated signaling through integrins and Rho GTPases as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the molecular control of vascular tube morphogenesis in three-dimensional (3D) tissue environments. Recent work has defined an EC lumen signaling complex of proteins that controls these vascular morphogenic events. These findings reveal a signaling interdependence between Cdc42 and MT1-MMP to control the 3D matrix-specific process of EC tubulogenesis. The EC tube formation process results in the creation of a network of proteolytically-generated vascular guidance tunnels in 3D matrices that are utilized to remodel EC-lined tubes through EC motility and could facilitate processes such as flow-induced remodeling and arteriovenous EC sorting and differentiation. Within vascular guidance tunnels, key dynamic interactions occur between endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes to affect vessel remodeling, diameter, and vascular basement membrane matrix assembly, a fundamental process necessary for endothelial tube maturation and stabilization. Thus, the EC lumen and tube formation mechanism coordinates the concomitant establishment of a network of vascular tubes within tunnel spaces to allow for flow responsiveness, EC-mural cell interactions, and vascular extracellular matrix assembly to control the development of the functional microcirculation. PMID:21482411

A comparison of the pro-angiogenic potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived endothelial cells and induced endothelial cells in a murine model of peripheral arterial disease.

PubMed

Clayton, Zoe E; Yuen, Gloria S C; Sadeghipour, Sara; Hywood, Jack D; Wong, Jack W T; Huang, Ngan F; Ng, Martin K C; Cooke, John P; Patel, Sanjay

2017-05-01

Endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-ECs) promote angiogenesis, and more recently induced endothelial cells (iECs) have been generated via fibroblast trans-differentiation. These cell types have potential as treatments for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, it is unknown whether different reprogramming methods produce cells that are equivalent in terms of their pro-angiogenic capabilities. We aimed to directly compare iPSC-ECs and iECs in an animal model of PAD, in order to identify which cell type, if any, displays superior therapeutic potential. IPSC-ECs and iECs were generated from human fibroblasts, and transduced with a reporter construct encoding GFP and firefly luciferase for bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Endothelial phenotype was confirmed using in vitro assays. NOD-SCID mice underwent hindlimb ischaemia surgery and received an intramuscular injection of either 1×10 6 iPSC-ECs, 1×10 6 iECs or control vehicle only. Perfusion recovery was measured by laser Doppler. Hindlimb muscle samples were taken for histological analyses. Perfusion recovery was enhanced in iPSC-EC treated mice on day 14 (Control vs. iPSC-EC; 0.35±0.04 vs. 0.54±0.08, p<0.05) and in iEC treated mice on days 7 (Control vs. iEC; 0.23±0.02 vs. 0.44±0.06, p<0.05), 10 (0.31±0.04 vs. 0.64±0.07, p<0.001) and 14 (0.35±0.04 vs. 0.68±0.07, p<0.001) post-treatment. IEC-treated mice also had greater capillary density in the ischaemic gastrocnemius muscle (Control vs. iEC; 125±10 vs. 179±11 capillaries/image; p<0.05). BLI detected iPSC-EC and iEC presence in vivo for two weeks post-treatment. IPSC-ECs and iECs exhibit similar, but not identical, endothelial functionality and both cell types enhance perfusion recovery after hindlimb ischaemia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk factors and molecular epidemiology of community-onset, multidrug resistance extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli infections.

PubMed

Park, So Yeon; Kang, Cheol-In; Wi, Yu Mi; Chung, Doo Ryeon; Peck, Kyong Ran; Lee, Nam-Yong; Song, Jae-Hoon

2017-01-01

Although multidrug resistance (MDR) among extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) poses significant therapeutic challenges, little is known regarding the risk factors and epidemiology of community-onset MDR-ESBL-EC infections. We performed this study to investigate risk factors and the molecular epidemiology of community-onset MDR-ESBL-EC infections. We conducted a case-control-control study of community-onset infections. MDR-ESBL-EC was defined as ESBL-EC that demonstrated in vitro resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones (FQs), and gentamicin. Patients with MDR-ESBL-EC infections were designated as case patients. A control group I (CG I) patient was defined as a person whose clinical sample yielded ESBL-EC that did not meet the criteria for MDR. A control group II (CG II) patient was defined as a patient with a non-ESBL-EC infection. Of 108 patients with ESBL-EC infections, 30 cases (27.8%) were due to MDR-ESBL-EC. Compared with CG I, prior use of FQs (odds ratio [OR], 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 8.98) and immunosuppressant use (OR, 10.47; 95% CI, 1.07 to 102.57) were significantly associated with MDR-ESBL-EC. Compared with CG II, prior use of FQs (OR, 15.53; 95% CI, 2.86 to 84.27) and healthcare-associated infection (OR, 5.98; 95% CI, 2.26 to 15.86) were significantly associated with MDR-ESBL-EC. CTX-M-15 was the most common in MDR-ESBL-EC infections (59.1% [13/22]), while CTX-M-14 was the most common in non-MDR-ESBL-EC infections (41.6% [32/77]). CTX-M-15 was significantly associated with MDR-ESBL-EC (59.1% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.028). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed clonal diversity of MDR-ESBL-EC isolates. The emergence of strains of MDR-ESBL-EC in the community poses an important new public health threat. More information on the emergence and transmission of these strains will be necessary in order to prevent their spread.

Longer Telomere Length in Elite Master Sprinters: Relationship to Performance and Body Composition.

PubMed

Simoes, Herbert Gustavo; Sousa, Caio Victor; Dos Santos Rosa, Thiago; da Silva Aguiar, Samuel; Deus, Lysleine Alves; Rosa, Erica Carine Campos Caldas; Amato, Angelica Amorim; Andrade, Rosangela Vieira

2017-12-01

Emergent evidence suggests that the long-term healthy lifestyle of master athletes may attenuate aging. We compared telomere length (TL) of high-level master sprinters and non-athlete age-matched controls, and analyzed the relationships of TL with performance and body fat. Elite master sprinters (n=11; aged 50.1±9.2yrs) and healthy untrained controls (n=10; aged 45.4±10.9yrs) had blood samples collected for biochemical and biomolecular analyses. Master sprinters had longer TL, lower body fat and BMI, and a better lipid profile than age-matched controls (p<0.05). A large effect size was verified comparing TL between athletes vs. controls (Cohen's d=1.039), with a significant negative correlation between TL and performance decline per decade (r=-0.624, p<0.01) and a positive correlation of TL and actual performance level (r=0.641, p<0.01). In conclusion, TL of elite master sprinters was longer than their untrained peers, and seems to be not only a marker of health status, but also an indicator of sports longevity since both actual performance level and its decrease over years were related to TL. Further research might assess the TL of elite master endurance athletes for comparison with sprinters, and also investigate the underlying mechanisms by which the attenuation of telomere shortening occurs in master athletes. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Internet-based interventions to promote mental health help-seeking in elite athletes: an exploratory randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Gulliver, Amelia; Griffiths, Kathleen M; Christensen, Helen; Mackinnon, Andrew; Calear, Alison L; Parsons, Alison; Bennett, Kylie; Batterham, Philip J; Stanimirovic, Rosanna

2012-06-29

Mental disorders are more common in young adults than at any other life stage. Despite this, young people have low rates of seeking professional help for mental health problems. Young elite athletes have less positive attitudes toward seeking help than nonathletes and thus may be particularly unlikely to seek help. Interventions aimed at increasing help-seeking in young elite athletes are warranted. To test the feasibility and efficacy of three Internet-based interventions designed to increase mental health help-seeking attitudes, intentions, and behavior in young elite athletes compared with a control condition. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of three brief fully automated Internet-based mental health help-seeking interventions with 59 young elite athletes recruited online in a closed trial in Australia. The interventions consisted of a mental health literacy and destigmatization condition, a feedback condition providing symptom levels, and a minimal content condition comprising a list of help-seeking resources, compared with a control condition (no intervention). We measured help-seeking attitudes, intentions and behavior using self-assessed surveys. Participation was open to elite athletes regardless of their mental health status or risk of mental illness. Of 120 athletes initially agreeing to participate, 59 (49%) submitted a preintervention or postintervention survey, or both, and were included in the present study. Adherence was satisfactory, with 48 (81%) participants visiting both weeks of assigned intervention material. None of the interventions yielded a significant increase in help-seeking attitudes, intentions, or behavior relative to control. However, at postintervention, there was a trend toward a greater increase in help-seeking behavior from formal sources for the mental health literacy/destigmatization condition compared with control (P = .06). This intervention was also associated with increased depression literacy (P = .003, P = .005) and anxiety literacy (P = .002, P = .001) relative to control at postintervention and 3-month follow-up, respectively, and a reduction in depression stigma relative to control at postintervention (P = .01, P = .12) and anxiety stigma at 3-month follow-up (P = .18, P = .02). The feedback and help-seeking list interventions did not improve depression or anxiety literacy or decrease stigmatizing attitudes to these conditions. However, the study findings should be treated with caution. Due to recruitment challenges, the achieved sample size fell significantly short of the target size and the study was underpowered. Accordingly, the results should be considered as providing preliminary pilot data only. This is the first RCT of an Internet-based mental health help-seeking intervention for young elite athletes. The results suggest that brief mental health literacy and destigmatization improves knowledge and may decrease stigma but does not increase help-seeking. However, since the trial was underpowered, a larger trial is warranted. 2009/373 (www.clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00940732), cited at http://www.webcitation.org/5ymsRLy9r.

Cardiac dimensions and function in female handball players.

PubMed

Malmgren, A; Dencker, M; Stagmo, M; Gudmundsson, P

2015-04-01

Long-term intensive endurance training leads to increased left ventricular mass and increased left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial end-systolic diameters. Different types of sports tend to give rise to distinct morphological forms of the athlete's heart. However, the sport-specific aspects have not been fully investigated in female athletes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in left and right cardiac dimensions, cardiac volumes, and systolic and diastolic function in elite female handball players compared to sedentary controls. A cross-sectional study of 33 elite female handball players was compared to 33 matched sedentary controls. Mean age was 21.5±2 years. The subjects underwent echocardiography examinations, both 2-dimensional (2DE) and 3-dimensional (3DE). Cardiac dimensions and volumes were quantified using M-mode, 2DE and 3DE. Systolic and diastolic left ventricular functions were also evaluated. All cardiac dimensions and volumes were adjusted for body surface area (BSA). Left atrium and left ventricle volumes were significantly (P<0.001) larger in elite female handball players compared with sedentary controls. Even right atrium area as well as right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic area were significantly (P<0.001) larger in elite female handball players. Significant differences were observed in three out of five systolic parameters. Most diastolic function parameters did not differ between the two groups. The findings from the present study suggest that similar cardiac remodeling takes place in elite female handball players as it does in athletes pursuing endurance or team game sports.

The ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism across Three Groups of Elite Male European Athletes

PubMed Central

Eynon, Nir; Ruiz, Jonatan R.; Femia, Pedro; Pushkarev, Vladimir P.; Cieszczyk, Pawel; Maciejewska-Karlowska, Agnieszka; Sawczuk, Marek; Dyatlov, Dmitry A.; Lekontsev, Evgeny V.; Kulikov, Leonid M.; Birk, Ruth

2012-01-01

The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) is a strong candidate to influence elite athletic performance. Yet, controversy exists in the literature owing to between-studies differences in the ethnic background and sample size of the cohorts, the latter being usually low, which makes comparisons difficult. In this case:control genetic study we determined the association between elite athletic status and the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism within three cohorts of European Caucasian men, i.e. Spanish, Polish and Russian [633 cases (278 elite endurance and 355 power athletes), and 808 non-athletic controls]. The odds ratio (OR) of a power athlete harbouring the XX versus the RR genotype compared with sedentary controls was 0.54 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34–0.48; P = 0.006]. We also observed that the OR of an endurance athlete having the XX versus the RR genotype compared with power athletes was 1.88 (95%CI: 1.07–3.31; P = 0.028). In endurance athletes, the OR of a “world-class” competitor having the XX genotype versus the RR+RX genotype was 3.74 (95%CI: 1.08–12.94; P = 0.038) compared with those of a lower (“national”) competition level. No association (P>0.1) was noted between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and competition level (world-class versus national-level) in power athletes. Our data provide comprehensive support for the influence of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on elite athletic performance. PMID:22916217

Sonographic evaluation of the acromiohumeral distance in elite and recreational female overhead athletes.

PubMed

Maenhout, Annelies; van Cingel, Robert; De Mey, Kristof; Van Herzeele, Maarten; Dhooge, Famke; Cools, Ann

2013-05-01

To compare the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and the change of this distance during abduction between the dominant and nondominant shoulders of female overhead athletes and to compare AHD between elite and recreational female athletes. : Case-control study. Laboratory, institutional. "Side" (dominant and nondominant), "group" (elite and recreational athletes), and "degree of abduction" (0, 45, and 60 degrees). Sixty-two female overhead athletes participated in this study: 29 elite handball players and 33 recreational overhead athletes of different sports disciplines (volleyball, water polo, squash, and badminton). Acromiohumeral distance was measured at 3 positions of abduction using ultrasound: at 0, 45, and 60 degrees of abduction. Acromiohumeral distance measurements showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.88 and 0.92). In all overhead athletes, the AHD was significantly larger on the dominant side compared with the nondominant side, at all positions of abduction (mean difference = 0.94 ± 0.18 mm). Significant reduction of the AHD during abduction occurred relative to the initial size at 0 degree of abduction, at both sides. When comparing elite and recreational athletes, the AHD was significantly larger in elite athletes (mean difference = 0.92 ± 0.47 mm). Moreover, significantly less reduction occurred during the first degrees of abduction (0-45 degrees) in elite athletes (9.37% ± 2.17% reduction) compared with the recreational athletes (17.68% ± 2.03% reduction). The AHD is larger on the dominant side compared with the nondominant side and in elite female athletes compared with recreational female athletes. Moreover, less reduction of the AHD occurs in the elite athlete group during the first 45 degrees of abduction.

Sleep duration and quality in elite athletes measured using wristwatch actigraphy.

PubMed

Leeder, Jonathan; Glaister, Mark; Pizzoferro, Kathleen; Dawson, Jean; Pedlar, Charles

2012-01-01

Sleep is known to be an important component of recovery from training, yet little is known about the quality and quantity of sleep achieved by elite athletes. The aim of the present study was to quantify sleep in elite athletes using wristwatch actigraphy. Individual nights of sleep from a cohort of Olympic athletes (n = 47) from various sports were analysed and compared to non-athletic controls (n = 20). There were significant differences between athletes and controls in all measures apart from 'time asleep' (p = 0.27), suggesting poorer characteristics of sleep in the athlete group. There was a significant effect of gender on 'time awake' (mean difference: 12 minutes higher in males; 95% likely range: 3 to 21 minutes) and 'sleep efficiency' (mean difference: 2.4 lower in males; 95% likely range: 0.1 to 4.8). Athletes showed poorer markers of sleep quality than an age and sex matched non-athletic control group (Sleep efficiency: 80.6 ± 6.4% and 88.7 ± 3.6%, respectively. Fragmentation Index: 36.0 ± 12.4 and 29.8 ± 9.0, respectively) but remained within the range for healthy sleep. This descriptive study provides novel data for the purpose of characterising sleep in elite athletes.

PPAR-α and PPARGC1A gene variants have strong effects on aerobic performance of Turkish elite endurance athletes.

PubMed

Tural, Ercan; Kara, Nurten; Agaoglu, Seydi Ahmet; Elbistan, Mehmet; Tasmektepligil, Mehmet Yalcin; Imamoglu, Osman

2014-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PPAR-α intron 7G>C and PPARGC1A gene Gly482Ser polymorphisms on aerobic performance of elite level endurance athletes. This study was carried out on 170 individuals (60 elite level endurance athletes and 110 sedentary controls). Aerobic performance of athletes and sedentary control groups were defined by maximal oxygen uptake capacity. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood using GeneJet Genomic DNA Purification kit. Genotyping of the PPAR-α intron 7G>C and PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphisms was performed using PCR-RFLP methods, and statistical evaluations were carried out using SPSS 15.0. Mean age of athletes were 21.38 ± 2.83 (18-29) and control mean age were 25.92 ± 4.88 (18-35). Mean maximal oxygen consumption of athletes were 42.14 ± 7.6 ml/(kg min) and controls were 34.33 ± 5.43 ml/(kg min). We found statistically significant differences between the athlete and control groups with respect to both PPAR-α and PPARGC1A genotype distributions (p = 0.006, <0.001, respectively) and allele frequencies (<0.001, <0.001, respectively). Additionally, when we examined PPAR-α and PPARGC1A genotype distributions according to the aerobic performance test parameters, we found a statistically significant association between velocity, time and maximal oxygen consumption and PPAR-α and PPARGC1A genotypes (p < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first study in Turkey examined PPAR-α intron 7G>C and PPARGC1A Gly482Ser gene polymorphisms in elite level endurance athletes. Our results suggest that PPAR-α and PPARGC1A genes have strong effect on aerobic performance of elit level athletes.

A System for Managing Replenishment of a Nutrient Solution Using an Electrical Conductivity Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, D.; Dogan, N.; Aglan, H.; Mortley, D.; Loretan, P.

1998-01-01

Control of nutrient solution parameters is very important for the growth and development of plants grown hydroponically. Protocols involving different nutrient solution replenishment times (e.g. one-week, two-week, or two-day replenishment) provide manual periodic control of the nutrient solution's electrical conductivity (EC). Since plants take-up nutrients as they grow, manual control has a drawback in that EC is not held constant between replenishments. In an effort to correct this problem the Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space at Tuskegee University has developed a system for managing and controlling levels of EC over a plant's entire growing cycle. A prototype system is being tested on sweetpotato production using the nutrient film technique (NFT), and it is being compared to a system in which sweetpotatoes are grown using NFT with manual control. NASA has played an important role in the development of environmental control systems. They have become a forerunner in growing plants hydroponically with some control systems through the use of networked data acquisition and control using environmental growth chambers. Data acquisition systems which involve the use of real-time, calibration, set points, user panel, and graphical representation programming provide a good method of controlling nutrient solution parameters such as EC and pH [Bledsoe, 19931]. In NASA's Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) at Kennedy Space Center, control is provided by a programmable logic controller (PLC). This is an industrial controller which combines ladder computer logic which has the ability to handle various levels of electrical power. The controller controls temperature, light and other parameters that affect the plant's environment, in the BPC, the Nutrient Delivery System (NIX), a sub-system of the PLC, controls nutrient solution parameters such as EC, pH, and solution levels. When the nutrient EC measurement goes outside a preset range (120-130 mS/m) a set amount of a stock solution of nutrients is automatically added by a metering pump to bring the EC back into operating range [Fortson, 1992]. This paper describes a system developed at Tuskegee University for controlling the EC of a nutrient solution used for growing sweetpotatoes with an EC controller and a computer with LabView data acquisition and instrumentation software. It also describes the preliminary data obtained from the growth of sweetpotatoes using this prototype control system.

Relations among maternal socialization, effortful control, and maladjustment in early childhood.

PubMed

Eisenberg, Nancy; Spinrad, Tracy L; Eggum, Natalie M; Silva, Kassondra M; Reiser, Mark; Hofer, Claire; Smith, Cynthia L; Gaertner, Bridget M; Kupfer, Anne; Popp, Tierney; Michalik, Nicole

2010-08-01

In a sample of 18-, 30-, and 42-month-olds, the relations among parenting, effortful control (EC), and maladjustment were examined. Parenting was assessed with mothers' reports and observations; EC was measured with mothers' and caregivers' reports, as well as a behavioral task; and externalizing and internalizing symptoms were assessed with parents' and caregivers' reports. Although 18-month unsupportive (vs. supportive) parenting negatively predicted EC at 30 months, when the stability of these variables was taken into account, there was no evidence of additional potentially causal relations between these two constructs. Although EC was negatively related to both internalizing and externalizing problems within all three ages as well as across 1 year, EC did not predict maladjustment once the stability of the constructs and within time covariation between the constructs were taken into account. In addition, externalizing problems at 30 months negatively predicted EC at 42 months, and internalizing problems at 30 months positively predicted EC at 42 months, but only when the effects of externalizing on EC were controlled. The findings are discussed in terms of the reasons for the lack of causal relations over time.

Cardiac Endothelial Cell Transcriptome.

PubMed

Lother, Achim; Bergemann, Stella; Deng, Lisa; Moser, Martin; Bode, Christoph; Hein, Lutz

2018-03-01

Endothelial cells (ECs) are a highly specialized cell type with marked diversity between different organs or vascular beds. Cardiac ECs are an important player in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology but are not sufficiently characterized yet. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the cardiac EC transcriptome. We applied fluorescence-assisted cell sorting to isolate pure ECs from adult mouse hearts. RNAseq revealed 1288 genes predominantly expressed in cardiac ECs versus heart tissue including several transcription factors. We found an overrepresentation of corresponding transcription factor binding motifs within the promotor region of EC-enriched genes, suggesting that they control the EC transcriptome. Cardiac ECs exhibit a distinct gene expression profile when compared with renal, cerebral, or pulmonary ECs. For example, we found the Meox2 / Tcf15, Fabp4 , and Cd36 signaling cascade higher expressed in cardiac ECs which is a key regulator of fatty acid uptake and involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The results from this study provide a comprehensive resource of gene expression and transcriptional control in cardiac ECs. The cardiac EC transcriptome exhibits distinct differences in gene expression compared with other cardiac cell types and ECs from other organs. We identified new candidate genes that have not been investigated in ECs yet as promising targets for future evaluation. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

"Thousands Waiting at Our Gates": Moral Character, Legitimacy and Social Justice in Irish Elite Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courtois, Aline

2015-01-01

This paper examines how Irish elite schools negotiate change and maintain their legitimacy in times of economic turmoil and rising social inequality. The paper argues that they have not bowed before the demands of democratisation or economic globalisation. Instead they continue to maintain a high level of social closure and control diversity…

Guidance, navigation, and control trades for an Electric Orbit Transfer Vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zondervan, K. P.; Bauer, T. A.; Jenkin, A. B.; Metzler, R. A.; Shieh, R. A.

The USAF Space Division initiated the Electric Insertion Transfer Experiment (ELITE) in the fall of 1988. The ELITE space mission is planned for the mid 1990s and will demonstrate technological readiness for the development of operational solar-powered electric orbit transfer vehicles (EOTVs). To minimize the cost of ground operations, autonomous flight is desirable. Thus, the guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) functions of an EOTV should reside on board. In order to define GNC requirements for ELITE, parametric trades must be performed for an operational solar-powered EOTV so that a clearer understanding of the performance aspects is obtained. Parametric trades for the GNC subsystems have provided insight into the relationship between pointing accuracy, transfer time, and propellant utilization. Additional trades need to be performed, taking into account weight, cost, and degree of autonomy.

Raised erythrocyte creatine in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension--evidence for subclinical hemolysis.

PubMed

Fox, Benjamin D; Okumiya, Toshika; Attas-Fox, Liat; Kassirer, Michael; Raviv, Yael; Kramer, Mordechai R

2012-04-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been associated with hemolytic conditions such as sickle cell disease but the possible role of hemolysis in the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of other forms of PAH has not been studied. Erythrocyte lifespan is the gold-standard test of hemolysis and may be measured by assaying erythrocyte creatine (EC) levels. EC decreases as the erythrocyte ages, so patients with hemolysis have high EC levels. We measured EC and other parameters of hemolysis in patients with idiopathic and connective tissue associated PAH and normal controls. In patients with PAH (n = 40), EC levels were higher than in controls n = 30 (patients EC 1.72 mcmol/g HgB 95%CI[1.51, 1.96], controls EC 1.05 mcmol/g HgB [0.93, 1.19], p < 0.0001). High levels of EC correlated with worse 6 min walk (r = -0.42, p < 0.0001) and worse functional class (p = 0.002). Other indirect indices of hemolysis (total lactate dehydrogenase, red cell distribution width) were also increased in patients with PAH relative to controls. There is evidence of subclinical hemolysis in patients with PAH, and higher levels of hemolysis are associated with poorer exercise capacity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developmental regulation of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and EcR-controlled gene expression during pharate-adult development of honeybees (Apis mellifera)

PubMed Central

Mello, Tathyana R. P.; Aleixo, Aline C.; Pinheiro, Daniel G.; Nunes, Francis M. F.; Bitondi, Márcia M. G.; Hartfelder, Klaus; Barchuk, Angel R.; Simões, Zilá L. P.

2014-01-01

Major developmental transitions in multicellular organisms are driven by steroid hormones. In insects, these, together with juvenile hormone (JH), control development, metamorphosis, reproduction and aging, and are also suggested to play an important role in caste differentiation of social insects. Here, we aimed to determine how EcR transcription and ecdysteroid titers are related during honeybee postembryonic development and what may actually be the role of EcR in caste development of this social insect. In addition, we expected that knocking-down EcR gene expression would give us information on the participation of the respective protein in regulating downstream targets of EcR. We found that in Apis mellifera females, EcR-A is the predominantly expressed variant in postembryonic development, while EcR-B transcript levels are higher in embryos, indicating an early developmental switch in EcR function. During larval and pupal stages, EcR-B expression levels are very low, while EcR-A transcripts are more variable and abundant in workers compared to queens. Strikingly, these transcript levels are opposite to the ecdysteroid titer profile. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) application experiments revealed that low 20E levels induce EcR expression during development, whereas high ecdysteroid titers seem to be repressive. By means of RNAi-mediated knockdown (KD) of both EcR transcript variants we detected the differential expression of 234 poly-A+ transcripts encoding genes such as CYPs, MRJPs and certain hormone response genes (Kr-h1 and ftz-f1). EcR-KD also promoted the differential expression of 70 miRNAs, including highly conserved ones (e.g., miR-133 and miR-375), as well honeybee-specific ones (e.g., miR-3745 and miR-3761). Our results put in evidence a broad spectrum of EcR-controlled gene expression during postembryonic development of honeybees, revealing new facets of EcR biology in this social insect. PMID:25566327

Visual acuity in young elite motorsport athletes: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Schneiders, Anthony G; Sullivan, S John; Rathbone, Emma J; Louise Thayer, A; Wallis, Laura M; Wilson, Alexandra E

2010-05-01

To determine whether elite motorsport athletes demonstrate superior levels of Visual Acuity than age and sex-matched controls. A cross-sectional observational study. A University vision and balance laboratory. Young male motorsport athletes from the New Zealand Elite Motorsport Academy and healthy age and sex-matched controls. Vision performance tests comprising; Static Visual Acuity (SVA), Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA), Gaze Stabilization Test (GST), and the Perception Time Test (PTT). Motorsport athletes demonstrated superior visual acuity compared to age and sex-matched controls for all measures, and while this was not statistically significant for SVA, GST and DVA, it reached statistical significance for the PTT (p

Body image and body composition: comparisons of young male elite soccer players and controls.

PubMed

Arroyo, Marta; Gonzalez-de-Suso, Jose Manuel; Sanchez, Celia; Ansotegui, Laura; Rocandio, Ana M

2008-12-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate body composition and body image (perception and satisfaction) in a group of young elite soccer players and to compare the data with those of a control group (age and BMI matched). Participants were 56 volunteer males whose mean age and BMI were 19.6 (SD 1.3) years and 23.3 (SD 1.1) kg/m2, respectively. Results showed that soccer players have a higher lean mass and lower fat mass than controls. Moreover, body perception (difference between current and actual image) was more accurate in controls than in soccer players, and the results suggest a tendency for soccer players to aspire to have more muscle mass and body fat. Soccer players perceived an ideal image with significantly higher body-fat percentage than their current and actual images. There were no body-dissatisfaction differences between groups, however. Although the results are necessarily limited by the small sample size, the findings should be of interest to coaches of young elite soccer teams.

Comparison of platelet function between sedentary individuals and competitive athletes at rest.

PubMed

Lippi, Giuseppe; Montagnana, Martina; Salvagno, Gian Luca; Franchini, Massimo; Guidi, Gian Cesare

2006-08-17

There are controversial evidences on the effect of different types and workloads of physical exercise on primary hemostasis. In particular, little is known on the chronic influence of a strenuous and regular aerobic training regimen on platelet function. The aim of this investigation was to compare platelet function between sedentary controls and trained athletes at rest and to evaluate whether a greater amount of exercise performed in professional cyclists may contribute to increased platelet chronic responsiveness compared to both elite cyclists and sedentary individuals. Platelet's ability to adhere and aggregate was assayed following a 12-24 h resting period in 49 active professional male road cyclists, 40 elite male cyclists and 43 matched sedentary healthy male volunteers, by the platelet function analyzer 100 (PFA-100). Mean values of the collagen-epinephrine test did not differ between controls and athletes (sedentary controls: 111 +/- 33 s; elite athletes: 113 +/- 26 s, p = 0.93; professional athletes: 120 +/- 33 s; p = 0.33), whereas mean values of the collagen-ADP test displayed a slightly but significant trend towards decreased values when comparing sedentary controls (83 +/- 21 s) with either elite (77 +/- 11 s, p < 0.01) or professional (75 +/- 16 s, p < 0.01) athletes. The trend towards slightly lower collagen-ADP values are suggestive for a modest but significant chronic activation of primary hemostasis, highlighting the need to set appropriate reference ranges for the PFA-100 when evaluating primary hemostasis in physically active subjects.

A meta-analysis of aortic root size in elite athletes.

PubMed

Iskandar, Aline; Thompson, Paul D

2013-02-19

The aorta is exposed to hemodynamic stress during exercise, but whether or not the aorta is larger in athletes is not clear. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to examine whethere athletes demonstrate increased aortic root dimensions compared with nonathlete controls. We searched MEDLINE and Scopus from inception through August 12, 2012, for English-language studies reporting the aortic root size in elite athletes. Two investigators independently extracted athlete and study characteristics. A multivariate linear mixed model was used to conduct meta-regression analyses. We identified 71 studies reporting aortic root dimensions in 8564 unique athletes, but only 23 of these studies met our criteria by reporting aortic root dimensions at the aortic valve annulus or sinus of Valsalva in elite athletes (n=5580). Athletes were compared directly with controls (n=727) in 13 studies. On meta-regression, the weighted mean aortic root diameter measured at the sinuses of Valsalva was 3.2 mm (P=0.02) larger in athletes than in the nonathletic controls, whereas aortic root size at the aortic valve annulus was 1.6 mm (P=0.04) greater in athletes than in controls. Elite athletes have a small but significantly larger aortic root diameter at the sinuses of Valsalva and aortic valve annulus, but this difference is minor and clinically insignificant. Clinicians evaluating athletes should know that marked aortic root dilatation likely represents a pathological process and not a physiological adaptation to exercise.

Longitudinal relations among parents' reactions to children's negative emotions, effortful control, and math achievement in early elementary school.

PubMed

Swanson, Jodi; Valiente, Carlos; Lemery-Chalfant, Kathryn; Bradley, Robert H; Eggum-Wilkens, Natalie D

2014-01-01

Panel mediation models and fixed-effects models were used to explore longitudinal relations among parents' reactions to children's displays of negative emotions, children's effortful control (EC), and children's math achievement (N = 291; M age in fall of kindergarten = 5.66 years, SD = .39 year) across kindergarten through second grade. Parents reported their reactions and children's EC. Math achievement was assessed with a standardized achievement test. First-grade EC mediated the relation between parents' reactions at kindergarten and second-grade math achievement, beyond stability in constructs across study years. Panel mediation model results suggested that socialization of EC may be one method of promoting math achievement in early school; however, when all omitted time-invariant covariates of EC and math achievement were controlled, first-grade EC no longer predicted second-grade math achievement. © 2014 The Authors. Child Development © 2014 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

Executive Control Goes to School: Implications of Preschool Executive Performance for Observed Elementary Classroom Learning Engagement

PubMed Central

Nelson, Timothy D.; Nelson, Jennifer Mize; James, Tiffany D.; Clark, Caron A.C.; Kidwell, Katherine M.; Espy, Kimberly Andrews

2017-01-01

The transition to elementary school is accompanied by increasing demands for children to regulate their attention and behavior within the classroom setting. Executive control (EC) may be critical for meeting these demands; however, few studies have rigorously examined the association between EC and observed classroom behavior. This study examined EC in preschool (age 5 years, 3 months) as a predictor of classroom learning engagement behaviors in first grade, using a battery of performance-based EC tasks and live classroom observations in a longitudinal sample of 313 children. Multilevel modeling results indicated that stronger EC predicted more focused engagement and fewer task management and competing responses, controlling for socioeconomic status, child sex, and age at observations. Results suggest that early EC may support subsequent classroom engagement behaviors that are critical for successful transition to elementary school and long-term learning trajectories. PMID:28358540

Investigating neural efficiency of elite karate athletes during a mental arithmetic task using EEG.

PubMed

Duru, Adil Deniz; Assem, Moataz

2018-02-01

Neural efficiency is proposed as one of the neural mechanisms underlying elite athletic performances. Previous sports studies examined neural efficiency using tasks that involve motor functions. In this study we investigate the extent of neural efficiency beyond motor tasks by using a mental subtraction task. A group of elite karate athletes are compared to a matched group of non-athletes. Electroencephalogram is used to measure cognitive dynamics during resting and increased mental workload periods. Mainly posterior alpha band power of the karate players was found to be higher than control subjects under both tasks. Moreover, event related synchronization/desynchronization has been computed to investigate the neural efficiency hypothesis among subjects. Finally, this study is the first study to examine neural efficiency related to a cognitive task, not a motor task, in elite karate players using ERD/ERS analysis. The results suggest that the effect of neural efficiency in the brain is global rather than local and thus might be contributing to the elite athletic performances. Also the results are in line with the neural efficiency hypothesis tested for motor performance studies.

Dual Immunity Concomitantly Suppresses HIV-1 Progression.

PubMed

Qureshi, Huma; Bhattacharya, Jayanta

2017-05-01

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) elicited in HIV-1 + elite neutralizers typically are unable to reduce viremia in the same individuals from whom they are isolated. A recent study reports the development of bnAbs in an elite controller that, along with the help of T cells, were associated with restricting HIV-1 progression. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 75512 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-12

... Systems (ECS) bay area during production, which is a flammable leakage zone. Use of incorrect wire support... support clamps within the left and right Environmental Control Systems (ECS) bay area during production... right Environmental Control Systems (ECS) bay area during production, which is a flammable leakage zone...

ACE and AGTR1 polymorphisms in elite rhythmic gymnastics.

PubMed

Di Cagno, Alessandra; Sapere, Nadia; Piazza, Marina; Aquino, Giovanna; Iuliano, Enzo; Intrieri, Mariano; Calcagno, Giuseppe

2013-02-01

In the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene, Alu deletion, in intron 16, is associated with higher concentrations of ACE serum activity and this may be associated with elite sprint and power performance. The Alu insertion is associated with lower ACE levels and this could lead to endurance performance. Moreover, recent studies have identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor gene AGTR1, which seems to be related to ACE activity. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of the ACE and the AGTR1 gene polymorphisms in 28 Italian elite rhythmic gymnasts (age range 21 ± 7.6 years), and compare them to 23 middle level rhythmic gymnasts (age range 17 ± 10.9 years). The ACE D allele was significantly more frequent in elite athletes than in the control population (χ(2)=4.07, p=0.04). Comparisons between the middle level and elite athletes revealed significant differences (p<0.0001) for the ACE DD genotype (OR=6.48, 95% confidence interval=1.48-28.34), which was more frequent in elite athletes. There were no significant differences in the AGTR1 A/C genotype or allele distributions between the middle level and elite athletes. In conclusion, the ACE D allele genotype could be a contributing factor to high-performance rhythmic gymnastics that should be considered in athlete development and could help to identify which skills should be trained for talent promotion.

Gaining control: changing relations between executive control and processing speed and their relevance for mathematics achievement over course of the preschool period

PubMed Central

Clark, Caron A. C.; Nelson, Jennifer Mize; Garza, John; Sheffield, Tiffany D.; Wiebe, Sandra A.; Espy, Kimberly Andrews

2014-01-01

Early executive control (EC) predicts a range of academic outcomes and shows particularly strong associations with children's mathematics achievement. Nonetheless, a major challenge for EC research lies in distinguishing EC from related cognitive constructs that also are linked to achievement outcomes. Developmental cascade models suggest that children's information processing speed is a driving mechanism in cognitive development that supports gains in working memory, inhibitory control and associated cognitive abilities. Accordingly, individual differences in early executive task performance and their relation to mathematics may reflect, at least in part, underlying variation in children's processing speed. The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the degree of overlap between EC and processing speed at different preschool age points; and (2) determine whether EC uniquely predicts children's mathematics achievement after accounting for individual differences in processing speed. As part of a longitudinal, cohort-sequential study, 388 children (50% boys; 44% from low income households) completed the same battery of EC tasks at ages 3, 3.75, 4.5, and 5.25 years. Several of the tasks incorporated baseline speeded naming conditions with minimal EC demands. Multidimensional latent models were used to isolate the variance in executive task performance that did not overlap with baseline processing speed, covarying for child language proficiency. Models for separate age points showed that, while EC did not form a coherent latent factor independent of processing speed at age 3 years, it did emerge as a distinct factor by age 5.25. Although EC at age 3 showed no distinct relation with mathematics achievement independent of processing speed, EC at ages 3.75, 4.5, and 5.25 showed independent, prospective links with mathematics achievement. Findings suggest that EC and processing speed are tightly intertwined in early childhood. As EC becomes progressively decoupled from processing speed with age, it begins to take on unique, discriminative importance for children's mathematics achievement. PMID:24596563

High-resolution ultrasound of rotator cuff and biceps reflection pulley in non-elite junior tennis players: anatomical study.

PubMed

Tagliafico, Alberto; Cadoni, Angela; Bignotti, Bianca; Martinoli, Carlo

2014-07-18

Tennis is believed to be potentially harmful for the shoulder, therefore the purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomy of the rotator cuff and the coraco-humeral ligament (CHL) in a-symptomatic non-elite junior tennis players with high-resolution ultrasound (US). From August 2009 to September 2010 n = 90 a-symptomatic non-elite junior tennis players (mean age ± standard deviation: 15 ± 3) and a control group of age- and sex- matched subjects were included. Shoulder assessment with a customized standardized protocol was performed. Body mass index, dominant arm, years of practice, weekly hours of training, racket weight, grip (Eastern, Western and semi-Western), kind of strings were recorded. Abnormalities were found at ultrasound in 14/90 (15%) players. Two players had supraspinatus tendinosis, two had subacromial impingement and ten had subacromial bursitis. CHL thickness resulted comparable in the dominant and non-dominant arms (11.3 ± 4.4 mm vs. 13 ± 4.2, p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that no association was present among CHL thickness and the variables evaluated. In the control group, abnormalities were found at ultrasound in 6/60 (10%) subjects (sub-acromial bursitis). No statistically significant differences between players and control group were found (p = 0.71). In a-symptomatic non-elite junior tennis players only minor shoulder abnormalities were found.

The ACTN3 R577X nonsense allele is under-represented in elite-level strength athletes

PubMed Central

Roth, Stephen M; Walsh, Sean; Liu, Dongmei; Metter, E Jeffrey; Ferrucci, Luigi; Hurley, Ben F

2009-01-01

Previous reports have shown a lower proportion of the ACTN3 X/X genotype (R577X nonsense polymorphism) in sprint-related athletes compared to the general population, possibly attributed to impairment of muscle function related to α-actinin-3 deficiency. In the present study, we examined the frequency of the X/X genotype in both Black and White elite-level bodybuilders and strength athletes in comparison to the general population. A reference population of 668 Whites (363 men and 305 women) and 208 Blacks (98 men and 110 women) was genotyped for the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. Strength athletes (52 white and 23 black; 4 women) consisting predominantly of world class and locally competitive bodybuilders, and elite powerlifters were recruited and similarly genotyped. Significantly lower X/X genotype frequencies were observed in the athletes (6.7%) vs controls (16.3%; P = 0.005). The X/X genotype was significantly lower in White athletes (9.7%) vs controls (19.9%; P = 0.018). No black athletes (0%) were observed with the X/X genotype, though this finding only approached statistical significance vs controls (4.8%; P = 0.10). The results indicate that the ACTN3 R577X nonsense allele (X) is under-represented in elite strength athletes, consistent with previous reports indicating that α-actinin-3 deficiency appears to impair muscle performance. PMID:18043716

Structural differences in basal ganglia of elite running versus martial arts athletes: a diffusion tensor imaging study.

PubMed

Chang, Yu-Kai; Tsai, Jack Han-Chao; Wang, Chun-Chih; Chang, Erik Chihhung

2015-07-01

The aim of this study was to use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize and compare microscopic differences in white matter integrity in the basal ganglia between elite professional athletes specializing in running and martial arts. Thirty-three young adults with sport-related skills as elite professional runners (n = 11) or elite professional martial artists (n = 11) were recruited and compared with non-athletic and healthy controls (n = 11). All participants underwent health- and skill-related physical fitness assessments. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), the primary indices derived from DTI, were computed for five regions of interest in the bilateral basal ganglia, including the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus internal segment (GPi), globus pallidus external segment (GPe), and subthalamic nucleus. Results revealed that both athletic groups demonstrated better physical fitness indices compared with their control counterparts, with the running group exhibiting the highest cardiovascular fitness and the martial arts group exhibiting the highest muscular endurance and flexibility. With respect to the basal ganglia, both athletic groups showed significantly lower FA and marginally higher MD values in the GPi compared with the healthy control group. These findings suggest that professional sport or motor skill training is associated with changes in white matter integrity in specific regions of the basal ganglia, although these positive changes did not appear to depend on the type of sport-related motor skill being practiced.

Relations among maternal socialization, effortful control, and maladjustment in early childhood

PubMed Central

Eisenberg, Nancy; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Eggum, Natalie D.; Silva, Kassondra M.; Reiser, Mark; Hofer, Claire; Smith, Cynthia L.; Gaertner, Bridget M.; Kupfer, Anne; Popp, Tierney; Michalik, Nicole

2010-01-01

In a sample of 18-, 30-, and 42-month-olds, the relations among parenting, effortful control (EC), and maladjustment were examined. Parenting was assessed with mothers’ reports and observations; EC was measured with mothers’ and caregivers’ reports, as well as a behavioral task; and externalizing and internalizing symptoms were assessed with parents’ and caregivers’ reports. Although 18-month unsupportive (vs. supportive) parenting negatively predicted EC at 30 months, when the stability of these variables was taken into account, there was no evidence of additional potentially causal relations between these two constructs. Although EC was negatively related to both internalizing and externalizing problems within all three ages as well as across 1 year, EC did not predict maladjustment once the stability of the constructs and within time covariation between the constructs were taken into account. In addition, externalizing problems at 30 months negatively predicted EC at 42 months, and internalizing problems at 30 months positively predicted EC at 42 months, but only when the effects of externalizing on EC were controlled. The findings are discussed in terms of the reasons for the lack of causal relations over time. PMID:20576175

Microsatellite Variations of Elite Setaria Varieties Released during Last Six Decades in China.

PubMed

Jia, Guanqing; Liu, Xiaotong; Schnable, James C; Niu, Zhengang; Wang, Chunfang; Li, Yuhui; Wang, Shujun; Wang, Suying; Liu, Jinrong; Guo, Erhu; Zhi, Hui; Diao, Xianmin

2015-01-01

Crop improvement is a multifaceted micro-evolutionary process, involving changes in breeding approaches, planting configurations and consumption preferences of human beings. Recent research has started to identify the specific genes or genomic regions correlate to improved agronomic traits, however, an apparent blank between the genetic structure of crop elite varieties and their improving histories in diverse modern breeding programs is still in existence. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) was one of the earliest cereal crops to be domesticated and served as a staple crop for early civilizations in China, where it is still widely grown today. In the present trial, a panel of foxtail millet elite varieties, which were released in the last sixty years in different geographical regions of China, was characterized using microsatellite markers (SSRs). A clear separation of two subpopulations corresponding to the two eco-geographical regions of foxtail millet production in China was identified by the dataset, which also indicated that in more recently released elite varieties, large quantities of accessions have been transferred from spring-sowing to summer-sowing ecotypes, likely as a result of breeding response to planting configurations. An association mapping study was conducted to identify loci controlling traits of major agronomic interest. Furthermore, selective sweeps involved in improvement of foxtail millet were identified as multi-diverse minor effect loci controlling different agronomic traits during the long-term improvement of elite varieties. Our results highlight the effect of transition of planting configuration and breeding preference on genetic evolvement of crop species.

Microsatellite Variations of Elite Setaria Varieties Released during Last Six Decades in China

PubMed Central

Schnable, James C.; Niu, Zhengang; Wang, Chunfang; Li, Yuhui; Wang, Shujun; Wang, Suying; Liu, Jinrong; Guo, Erhu; Zhi, Hui; Diao, Xianmin

2015-01-01

Crop improvement is a multifaceted micro-evolutionary process, involving changes in breeding approaches, planting configurations and consumption preferences of human beings. Recent research has started to identify the specific genes or genomic regions correlate to improved agronomic traits, however, an apparent blank between the genetic structure of crop elite varieties and their improving histories in diverse modern breeding programs is still in existence. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) was one of the earliest cereal crops to be domesticated and served as a staple crop for early civilizations in China, where it is still widely grown today. In the present trial, a panel of foxtail millet elite varieties, which were released in the last sixty years in different geographical regions of China, was characterized using microsatellite markers (SSRs). A clear separation of two subpopulations corresponding to the two eco-geographical regions of foxtail millet production in China was identified by the dataset, which also indicated that in more recently released elite varieties, large quantities of accessions have been transferred from spring-sowing to summer-sowing ecotypes, likely as a result of breeding response to planting configurations. An association mapping study was conducted to identify loci controlling traits of major agronomic interest. Furthermore, selective sweeps involved in improvement of foxtail millet were identified as multi-diverse minor effect loci controlling different agronomic traits during the long-term improvement of elite varieties. Our results highlight the effect of transition of planting configuration and breeding preference on genetic evolvement of crop species. PMID:25932649

Electric and hybrid vehicles environmental control subsystem study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

An environmental control subsystem (ECS) in the passenger compartment of electric and hybrid vehicles is studied. Various methods of obtaining the desired temperature control for the battery pack is also studied. The functional requirements of ECS equipment is defined. Following categorization by methodology, technology availability and risk, all viable ECS concepts are evaluated. Each is assessed independently for benefits versus risk, as well as for its feasibility to short, intermediate and long term product development. Selection of the preferred concept is made against these requirements, as well as the study's major goal of providing safe, highly efficient and thermally confortable ECS equipment.

Analysis of the release process of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose matrix granules IV.(1)) Evaluation of the controlled release properties for in vivo and in vitro release systems.

PubMed

Fukui, Atsuko; Fujii, Ryuta; Yonezawa, Yorinobu; Sunada, Hisakazu

2007-11-01

In the pharmaceutical preparation of a controlled release drug, it is very important and necessary to understand the release properties. The dissolution test is a very important and useful method for understanding and predicting drug-release properties. It was readily confirmed in the previous paper that the release process could be assessed quantitatively by a combination of the square-root time law and cube-root law equations for ethylcellulose (EC) matrix granules of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA). In this paper EC layered granules were used in addition to EC matrix. The relationship between release property and the concentration of PPA in plasma after administration using beagle dogs were examined. Then it was confirmed that the correlativity for EC layered granules and EC matrix were similar each other. Therefore, it was considered that the dissolution test is useful for prediction of changes in concentration of PPA in the blood with time. And it was suggested that EC layered granules were suitable as a controlled release system as well as EC matrix.

Origins of Effortful Control: Infant and Parent Contributions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gartstein, Maria A.; Bridgett, David J.; Young, Brandi N.; Panksepp, Jaak; Power, Thomas

2013-01-01

Effortful control (EC) refers to the ability to inhibit a dominant response to perform a subdominant one and has been shown as protective against a myriad of difficulties. Research examining precursors of EC has been limited to date, and in this study, infancy contributors to toddler EC were examined. Specifically, parent/family background…

Chronic alcoholism increases the induction dose of propofol.

PubMed

Liang, C; Chen, J; Gu, W; Wang, H; Xue, Z

2011-10-01

The present study was designed to investigate the possible effect of chronic alcohol intake on propofol and remifentanil requirements, which was determined by quantifying the 50% (EC(50) ) and 95% (EC(95) ) effective effect-site concentrations for propofol and remifentanil at loss of consciousness (LOC) and after a painful stimulus. Thirty male patients (alcoholic group; n = 30) with chronic alcoholism and 30 patients (control group; n = 30) with a history of small alcohol intake were anaesthetized with propofol and remifentanil by target-controlled infusion. The predicted drug concentrations and Bispectral Index (BIS) values were recorded at LOC and after no response to painful stimuli. The EC(50) and EC(95) of propofol at LOC in alcoholic group were 3.15 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.77-3.37] and 4.05 (95% CI, 3.18-5.26) μg/ml, respectively, and those of the control group were 2.21 (95% CI, 1.92-2.86) and 3.04 (95% CI, 2.45-4.64) μg/ml, respectively. The EC(50) and EC(95) of remifentanil measured after no response to painful stimuli in the alcoholic group were 3.02 (95% CI, 2.70-3.38) and 4.98 (95% CI, 4.56-5.89) ng/ml, respectively, and those of the control group were 2.95 (95% CI, 2.68-3.33) and 4.86 (95% CI, 4.55-5.92) ng/ml, respectively. The EC(50) and EC(95) values of propofol at LOC in the control group were significantly lower than that of the alcoholic group. These findings suggest that the induction dose requirements of propofol are increased in alcoholic patients anaesthetized with propofol and remifentanil administered by target controlled infusion. 2011 The Authors Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 2011 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Gaze characteristics of elite and near-elite athletes in ice hockey defensive tactics.

PubMed

Martell, Stephen G; Vickers, Joan N

2004-04-01

Traditional visual search experiments, where the researcher pre-selects video-based scenes for the participant to respond to, shows that elite players make more efficient decisions than non-elites, but disagree on how they temporally regulate their gaze. Using the vision-in-action [J.N. Vickers, J. Exp. Psychol.: Human Percept. Perform. 22 (1996) 342] approach, we tested whether the significant gaze that differentiates elite and non-elite athletes occurred either: early in the task and was of more rapid duration [A.M. Williams et al., Res. Quart. Exer. Sport 65 (1994) 127; A.M. Williams and K. Davids, Res. Quart. Exer. Sport 69 (1998) 111], or late in the task and was of longer duration [W. Helsen, J.M. Pauwels, A cognitive approach to visual search in sport, in: D. Brogan, K. Carr (Eds.), Visual Search, vol. II, Taylor and Francis, London, 1992], or whether a more complex gaze control strategy was used that consisted of both early and rapid fixations followed by a late fixation of long duration prior to the final execution. We tested this using a live defensive zone task in ice hockey. Results indicated that athletes temporally regulated their gaze using two different gaze control strategies. First, fixation/tracking (F/T) gaze early in the trial were significantly shorter than the final F/T and confirmed that the elite group fixated the tactical locations more rapidly than the non-elite on successful plays. And secondly, the final F/T prior to critical movement initiation (i.e. F/T-1) was significantly longer for both groups, averaging 30% of the final part of the phase and occurred as the athletes isolated a single object or location to end the play. The results imply that expertise in defensive tactics is defined by a cascade of F/T, which began with the athletes fixating or tracking specific locations for short durations at the beginning of the play, and concluded with a final gaze of long duration to a relatively stable target at the end. The results are discussed within the context of gaze research in open and closed skills, as well as theoretical models of long-term memory and decision making in sport.

Whither Elite Cohesion in Mexico: A Comment

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-11-01

the problem of elite cohesion, including the mechanisms-- especially the camarilla system--whereby balance and equilibrium, control and cooptation...Generacicnes: Los Protagonistas de Ia Reforma y la Revoluci(n Mexicana, Secretaria de Educacion Pblica, Consejo Nacional de Fomento Educat ivo, Mexico City...loyalty and discipline toward the system as a whole, and especially its apex, the president, and its key institution, the PRI. All this looks different

The insect ecdysone receptor is a good potential target for RNAi-based pest control.

PubMed

Yu, Rong; Xu, Xinping; Liang, Yongkang; Tian, Honggang; Pan, Zhanqing; Jin, Shouheng; Wang, Na; Zhang, Wenqing

2014-01-01

RNA interference (RNAi) has great potential for use in insect pest control. However, some significant challenges must be overcome before RNAi-based pest control can become a reality. One challenge is the proper selection of a good target gene for RNAi. Here, we report that the insect ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a good potential target for RNAi-based pest control in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a serious insect pest of rice plants. We demonstrated that the use of a 360 bp fragment (NlEcR-c) that is common between NlEcR-A and NlEcR-B for feeding RNAi experiments significantly decreased the relative mRNA expression levels of NlEcR compared with those in the dsGFP control. Feeding RNAi also resulted in a significant reduction in the number of offspring per pair of N. lugens. Consequently, a transgenic rice line expressing NlEcR dsRNA was constructed by Agrobacterium- mediated transformation. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the total copy number of the target gene in all transgenic rice lines was 2. Northern blot analysis showed that the small RNA of the hairpin dsNlEcR-c was successfully expressed in the transgenic rice lines. After newly hatched nymphs of N. lugens fed on the transgenic rice lines, effective RNAi was observed. The NlEcR expression levels in all lines examined were decreased significantly compared with the control. In all lines, the survival rate of the nymphs was nearly 90%, and the average number of offspring per pair in the treated groups was significantly less than that observed in the control, with a decrease of 44.18-66.27%. These findings support an RNAi-based pest control strategy and are also important for the management of rice insect pests.

Effects of tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette vapor exposure on the oral and gut microbiota in humans: a pilot study.

PubMed

Stewart, Christopher J; Auchtung, Thomas A; Ajami, Nadim J; Velasquez, Kenia; Smith, Daniel P; De La Garza, Richard; Salas, Ramiro; Petrosino, Joseph F

2018-01-01

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has increased drastically over the past five years, primarily as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, the adverse effects of acute and long-term use of ECs on the microbiota have not been explored. In this pilot study, we sought to determine if ECs or tobacco smoking alter the oral and gut microbiota in comparison to non-smoking controls. We examined a human cohort consisting of 30 individuals: 10 EC users, 10 tobacco smokers, and 10 controls. We collected cross-sectional fecal, buccal swabs, and saliva samples from each participant. All samples underwent V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Tobacco smoking had a significant effect on the bacterial profiles in all sample types when compared to controls, and in feces and buccal swabs when compared to EC users. The most significant associations were found in the gut, with an increased relative abundance of Prevotella ( P = 0.006) and decreased Bacteroides ( P = 0.036) in tobacco smokers. The Shannon diversity was also significantly reduced ( P = 0.009) in fecal samples collected from tobacco smokers compared to controls. No significant difference was found in the alpha diversity, beta-diversity or taxonomic relative abundances between EC users and controls. From a microbial ecology perspective, the current pilot data demonstrate that the use of ECs may represent a safer alternative compared to tobacco smoking. However, validation in larger cohorts and greater understanding of the short and long-term impact of EC use on microbiota composition and function is warranted.

Early diagnostic potential of APC hypermethylation in esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Wang, Bujiang; Song, Haojun; Jiang, Haizhong; Fu, Yangbo; Ding, Xiaoyun; Zhou, Chongchang

2018-01-01

The hypermethylation of APC gene is observed in various cancers, including esophageal cancer (EC). However, the association between APC methylation and the initiation and progression of EC is poorly understood. The current study systematically reviewed studies on abnormal methylation of APC in EC and quantitatively synthesized 18 studies by meta-analysis involving 1008 ECs, 570 Barrett's esophagus (BE), and 782 controls. Our results showed higher methylation of APC in EC (OR = 23.33, P < 0.001) and BE (OR = 9.34, P < 0.001) than in normal controls. Whereas APC methylation in EC was similar to that in BE ( P = 0.052), it was not associated with tumor stage ( P = 0.204). Additionally, APC methylation was not significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with EC. The performance of APC methylation for the detection of EC and BE achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.94 and 0.88, respectively. Our results imply that APC methylation detection is a potential diagnostic biomarker for EC and BE.

The need for cognition mediates and moderates the association between depressive symptoms and impaired effortful control.

PubMed

Nishiguchi, Yuki; Takano, Keisuke; Tanno, Yoshihiko

2016-07-30

Previous studies have shown a negative correlation between effortful control (EC) and depressive symptoms. EC is defined as the efficiency of executive attention, which may be reduced by the attentional impairment associated with depression. However, the mechanism underlying this correlation is still unclear. We investigated the relationship between EC and depressive symptoms with the hypothesis that cognitive motivation, or need for cognition (NfC), is a possible mediator of this relationship. Participants were 178 Japanese university students. Each completed the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Effortful Control Scale, and Need for Cognition Scale at baseline and follow-up assessments. Supporting our hypothesis, mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect of depressive symptoms on EC that was mediated by NfC. In addition, our data demonstrated a direct effect of depressive symptoms on EC. Longitudinal analysis indicated that an increase in depression and a decrease in NfC occurred synchronously, while NfC predicted an increase in EC over time. Depressive symptoms may decrease executive functioning and effortful control both directly and indirectly, the latter effect being mediated by motivation. These findings imply that a motivational deficit may partially explain the decreased EC found in people suffering from depression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experiences of using an Environmental Control System (ECS) for persons with high cervical spinal cord injury: the interplay between hassle and engagement.

PubMed

Verdonck, Michèle; Steggles, Elizabeth; Nolan, Maeve; Chard, Gill

2014-01-01

Environmental Control Systems (ECS) have many benefits; however studies of personal experience of ECS use are scarce. This qualitative study explored the insiders' experience of using an ECS. An ECS starter-pack was compiled and trialled for an eight-week period with six persons with high spinal cord injuries (SCI) living in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently completed with each person and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two major themes emerged: "Taking back a little of what has been lost", and "Getting used to ECS" which is the focus of the current paper. This theme captured a dynamic interplay between the experience of "hassle" and "engagement" for new users of ECS. "Hassle" resulted from technological frustrations and the challenge of breaking familiar habits, while "Engagement" resulted from feeling good, having fun and being surprised. The complex interweaving of hassle and engagement experienced by new ECS users reflects the clinical experience of rehabilitation providers. The importance of overcoming initial hassle needs to be understood by clinicians and users in order to maximise the potential benefit of ECS. Non-use must be considered one reasonable outcome if based on realistic ECS trials.

Status of Europe's contribution to the ITER EC system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albajar, F.; Aiello, G.; Alberti, S.; Arnold, F.; Avramidis, K.; Bader, M.; Batista, R.; Bertizzolo, R.; Bonicelli, T.; Braunmueller, F.; Brescan, C.; Bruschi, A.; von Burg, B.; Camino, K.; Carannante, G.; Casarin, V.; Castillo, A.; Cauvard, F.; Cavalieri, C.; Cavinato, M.; Chavan, R.; Chelis, J.; Cismondi, F.; Combescure, D.; Darbos, C.; Farina, D.; Fasel, D.; Figini, L.; Gagliardi, M.; Gandini, F.; Gantenbein, G.; Gassmann, T.; Gessner, R.; Goodman, T. P.; Gracia, V.; Grossetti, G.; Heemskerk, C.; Henderson, M.; Hermann, V.; Hogge, J. P.; Illy, S.; Ioannidis, Z.; Jelonnek, J.; Jin, J.; Kasparek, W.; Koning, J.; Krause, A. S.; Landis, J. D.; Latsas, G.; Li, F.; Mazzocchi, F.; Meier, A.; Moro, A.; Nousiainen, R.; Purohit, D.; Nowak, S.; Omori, T.; van Oosterhout, J.; Pacheco, J.; Pagonakis, I.; Platania, P.; Poli, E.; Preis, A. K.; Ronden, D.; Rozier, Y.; Rzesnicki, T.; Saibene, G.; Sanchez, F.; Sartori, F.; Sauter, O.; Scherer, T.; Schlatter, C.; Schreck, S.; Serikov, A.; Siravo, U.; Sozzi, C.; Spaeh, P.; Spichiger, A.; Strauss, D.; Takahashi, K.; Thumm, M.; Tigelis, I.; Vaccaro, A.; Vomvoridis, J.; Tran, M. Q.; Weinhorst, B.

2015-03-01

The electron cyclotron (EC) system of ITER for the initial configuration is designed to provide 20MW of RF power into the plasma during 3600s and a duty cycle of up to 25% for heating and (co and counter) non-inductive current drive, also used to control the MHD plasma instabilities. The EC system is being procured by 5 domestic agencies plus the ITER Organization (IO). F4E has the largest fraction of the EC procurements, which includes 8 high voltage power supplies (HVPS), 6 gyrotrons, the ex-vessel waveguides (includes isolation valves and diamond windows) for all launchers, 4 upper launchers and the main control system. F4E is working with IO to improve the overall design of the EC system by integrating consolidated technological advances, simplifying the interfaces, and doing global engineering analysis and assessments of EC heating and current drive physics and technology capabilities. Examples are the optimization of the HVPS and gyrotron requirements and performance relative to power modulation for MHD control, common qualification programs for diamond window procurements, assessment of the EC grounding system, and the optimization of the launcher steering angles for improved EC access. Here we provide an update on the status of Europe's contribution to the ITER EC system, and a summary of the global activities underway by F4E in collaboration with IO for the optimization of the subsystems.

Preventing overuse shoulder injuries among throwing athletes: a cluster-randomised controlled trial in 660 elite handball players.

PubMed

Andersson, Stig Haugsboe; Bahr, Roald; Clarsen, Benjamin; Myklebust, Grethe

2017-07-01

Shoulder problems are highly prevalent among elite handball players. Reduced glenohumeral rotation, external rotation weakness and scapula dyskinesis have been identified as risk factors. Evaluate the effect of an exercise programme designed to reduce the prevalence of shoulder problems in elite handball. 45 elite handball teams (22 female teams, 23 male teams, 660 players) were cluster randomised (22 teams, 331 players in the intervention group, 23 teams, 329 players in the control group) and followed for 1 competitive season (7 months). The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) Shoulder Injury Prevention Programme, an exercise programme to increase glenohumeral internal rotation, external rotation strength and scapular muscle strength, as well as improve kinetic chain and thoracic mobility, was delivered by coaches and captains 3 times per week as a part of the handball warm-up. The main outcome measures, prevalence of shoulder problems and substantial shoulder problems, were measured monthly. The average prevalence of shoulder problems during the season was 17% (95% CI 16% to 19%) in the intervention group and 23% (95% CI 21% to 26%) in the control group (mean difference 6%). The average prevalence of substantial shoulder problems was 5% (95% CI 4% to 6%) in the intervention group and 8% (95% CI 7% to 9%) in the control group (mean difference 3%). Using generalised estimating equation models, a 28% lower risk of shoulder problems (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98, p=0.038) and 22% lower risk of substantial shoulder problems (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.16, p=0.23) were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. The OSTRC Shoulder Injury Prevention Programme reduced the prevalence of shoulder problems in elite handball and should be included as a part of the warm-up. ISRCTN96217107. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Advanced communications technology satellite high burst rate link evaluation terminal experiment control and monitor software user's guide, version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinhart, Richard C.

1992-01-01

The Experiment Control and Monitor (EC&M) software was developed at NASA Lewis Research Center to support the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) High Burst Rate Link Evaluation Terminal (HBR-LET). The HBR-LET is an experimenter's terminal to communicate with the ACTS for various investigations by government agencies, universities, and industry. The EC&M software is one segment of the Control and Performance Monitoring (C&PM) software system of the HBR-LET. The EC&M software allows users to initialize, control, and monitor the instrumentation within the HBR-LET using a predefined sequence of commands. Besides instrument control, the C&PM software system is also responsible for computer communication between the HBR-LET and the ACTS NASA Ground Station and for uplink power control of the HBR-LET to demonstrate power augmentation during rain fade events. The EC&M Software User's Guide, Version 1.0 (NASA-CR-189160) outlines the commands required to install and operate the EC&M software. Input and output file descriptions, operator commands, and error recovery procedures are discussed in the document.

Exploring Dimensionality of Effortful Control Using Hot and Cool Tasks in a Sample of Preschool Children

PubMed Central

Allan, Nicholas P.; Lonigan, Christopher J.

2015-01-01

Effortful control (EC) is an important developmental construct associated with academic performance, socioemotional growth, and psychopathology. EC, defined as the ability to inhibit or delay a prepotent response typically in favor of a subdominant response, undergoes rapid development during children’s preschool years. Research involving EC in preschool children can be aided by ensuring that the measured model of EC matches the latent structure of EC. Extant research indicates that EC may be multidimensional, consisting of hot (affectively salient) and cool (affectively neutral) dimensions. However, there are several untested assumptions regarding the defining features of hot EC. Confirmatory factor analysis was used in a sample of 281 preschool children (Mage = 55.92 - months, SD = 4.16; 46.6% male and 53.4% female) to compare a multidimensional model composed of hot and cool EC factors with a unidimensional model. Hot tasks were created by adding affective salience to cool tasks so that hot and cool tasks varied only by this aspect of the tasks. Tasks measuring EC were best described by a single factor and not distinct hot and cool factors, indicating that affective salience alone does not differentiate between hot and cool EC. EC shared gender-invariant associations with academic skills and externalizing behavior problems. PMID:24518050

Exploring dimensionality of effortful control using hot and cool tasks in a sample of preschool children.

PubMed

Allan, Nicholas P; Lonigan, Christopher J

2014-06-01

Effortful control (EC) is an important developmental construct associated with academic performance, socioemotional growth, and psychopathology. EC, defined as the ability to inhibit or delay a prepotent response typically in favor of a subdominant response, undergoes rapid development during children's preschool years. Research involving EC in preschool children can be aided by ensuring that the measured model of EC matches the latent structure of EC. Extant research indicates that EC may be multidimensional, consisting of hot (affectively salient) and cool (affectively neutral) dimensions. However, there are several untested assumptions regarding the defining features of hot EC. Confirmatory factor analysis was used in a sample of 281 preschool children (Mage=55.92months, SD=4.16; 46.6% male and 53.4% female) to compare a multidimensional model composed of hot and cool EC factors with a unidimensional model. Hot tasks were created by adding affective salience to cool tasks so that hot and cool tasks varied only by this aspect of the tasks. Tasks measuring EC were best described by a single factor and not distinct hot and cool factors, indicating that affective salience alone does not differentiate between hot and cool EC. EC shared gender-invariant associations with academic skills and externalizing behavior problems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of platelet function between sedentary individuals and competitive athletes at rest

PubMed Central

Lippi, Giuseppe; Montagnana, Martina; Salvagno, Gian Luca; Franchini, Massimo; Guidi, Gian Cesare

2006-01-01

Background There are controversial evidences on the effect of different types and workloads of physical exercise on primary hemostasis. In particular, little is known on the chronic influence of a strenuous and regular aerobic training regimen on platelet function. Methods The aim of this investigation was to compare platelet function between sedentary controls and trained athletes at rest and to evaluate whether a greater amount of exercise performed in professional cyclists may contribute to increased platelet chronic responsiveness compared to both elite cyclists and sedentary individuals. Platelet's ability to adhere and aggregate was assayed following a 12–24 h resting period in 49 active professional male road cyclists, 40 elite male cyclists and 43 matched sedentary healthy male volunteers, by the platelet function analyzer 100 (PFA-100). Results and discussion Mean values of the collagen-epinephrine test did not differ between controls and athletes (sedentary controls: 111 ± 33 s; elite athletes: 113 ± 26 s, p = 0.93; professional athletes: 120 ± 33 s; p = 0.33), whereas mean values of the collagen-ADP test displayed a slightly but significant trend towards decreased values when comparing sedentary controls (83 ± 21 s) with either elite (77 ± 11 s, p < 0.01) or professional (75 ± 16 s, p < 0.01) athletes. Conclusion The trend towards slightly lower collagen-ADP values are suggestive for a modest but significant chronic activation of primary hemostasis, highlighting the need to set appropriate reference ranges for the PFA-100 when evaluating primary hemostasis in physically active subjects. PMID:16916446

Relations of parenting style to Chinese children's effortful control, ego resilience, and maladjustment.

PubMed

Eisenberg, Nancy; Chang, Lei; Ma, Yue; Huang, Xiaorui

2009-01-01

The purpose of the study was to examine the relations of authoritative parenting and corporal punishment to Chinese first and second graders' effortful control (EC), impulsivity, ego resilience, and maladjustment, as well as mediating relations. A parent and teacher reported on children's EC, impulsivity, and ego resilience; parents reported on children's internalizing symptoms and their own parenting, and teachers and peers reported on children's externalizing symptoms. Authoritative parenting and low corporal punishment predicted high EC, and EC mediated the relation between parenting and externalizing problems. In addition, impulsivity mediated the relation of corporal punishment to externalizing problems. The relation of parenting to children's ego resilience was mediated by EC and/or impulsivity, and ego resilience mediated the relations of EC and impulsivity to internalizing problems.

Longitudinal Associations between Executive Control and Developing Mathematical Competence in Preschool Boys and Girls

PubMed Central

Clark, Caron A.C.; Sheffield, Tiffany D.; Wiebe, Sandra A.; Espy, Kimberly Andrews

2012-01-01

Executive control (EC) is related to mathematics performance in middle childhood. However, little is known regarding how EC and informal numeracy differentially support mathematics skill acquisition in preschoolers. A sample of preschoolers (115 girls, 113 boys), stratified by social risk, completed an EC task battery at 3 years, informal numeracy assessments at 3.75 and 4.5 years, and a broad mathematics assessment during kindergarten. Strong associations were observed between latent EC at 3 and mathematics achievement in kindergarten, which remained robust after accounting for earlier informal numeracy, socio-economic status, language and processing speed. Relations between EC and mathematics achievement were stronger in girls than boys. Findings highlight the unique role of EC in predicting which children may have difficulty transitioning to formal mathematics instruction. PMID:23006040

Longitudinal Associations between Executive Control and Developing Mathematical Competence in Preschool Boys and Girls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Caron A. C.; Sheffield, Tiffany D.; Wiebe, Sandra A.; Espy, Kimberly A.

2013-01-01

Executive control (EC) is related to mathematics performance in middle childhood. However, little is known regarding how EC and informal numeracy differentially support mathematics skill acquisition in preschoolers. A sample of preschoolers (115 girls, 113 boys), stratified by social risk, completed an EC task battery at 3 years, informal numeracy…

ERP Correlates of Effortful Control in Children with Varying Levels of ADHD Symptoms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiersema, Jan R.; Roeyers, Herbert

2009-01-01

As effortful control (EC), the self-regulation aspect of temperament, has been argued to play a key role in the normal and psychopathological course of development, research adding to the construct validity of EC is needed. In the current study, interrelations between the temperament construct of EC and the efficiency of the executive attention…

Examining the Dimensionality of Effortful Control in Preschool Children and Its Relation to Academic and Socioemotional Indicators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allan, Nicholas P.; Lonigan, Christopher J.

2011-01-01

Effortful control (EC) is an important developmental construct, associated with socioemotional growth, academic performance, and psychopathology. EC is defined as the ability to execute goal-directed behavior to inhibit or delay a prepotent response in favor of a subdominant response. Extant research indicates that EC may be multidimensional.…

A longitudinal study of multidimensional performance characteristics related to physical capacities in youth handball.

PubMed

Matthys, Stijn P J; Vaeyens, Roel; Fransen, Job; Deprez, Dieter; Pion, Johan; Vandendriessche, Joric; Vandorpe, Barbara; Lenoir, Matthieu; Philippaerts, Renaat

2013-01-01

Longitudinal research provides valuable information about change and progress towards elite performance. Unfortunately, there is a lack of longitudinal research in handball. In this study, 94 youth handball players (oldest group: n = 41; age 15-17 and youngest group: n = 53; age 13-15) were followed over a three-year period. Repeated measures ANCOVA was conducted to reveal longitudinal changes in anthropometry and physical performance between elite and non-elite players, controlling for maturation. Maturation effects were found for anthropometry (P < 0.01) and some physical performance measures in strength and speed (P < 0.05). The lack of significant interaction effects revealed that during the three years of the study the elite players did not improve their physical performance more rapidly than the non-elites. Furthermore, they had a similar anthropometric profile to the non-elites. Elite players performed better on the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test (P < 0.01; on average 24.0 in the youngest group and 25.2% in the oldest group over the three years) and on the speed and coordination items (P < 0.05; shuttle run: 3.6 and 5.1%; cross hopping: 11.0 and 14.8%, handball-specific shuttle run: 7.6 and 7.7%; slalom dribble test: 10.7 and 8.9%; sprint 30 m: 4.9 and 3.9%). Additionally, Yo-Yo performance and coordination with and without a ball were the most discriminating factors between the playing levels. In conclusion, youth coaches and scouts within team handball should recognise the importance of good skills and an excellent endurance for talent identification purposes.

Control of abusive water addition to Octopus vulgaris with non-destructive methods.

PubMed

Mendes, Rogério; Schimmer, Ove; Vieira, Helena; Pereira, João; Teixeira, Bárbara

2018-01-01

Abusive water addition to octopus has evidenced the need for quick non-destructive methods for product qualification in the industry and control of fresh commercial products in markets. Electric conductivity (EC)/pH and dielectric property measurements were selected to detect water uptake in octopus. A significant EC decrease was determined after soaking octopus in freshwater for 4 h. EC reflected the water uptake of octopus and the correspondent concentration decrease of available ions in the interstitial fluid. Significant correlations were determined between octopus water uptake, EC (R = -0.940) and moisture/protein (M/P) ratio (R = 0.923) changes. Seasonal and spatial variation in proximate composition did not introduce any uncertainty in EC discrimination of freshwater tampering. Immersion in 5 g L -1 sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) increased EC to a value similar to control octopus. EC false negatives resulting from the use of additives (STPP and citric acid) were eliminated with the additional determination of pH. Octopus soaked in freshwater, STPP and citric acid can also be clearly discriminated from untreated samples (control) and also from frozen (thawed) ones using the dielectric properties. No significant differences in the dielectric property scores were found between octopus sizes or geographical locations. Simultaneous EC/pH or dielectric property measurements can be used in a handheld device for non-destructive water addition detection in octopus. M/P ratio can be used as a reference destructive method. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of the endocannabinoid system in the brain-gut axis

PubMed Central

Sharkey, Keith A.; Wiley, John W.

2016-01-01

The actions of cannabis are mediated by receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. The ECS is a widely distributed transmitter system that controls gut functions peripherally and centrally. It is an important physiologic regulator of gastrointestinal motility. Polymorphisms in the gene encoding CB1 (CNR1) have been associated with some forms of irritable bowel syndrome. The ECS is involved in the control of nausea and vomiting and visceral sensation. The homeostatic role of the ECS also extends to the control of intestinal inflammation. We review the mechanisms by which the ECS links stress and visceral pain. CB1 in sensory ganglia controls visceral sensation, and transcription of CNR1 is modified through epigenetic processes under conditions of chronic stress. These processes might link stress with abdominal pain. The ECS is also involved centrally in the manifestation of stress, and endocannabinoid signaling reduces the activity of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal pathways via actions in specific brain regions—notably the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Agents that modulate the ECS are in early stages of development for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Increasing our understanding of the ECS will greatly advance our knowledge of interactions between the brain and gut and could lead to new treatments for gastrointestinal disorders. PMID:27133395

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Brain-Gut Axis.

PubMed

Sharkey, Keith A; Wiley, John W

2016-08-01

The actions of cannabis are mediated by receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the cannabinoid (CB) receptors CB1 and CB2. The ECS is a widely distributed transmitter system that controls gut functions peripherally and centrally. It is an important physiologic regulator of gastrointestinal motility. Polymorphisms in the gene encoding CB1 (CNR1) have been associated with some forms of irritable bowel syndrome. The ECS is involved in the control of nausea and vomiting and visceral sensation. The homeostatic role of the ECS also extends to the control of intestinal inflammation. We review the mechanisms by which the ECS links stress and visceral pain. CB1 in sensory ganglia controls visceral sensation, and transcription of CNR1 is modified through epigenetic processes under conditions of chronic stress. These processes might link stress with abdominal pain. The ECS is also involved centrally in the manifestation of stress, and endocannabinoid signaling reduces the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathways via actions in specific brain regions, notably the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Agents that modulate the ECS are in early stages of development for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Increasing our understanding of the ECS will greatly advance our knowledge of interactions between the brain and gut and could lead to new treatments for gastrointestinal disorders. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

78 FR 53189 - Dorel Juvenile Group, Denial of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-28

... Omega Elite 22187REM Alpha Omega Elite 22187REMA Alpha Omega Elite 22187SAR Alpha Omega Elite 22187SARA Alpha Omega Elite 22465FSM Alpha Omega Elite 22790CGT Deluxe 3 in 1 CC033BMT Alpha Omega Elite CC043ANK Alpha Omega Elite CC043ANL Alpha Omega Elite CC043AQS Alpha Omega Elite CC046AAI Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046AAU...

Response of transpiration to rain pulses for two tree species in a semiarid plantation.

PubMed

Chen, Lixin; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zeppel, Melanie; Liu, Caifeng; Guo, Junting; Zhu, Jinzhao; Zhang, Xuepei; Zhang, Jianjun; Zha, Tonggang

2014-09-01

Responses of transpiration (Ec) to rain pulses are presented for two semiarid tree species in a stand of Pinus tabulaeformis and Robinia pseudoacacia. Our objectives are to investigate (1) the environmental control over the stand transpiration after rainfall by analyzing the effect of vapor pressure deficit (VPD), soil water condition, and rainfall on the post-rainfall Ec development and recovery rate, and (2) the species responses to rain pulses and implications on vegetation coverage under a changing rainfall regime. Results showed that the sensitivity of canopy conductance (Gc) to VPD varied under different incident radiation and soil water conditions, and the two species exhibited the same hydraulic control (-dG c/dlnVPD to Gcref ratio) over transpiration. Strengthened physiological control and low sapwood area of the stand contributed to low Ec. VPD after rainfall significantly influenced the magnitude and time series of post-rainfall stand Ec. The fluctuation of post-rainfall VPD in comparison with the pre-rainfall influenced the Ec recovery. Further, the stand Ec was significantly related to monthly rainfall, but the recovery was independent of the rainfall event size. Ec enhanced with cumulative soil moisture change (ΔVWC) within each dry-wet cycle, yet still was limited in large rainfall months. The two species had different response patterns of post-rainfall Ec recovery. Ec recovery of P. tabulaeformis was influenced by the pre- and post-rainfall VPD differences and the duration of rainless interval. R. pseudoacacia showed a larger immediate post-rainfall Ec increase than P. tabulaeformis did. We, therefore, concluded that concentrated rainfall events do not trigger significant increase of transpiration unless large events penetrate the deep soil and the species differences of Ec in response to pulses of rain may shape the composition of semiarid woodlands under future rainfall regimes.

Effect of Combat Stress in the Psychophysiological Response of Elite and Non-Elite Soldiers.

PubMed

Tornero-Aguilera, José Francisco; Robles-Pérez, José Juan; Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier

2017-06-01

We aimed to analyse the effect of combat stress in the psychophysiological responses of elite and non-elite soldiers. We analysed heart rate, cortical arousal, skin temperature, blood lactate concentration and lower body muscular strength before and after a tactical combat simulation in 40 warfighters divided in two groups: elite (n: 20; 28.5 ± 6.38 years) and non-elite (n:20; 31.94 ± 6.24 years) group. Elite presented a significantly higher lactate concentration after combat than non elite soldiers (3.8 ± 1.5 vs 6.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L). Non-elite soldiers had a higher heart rate pre and post the simulation than elite (82.9 ± 12.3 vs 64.4 ± 11. pre non elite and elite respectively; 93.0 ± 12.8 vs 88 ± 13.8 bpm post non elite and elite respectively). Elite soldiers presented higher lower muscular strength than elite in all test and before and after the combat simulation. Cortical arousal was not modified significantly in both groups. We conclude elite soldiers presented in combat a higher anaerobic metabolism activation and muscular strength than non-elite soldiers, but cardiovascular, cortical, and muscular strength manifestation presented the same response in both elite and non-elite soldiers.

Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) on the Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Dairy Manure

PubMed Central

Ravva, Subbarao V.; Korn, Anna

2015-01-01

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) shed in cattle manure can survive for extended periods of time and intervention strategies to control this pathogen at the source are critical as produce crops are often grown in proximity to animal raising operations. This study evaluated whether neem (Azadirachta indica), known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, can be used to amend manure to control EcO157. The influence of neem materials (leaf, bark, and oil) on the survival of an apple juice outbreak strain of EcO157 in dairy manure was monitored. Neem leaf and bark supplements eliminated the pathogen in less than 10 d with a D-value (days for 90% elimination) of 1.3 d. In contrast, nearly 4 log CFU EcO157/g remained after 10 d in neem-free manure control. The ethyl acetate extractable fraction of neem leaves was inhibitory to the growth of EcO157 in LB broth. Azadirachtin, a neem product with insect antifeedant properties, failed to inhibit EcO157. Application of inexpensive neem supplements to control pathogens in manure and possibly in produce fields may be an option for controlling the transfer of foodborne pathogens from farm to fork. PMID:26184255

Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) on the Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Dairy Manure.

PubMed

Ravva, Subbarao V; Korn, Anna

2015-07-10

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) shed in cattle manure can survive for extended periods of time and intervention strategies to control this pathogen at the source are critical as produce crops are often grown in proximity to animal raising operations. This study evaluated whether neem (Azadirachta indica), known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, can be used to amend manure to control EcO157. The influence of neem materials (leaf, bark, and oil) on the survival of an apple juice outbreak strain of EcO157 in dairy manure was monitored. Neem leaf and bark supplements eliminated the pathogen in less than 10 d with a D-value (days for 90% elimination) of 1.3 d. In contrast, nearly 4 log CFU EcO157/g remained after 10 d in neem-free manure control. The ethyl acetate extractable fraction of neem leaves was inhibitory to the growth of EcO157 in LB broth. Azadirachtin, a neem product with insect antifeedant properties, failed to inhibit EcO157. Application of inexpensive neem supplements to control pathogens in manure and possibly in produce fields may be an option for controlling the transfer of foodborne pathogens from farm to fork.

Altering Pace Control and Pace Regulation: Attentional Focus Effects during Running.

PubMed

Brick, Noel E; Campbell, Mark J; Metcalfe, Richard S; Mair, Jacqueline L; Macintyre, Tadhg E

2016-05-01

To date, there are no published studies directly comparing self-controlled (SC) and externally controlled (EC) pace endurance tasks. However, previous research suggests pace control may impact on cognitive strategy use and effort perceptions. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manipulating perception of pace control on attentional focus, physiological, and psychological outcomes during running. The secondary aim was to determine the reproducibility of self-paced running performance when regulated by effort perceptions. Twenty experienced endurance runners completed four 3-km time trials on a treadmill. Subjects completed two SC pace trials, one perceived exertion clamped (PE) trial, and one EC pace time trial. PE and EC were completed in a counterbalanced order. Pacing strategy for EC and perceived exertion instructions for PE replicated the subjects' fastest SC time trial. Subjects reported a greater focus on cognitive strategies such as relaxing and optimizing running action during EC than during SC. The mean HR was 2% lower during EC than that during SC despite an identical pacing strategy. Perceived exertion did not differ between the three conditions. However, increased internal sensory monitoring coincided with elevated effort perceptions in some subjects during EC and a 10% slower completion time for PE (13.0 ± 1.6 min) than that for SC (11.8 ± 1.2 min). Altering pace control and pace regulation impacted on attentional focus. External control over pacing may facilitate performance, particularly when runners engage attentional strategies conducive to improved running efficiency. However, regulating pace based on effort perceptions alone may result in excessive monitoring of bodily sensations and a slower running speed. Accordingly, attentional focus interventions may prove beneficial for some athletes to adopt task-appropriate attentional strategies to optimize performance.

Effect and mechanism of PAR-2 on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells.

PubMed

Quanjun, D; Qingyu, Z; Qiliang, Z; Liqun, X; Jinmei, C; Ziquan, L; Shike, H

2016-11-01

Esophageal Cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor occurred in the digestive tract. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Protease Activated Receptor 2 (PAR-2) on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cell. Transfected esophageal cancer (EC) cell (PAR-2shRNA EC109) was established with low stable PAR-2 expression. EC109 cell was treated with PAR-2 agonist, PAR-2 anti-agonist and MAPK inhibitor respectively; Untreated EC109 cell (blank control) and PAR-2shRNA EC109 cell were used for analysis also. The mRNA expressions of PAR-2, ERK1, Cyclin D1, and c-fos in each group were detected by reverse transcript and polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions in each group. The cell growth curves were drawn to compare the cell growth. Compared with the blank control, the mRNA and protein expressions of PAR-2, Cyclin D1, and c-fos in PAR-2 agonist group increased significantly (p < 0.05), while decreased significantly in PAR-2shRNA EC109 cell and MAPK inhibitor group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ERK1 and protein expression of p-ERK1 increased in PAR-2 agonist group, decreased in PAR-2shRNA EC109 cell and MAPK inhibitor group when compared with blank control (p < 0.05). The growth of cells was upward in PAR-2 agonist group at cell growth phase when compared with blank control, while decreased in PAR-2 shRNA EC109 cell and MAPK inhibitor group with statistical difference (p < 0.05). PAR-2 regulate cell proliferation through the MAPK pathway in esophageal carcinoma cell, and Cyclin D1, c-fos are involved in this process.

The short-term effects of trigger point therapy, stretching and medicine ball exercises on accuracy and back swing hip turn in elite, male golfers - A randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Quinn, Samantha-Lynn; Olivier, Benita; Wood, Wendy-Ann

2016-11-01

This study aimed to compare the effect of myofascial trigger point therapy (MTPT) and stretching, MTPT and medicine ball exercises, and no intervention, on hip flexor length (HFL), golf swing biomechanics and performance in elite, male golfers. Single blind, randomised controlled trial with two experimental groups (stretch group: MTPT and stretching; and the ball group: MTPT, a single stretch and medicine ball exercises) and one control group (no intervention). Professional golf academy. One hundred, elite, male golfers aged 16-25 years. HFL, 3D biomechanical analysis of the golf swing, club head speed (CHS), smash ratio, accuracy and distance at baseline and after the interventions. Backswing hip turn (BSHT) improved in the ball group relative to the control group (p = 0.0248). Accuracy in the ball group and the stretch group improved relative to the control group (Fisher's exact = 0.016). Other performance parameters such as: smash ratio, distance and CHS were not compromised by either intervention. This study advocates the use of MTPT combined with medicine ball exercises over MTPT combined with stretching in the treatment of golfers with shortened hip flexors - even immediately preceding a tournament. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette vapor exposure on the oral and gut microbiota in humans: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Auchtung, Thomas A.; Ajami, Nadim J.; Velasquez, Kenia; De La Garza, Richard; Petrosino, Joseph F.

2018-01-01

Background The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has increased drastically over the past five years, primarily as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, the adverse effects of acute and long-term use of ECs on the microbiota have not been explored. In this pilot study, we sought to determine if ECs or tobacco smoking alter the oral and gut microbiota in comparison to non-smoking controls. Methods We examined a human cohort consisting of 30 individuals: 10 EC users, 10 tobacco smokers, and 10 controls. We collected cross-sectional fecal, buccal swabs, and saliva samples from each participant. All samples underwent V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results Tobacco smoking had a significant effect on the bacterial profiles in all sample types when compared to controls, and in feces and buccal swabs when compared to EC users. The most significant associations were found in the gut, with an increased relative abundance of Prevotella (P = 0.006) and decreased Bacteroides (P = 0.036) in tobacco smokers. The Shannon diversity was also significantly reduced (P = 0.009) in fecal samples collected from tobacco smokers compared to controls. No significant difference was found in the alpha diversity, beta-diversity or taxonomic relative abundances between EC users and controls. Discussion From a microbial ecology perspective, the current pilot data demonstrate that the use of ECs may represent a safer alternative compared to tobacco smoking. However, validation in larger cohorts and greater understanding of the short and long-term impact of EC use on microbiota composition and function is warranted. PMID:29736335

MSFC Sortie Laboratory Environmental Control System (ECS) phase B design study results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ignatonis, A. J.; Mitchell, K. L.

1974-01-01

Phase B effort of the Sortie Lab program has concluded. Results of that effort are presented which pertain to the definitions of the environmental control system (ECS). Numerous design studies were performed in Phase B to investigate system feasibility, complexity, weight, and cost. The results and methods employed for these design studies are included. An autonomous Sortie Lab ECS was developed which utilizes a deployed space radiator. Total system weight was projected to be 1814.4 kg including the radiator and fluids. ECS power requirements were estimated at 950 watts.

Electric and hybrid vehicle environmental control subsystem study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heitner, K. L.

1980-01-01

An environmental control subsystem (ECS) in electric and hybrid vehicles is studied. A combination of a combustion heater and gasoline engine (Otto cycle) driven vapor compression air conditioner is selected. The combustion heater, the small gasoline engine, and the vapor compression air conditioner are commercially available. These technologies have good cost and performance characteristics. The cost for this ECS is relatively close to the cost of current ECS's. Its effect on the vehicle's propulsion battery is minimal and the ECS size and weight do not have significant impact on the vehicle's range.

Predicting Individual Differences in Low-Income Children's Executive Control from Early to Middle Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raver, C. Cybele; McCoy, Dana Charles; Lowenstein, Amy E.; Pess, Rachel

2013-01-01

The present longitudinal study tested the roles of early childhood executive control (EC) as well as exposure to poverty-related adversity at family and school levels as key predictors of low-income children's EC in elementary school ("n" = 391). Findings suggest that children's EC difficulties in preschool and lower family income from…

Longitudinal Relations of Intrusive Parenting and Effortful Control to Ego-Resiliency during Early Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Zoe E.; Eisenberg, Nancy; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Widaman, Keith F.

2013-01-01

Longitudinal relations among ego-resiliency (ER), effortful control (EC), and observed intrusive parenting were examined at 18, 30, and 42 months of age ("Ns" = 256, 230, and 210) using structural equation modeling. Intrusive parenting at 18 and 30 months negatively predicted EC a year later, over and above earlier levels. EC at…

Relations of parenting style to Chinese children’s effortful control, ego resilience, and maladjustment

PubMed Central

EISENBERG, NANCY; CHANG, LEI; MA, YUE; HUANG, XIAORUI

2009-01-01

The purpose of the study was to examine the relations of authoritative parenting and corporal punishment to Chinese first and second graders’ effortful control (EC), impulsivity, ego resilience, and maladjustment, as well as mediating relations. A parent and teacher reported on children’s EC, impulsivity, and ego resilience; parents reported on children’s internalizing symptoms and their own parenting, and teachers and peers reported on children’s externalizing symptoms. Authoritative parenting and low corporal punishment predicted high EC, and EC mediated the relation between parenting and externalizing problems. In addition, impulsivity mediated the relation of corporal punishment to externalizing problems. The relation of parenting to children’s ego resilience was mediated by EC and/or impulsivity, and ego resilience mediated the relations of EC and impulsivity to internalizing problems. PMID:19338693

Transoral robotic surgery using the thulium:YAG laser: a prospective study.

PubMed

Van Abel, Kathryn M; Moore, Eric J; Carlson, Matthew L; Davidson, Jennifer A; Garcia, Joaquin J; Olsen, Steven M; Olsen, Kerry D

2012-02-01

To compare thulium:YAG laser-assisted transoral robotic surgery (TY:TORS) and conventional electrocautery-equipped TORS (EC:TORS) in patients undergoing transoral resection of upper aerodigestive tract malignant neoplasms. Prospective matched cohort study. Tertiary academic referral center. Fifteen patients undergoing TY:TORS were matched on the basis of tumor site, clinical T stage, sex, and age with 30 control subjects undergoing EC:TORS. The primary outcome was a comparison between the feasibility of TY:TORS compared with EC:TORS. The secondary outcome was a comparison between the safety and functional outcome of TY:TORS compared with EC:TORS in patients undergoing resection of upper aerodigestive tract malignant neoplasms. All the tumors underwent complete excision with negative margins. Estimated blood loss was minimal (<150 mL) for 87% of TY:TORS patients (13 of 15) and 63% of EC:TORS controls (19 or 30). Intraoperative pharyngotomy was reported in 8% of TY:TORS patients (1 of 13) and 42% of EC:TORS controls (11 of 30) (P = .03). Postoperative pain was greater in EC:TORS compared with TY:TORS (P = .02). No statistically significant differences were noted in hemostasis, postoperative bleeding rates, or other complications. Compared with EC:TORS, TY:TORS seems feasible and safe. In addition, TY:TORS resulted in fewer intraoperative pharyngotomies and less postoperative pain than did EC:TORS, which may be because of decreased collateral thermal damage, improved visualization, and finer cutting using the thulium laser.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Esophageal Candidiasis in Healthy Individuals: A Single Center Experience in Korea

PubMed Central

Choi, Jae Hyeuk; Lee, Chang Geun; Kang, Hyoun Woo; Lim, Chi Yeon; Choi, Jong-Sun

2013-01-01

Purpose Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised host. However, we have found EC in healthy individuals through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for EC in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 281 patients who had been incidentally diagnosed with EC. We also conducted age and sex matched case control study to identify the risk factor for EC. Results The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125). The most common coexisting EGD finding was reflux esophagitis (49/281, 17.4%). An antifungal agent was prescribed in about half of EC, 139 cases (49.5%). Follow-up EGD was undertaken in 83 cases (29.5%) and 20 cases of candidiasis was persistently found. Case control study revealed EC were more often found in user of antibiotics (p=0.015), corticosteroids (p=0.002) and herb medication (p=0.006) as well as heavy drinking (p<0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125) in Korea. Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and herb as well as heavy drinking were significant risk factors for EC in healthy individuals. PMID:23225813

Origins of Effortful Control: Infant and Parent Contributions

PubMed Central

Gartstein, Maria A.; Bridgett, David J.; Young, Brandi N.; Panksepp, Jaak; Power, Thomas

2012-01-01

Effortful control (EC) refers to the ability to inhibit a dominant response to perform a subdominant one and has been shown as protective against a myriad of difficulties. Research examining precursors of EC has been limited to date, and in this study, infancy contributors to toddler EC were examined. Specifically, parent/family background variables (e.g., education, income), maternal temperament, perceived stress, and internalizing symptoms were addressed, along with infant temperament: positive affectivity/surgency (PAS), negative emotionality (NE), and regulatory capacity/orienting (RCO); and laboratory observation-based indicators of attention. Infant attention indexed by the latency to look away after initially orienting to the presented stimuli emerged as an important predictor of later EC, after accounting for other child and parent/family attributes, with shorter latencies predicting higher levels of EC. Mothers’ extraversion and parenting stress were the only parent/family attributes to significantly contribute to the prediction of toddler EC, with the former promoting and the latter undermining the development of EC. Infant temperament factors were also examined as a moderator of parent/family influences, with results indicating a significant interaction between mothers’ EC and infant RCO, so that children with greater RCO and mothers high in EC exhibited the highest EC scores in toddlerhood. PMID:26269695

Lunar Module Environmental Control System Design Considerations and Failure Modes. Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interbartolo, Michael A.

2009-01-01

This viewgraph presentation seeks to describe the Lunar Module Environmental Control System (ECS) subsystem testing and redesign and seeks to summarize the in-flight failures of the Lunar Module (LM) Environmental Control System (ECS).

76 FR 75772 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 120B Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-05

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 120B Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration... the Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters. This AD requires modifying the pilot cyclic control... include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters. That NPRM was published in...

Aldosterone sensitizes connecting tubule glomerular feedback via the aldosterone receptor GPR30

PubMed Central

Ren, YiLin; D'Ambrosio, Martin A.; Garvin, Jeffrey L.; Leung, Pablo; Kutskill, Kristopher; Wang, Hong; Peterson, Edward L.

2014-01-01

Increasing Na delivery to epithelial Na channels (ENaC) in the connecting tubule (CNT) dilates the afferent arteriole (Af-Art), a process we call connecting tubule glomerular feedback (CTGF). We hypothesize that aldosterone sensitizes CTGF via a nongenomic mechanism that stimulates CNT ENaC via the aldosterone receptor GPR30. Rabbit Af-Arts and their adherent CNTs were microdissected and simultaneously perfused. Two consecutive CTGF curves were elicited by increasing luminal NaCl in the CNT. During the control period, the concentration of NaCl that elicited a half-maximal response (EC50) was 37.0 ± 2.0 mmol/l; addition of aldosterone 10−8 mol/l to the CNT lumen caused a left-shift (decrease) in EC50 to 19.3 ± 1.3 mmol/l (P = 0.001 vs. control; n = 6). Neither the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D nor the translation inhibitor cycloheximide prevented the effect of aldosterone (control EC50 = 34.7 ± 1.9 mmol/l; aldosterone+actinomycin D EC50 = 22.6 ± 1.6 mmol/l; P < 0.001 and control EC50 = 32.4 ± 4.3 mmol/l; aldosterone+cycloheximide EC50 = 17.4 ± 3.3 mmol/l; P < 0.001). The aldosterone antagonist eplerenone prevented the sensitization of CTGF by aldosterone (control EC50 = 33.2 ± 1.7 mmol/l; aldosterone+eplerenone EC50 = 33.5 ± 1.3 mmol/l; n = 7). The GPR30 receptor blocker G-36 blocked the sensitization of CTGF by aldosterone (aldosterone EC50 = 16.5 ± 1.9 mmol/l; aldosterone+G-36 EC50 = 29.0 ± 2.1 mmol/l; n = 7; P < 0.001). Finally, we found that the sensitization of CTGF by aldosterone was mediated, at least in part, by the sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE). We conclude that aldosterone in the CNT lumen sensitizes CTGF via a nongenomic effect involving GPR30 receptors and NHE. Sensitized CTGF induced by aldosterone may contribute to renal damage by increasing Af-Art dilation and glomerular capillary pressure (glomerular barotrauma). PMID:24966088

Design and control of a prosthetic leg for above-knee amputees operated in semi-active and active modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jinhyuk; Yoon, Gun-Ha; Kang, Je-Won; Choi, Seung-Bok

2016-08-01

This paper proposes a new prosthesis operated in two different modes; the semi-active and active modes. The semi-active mode is achieved from a flow mode magneto-rheological (MR) damper, while the active mode is obtained from an electronically commutated (EC) motor. The knee joint part of the above knee prosthesis is equipped with the MR damper and EC motor. The MR damper generates reaction force by controlling the field-dependent yield stress of the MR fluid, while the EC motor actively controls the knee joint angle during gait cycle. In this work, the MR damper is designed as a two-end type flow mode mechanism without air chamber for compact size. On other hand, in order to predict desired knee joint angle to be controlled by EC motor, a polynomial prediction function using a statistical method is used. A nonlinear proportional-derivative controller integrated with the computed torque method is then designed and applied to both MR damper and EC motor to control the knee joint angle. It is demonstrated that the desired knee joint angle is well achieved in different walking velocities on the ground ground.

Adolescent elite athletes' cigarette smoking, use of snus, and alcohol.

PubMed

Martinsen, M; Sundgot-Borgen, J

2014-04-01

The purpose was to examine cigarette smoking, use of snus, alcohol, and performance-enhancing illicit drugs among adolescent elite athletes and controls, and possible gender and sport group differences. First-year students at 16 Norwegian Elite Sport High Schools (n = 677) and two randomly selected high schools (controls, n = 421) were invited to participate. Totally, 602 athletes (89%) and 354 (84%) controls completed the questionnaire. More controls than athletes were smoking, using snus, and drinking alcohol. Competing in team sports was associated with use of snus [odds ratio = 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 4.7] and a similar percentage of male and female handball (22.2% vs 18.8%) and soccer players (15.7% vs 15.0%) reported using snus. For controls, not participating in organized sport was a predictor for smoking (odds ratio = 4.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 10.9). Female athletes were more prone to drink alcohol than males (46.3% vs 31.0%, P < 0.001). Only, 1.2% athletes and 2.8% controls reported use of performance-enhancing illicit drugs. In conclusion, use of legal drugs is less common among athletes, but this relationship depends on type of sport and competition level. The association between team sports and use of snus suggests that sport subcultures play a role. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Jumping performance differences among elite professional handball players with or without previous ACL reconstruction.

PubMed

Setuain, I; Millor, N; Alfaro, J; Gorostiaga, E; Izquierdo, M

2015-10-01

Handball is one of the most challenging sports for the knee joint. Persistent strength and jumping capacity alterations may be observed among athletes who have suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The aim of this study was to examine unilateral and bilateral jumping ability differences between previously ACL-reconstructed rehabilitated elite handball athletes and sex, age and uninjured sport activity level-pairs of control players. It was a Cross-sectional study with one factor: previous ACL injury. We recruited 22 male (6 ACL-reconstructed and 16 uninjured control players) and 21 female (6 ACL-reconstructed and 15 uninjured control players) elite handball players who were evaluated 6.2±3.4 years after surgical ACL reconstruction. A battery of jump tests, including both bilateral and unilateral maneuvers, was performed. Two-tailed unpaired (intergroup comparison) and paired (intragroup comparison) t-tests were performed for mean comparisons. The P-value cut-off for significance was set at <0.05. The previously ACL-reconstructed female athletes showed a lower bilateral drop jump contact time (0.429±179.9 vs. 0.349±151 s, P<0.05) and less distance reached (3.820±0.54 vs. 4.428±0.44 m, P<0.05) in the unilateral triple hop for distance (UTHD) on their reconstructed leg compared with the dominant legs of the uninjured control athletes. No significant differences were observed for any other recorded variable. Among the male athletes, no significant differences between groups were found for the studied jumping variables. Previously ACL-reconstructed elite female handball athletes demonstrated both lower vertical bilateral drop jump (VBDJ) contact times and lower UTHD scores for the injured leg several years after injury. These deficits could contribute to an increase in ACL re-injury risk.

Former male elite athletes and risk of hypertension in later life.

PubMed

Laine, Merja K; Kujala, Urho M; Eriksson, Johan G; Wasenius, Niko S; Kaprio, Jaakko; Bäckmand, Heli M; Peltonen, Markku; Heinonen, Olli; Jula, Antti; Sarna, Seppo

2015-08-01

The aim of this study was to assess whether a former career as an elite athlete protects from hypertension in later life. We hypothesized that vigorous physical activity during young adulthood protects against hypertension later in life. The study population (n = 3440) consists of 2037 former male elite athletes and 1403 matched controls. Of those, 599 (392 former athletes, 207 controls) participated in a clinical study in 2008. The athletes were divided into three groups: endurance, mixed and power sports. Assessment of hypertension was based on athletes' entitlement to reimbursable antihypertensive medication from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution; among the clinical study participants, this was also based on self-reported current use of antihypertensive drugs or measured hypertension. The current volume of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was determined by questionnaires. Among the participants, the former athletes had lower age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension than the controls [odds ratio (OR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.98] and the endurance athletes had the lowest OR (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.80). OR for the prevalence of hypertension decreased (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.96 per 10 metabolic equivalent hours/week) when there was an increase in the volume of LTPA. The former athletes without blood pressure-lowering medication had significantly lower SBP than the controls [139.2 mmHg (SD 18.7) vs. 144.2 mmHg (SD 19.5)] (P = 0.027). A former career as an elite athlete seems to be associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension in later life. The volume of current LTPA was inversely related to prevalence of hypertension.

Arms control movements and the media: From the Cold War to the nuclear freeze

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rojecki, A.

1993-12-31

The dissertation examines news coverage of the two most recent arms control movements: The test ban (1957-1963) and the nuclear freeze (1981-1984). Four questions guide the research: (1) To what extent do the news media maintain a space for oppositional politics that is independent of elite influence? (2) DOes the existence and characters of the space matter to policy outcomes? (3) Has the character of voices permitted into this space changed over time? (4) Are there differences between the more elite-oriented media and those aiming for mass audiences? The study begins by tracing the formation of arms control policy inmore » the three presidential administrations that span the two movements. Finally, it examines the news frames used to depict movement messages and participants. The study found that space provided to movement politics varied both with administration policy formation and editorial policy. Because news coverage followed the contours of elite policy, the movements succeeded only in placing their issues on the policy agenda but not in achieving their desired goals. There were significant differences in the types of voiced permitted into the news across the two movements. Moral authority to participate in and influence arms control policy debates was virtually unquestioned during the cold war, but by the 1980s, the media were more likely to defer to expert opinion, despite its underlying partisan interest. The most significant difference in news treatment was between the elite press and television news: The simplicity of the television report was more likely to elicit core issues. But neither the press, the opposition party in Congress, nor the movement used these to challenge the rationale of administration policy or to explore the ethical implications of the influence of defense industry PACs on policy-making.« less

Elite control of HIV: is this the right model for a functional cure?

PubMed

Cockerham, Leslie R; Hatano, Hiroyu

2015-02-01

A cure for HIV is still greatly needed and has become a global research priority. A unique subset of HIV-infected individuals who spontaneously control HIV exists, and these are known as 'elite controllers'. They may represent a natural model for a 'functional cure' in which there is long term control of viral replication and remission from symptoms of HIV infection in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. However, controllers have evidence of ongoing inflammation, CD4(+) T cell depletion, and perhaps even inflammation-associated cardiovascular disease, suggesting that this natural long term virologic control may be coming at an immunologic and clinical cost. These individuals may continue to provide continued insights into mechanisms of host control; however, they may not represent the best model of a functional cure, if we believe that a cure should require a disease-free (and not just a treatment-free) state. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote endometrial cancer growth via activation of interleukin-6/STAT-3/c-Myc pathway.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Kavita S; Omar, Intan Sofia; Kwong, Soke Chee; Mohamed, Zahurin; Woo, Yin Ling; Mat Adenan, Noor Azmi; Chung, Ivy

2016-01-01

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secrete various pro-tumorigenic cytokines, yet the role of these cytokines in the progression of endometrial cancer remains unclear. We found that CAFs isolated from human endometrial cancer (EC) tissues secreted high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which promotes EC cell proliferation in vitro. Neutralizing IL-6 in CAF-conditioned media reduced (47% inhibition) while IL-6 recombinant protein increased cell proliferation (~2.4 fold) of both EC cell lines and primary cultures. IL-6 receptors (IL-6R and gp130) were expressed only in EC epithelial cells but not in CAF, indicating a one-way paracrine signaling. In the presence of CAF-conditioned media, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT3) pathway was activated in EC cells. Treatment with JAK and STAT3 specific inhibitors, AD412 and STATTIC, respectively, significantly abrogated CAF-mediated cell proliferation, indicating the role of IL-6 activation in EC cell proliferation. We further showed that one of STAT-3 target genes, c-Myc, was highly induced in EC cells after exposure to CAF-conditioned medium at both mRNA (>105-fold vs. control) and protein level (>2-fold vs. control). EC cell proliferation was dependent on c-Myc expression, as RNAi-mediated c-Myc down-regulation led to a significant 46% reduction in cell viability when compared with scrambled control. Interestingly, CAF-conditioned media failed to promote proliferation in EC cells with reduced c-Myc expression, suggesting that CAF-mediated cell proliferation was also dependent on c-Myc expression. Subcutaneous tumor xenograft model showed that EC cells grew at least 1.4 times larger when co-injected with CAF, when compared to those injected with EC cells alone. Mice injected with EC cells with down-regulated c-Myc expression, however, showed at least 2.5 times smaller tumor compared to those in control group. Notably, there was no increase of tumor size when co-injected with CAFs. Further immunohistochemical staining on human tissues showed positive expression of IL-6 receptors, phosphorylated-STAT3 and c-Myc in human EC tissues with less signals in benign endometrium. Taken together, our data suggests that IL-6 secreted by CAF induces c-Myc expression to promote EC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. IL-6 pathway can be a potential target to disrupt tumor-stroma interaction in endometrial cancer progression.

Evaluation of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in Iranian elite athletes.

PubMed

Shahmoradi, Somayeh; Ahmadalipour, Ali; Salehi, Mansoor

2014-01-01

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is an important gene, which is associated with the successful physical activity. The ACE gene has a major polymorphism (I/D) in intron 16 that determines its plasma and tissue levels. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is an association between this polymorphism and sports performance in our studied population including elite athletes of different sports disciplines. We investigated allele frequency and genotype distribution of the ACE gene in 156 Iranian elite athletes compared to 163 healthy individuals. We also investigated this allele frequency between elite athletes in three functional groups of endurance, power, and mixed sports performances. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was performed on intron 16 of the ACE gene. The ACE genotype was determined for each subject. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 15, and results were analyzed by Chi-Square test. There was a significant difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency of the ACE gene in athletes and control group (P = 0.05, P = 0.03, respectively). There was also a significant difference in allele frequency of the ACE gene in 3 groups of athletes with different sports disciplines (P = 0.045). Proportion of the ACE gene D allele was greater in elite endurance athletes (37 high-distance cyclists) than two other groups. Findings of the present study demonstrated that there is an association between the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and sports performance in Iranian elite athletes.

The Origin and Role of Trust in Local Policy Elites' Perceptions of High-Voltage Power Line Installations in the State of Arkansas.

PubMed

Tumlison, Creed; Moyer, Rachael M; Song, Geoboo

2017-05-01

The debate over an installation of high-voltage power lines (HVPLs) has been intense, particularly in northwest Arkansas. Detractors claim that the installation will negatively affect both the natural environment and the local economy, which contains a large tourism component. By contrast, those in favor of installing HVPLs claim that the installation is necessary in order to reliably support the increasing demand for electric power. Using original data collected from a recent statewide Internet survey of 420 local policy elites in Arkansas, this article focuses on two key aspects. First, we examine how local policy elites' perceptions of risks versus benefits of HVPL installation in their communities are influenced by their levels of trust toward information provided by various sources (e.g., energy industry, environmental groups, and government). Second, we utilize cultural theory to explain how the cultural worldviews of policy elites--specifically, egalitarianism, individualism, hierarchism, and fatalism--shape these levels of trust and HVPL benefit-risk perceptions, while controlling for other factors claimed by previous literature, including levels of knowledge on energy-related issues and demographic characteristics. In general, our analysis indicates that policy elites' value-oriented formation of HVPL benefit-risk perceptions is partially due to the influence cultural values have on trust in information sources. We conclude this article by discussing broader implications for the origin and role of trust in policy elites' decisions throughout the policy-making process. © 2016 Society for Risk Analysis.

Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia, Shyness, and Effortful Control in Preschool-Age Children

PubMed Central

Sulik, Michael J.; Eisenberg, Nancy; Silva, Kassondra M.; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Kupfer, Anne

2015-01-01

Resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and shyness were examined as predictors of effortful control (EC) in a sample of 101 preschool-age children. Resting RSA was calculated from respiration and heart rate data collected during a neutral film; shyness was measured using parents’, preschool teachers’, and classroom observers’ reports; and EC was measured using four laboratory tasks in addition to questionnaire measures. Principal components analysis was used to create composite measures of EC and shyness. The relation between RSA and EC was moderated by shyness, such that RSA was positively related to EC only for children high in shyness. This interaction suggests that emotional reactivity affects the degree to which RSA can be considered a correlate of EC. This study also draws attention to the need to consider the measurement context when assessing resting psychophysiology measures; shy individuals may not exhibit true baseline RSA responding in an unfamiliar laboratory setting. PMID:23127725

Anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of top-elite, elite and non-elite youth female team handball players.

PubMed

Moss, Samantha Louise; McWhannell, Nicola; Michalsik, Lars Bojsen; Twist, Craig

2015-01-01

In order to maximise the potential for success, developing nations need to produce superior systems to identify and develop talent, which requires comprehensive and up-to-date values on elite players. This study examined the anthropometric and physical characteristics of youth female team handball players (16.07 ± 1.30 years) in non-elite (n = 47), elite (n = 37) and top-elite players (n = 29). Anthropometric profiling included sum of eight skinfolds, body mass, stature, girths, breadths and somatotype. Performance tests included 20 m sprint, counter-movement jump, throwing velocity, repeated shuttle sprint and jump ability test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Youth top-elite players had greater body mass, lean mass, stature, limb girths and breadths than elite and non-elite players, while only stature and flexed arm were higher in elite compared to non-elite players (all P < 0.05). Sum of skinfolds and waist-to-hip ratio were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Top-elite performed better in most performance tests compared to both elite and non-elite players (P < 0.05), although maximal and repeated 10 m sprints were similar between playing standards (P > 0.05). Elite outperformed non-elite players only in throwing velocity. The findings reveal that non-elite players compare unfavourably to top-elite international European players in many anthropometric and performance characteristics, and differ in a few characteristics compared to elite European club team players. This study is useful for emerging team handball nations in improving talent identification processes.

EC power management in ITER for NTM control: the path from the commissioning phase to demonstration discharges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poli, Francesca M.; Fredrickson, Eric; Henderson, Mark A.

Time dependent simulations that evolve consistently the magnetic equilibrium and plasma pressure profiles and the width and frequency rotation of magnetic islands under the effect of the Electron Cyclotron feedback system are used to assess whether the control of NTMs on ITER is compatible with other simulataneous functionalities of the EC system, like core heating and current profile tailoring, or sawtooth control. Furthermore, results indicate that the power needs for control can be reduced if the EC power is reserved and if pre-emptive control is used as opposed to an active search for an already developed island.

EC power management in ITER for NTM control: the path from the commissioning phase to demonstration discharges

DOE PAGES

Poli, Francesca M.; Fredrickson, Eric; Henderson, Mark A.; ...

2017-10-23

Time dependent simulations that evolve consistently the magnetic equilibrium and plasma pressure profiles and the width and frequency rotation of magnetic islands under the effect of the Electron Cyclotron feedback system are used to assess whether the control of NTMs on ITER is compatible with other simulataneous functionalities of the EC system, like core heating and current profile tailoring, or sawtooth control. Furthermore, results indicate that the power needs for control can be reduced if the EC power is reserved and if pre-emptive control is used as opposed to an active search for an already developed island.

Gammadelta receptor bearing T cells in scleroderma: enhanced interaction with vascular endothelial cells in vitro.

PubMed

Kahaleh, M B; Fan, P S; Otsuka, T

1999-05-01

In view of the documented perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration in the involved organs in scleroderma (SSc) and the reported accumulation of gammadelta-T cells in SSc skin and lung, we evaluated gammadelta-T cell interaction with endothelial cells (EC) in vitro. gammadelta- and alphabeta-T cells were isolated from BPMN of SSc patients with early diffuse disease and of matched control subjects by an immunomagnetic method after stimulation with mycobacterium lysate and interleukin-2 for 2 weeks. Lymphocyte adhesion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity to EC were investigated. SSc gammadelta-T cells adhered to cultured EC and proliferated at higher rates than control cells. Furthermore, significant EC cytotoxicity by SSc gammadelta was seen. The cytotoxicity was blocked by addition of anti-gammadelta-TCR antibody and by anti-granzyme A antibody but not by anti-MHC class I and II antibodies. Expression of granzyme A mRNA was seen in five/five SSc gammadelta-T cells and in one/five control cells. alphabeta-T cells from both SSc and control subjects were significantly less interactive with EC than gammadelta-T cells. The data demonstrate EC recognition by SSc gammadelta-T cells and propose gammadelta-T cells as a possible effector cell type in the immune pathogenesis of SSc. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

IGF-I receptor 275124A>C (rs1464430) polymorphism and athletic performance.

PubMed

Ben-Zaken, Sigal; Meckel, Yoav; Nemet, Dan; Eliakim, Alon

2015-05-01

To examine the prevalence of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) 275124A>C polymorphism, known to be associated with exercise-related cardiac hypertrophy, among elite endurance and power athletes. One hundred and fifty-nine athletes (118 men and 41 women, age: 35.9±12.2 yrs) participated in the study. We hypothesized that presence of the A allele will be significantly more common among endurance athletes (n=77) compared to power athletes (n=82) and non-physically active controls (n=68). Athletes within each group were further divided according to their individual best performance into elite athletes (those who had represented the country in international track-and-field or triathlon competitions or in the Olympic Games) and national-level athletes. The prevalence of the AA genotype was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the endurance athletes group (49%) compared to the power athletes group (33%), but did not differ from the control group (46%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the AA genotype between elite and national level endurance athletes (44% versus 52%, respectively). In contrast, among power athletes, the prevalence of the AA genotype was significantly lower in the elite compared to national level athletes (17% versus 42%, respectively; p<0.05). The results of the present study may suggest that the IGF-IR AA polymorphism is beneficial for endurance-type sports, but is not associated with elite endurance performance. In contrast, the presence of the AA genotype may be a disadvantage in power sports. All together the results of the present study suggest that IGF-IR polymorphism may differentiate between the two edges of the endurance-power athletic performance spectrum. Copyright © 2014 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ACTN3 R577X genotype and athletic performance in a large cohort of Japanese athletes.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Naoki; Miyamoto-Mikami, Eri; Murakami, Haruka; Nakamura, Tomohiro; Min, Seok-Ki; Mizuno, Masuhiko; Naito, Hisashi; Miyachi, Motohiko; Nakazato, Koichi; Fuku, Noriyuki

2016-09-01

Recent meta-analyses of the literature confirmed the association between the RR+RX genotype of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and elite sprint/power athletic status in Europeans but not in Asians and Africans, while the association between the R577X genotype and elite endurance athlete status is less convincing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the ACTN3 R577X genotype and elite athlete status in a large Asian (Japanese) cohort of track and field athletes. One-thousand fifty-seven Japanese track and field athletes (627 sprint/power athletes and 430 endurance athletes) and 810 Japanese controls were genotyped for the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) by using the TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay. Elite sprint/power athletes had a higher frequency of the RR+RX genotype than the controls (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16-2.18; P = .003). A significant linear correlation was found between the RR + RX genotype and athlete status (i.e. regional < national < international) in sprint/power athletes (regional: 71%, national: 81%, international: 84%; P = .001 for trend) and long-distance runners (regional: 65%, national: 72%, international: 82%; P = .030 for trend). The data obtained for this large Asian (Japanese) cohort of track and field athletes served to confirm the association between the RR + RX genotype of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and elite sprint/power athlete status and also the association between the ACTN3 RR + RX genotype and long-distance running athletic status.

Is the -174 C/G polymorphism of the IL6 gene associated with elite power performance? A replication study with two different Caucasian cohorts.

PubMed

Eynon, Nir; Ruiz, Jonatan R; Meckel, Yoav; Santiago, Catalina; Fiuza-Luces, Carmen; Gómez-Gallego, Félix; Oliveira, José; Lucia, Alejandro

2011-02-01

A functional -174 C/G polymorphism in the interleukin-6 gene (IL6) is a candidate to explain individual variations in exercise-related phenotypes. To replicate recent findings showing an association between the G allele and GG genotype of elite power sports performance in European (Spanish) Caucasian males, we compared allelic and genotypic frequencies of the IL6 -174 C/G polymorphism among elite endurance athletes (n = 74) and power athletes (n = 81) and non-athletic control subjects (n = 205) of both sexes from Israel. All subjects were Israeli Caucasians (with an equivalent ratio of non-Ashkenazi and Ashkenazi descent in each group; 2:1). We found no differences in the genotype or allele frequencies among groups (all P > 0.3). We further compared the genotype and allele frequencies between national- (n = 109) and international-level Israeli athletes (n = 46) in the endurance and power group, and found no significant genotype or allele differences after adjusting for multiple comparisons. We repeated all the analyses after pooling the Israeli and Spanish control subjects, endurance and power elite athletes, and found no genotypic and allelic differences among groups. The results did not change when the analyses were repeated including only the best Israeli athletes (i.e. the international-level group) together with the group of elite Spanish athletes (P > 0.2). In conclusion, the results of the present study did not show an association between the G allele of the IL6 -174 G/C polymorphism and power sports performance in the Israeli (Caucasian) population. Our findings support the need to replicate association results between genetic polymorphisms and athletic status in populations of different ethnic backgrounds with the largest possible population samples.

Detecting emotion in others: increased insula and decreased medial prefrontal cortex activation during emotion processing in elite adventure racers

PubMed Central

Johnson, Douglas C.; Flagan, Taru; Simmons, Alan N.; Kotturi, Sante A.; Van Orden, Karl F.; Potterat, Eric G.; Swain, Judith L.; Paulus, Martin P.

2014-01-01

Understanding the neural processes that characterize elite performers is a first step to develop a neuroscience model that can be used to improve performance in stressful circumstances. Adventure racers are elite athletes that operate in small teams in the context of environmental and physical extremes. In particular, awareness of team member’s emotional status is critical to the team’s ability to navigate high-magnitude stressors. Thus, this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study examined the hypothesis that adventure racers would show altered emotion processing in brain areas that are important for resilience and social awareness. Elite adventure racers (n = 10) were compared with healthy volunteers (n = 12) while performing a simple emotion face-processing (modified Hariri) task during fMRI. Across three types of emotional faces, adventure racers showed greater activation in right insula, left amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate. Additionally, compared with healthy controls adventure racers showed attenuated right medial prefrontal cortex activation. These results are consistent with previous studies showing elite performers differentially activate neural substrates underlying interoception. Thus, adventure racers differentially deploy brain resources in an effort to recognize and process the internal sensations associated with emotions in others, which could be advantageous for team-based performance under stress. PMID:23171614

Functional Characterization of Two scFv-Fc Antibodies from an HIV Controller Selected on Soluble HIV-1 Env Complexes: A Neutralizing V3- and a Trimer-Specific gp41 Antibody

PubMed Central

Trott, Maria; Weiß, Svenja; Antoni, Sascha; Koch, Joachim; von Briesen, Hagen; Hust, Michael; Dietrich, Ursula

2014-01-01

HIV neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) represent an important tool in view of prophylactic and therapeutic applications for HIV-1 infection. Patients chronically infected by HIV-1 represent a valuable source for nAbs. HIV controllers, including long-term non-progressors (LTNP) and elite controllers (EC), represent an interesting subgroup in this regard, as here nAbs can develop over time in a rather healthy immune system and in the absence of any therapeutic selection pressure. In this study, we characterized two particular antibodies that were selected as scFv antibody fragments from a phage immune library generated from an LTNP with HIV neutralizing antibodies in his plasma. The phage library was screened on recombinant soluble gp140 envelope (Env) proteins. Sequencing the selected peptide inserts revealed two major classes of antibody sequences. Binding analysis of the corresponding scFv-Fc derivatives to various trimeric and monomeric Env constructs as well as to peptide arrays showed that one class, represented by monoclonal antibody (mAb) A2, specifically recognizes an epitope localized in the pocket binding domain of the C heptad repeat (CHR) in the ectodomain of gp41, but only in the trimeric context. Thus, this antibody represents an interesting tool for trimer identification. MAb A7, representing the second class, binds to structural elements of the third variable loop V3 and neutralizes tier 1 and tier 2 HIV-1 isolates of different subtypes with matching critical amino acids in the linear epitope sequence. In conclusion, HIV controllers are a valuable source for the selection of functionally interesting antibodies that can be selected on soluble gp140 proteins with properties from the native envelope spike. PMID:24828352

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus RNA and antibody in first-time, lapsed, and repeat blood donations across five international regions and relative efficacy of alternative screening scenarios.

PubMed

Bruhn, Roberta; Lelie, Nico; Custer, Brian; Busch, Michael; Kleinman, Steven

2013-10-01

Twenty-one blood organizations from five geographical regions provided HIV individual donation (ID)-NAT and serology data on 11,787,610 donations. Infections were classified as anti-HIV-/RNA+ window period (WP), anti-HIV+/RNA+ concordant positive (CP) or anti-HIV+/RNA- elite controller (EC). Residual risk and efficacy of several screening scenarios were estimated for first time, lapsed and repeat donations. WP residual risk estimates assumed a 50% infectious dose of 3.16 virions and a 50% detection limit of 2.7 HIV RNA copies/mL for ID-NAT and 10,000 copies/mL for p24Ag. Infectivity for CP (100%) and EC (2.2%) donations was estimated based on viral load distributions and 100-fold reduced infectivity by antibody neutralization as reported elsewhere. Efficacy was calculated as proportion of transmission risk removed from baseline (i.e. in absence of any screening). There was no significant difference in transmission risk between lapsed and repeat donations in any region. Risk was 3.8-fold higher in first time than combined lapsed/repeat donations in South Africa but not in other regions. Screening strategies were most efficacious at interdicting infectious transfusions in first time (98.7-99.8%) followed by lapsed (97.6-99.7%) and repeat (86.8-97.7%) donations in all regions combined. In each donor category the efficacy of ID-NAT alone (97.7-99.8%) was superior to that of minipool (MP)-NAT/anti-HIV (95.0-99.6%) and p24 Ag/anti-HIV (89.8-99.1%). Efficacy patterns were similar by donor/donation status in each region despite large differences in HIV prevalence and transmission risk. As similar data become available for HBV and HCV, this modeling may be useful in cost effectiveness analyses of alternative testing scenarios. © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks.

Feeding the Elite: The Evolution of Elite Pathways from Star High Schools to Elite Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeTendre, Gerald K.; Gonzalez, Roger Geertz; Nomi, Takako

2006-01-01

During the last 50 years, private "feeder" schools in Japan came to dominate entry into elite colleges. Intense organizational competition shaped the organizational environment and changed the pathways available to social elites. Compared to Japan, elite private feeders in the US have failed to dominate pathways into elite colleges. In…

Monitoring performance, pituitary-adrenal hormones and mood profiles: how to diagnose non-functional over-reaching in male elite junior soccer players.

PubMed

Schmikli, Sándor L; de Vries, Wouter R; Brink, Michel S; Backx, Frank Jg

2012-11-01

To verify if in male elite junior soccer players a minimum 1-month performance decrease is accompanied by a mood profile and hormone levels typical of non-functional over-reaching (NFOR). A prospective case-control study using a monthly performance monitor with a standardised field test to detect the performance changes. Players with a performance decrease lasting at least 1 month were compared with control players without a performance decrease on mood scores and pre-exercise and postexercise levels of stress hormones. Sporting field and sports medical laboratory. Ninety-four young elite soccer players were monitored during the 2006-2008 seasons. Twenty-one players were invited to the laboratory, seven of whom showed a significant performance decrease. Performance change over time, scores on the profile of mood states and premaximal and postmaximal exercise serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol. Players with a performance decrease showed psychological and hormonal changes typical of the non-functional state of over-reaching. Scores were higher on depression and anger, whereas the resting GH levels and ACTH levels after maximal exercise were reduced. ACTH and GH were capable of classifying all but one player correctly as either NFOR or control. Performance-related criteria in field tests are capable of identifying players with worsened mood and adaptations of the endocrine system that fit the definition of NFOR. Performance, mood and hormone levels may therefore be considered as valid instruments to diagnose NFOR in young elite soccer players.

Is evaluative conditioning really uncontrollable? A comparative test of three emotion-focused strategies to prevent the acquisition of conditioned preferences.

PubMed

Gawronski, Bertram; Mitchell, Derek G V; Balas, Robert

2015-10-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is defined as the change in the evaluation of a conditioned stimulus (CS) because of its pairing with a valenced unconditioned stimulus (US). Counter to views that EC is the product of automatic learning processes, recent research has revealed various characteristics of nonautomatic processing in EC. The current research investigated the controllability of EC by testing the effectiveness of 3 emotion-focused strategies in preventing the acquisition of conditioned preferences: (a) suppression of emotional reactions to the US, (b) reappraisal of the valence of the US, and (c) facial blocking of emotional responses. Although all 3 strategies reduced EC effects on self-reported evaluations by impairing recollective memory for CS-US pairings, they were ineffective in reducing EC effects on an evaluative priming measure. Regardless of the measure, effective control did not depend on the level of arousal elicited by the US. The results suggest that the 3 strategies can influence deliberate CS evaluations through memory-related processes, but they are ineffective in reducing EC effects on spontaneous evaluative responses. Implications for mental process theories of EC are discussed. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

[Diagnostic values of salivary versus and plasma microRNA-21 for early esophageal cancer].

PubMed

Ye, Minhua; Ye, Penghui; Zhang, Weizhu; Rao, Jiaqi; Xie, Zijun

2014-06-01

To evaluate the diagnostic value of salivary and plasma miR-21 in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Total RNA was extracted from saliva and plasma samples from 50 stage I and 50 stage II patients with EC and 50 healthy controls for measurement of miR-21 levels using qPCR. The diagnostic values of salivary and plasma miR-21 levels were assessed for stage I, stage II, and stage I+II EC. Salivary and plasma miR-21 were significantly higher in the EC patients than in the control group. The diagnostic sensitivities of plasma miR-21 for stage I, stage II, and stage I+II EC were 96%, 64% and 97%, with specificities of 44%, 84%, and 56%, respectively; the sensitivities of salivary miR-21 were 90%, 88%, and 89%, respectively, with the same specificities of 64%. Regardless of EC staging, the expression of plasma miR-21 showed a significant positive correlation with that of salivary miR-21, and their diagnostic values were comparable. Both salivary and plasmatic miR-21 can be sensitive biomarkers for EC, and salivary miR-21 detection has the potential to replace plasma detection for EC diagnosis.

Determinants of the effectiveness of fast break actions in elite and sub-elite Italian men's basketball games.

PubMed

Conte, D; Favero, T G; Niederhausen, M; Capranica, L; Tessitore, A

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of successful and unsuccessful fast-break (FB) actions in elite and sub-elite basketball games. Fifteen 1 st -division (elite) and fifteen 3 rd -division (sub-elite) Italian men's championship games were analysed across two seasons (2012/2013 and 2013/2014). A binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and the fast-break outcome (successful vs. unsuccessful) was adopted as the dependent variable separately in both elite and sub-elite games. FB execution (initiation, advance and completion phases), typology (primary and secondary break) and the number of players involved (equal number or superiority) were used as independent variables. The results showed that the rate of success of FB actions was 63.5% and 59.7% in elite and sub-elite games, respectively. Moreover, successful FBs were more likely to be completed in the lane in relation to unsuccessful ones in both elite and sub-elite games (p<0.05). Finally, descriptive statistics showed that both elite and sub-elite teams executed FBs similarly. This study highlighted that completion zone was the only predictor of a successful fast break in basketball, while the typology and number of players involved did not predict fast break effectiveness. Moreover, elite and sub-elite teams executed fast break actions similarly. These findings might be useful for basketball coaches to optimize the training of FB actions.

Seasonal Strength Performance and Its Relationship with Training Load on Elite Runners

PubMed Central

Balsalobre-Fernández, Carlos; Tejero-González, Carlos M.; del Campo-Vecino, Juan

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the time-course of force production of elite middle and long-distance runners throughout an entire season and at the end of the off-season, as well as its relationships with training load and hormonal responses. Training load was recorded daily throughout an entire season by measuring and evaluating the session distance (km), training zone and session-RPE in a group of 15 elite middle and long-distance runners (12 men, 3 women; age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, BMI = 19.7 ± 1.1). Also, basal salivary-free cortisol levels were measured weekly, and 50-metre sprints, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), mean propulsive power (MPP), repetition maximum (RM) and peak rate of force development (RFD) of half-squats were measured 4 times during the season, and once more after the off-season break. There were no significant variations in force production during the season or after the off-season break, except for the RFD (-30.2%, p = 0.005) values, which changed significantly from the beginning to the end of the season. Significant correlations were found between session-RPE and MPV (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), MPP (r = -0.602, p = 0.009), RM (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), and the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.560, p = 0.015). Meanwhile, salivary-free cortisol correlated significantly with the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.737, p < 0.001) and the RM ( r = -0.514, p = 0.025). Finally, the training zone correlated with the 50-metre sprint (r = -0.463, p = 0.041). Session-RPE, training zone and salivary-free cortisol levels are related to force production in elite middle and long-distance runners. Monitoring these variables could be a useful tool in controlling the training programs of elite athletes. Key points Session-RPE, training zone and salivary free cortisol levels correlate significantly with strength-related variables in middle and long-distance elite runners. A month of active rest during the off-season break is enough to prevent decreases in force production of such athletes. Monitoring training loads through session-RPE is a suitable and simple method for controlling the training process in elite middle and long-distance runners. PMID:25729283

Elite Circulation and the Convertibility of Knowledge: Comparing Different Types and Forms of Knowledge and Degrees of Elite Circulation in Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mangset, Marte

2017-01-01

According to classical elite theory, increased circulation is related to increased integration which is thought to increase elites' power. Based on a comparative analysis of some European countries' elite education systems, recruitment to elite positions and degrees of circulation--with a specific focus on administrative elites--this article…

Kinanthropometric and performance characteristics of elite and non-elite female softball players.

PubMed

Singh, S; Singh, M; Rathi, B

2013-12-01

The purpose of the present study was to compare the kinanthropometric and performance characteristics of elite and non-elite female softball players. A total forty elite and non-elite level female softball players were selected from the different colleges affiliated to the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, for the present study. The height of subjects was measured by using the standard anthropometric rod. Weight was measured with portable weighing machine. Widths and diameters of body parts were measured by using digital caliper. Girths and lengths were taken with steel tape. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken using the Slimguide skinfold caliper. All subjects were also assessed for performance tests i.e. vertical jump, 50m sprint, medicine ball throw, 10×4m shuttle run and reaction time. Independent samples t-test reveals that elite female softball players were significantly taller (P<0.05) than the non- elite players. The elite female softball players also had significantly greater biacromial (P<0.05), bi- illiocristal (P<0.05) and bicondylar femur (P<0.05) diameters and forearm circumference (P<0.05) as compared to non-elite female softball players. The non-elite female softball players were found to have significantly greater thigh circumference (P<0.05), triceps (P<0.05) and subscapular (P<0.05) skinfold thicknesses than the elite female softball players. The non-elite players were also found to have significantly higher percentage body fat (P<0.05) than the elite players. In performance tests, the elite players were found to have significantly better reaction time (P<0.05), speed (P<0.05) and agility (P<0.05) as compared to non-elite female softball players. The elite female softball players had significantly greater kinanthropometric characteristics, body composition and performance characteristics than the non-elite female softball players.

The Cannabinoid System and Pain

PubMed Central

Woodhams, Stephen G.; Chapman, Victoria; Finn, David P.; Hohmann, Andrea G.; Neugebauer, Volker

2018-01-01

Chronic pain states are highly prevalent and yet poorly controlled by currently available analgesics, representing an enormous clinical, societal, and economic burden. Existing pain medications have significant limitations and adverse effects including tolerance, dependence, gastrointestinal dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and a narrow therapeutic window, making the search for novel analgesics ever more important. In this article, we review the role of an important endogenous pain control system, the endocannabinoid (EC) system, in the sensory, emotional, and cognitive aspects of pain. Herein, we briefly cover the discovery of the EC system and its role in pain processing pathways, before concentrating on three areas of current major interest in EC pain research; 1. Pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid activity (via blockade of EC metabolism or allosteric modulation of CB1 receptors); 2. The EC System and stress-induced modulation of pain; and 3. The EC system & medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dysfunction in pain states. Whilst we focus predominantly on the preclinical data, we also include extensive discussion of recent clinical failures of endocannabinoid-related therapies, the future potential of these approaches, and important directions for future research on the EC system and pain. PMID:28625720

Using confirmatory factor analysis to understand executive control in preschool children: sources of variation in emergent mathematic achievement

PubMed Central

Bull, Rebecca; Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Wiebe, Sandra A.; Sheffield, Tiffany D.; Nelson, Jennifer Mize

2010-01-01

Latent variable modeling methods have demonstrated utility for understanding the structure of executive control (EC) across development. These methods are utilized to better characterize the relation between EC and mathematics achievement in the preschool period, and to understand contributing sources of individual variation. Using the sample and battery of laboratory tasks described in Wiebe, Espy and Charak (2008), latent EC was related strongly to emergent mathematics achievement in preschool, and was robust after controlling for crystallized intellectual skills. The relation between crystallized skills and emergent mathematics differed between girls and boys, although the predictive association between EC and mathematics did not. Two dimensions of the child’s social environment contributed to mathematics achievement: social network support through its relation to EC and environmental stressors through its relation with crystallized skills. These findings underscore the need to examine the dimensions, mechanisms, and individual pathways that influence the development of early competence in basic cognitive processes that underpin early academic achievement. PMID:21676089

Using confirmatory factor analysis to understand executive control in preschool children: sources of variation in emergent mathematic achievement.

PubMed

Bull, Rebecca; Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Wiebe, Sandra A; Sheffield, Tiffany D; Nelson, Jennifer Mize

2011-07-01

Latent variable modeling methods have demonstrated utility for understanding the structure of executive control (EC) across development. These methods are utilized to better characterize the relation between EC and mathematics achievement in the preschool period, and to understand contributing sources of individual variation. Using the sample and battery of laboratory tasks described in Wiebe, Espy and Charak (2008), latent EC was related strongly to emergent mathematics achievement in preschool, and was robust after controlling for crystallized intellectual skills. The relation between crystallized skills and emergent mathematics differed between girls and boys, although the predictive association between EC and mathematics did not. Two dimensions of the child 's social environment contributed to mathematics achievement: social network support through its relation to EC and environmental stressors through its relation with crystallized skills. These findings underscore the need to examine the dimensions, mechanisms, and individual pathways that influence the development of early competence in basic cognitive processes that underpin early academic achievement. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

KEPLER EXOPLANET CANDIDATE HOST STARS ARE PREFERENTIALLY METAL RICH

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schlaufman, Kevin C.; Laughlin, Gregory, E-mail: kcs@ucolick.org, E-mail: laughlin@ucolick.org

We find that Kepler exoplanet candidate (EC) host stars are preferentially metal rich, including the low-mass stellar hosts of small-radius ECs. The last observation confirms a tentative hint that there is a correlation between the metallicity of low-mass stars and the presence of low-mass and small-radius exoplanets. In particular, we compare the J-H-g-r color-color distribution of Kepler EC host stars with a control sample of dwarf stars selected from the {approx}150, 000 stars observed during Q1 and Q2 of the Kepler mission but with no detected planets. We find that at J - H = 0.30 characteristic of solar-type stars,more » the average g-r color of stars that host giant ECs is 4{sigma} redder than the average color of the stars in the control sample. At the same J - H color, the average g-r color of solar-type stars that host small-radius ECs is indistinguishable from the average color of the stars in the control sample. In addition, we find that at J - H = 0.62 indicative of late K dwarfs, the average g-r color of stars that host small-radius ECs is 4{sigma} redder than the average color of the stars in the control sample. These offsets are unlikely to be caused by differential reddening, age differences between the two populations, or the presence of giant stars in the control sample. Stellar models suggest that the first color offset is due to a 0.2 dex enhancement in [Fe/H] of the giant EC host population at M{sub *} {approx} 1 M{sub sun}, while Sloan photometry of M 67 and NGC 6791 suggests that the second color offset is due to a similar [Fe/H] enhancement of the small-radius EC host population at M{sub *} {approx} 0.7 M{sub sun}. These correlations are a natural consequence of the core-accretion model of planet formation.« less

Lunar Module ECS (Environmental Control System) - Design Considerations and Failure Modes. Part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interbartolo, Michael

2009-01-01

Design considerations and failure modes for the Lunar Module (LM) Environmental Control System (ECS) are described. An overview of the the oxygen supply and cabin pressurization, atmosphere revitalization, water management and heat transport systems are provided. Design considerations including reliability, flight instrumentation, modularization and the change to the use of batteries instead of fuel cells are discussed. A summary is provided for the LM ECS general testing regime.

Determinants of the effectiveness of fast break actions in elite and sub-elite Italian men’s basketball games

PubMed Central

Favero, TG; Niederhausen, M; Capranica, L; Tessitore, A

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of successful and unsuccessful fast-break (FB) actions in elite and sub-elite basketball games. Fifteen 1st-division (elite) and fifteen 3rd-division (sub-elite) Italian men’s championship games were analysed across two seasons (2012/2013 and 2013/2014). A binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and the fast-break outcome (successful vs. unsuccessful) was adopted as the dependent variable separately in both elite and sub-elite games. FB execution (initiation, advance and completion phases), typology (primary and secondary break) and the number of players involved (equal number or superiority) were used as independent variables. The results showed that the rate of success of FB actions was 63.5% and 59.7% in elite and sub-elite games, respectively. Moreover, successful FBs were more likely to be completed in the lane in relation to unsuccessful ones in both elite and sub-elite games (p<0.05). Finally, descriptive statistics showed that both elite and sub-elite teams executed FBs similarly. This study highlighted that completion zone was the only predictor of a successful fast break in basketball, while the typology and number of players involved did not predict fast break effectiveness. Moreover, elite and sub-elite teams executed fast break actions similarly. These findings might be useful for basketball coaches to optimize the training of FB actions. PMID:28566812

Preventing eating disorders among young elite athletes: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Martinsen, Marianne; Bahr, Roald; Børresen, Runi; Holme, Ingar; Pensgaard, Anne Marte; Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn

2014-03-01

To examine the effect of a 1-yr school-based intervention program to prevent the development of new cases of eating disorders (ED) and symptoms associated with ED among adolescent female and male elite athletes. All 16 Norwegian Elite Sport High Schools were included (intervention group [n = 9] and control group [n = 7]). In total, 465 (93.8%) first-year student athletes were followed during high school (2008-2011, three school years). The athletes completed the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 and questions related to ED before (pretest), immediately after (posttest 1), and 9 months after the intervention (posttest 2). Clinical interviews (Eating Disorder Examination) were conducted after the pretest (all with symptoms [n = 115, 97%] and a random sample without symptoms [n = 116, 97%]), and at posttest 2, all athletes were interviewed (n = 463, 99.6%). Among females, there were no new cases of ED in the intervention schools, while 13% at the control schools had developed and fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for ED not otherwise specified (n = 7) or bulimia nervosa (n = 1), P = 0.001. The risk of reporting symptoms was lower in the intervention than in the control schools at posttest 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23-0.89). This effect was attenuated by posttest 2 (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.29-1.09). The intervention showed a relative risk reduction for current dieting (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02-0.54) and three or more weight loss attempts (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25-0.90). Among males, there was one new case of ED at posttest 2 (control school) and no difference in the risk of reporting symptoms between groups at posttest 1 or 2. A 1-yr intervention program can prevent new cases of ED and symptoms associated with ED in adolescent female elite athletes.

Influence of gender and types of sports training on QT variables in young elite athletes.

PubMed

Omiya, Kazuto; Sekizuka, Hiromitsu; Kida, Keisuke; Suzuki, Kengo; Akashi, Yoshihiro J; Ohba, Haruo; Musha, Haruki

2014-01-01

Influence of gender and sports training on QT variables such as QT interval and dispersion (QT dispersion: QTD) in young elite athletes were evaluated. Subjects included 104 male and 97 female Japanese elite athletes (mean age 21.6 years). Sports included basketball, fencing, gymnastics, judo, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball. Age-matched healthy non-athletes (32 men and 20 women) were enrolled as controls. QT measurements were manually obtained from a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram and QTD was calculated as the difference between the longest and shortest QT intervals. A corrected QT interval (QTc) was obtained using Bazett's formula. Subjects were divided into two groups; an endurance training group and a static training group on the basis of their training types. Maximum and minimum QTc were significantly longer in female athletes than in male athletes (max: 414.2 vs. 404.5 ms, min: 375.1 vs. 359.2 ms, p<0.0001 respectively), whereas QTc dispersion (QTcD) was shorter in female athletes than in male athletes (39.2 vs. 45.3 ms, p<0.0001). QTcD was significantly shorter in female athletes than in the female control group (39.2 vs. 45.2 ms, p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between male athletes and the male control group. Male gymnasts exhibited significantly longer QTcD than the control group (p<0.01), but female gymnasts had significantly shorter QTcD than the control group (p<0.05). Maximum QTc intervals were prolonged in the male static training group compared with non-athletes, and QTcDs in the static training group were prolonged compared with the endurance training group. However, no significant difference was observed in the female group. In conclusion, both gender and different characteristics of sports training may affect QT variables even in young elite athletes. Vigorous static exercise training may independently prolong QT variables.

75 FR 38007 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

... the environmental control system (ECS). This AD results from reports of duct assemblies in the ECS... assemblies in the ECS wrapped with BMS 8-39 polyurethane foam insulation, a material of which the fire... igniting the BMS 8-39 polyurethane foam insulation on the duct assemblies of the ECS, which could propagate...

Artificial intelligence in process control: Knowledge base for the shuttle ECS model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiffler, A. Kent

1989-01-01

The general operation of KATE, an artificial intelligence controller, is outlined. A shuttle environmental control system (ECS) demonstration system for KATE is explained. The knowledge base model for this system is derived. An experimental test procedure is given to verify parameters in the model.

Contrasting Complement Control, Temporal Adjunct Control and Controlled Verbal Gerund Subjects in ASD: The Role of Contextual Cues in Reference Assignment.

PubMed

Janke, Vikki; Perovic, Alexandra

2017-01-01

This study examines two complex syntactic dependencies (complement control and sentence-final temporal adjunct control) and one pragmatic dependency (controlled verbal gerund subjects) in children with ASD. Sixteen high-functioning (HFA) children (aged 6-16) with a diagnosis of autism and no language impairment, matched on age, gender and non-verbal MA to one TD control group, and on age, gender and verbal MA to another TD control group, undertook three picture-selection tasks. Task 1 measured their base-line interpretations of the empty categories ( ec ). Task 2 preceded these sentence sets with a weakly established topic cueing an alternative referent and Task 3 with a strongly established topic cueing an alternative referent. In complement control (Ron persuaded Hermione ec to kick the ball) and sentence-final temporal adjunct control (Harry tapped Luna while ec feeding the owl), the reference of the ec is argued to be related obligatorily to the object and subject respectively. In controlled verbal-gerund subjects (VGS) ( ec Rowing the boat clumsily made Luna seasick), the ec 's reference is resolved pragmatically. Referent choices across the three tasks were compared. TD children chose the object uniformly in complement control across all tasks but in adjunct control, preferences shifted toward the object in Task 3. In controlled VGSs, they exhibited a strong preference for an internal-referent interpretation in Task 1, which shifted in the direction of the cues in Tasks 2 and 3. HFA children gave a mixed performance. They patterned with their TD counterparts on complement control and controlled VGSs but performed marginally differently on adjunct control: no TD groups were influenced by the weakly established topic in Task 2 but all groups were influenced by the strongly established topic in Task 3. HFA children were less influenced than the TD children, resulting in their making fewer object choices overall but revealing parallel patterns of performance. In this first study of three sub-types of control in ASD, we demonstrate that HFA children consult the same pragmatic cues to the same degree as TD children, in spite of the diverse pragmatic deficits reported for this population.

Contrasting Complement Control, Temporal Adjunct Control and Controlled Verbal Gerund Subjects in ASD: The Role of Contextual Cues in Reference Assignment

PubMed Central

Janke, Vikki; Perovic, Alexandra

2017-01-01

This study examines two complex syntactic dependencies (complement control and sentence-final temporal adjunct control) and one pragmatic dependency (controlled verbal gerund subjects) in children with ASD. Sixteen high-functioning (HFA) children (aged 6–16) with a diagnosis of autism and no language impairment, matched on age, gender and non-verbal MA to one TD control group, and on age, gender and verbal MA to another TD control group, undertook three picture-selection tasks. Task 1 measured their base-line interpretations of the empty categories (ec). Task 2 preceded these sentence sets with a weakly established topic cueing an alternative referent and Task 3 with a strongly established topic cueing an alternative referent. In complement control (Ron persuaded Hermione ec to kick the ball) and sentence-final temporal adjunct control (Harry tapped Luna while ec feeding the owl), the reference of the ec is argued to be related obligatorily to the object and subject respectively. In controlled verbal-gerund subjects (VGS) (ec Rowing the boat clumsily made Luna seasick), the ec's reference is resolved pragmatically. Referent choices across the three tasks were compared. TD children chose the object uniformly in complement control across all tasks but in adjunct control, preferences shifted toward the object in Task 3. In controlled VGSs, they exhibited a strong preference for an internal-referent interpretation in Task 1, which shifted in the direction of the cues in Tasks 2 and 3. HFA children gave a mixed performance. They patterned with their TD counterparts on complement control and controlled VGSs but performed marginally differently on adjunct control: no TD groups were influenced by the weakly established topic in Task 2 but all groups were influenced by the strongly established topic in Task 3. HFA children were less influenced than the TD children, resulting in their making fewer object choices overall but revealing parallel patterns of performance. In this first study of three sub-types of control in ASD, we demonstrate that HFA children consult the same pragmatic cues to the same degree as TD children, in spite of the diverse pragmatic deficits reported for this population. PMID:28400743

Prevalence of doping use in elite sports: a review of numbers and methods.

PubMed

de Hon, Olivier; Kuipers, Harm; van Bottenburg, Maarten

2015-01-01

The prevalence of doping in elite sports is relevant for all those involved in sports, particularly for evaluating anti-doping policy measures. Remarkably, few scientific articles have addressed this subject so far, and the last review dates back to 1997. As a consequence, the true prevalence of doping in elite sports is unknown. Even though it is virtually impossible to uncover the exact prevalence of a prohibited activity such as doping, various methods are available to uncover parts of this particular problem, which enables the circumvention (to a certain degree) of the issues of truthfulness, definition problems and the limits of pharmacological evidence. This review outlines the various methods that exist and presents the scarce data available in this area. It is concluded that a combination of questionnaires using the Randomised Response Technique and models of biological parameters is able to provide the statistical possibilities to reveal accurate estimates of this often undisclosed practice. Data gathered in this way yield an estimation of 14-39% of current adult elite athletes who intentionally used doping. These period prevalences have been found in specific sub-groups of elite athletes, and the available data suggest that the prevalence of doping is considerably different between sub-groups with varying types of sport, levels and nationalities. The above-mentioned figure of 14-39% is likely to be a more accurate reflection of the prevalence of intentional doping in elite sports than that provided by doping control test results (estimate of doping: 1-2% annually) or questionnaire-based research (estimations between 1 and 70% depending on sport, level and exact definitions of intent and doping). In the future, analytical science may play a more important role in this topic if it may become feasible to detect very low concentrations of prohibited substances in sewage systems downstream of major sporting events. However, it is clear that current doping control test results show a distinct underestimation of true doping prevalence. It does not seem feasible to distil better estimates of the prevalence of doping based on performance indicators or ego documents because of the various existing effects that influence athletic performance. Such information can only be used as extra information to augment the accuracy of prevalence rates that have been found by using other techniques. True doping prevalence studies have been scarce in elite sports so far. With the correct application of the available scientific methods, preferably using harmonised definitions of the terms 'doping' and 'elite sports', more information on this topic may be gathered in a relatively short time. This would assist anti-doping professionals in the future in order to evaluate the effects of possible anti-doping measures, and better anti-doping policies would serve athletes who compete without doping. The existing anti-doping measures seriously impact the lives of elite athletes and their immediate entourage, which imposes a moral burden to evaluate these measures in the best possible way.

Bioavailability and in vivo release behavior of controlled-release multiple-unit theophylline dosage forms in beagle dogs, cynomolgus monkeys, and göttingen minipigs.

PubMed

Ikegami, Kengo; Tagawa, Kozo; Osawa, Takashi

2006-09-01

To determine the usefulness of monkey as an animal model, bioavailability and in vivo release behaviors of theophylline (TP) after oral administration of controlled-release beads in dogs, monkeys, and minipigs were evaluated. Controlled-release beads were prepared using a centrifugal-fluid type granulator, that is, CF-granulator, and Ethylcellulose (EC) was used as controlled-release coating agent. Aqueous solution and EC-coated beads, which contained TP were orally administered to animals after at least 1-week intervals. In dogs and minipigs, their relative bioavailabilities of EC-coated beads were 33.1% and 47.0%, respectively, and in vivo TP release from EC-coated beads in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and minipigs were not reflected in vitro data. In monkeys, relative bioavailability of EC-coated beads was 80.0% and the highest among the three species, and release amount of TP from EC-coated beads at 24 h after oral administration was 82.8% and 92.4%, which was almost correlated to in vitro data. Therefore, the discrepancy of the relative bioavailability in three species is considered to be due to the difference of in vivo release behavior of TP. The monkey may be useful animal model for bioavailability studies of controlled-release dosage forms of TP from the viewpoint of in vitro-in vivo release correlation. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Radiocarbon Analysis to Calculate New End-Member Values for Biomass Burning Source Samples Specific to the Bay Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, S.; Kirchstetter, T.; Fairley, D.; Sheesley, R. J.; Tang, X.

2017-12-01

Elemental carbon (EC), also known as black carbon or soot, is an important particulate air pollutant that contributes to climate forcing through absorption of solar radiation and to adverse human health impacts through inhalation. Both fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning, via residential firewood burning, agricultural burning, wild fires, and controlled burns, are significant sources of EC. Our ability to successfully control ambient EC concentrations requires understanding the contribution of these different emission sources. Radiocarbon (14C) analysis has been increasingly used as an apportionment tool to distinguish between EC from fossil fuel and biomass combustion sources. However, there are uncertainties associated with this method including: 1) uncertainty associated with the isolation of EC to be used for radiocarbon analysis (e.g., inclusion of organic carbon, blank contamination, recovery of EC, etc.) 2) uncertainty associated with the radiocarbon signature of the end member. The objective of this research project is to utilize laboratory experiments to evaluate some of these uncertainties, particularly for EC sources that significantly impact the San Francisco Bay Area. Source samples of EC only and a mix of EC and organic carbon (OC) were produced for this study to represent known emission sources and to approximate the mixing of EC and OC that would be present in the atmosphere. These samples include a combination of methane flame soot, various wood smoke samples (i.e. cedar, oak, sugar pine, pine at various ages, etc.), meat cooking, and smoldering cellulose smoke. EC fractions were isolated using a Sunset Laboratory's thermal optical transmittance carbon analyzer. For 14C analysis, samples were sent to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for isotope analysis using an accelerated mass spectrometry. End member values and uncertainties for the EC isolation utilizing this method will be reported.

Eating disorder pathology in elite adolescent athletes.

PubMed

Giel, Katrin Elisabeth; Hermann-Werner, Anne; Mayer, Jochen; Diehl, Katharina; Schneider, Sven; Thiel, Ansgar; Zipfel, Stephan

2016-06-01

We aimed to investigate eating disorder pathology in German elite adolescent athletes. Evidence suggests that eating disorder pathology is more common in adult elite sports, especially in female athletes and in sports emphasizing leanness. There is a scarcity of studies in elite adolescent athletes who are in a vulnerable developmental stage and are affected by general as well as sport-specific risk factors. Our data was derived from the German Young Olympic Athletes' Lifestyle and Health Management Study (GOAL) which conducted a survey in 1138 elite adolescent athletes. In this sample, we assessed body weight, weight control behavior, body acceptance and screened overall for core symptoms of eating disorders, depression and anxiety. We performed a tree analysis to identify high risk groups for eating disorder pathology. High risk groups comprised (a) athletes competing in weight dependent sports, and among athletes competing in disciplines other than weight dependent sports (b) athletes who are high on negative affectivity, (c) female athletes and (d) male athletes competing in endurance, technical or power sports. Athletes competing in weight dependent disciplines reported wide spread use of compensatory behaviors to influence body weight. Athletes reporting eating disorder pathology showed higher levels of depression and anxiety than athletes without eating disorder pathology. Increased psychosocial burden in athletes with eating disorder pathology suggests that eating disorder symptoms should not be accepted as an unproblematic and functional part of elite sports. The prevention and management of eating disorder pathology is especially important in weight dependent sports. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:553-562). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Improvement of the Performance of an Electrocoagulation Process System Using Fuzzy Control of pH.

PubMed

Demirci, Yavuz; Pekel, Lutfiye Canan; Altinten, Ayla; Alpbaz, Mustafa

2015-12-01

The removal efficiencies of electrocoagulation (EC) systems are highly dependent on the initial value of pH. If an EC system has an acidic influent, the pH of the effluent increases during the treatment process; conversely, if such a system has an alkaline influent, the pH of the effluent decreases during the treatment process. Thus, changes in the pH of the wastewater affect the efficiency of the EC process. In this study, we investigated the dynamic effects of pH. To evaluate approaches for preventing increases in the pH of the system, the MATLAB/Simulink program was used to develop and evaluate an on-line computer-based system for pH control. The aim of this work was to study Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control and fuzzy control of the pH of a real textile wastewater purification process using EC. The performances and dynamic behaviors of these two control systems were evaluated based on determinations of COD, colour, and turbidity removal efficiencies.

Lower body symmetry and running performance in elite Jamaican track and field athletes.

PubMed

Trivers, Robert; Fink, Bernhard; Russell, Mark; McCarty, Kristofor; James, Bruce; Palestis, Brian G

2014-01-01

In a study of degree of lower body symmetry in 73 elite Jamaican track and field athletes we show that both their knees and ankles (but not their feet) are-on average-significantly more symmetrical than those of 116 similarly aged controls from the rural Jamaican countryside. Within the elite athletes, events ranged from the 100 to the 800 m, and knee and ankle asymmetry was lower for those running the 100 m dashes than those running the longer events with turns. Nevertheless, across all events those with more symmetrical knees and ankles (but not feet) had better results compared to international standards. Regression models considering lower body symmetry combined with gender, age and weight explain 27 to 28% of the variation in performance among athletes, with symmetry related to about 5% of this variation. Within 100 m sprinters, the results suggest that those with more symmetrical knees and ankles ran faster. Altogether, our work confirms earlier findings that knee and probably ankle symmetry are positively associated with sprinting performance, while extending these findings to elite athletes.

Lower Body Symmetry and Running Performance in Elite Jamaican Track and Field Athletes

PubMed Central

Trivers, Robert; Fink, Bernhard; Russell, Mark; McCarty, Kristofor; James, Bruce; Palestis, Brian G.

2014-01-01

In a study of degree of lower body symmetry in 73 elite Jamaican track and field athletes we show that both their knees and ankles (but not their feet) are–on average–significantly more symmetrical than those of 116 similarly aged controls from the rural Jamaican countryside. Within the elite athletes, events ranged from the 100 to the 800 m, and knee and ankle asymmetry was lower for those running the 100 m dashes than those running the longer events with turns. Nevertheless, across all events those with more symmetrical knees and ankles (but not feet) had better results compared to international standards. Regression models considering lower body symmetry combined with gender, age and weight explain 27 to 28% of the variation in performance among athletes, with symmetry related to about 5% of this variation. Within 100 m sprinters, the results suggest that those with more symmetrical knees and ankles ran faster. Altogether, our work confirms earlier findings that knee and probably ankle symmetry are positively associated with sprinting performance, while extending these findings to elite athletes. PMID:25401732

Physiological characteristics of elite and sub-elite badminton players.

PubMed

Ooi, Cheong Hwa; Tan, Albert; Ahmad, Azwari; Kwong, Kien Weng; Sompong, Ruji; Ghazali, Khairul Aswadi Mohd; Liew, Swee Lee; Chai, Wen Jin; Thompson, Martin William

2009-12-01

The aims of this study were to establish the physical and physiological attributes of elite and sub-elite Malaysian male badminton players and to determine whether these attributes discriminate elite players from sub-elite players. Measurements and tests of basic anthropometry, explosive power, anaerobic recovery capacity, badminton-specific movement agility, maximum strength, and aerobic capacity were conducted on two occasions, separated by at least one day. The elite (n = 12) and sub-elite (n = 12) players' characteristics were, respectively: mean age 24.6 years (s = 3.7) and 20.5 years (s = 0.7); mass 73.2 kg (s = 7.6) and 62.7 kg (s = 4.2); stature 1.76 m (s = 0.07) and 1.71 m (s = 0.05); body fat 12.5% (s = 4.8) and 9.5% (s = 3.4); estimated VO(2max) 56.9 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1) (s = 3.7) and 59.5 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1) (s = 5.2). The elite players had greater maximum absolute strength in one-repetition maximum bench press (P = 0.015) compared with the sub-elite players. There were significant differences in instantaneous lower body power estimated from vertical jump height between the elite and sub-elite groups (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between groups in shuttle run tests and on-court badminton-specific movement agility tests. Our results show that elite Malaysian male badminton players are taller, heavier, and stronger than their sub-elite counterparts. The test battery, however, did not allow us to discriminate between the elite and sub-elite players, suggesting that at the elite level tactical knowledge, technical skills, and psychological readiness could be of greater importance.

Demonstration of sawtooth period control with EC waves in KSTAR plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jeong, J. H.; Bae, Y. S.; Joung, M.

2015-03-12

The sawtooth period control in tokamak is important issue in recent years because the sawtooth crash can trigger TM/NTM instabilities and drive plasmas unstable. The control of sawtooth period by the modification of local current profile near the q=1 surface using ECCD has been demonstrated in a number of tokamaks [1, 2] including KSTAR. As a result, developing techniques to control the sawtooth period as a way of controlling the onset of NTM has been an important area of research in recent years [3]. In 2012 KSTAR plasma campaign, the sawtooth period control is carried out by the different depositionmore » position of EC waves across the q=1 surface. The sawtooth period is shortened by on-axis co-ECCD (destabilization), and the stabilization of the sawtooth is also observed by off-axis co-ECCD at outside q=1 surface. In 2013 KSTAR plasma campaign, the sawtooth locking experiment with periodic forcing of 170 GHz EC wave is carried out to control the sawtooth period. The optimal target position which lengthens the sawtooth period is investigated by performing a scan of EC beam deposition position nearby q=1 surface at the toroidal magnetic field of 2.9 T and plasma current of 0.7 MA. The sawtooth locking by the modulated EC beam is successfully demonstrated as in [3-5] with the scan of modulation-frequency and duty-ratio at the low beta (β N~0.5) plasma. In this paper, the sawteeth behavior by the location of EC beam and the preliminary result of the sawtooth locking experiments in KSTAR will be presented.« less

Resistance to extinction of human evaluative conditioning using a between-subjects design.

PubMed

Baeyens, F; Díaz, E; Ruiz, G

2005-02-01

Two experiments were conducted to examine whether the resistance to extinction obtained in evaluative conditioning (EC) studies implies that EC is a qualitatively distinct form of classical conditioning (Baeyens, Eelen, & Crombez, 1995 a) or whether it is the result of an nonassociative artefact ( Field & Davey, 1997 , 1998 , 1999 ). Both experiments included between-subjects control groups in addition to standard within-subjects control conditions. In Experiment 1, only verbal ratings were measured in order to evaluate the effect of postacquisition CS-only exposures on EC whereas in Experiment 2, verbal ratings and postextinction priming effects were measured. The results showed that the EC effects are demonstrable in a between-subjects design and that the extinction procedure did not have any influence on the acquired evaluative value of CSs regardless of whether the verbal ratings or the priming effects were used as dependent variables. The present results provide evidence that EC is resistant to extinction and suggest an interpretation of EC as a qualitatively distinct form of associative learning.

The Astronautics Laboratory of the Air Force Systems Command electric propulsion projects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanks, T.M.; Andrews, J.C.

1989-01-01

Ongoing projects at the Astronautics Laboratory (AL) of the USAF Systems Command are described. Particular attention is given to experiments with arcjets, magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, ion engines, and the Electric Insertion Transfer Experiment (ELITE). ELITE involves the integration of high-power ammonia arcjets, low-power xenon ion thrusters, advanced photovoltaic solar arrays, and an autononomous flight control system. It is believed that electric propulsion will become a dominant element in the military and industrial use of space. 6 refs.

USAF Support to Low Intensity Conflict: Three Case Studies From the 1980s

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

included armed reconnaissance provided by AC- 130H gunships, and an airdrop of USAF Combat Control Teams and Army Rangers . The main body for the...performance of elite units such as Delta Force, SEALS, Rangers , etc. did not justify the money spent or their claims of eliteness. AU Library Document M-43828...48Adkin, 132. 23 Figure 1 Task Organization for Joint Task Force 120. CJTF 120 Carribean Peacekeeping Force CTF 121 Airborne CTF 123 Rangers

Roles of endothelial A-type lamins in migration of T cells on and under endothelial layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Kwang Hoon; Lee, Jaehyun; Park, Hyoungjun; Kim, Hye Mi; Park, Jeehun; Kwon, Keon Woo; Doh, Junsang

2016-03-01

Stiff nuclei in cell-dense microenvironments may serve as distinct biomechanical cues for cell migration, but such a possibility has not been tested experimentally. As a first step addressing this question, we altered nuclear stiffness of endothelial cells (ECs) by reducing the expression of A-type lamins using siRNA, and investigated the migration of T cells on and under EC layers. While most T cells crawling on control EC layers avoided crossing over EC nuclei, a significantly higher fraction of T cells on EC layers with reduced expression of A-type lamins crossed over EC nuclei. This result suggests that stiff EC nuclei underlying T cells may serve as “duro-repulsive” cues to direct T cell migration toward less stiff EC cytoplasm. During subendothelial migration under EC layers with reduced expression of A-type lamins, T cells made prolonged contact and substantially deformed EC nuclei, resulting in reduced speed and directional persistence. This result suggests that EC nuclear stiffness promotes fast and directionally persistent subendothelial migration of T cells by allowing minimum interaction between T cells and EC nuclei.

Muscle function in elite master weightlifters.

PubMed

Pearson, Stephen J; Young, Archie; Macaluso, Andrea; Devito, Giuseppe; Nimmo, Myra A; Cobbold, Matthew; Harridge, Stephen D R

2002-07-01

To determine whether explosive power and isometric strength of the lower-limb muscles in elite master Olympic weightlifters declines at a similar rate to nontrained healthy controls with increasing age. 54 elite level masters weightlifters (aged 40-87), who were competitors at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships (1999), were compared with a similar number of aged-matched, healthy untrained individuals. Isometric knee extensor strength and lower-limb explosive power were tested. Extent of antagonist co-contraction during isometric knee extension was determined by EMG and power loading characteristics by using a variable inertial system. Muscle volume was estimated using anthropometry. On average, the weightlifters were able to generate 32% more peak power (P < 0.05) in the lower limbs and 32% more isometric knee extensor force (P < 0.05) than the control subjects. No significant differences in lower-leg volume were observed between the two groups. Peak power declined at a similar rate with increasing age in the weightlifters and controls (1.2 and 1.3% of a 45-yr-old's value per year), as did strength, but at a lower rate (0.6 and 0.5% per year). The inertial load at which the weightlifters achieved their maximal peak power output was greater (P < 0.05) than the controls. The torque generated at this optimal inertia was also greater in the weightlifters (P < 0.05), whereas the time taken for the weightlifters to reach their maximal peak power was on average 13% shorter (P < 0.05). No differences in antagonist co-contraction during isometric knee extension were observed between the two groups. Muscle power and isometric strength decline at a similar rate with increasing age in elite master weightlifters and healthy controls. In spite of inertial load optimization, muscle power declined in both groups at approximately twice the rate of isometric strength. Although similar rates of decline were observed, the absolute differences between the weightlifters and controls were such that an 85-yr-old weightlifter was as powerful as a 65-yr-old control subject. This would therefore represent an apparent age advantage of approximately 20 yr for the weightlifters.

Relations of Positive and Negative Expressivity and Effortful Control to Kindergarteners’ Student-Teacher Relationship, Academic Engagement, and Externalizing Problems at School

PubMed Central

Diaz, Anjolii; Eisenberg, Nancy; Valiente, Carlos; VanSchyndel, Sarah; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Berger, Rebecca; Hernandez, Maciel M.; Silva, Kassondra M.; Southworth, Jody

2015-01-01

The current study examined the role of naturally-occurring negative and positive emotion expressivity in kindergarten and children’s effortful control (EC) on their relationships with teachers, academic engagement, and problems behaviors in school. Further, the potential moderating role of EC on these important school outcomes was assessed. Emotion and engagement were observed at school. EC was assessed by multiple methods. Teachers reported on their student–teacher relationships and student’s externalizing behaviors. Children’s emotion expressivity and EC were related to engagement and relationships with teachers as well as behavioral problems at school. Children low in EC may be particularly vulnerable to the poor outcomes associated with relatively intense emotion expressivity as they struggle to manage their emotions and behaviors in the classroom. PMID:28584388

Perceived autonomy support, personal goal content, and emotional well-being among elite athletes: mediating effects of reasons for goals.

PubMed

Solberg, Paul André; Halvari, Hallgeir

2009-06-01

The relations between perceived support of autonomy from coaches, characteristics of personal goals, and emotional well-being from the perspective of self-determination theory was examined among 95 elite athletes (59% men; M = 21.6 yr., SD = 6.1) from Track and Field, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Taekwondo, and Power Lifting. Elite athletes were those representing their country in their sport. It was hypothesized that having autonomous reasons for goals would mediate the positive associations between perceived autonomy support and intrinsic goal content with subjective positive emotional well-being, and that controlled reasons for goals would mediate the association between extrinsic goal content and subjective negative emotional well-being. An idiographic approach to measures of personal goals and the autonomous and controlled reasons and intrinsic and extrinsic contents were performed. Perceived autonomy support from the coach was assessed with the Sport Climate Questionnaire and subjective emotional well-being was assessed with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. All hypotheses were supported by path analyses using LISREL.

Previously identified patellar tendinopathy risk factors differ between elite and sub-elite volleyball players.

PubMed

Janssen, I; Steele, J R; Munro, B J; Brown, N A T

2015-06-01

Patellar tendinopathy is the most common knee injury incurred in volleyball, with its prevalence in elite athletes more than three times that of their sub-elite counterparts. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patellar tendinopathy risk factors differed between elite and sub-elite male volleyball players. Nine elite and nine sub-elite male volleyball players performed a lateral stop-jump block movement. Maximum vertical jump, training history, muscle extensibility and strength, three-dimensional landing kinematics (250 Hz), along with lower limb neuromuscular activation patterns (1500 Hz), and patellar tendon loading were collected during each trial. Multivariate analyses of variance (P < 0.05) assessed for between-group differences in risk factors or patellar tendon loading. Significant interaction effects were further evaluated using post-hoc univariate analysis of variance tests. Landing kinematics, neuromuscular activation patterns, patellar tendon loading, and most of the previously identified risk factors did not differ between the elite and sub-elite players. However, elite players participated in a higher training volume and had less quadriceps extensibility than sub-elite players. Therefore, high training volume is likely the primary contributor to the injury discrepancy between elite and sub-elite volleyball players. Interventions designed to reduce landing frequency and improve quadriceps extensibility are recommended to reduce patellar tendinopathy prevalence in volleyball players. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Comparison of the Developmental Experiences of Elite and Sub-Elite Swimmers: Similar Developmental Histories Can Lead to Differences in Performance Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Michael B.; Tenenbaum, Gershon; Edmonds, William A.; Castillo, Yvonne

2008-01-01

The current study fills a void in the literature that investigates the factors required for elite athlete development. Previous studies have (a) illustrated psychological and physiological differences between elites and non-elites; "or" (b) described the psychological and physiological developmental experiences of elite performers. The…

Bacterial diversity and composition of alfalfa silage as analyzed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing: Effects of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and silage additives.

PubMed

Ogunade, I M; Jiang, Y; Pech Cervantes, A A; Kim, D H; Oliveira, A S; Vyas, D; Weinberg, Z G; Jeong, K C; Adesogan, A T

2018-03-01

The first objective of this study was to examine effects of adding Escherichia coli O157:H7 with or without chemical or microbial additives on the bacterial diversity and composition of alfalfa silage. The second objective was to examine associations between the relative abundance of known and unknown bacterial species and indices of silage fermentation quality. Alfalfa forage was harvested at 54% dry matter, chopped to a theoretical length of cut of 19 mm, and ensiled in quadruplicate in laboratory silos for 100 d after the following treatments were applied: (1) distilled water (control); (2) 1 × 10 5 cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7 (EC); (3) EC and 1 × 10 6 cfu/g of Lactobacillus plantarum (EC+LP); (4) EC and 1 × 10 6 cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri (EC+LB); and (5) EC and 0.22% propionic acid (EC+PA). After 100 d of ensiling, the silage samples were analyzed for bacterial diversity and composition via the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA) and chemically characterized. Overall, Firmicutes (74.1 ± 4.86%) was the most predominant phylum followed by Proteobacteria (20.4 ± 3.80%). Relative to the control, adding E. coli O157:H7 alone at ensiling did not affect bacterial diversity or composition but adding EC+LP or EC+LB reduced the Shannon index, a measure of diversity (3.21 vs. 2.63 or 2.80, respectively). The relative abundance of Firmicutes (69.2 and 68.8%) was reduced, whereas that of Proteobacteria (24.0 and 24.9%) was increased by EC+LP and EC+PA treatments, relative to those of the control (79.5 and 16.5%) and EC+LB (77.4 and 18.5%) silages, respectively. Compared with the control, treatment with EC+LP increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Sphingomonas, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Erwinia by 426, 157, 200, 194, and 163%, respectively, but reduced those of Pediococcus, Weissella, and Methylobacterium by 5,436, 763, and 250%, respectively. Relative abundance of Weissella (9.19%) and Methylobacterium (0.94%) were also reduced in the EC+LB silage compared with the control (29.7 and 1.50%, respectively). Application of propionic acid did not affect the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Weissella, or Pediococcus. Lactate concentration correlated positively (r = 0.56) with relative abundance of Lactobacillus and negatively (r = -0.41) with relative abundance of Pediococcus. Negative correlations were detected between ammonia-N concentration and relative abundance of Sphingomonas (r = -0.51), Pantoea (r = -0.46), Pseudomonas (r = -0.45), and Stenotrophomonas (r = -0.38). Silage pH was negatively correlated with relative abundance of Lactobacillus (r = -0.59), Sphingomonas (r = -0.66), Pantoea (r = -0.69), Pseudomonas (r = -0.69), and Stenotrophomonas (r = -0.50). Future studies should aim to speciate, culture, and determine the functions of the unknown bacteria detected in this study to elucidate their roles in silage fermentation. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of anthropometry, upper-body strength, and lower-body power characteristics in different levels of Australian football players.

PubMed

Bilsborough, Johann C; Greenway, Kate G; Opar, David A; Livingstone, Steuart G; Cordy, Justin T; Bird, Stephen R; Coutts, Aaron J

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometry, upper-body strength, and lower-body power characteristics in elite junior, sub-elite senior, and elite senior Australian Football (AF) players. Nineteen experienced elite senior (≥4 years Australian Football League [AFL] experience), 27 inexperienced elite senior (<4 years AFL experience), 22 sub-elite senior, and 21 elite junior AF players were assessed for anthropometric profile (fat-free soft tissue mass [FFSTM], fat mass, and bone mineral content) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, upper-body strength (bench press and bench pull), and lower-body power (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump with 20 kg). A 1-way analysis of variance assessed differences between the playing levels in these measures, whereas relationships between anthropometry and performance were assessed with Pearson's correlation. The elite senior and sub-elite senior players were older and heavier than the elite junior players (p ≤ 0.05). Both elite playing groups had greater total FFSTM than both the sub-elite and junior elite players; however, there were only appendicular FFSTM differences between the junior elite and elite senior players (p < 0.001). The elite senior playing groups were stronger and had greater CMJ performance than the lower level players. Both whole-body and regional FFSTM were correlated with bench press (r = 0.43-0.64), bench pull (r = 0.58-0.73), and jump squat performance measures (r = 0.33-0.55). Australian Football players' FFSTM are different between playing levels, which are likely because of training and partly explain the observed differences in performance between playing levels highlighting the importance of optimizing FFSTM in young players.

MCT1 A1470T: a novel polymorphism for sprint performance?

PubMed

Sawczuk, Marek; Banting, Lauren K; Cięszczyk, Paweł; Maciejewska-Karłowska, Agnieszka; Zarębska, Aleksandra; Leońska-Duniec, Agata; Jastrzębski, Zbigniew; Bishop, David J; Eynon, Nir

2015-01-01

The A1470T polymorphism (rs1049434) in the monocarboxylate (lactate/pyruvate) transporter 1 gene (MCT1) has been suggested to influence athletic performance in the general population. We compared genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the MCT1 gene A1470T polymorphism between endurance athletes, sprint/power athletes and matched controls. We also examined the association between the MCT1 A1470T and the athletes' competition level ('elite' and 'national' level). The study involved endurance athletes (n=112), sprint/power athletes (n=100), and unrelated sedentary controls (n=621), all Caucasians. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal epithelium using a standard protocol. We conducted Fisher's exact tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses to assess the association between MCT1 genotype and athletic status/competition level. Sprint/power athletes were more likely than controls to possess the minor T allele (TT genotype compared to the AA [p<0.001]; TT or AT compared to the AA [p=0.007]; TT compared to both AA and AT genotypes [p<0.001]). Likewise, sprint/power athletes were more likely than endurance athletes to have the TT genotype compared to the AA (p=0.029) and the TT compared to both AA and AT genotypes (p=0.027). Furthermore, elite sprint/power athletes were more likely than national-level athletes to have the TT genotype compared to the AA (p=0.044), and more likely to have the TT genotype compared to both AA and AT genotypes (recessive model) (p=0.045). The MCT1 TT genotype is associated with elite sprint/power athletic status. Future studies are encouraged to replicate these findings in other elite athlete cohorts. Copyright © 2013 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preventing lower extremity injury in elite orienteerers: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Halvarsson, Bodil

2018-01-01

Background The high physical load associated with running through uneven terrain contributes toorienteerers being exposed to high injury risk, where the majority of injuries are located in the lower extremities. Specific training programmes have been effective at reducing injury risk in sports. Yet no trial has been conducted in elite orienteering. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a specific training programme in preventing lower extremity injury in adult elite orienteerers. Study design Randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods Seventy-two Swedish elite orienteerers, aged 18–40 years, are allocated to an intervention or control group. The intervention group performs four specific exercises, with three difficult levels intensified every second week over the first 4 weeks, targeting strength, flexibility and coordination of the lower extremity. The exercises are completed four times a week (10 min per session) in conjunction with normal training over 14 weeks. Injury data are collected every second week using a valid injury questionnaire distributed by text messages over 14 weeks. The primary outcome is number of substantial injuries in the lower extremity. The secondary outcomes are incidence of ankle sprains and the average substantial injury prevalence across 14 weeks. Discussion Due to high injury risk and lack of injury prevention trials in orienteering, an RCT investigating the effect of a specific exercise programme in preventing lower extremity injury is warranted. The results of this trial will be beneficial to orienteerers, clubs and federations, and increase our understanding on how lower extremity injuries can be prevented in a physically challenging sport. Trial registration number NCT03408925. PMID:29707231

Return to Sport Following Shoulder Surgery in the Elite Pitcher

PubMed Central

Harris, Joshua D.; Frank, Jonathan M.; Jordan, Mark A.; Bush-Joseph, Charles A.; Romeo, Anthony A.; Gupta, Anil K.; Abrams, Geoffrey D.; McCormick, Frank M.; Bach, Bernard R.

2013-01-01

Context: The ability to return to elite pitching, performance, and clinical outcomes of shoulder surgery in elite baseball pitchers are not definitively established. Objective: To determine (1) the rate of return to sport (RTS) in elite pitchers following shoulder surgery, (2) postoperative clinical outcomes upon RTS, and (3) performance upon RTS and to compare RTS rates in different types of shoulder surgery. Data Sources: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist, Medline, SciVerse Scopus, SportDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Study Selection: Levels I-IV evidence were eligible for inclusion if performance-based (eg, RTS) and/or clinical outcome–based reporting of outcomes were reported following surgical treatment of shoulder pathology in elite pitchers (major or minor league or collegiate). Data Extraction: Subject, shoulder, and pre- and postoperative performance-based variables of interest were extracted. All shoulder surgery types were potentially inclusive (eg, open, arthroscopic, rotator cuff, labrum, biceps, acromioclavicular joint, fracture). Study methodological quality was analyzed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS). Results: Six studies were analyzed (287 elite male pitchers [mean age, 27 years] who underwent shoulder surgery, with 99% on the dominant, throwing shoulder). MCMS was 38 (poor). Most pitchers were professional, with a mean career length of 6.58 years and postoperative clinical follow-up of 3.62 years. In 5 of 6 studies, multiple diagnoses were addressed concomitantly at surgery. Rate of RTS was 68% at mean 12 months following surgery. Twenty-two percent of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers never RTS in MLB. Overall performance did improve following surgery; however, this did not improve to pre-injury levels. Conclusion: In this systematic review, the rate of return to elite baseball pitching following surgery was established. Performance tended to decrease prior to surgery and gradually improve postoperatively, though not reaching pre-injury levels of pitching. Level of Evidence: IV (systematic review of studies level I-IV evidence), therapeutic. PMID:24459557

76 FR 68666 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-07

... control system (ECS) wrapped with Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 or Aeronautical Materials... deteriorate with age. This proposed AD would require reworking certain air distribution ducts in the ECS. We... the duct assemblies of the ECS due to a potential electrical arc, which could start a small fire and...

77 FR 50411 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-21

... environmental control system (ECS) wrapped with BMS 8-39 or Aeronautical Materials Specifications (AMS) 3570... were assembled with duct assemblies in the ECS wrapped with BMS 8-39 urethane foam insulation, a... ECS with burned BMS 8-39 urethane foam insulation. We issued these ADs to prevent a potential...

Evaluation of anti-fatigue property of the extruded product of cereal grains mixed with Cordyceps militaris on mice.

PubMed

Zhong, Lei; Zhao, Liyan; Yang, Fangmei; Yang, Wenjian; Sun, Yong; Hu, Qiuhui

2017-01-01

Fatigue is a biological phenomenon that involves a feeling of extreme physical or mental tiredness that could potentially cause some severe chronic diseases. Recently, diet therapy has provided a new alternative to alleviate physical fatigue. In our previous study, addition of Cordyceps militaris ( C. militaris ) into an extruded product was shown to provide high nutrition and unique flavors; however, little is known whether this product has some scientific evidence regarding anti-fatigue property. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of extruded products of cereal grains (EC) and EC mixed with C. militaris (ECC). The mice were divided into seven groups: one group received distilled water (Control group, n  = 20), and the other groups received different dosages of EC (5, 10 and 20 g/kg body weight, n  = 20 per group) or of ECC (5, 10 and 20 g/kg body weight, n  = 20 per group) solution in water. All of the mice were administered with distilled water, EC or ECC continuously for 30 days by gavage and the anti-fatigue activity was evaluated using a weight-loaded swimming test, along with assessments of fatigue-related indicators. The mode of fighting fatigue was investigated by determining changes in exercise endurance and biochemical markers, including exhaustive swimming time, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood lactic acid (BLA), creatine kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and hepatic and muscle glycogen levels. EC and ECC prolonged the swimming endurance time of mice compared to the control. The content of BLA at high dose of ECC group (20 g/kg) was significantly lower than that in the negative control group. CK, BUN and MDA levels were significantly reduced by treatment with EC and ECC compared to the negative control, while the low and middle dose of EC had no significant effect on MDA levels. Additionally, only the middle and high dose of EC (10, 20 g/kg) could significantly decrease the BUN level. EC and ECC treatments increased glycogen, LDH, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels. Low and middle dose of EC had no significant effects on muscle glycogen. Moreover, low dose of EC could increase the level of SOD but it was not statistically significant. Compared to the EC treatment groups, ECC demonstrated the efficacy of anti-fatigue potential, particularly at a high dose of ECC, the best performance in relieving fatigue. These results suggest that EC and ECC could prevent exercise-induced fatigue in mice and ECC provided a better effect. In addition, C. militaris in ECC might play a crucial role in the anti-fatigue activity of ECC.

Survival of the fittest? The democratization of hospital administration in Quebec.

PubMed

Eakin, J M

1984-01-01

In 1973 the Canadian Province of Quebec "democratized" its hospital boards of directors by replacing their traditional lay community or religious members with individuals more representative of the hospitals' major interest groups. In the province's English-speaking hospitals, patients, community organizations, physicians and nonprofessional hospital employees elected representatives to boards that were formerly comprised mostly of business executives. After a brief description of the social organization of the former "elite" boards and their role in the distribution of power within hospitals, the paper demonstrates how the "elite" board members and hospital administrators retained control despite "democratization." Several theoretical explanations for this outcome are critically examined in the light of these empirical findings. One suggestion is that the "elite" administration survived democratization because it was "fitter" in terms of ability to influence the hospitals' major economic and political constraints.

Interpolity exchange of basalt tools facilitated via elite control in Hawaiian archaic states

PubMed Central

Kirch, Patrick V.; Mills, Peter R.; Lundblad, Steven P.; Sinton, John; Kahn, Jennifer G.

2012-01-01

Ethnohistoric accounts of late precontact Hawaiian archaic states emphasize the independence of chiefly controlled territories (ahupua‘a) based on an agricultural, staple economy. However, elite control of unevenly distributed resources, such as high-quality volcanic rock for adze production, may have provided an alternative source of economic power. To test this hypothesis we used nondestructive energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) analysis of 328 lithic artifacts from 36 archaeological features in the Kahikinui district, Maui Island, to geochemically characterize the source groups. This process was followed by a limited sampling using destructive wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) analysis to more precisely characterize certain nonlocal source groups. Seventeen geochemical groups were defined, eight of which represent extra-Maui Island sources. Although the majority of stone tools were derived from Maui Island sources (71%), a significant quantity (27%) of tools derived from extraisland sources, including the large Mauna Kea quarry on Hawai‘i Island as well as quarries on O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i islands. Importantly, tools quarried from extralocal sources are found in the highest frequency in elite residential features and in ritual contexts. These results suggest a significant role for a wealth economy based on the control and distribution of nonagricultural goods and resources during the rise of the Hawaiian archaic states. PMID:22203984

The effect of motor control training on abdominal muscle contraction during simulated weight bearing in elite cricketers.

PubMed

Hides, Julie A; Endicott, Timothy; Mendis, M Dilani; Stanton, Warren R

2016-07-01

To investigate whether motor control training alters automatic contraction of abdominal muscles in elite cricketers with low back pain (LBP) during performance of a simulated unilateral weight-bearing task. Clinical trial. 26 male elite-cricketers attended a 13-week cricket training camp. Prior to the camp, participants were allocated to a LBP or asymptomatic group. Real-time ultrasound imaging was used to assess automatic abdominal muscle response to axial loading. During the camp, the LBP group performed a staged motor control training program. Following the camp, the automatic response of the abdominal muscles was re-assessed. At pre-camp assessment, when participants were axially loaded with 25% of their own bodyweight, the LBP group showed a 15.5% thicker internal oblique (IO) muscle compared to the asymptomatic group (p = 0.009). The post-camp assessment showed that participants in the LBP group demonstrated less contraction of the IO muscle in response to axial loading compared with the asymptomatic group. A trend was found in the automatic recruitment pattern of the transversus abdominis (p = 0.08). Motor control training normalized excessive contraction of abdominal muscles in response to a low load task. This may be a useful strategy for rehabilitation of cricketers with LBP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of joint hypermobility on functional movement control in an elite netball population: A preliminary cohort study.

PubMed

Soper, Kessie; Simmonds, Jane V; Kaz Kaz, Hanadi; Ninis, Nelly

2015-05-01

To ascertain the prevalence of General Joint Hypermobility (GJH) and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) in elite level netballers. To investigate whether GJH influences functional movement control and explore whether symptoms of dysautonomia are reported in this population. Observational within-subject cross-sectional design. Field based study. 27 elite level netballers (14-26 years). GJH and JHS were assessed using the Beighton scale, 5 point questionnaire and the Brighton Criteria. Functional movement control was measured using posturography on a force platform and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). The prevalence of GJH was 63% (n = 17) (Beighton score ≥4/9) and JHS was 15% (n = 4). Symptoms of dysautonomia were minimally prevalent. A trend was observed in which participants with GJH demonstrated increased postural instability on the functional tests. Following Bonferroni adjustment, this was statistically significant only when comparing posturographic data between the distinctly hypermobile participants and the rest of the group for path area (p = 0.002) and velocity (p = 0.002) on the left side. A high prevalence of GJH was observed. A trend towards impairment of functional movement control was observed in the netballers with GJH. This observation did not reach statistical significance except for posturographic path area and velocity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Child Executive Control as a Moderator of the Longitudinal Association Between Sleep Problems and Subsequent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms.

PubMed

Kidwell, Katherine M; Hankey, Maren; Nelson, Jennifer Mize; Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Nelson, Timothy D

2017-11-01

To examine the longitudinal associations among sleep, executive control (EC), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in childhood. In this longitudinal study (N = 271), parents answered questions about sleep problems when children were 3 years old, children completed a comprehensive EC task battery at 4.5 years, and teachers completed standardized measures of child ADHD symptoms in 4th grade. Latent moderated structural equation models demonstrated that sleep problems at 3 years and EC deficits at 4.5 years were associated with ADHD symptoms in 4th grade. EC moderated the relationship between sleep problems and hyperactivity/impulsivity, such that children with both sleep problems and poor EC were particularly at risk for hyperactivity/impulsivity. Sleep problems and EC deficits early in development were associated with increased risk for ADHD symptoms in elementary school. Early assessment and intervention to promote healthy sleep and EC development may be helpful in ADHD prevention. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

A composite model of the human postcapillary venule for investigation of microvascular leukocyte recruitment

PubMed Central

Lauridsen, Holly M.; Pober, Jordan S.; Gonzalez, Anjelica L.

2014-01-01

Neutrophil extravasation occurs across postcapillary venules, structures composed of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes (PCs), and basement membrane (BM). We constructed composite models of the human postcapillary venule, combining ECs with PCs or PC-deposited BM, to better study this process. Quiescent and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-activated composites demonstrated in situ-like expression of cadherins, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1), CD99, and interleukin 8 (IL-8). After TNF-α activation, the ECs supported greater neutrophil adhesion (66.1 vs. 23.7% of input cells) and transmigration (35.1 vs. 7.20% of input cells) than did the PCs, but the composites behaved comparably (no significant difference) to ECs in both assays. TNF-α-activated EC-conditioned medium (CM) increased transmigration across the PCs, whereas TNF-α-activated PC-CM decreased transmigration across the ECs, and culturing on PC-derived BM decreased both adhesion to and transmigration across the ECs. Anti-very late antigen 4 (VLA-4; on neutrophils) inhibited adhesion to TNF-α-activated composites, but not to ECs alone. Anti-CD99 (expressed on all 3 cell types) inhibited transmigration across the composites (14.5% of control) more than across the ECs (39.0% of control), and venular shear stress reduced transmigration across the ECs (17.3% of static) more than across the composites (36.7% of static). These results provide proof of concept that our composite human EC/PC/BM venular construct can reveal new interactions in the inflammatory cascade.—Lauridsen, H. M., Pober, J. S., Gonzalez, A. L. A composite model of the human postcapillary venule for investigation of microvascular leukocyte recruitment. PMID:24297702

Hormonal (Cortical-Gonadotropic Axis) and Physical Changes With Two Years Intense Exercise Training in Elite Young Soccer Players.

PubMed

Hammami, Mohamed Ali; Ben Abderrahman, Abderraouf; Hackney, Anthony C; Kebsi, Wiem; Owen, Adam L; Nebigh, Amar; Racil, Ghazi; Tabka, Zouhair; Zouhal, Hassane

2017-09-01

Hammami, MA, Ben Abderrahman, A, Hackney, AC, Kebsi, W, Owen, AL, Nebigh, A, Racil, G, Tabka, Z, and Zouhal, H. Hormonal (cortical-gonadotropic axis) and physical changes with two years intense exercise training in elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2388-2397, 2017-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 soccer-training seasons on physical fitness and hormone concentrations in elite youth soccer players. Twenty male elite soccer players (SP, age 14.5 ± 0.4 years) and 20 male control subjects (CS, age 14.3 ± 0.3 years) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, aerobic (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [YYIRT1]) and anaerobic soccer relevant performances (jump and sprint tests), blood testosterone (T), cortisol (C), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and T/C ratio were assessed 5 times (from T0 to T4) during 2 competitive seasons. Significant differences from basal values (Δ) of T, SHBG, and C between SP and CS were observed (p < 0.01). Additionally, T and T/C ratio changes were positively correlated with physical performance (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, as expected, higher T concentration and greater power performance were observed in the soccer players group compared with controls. Our findings also show that the T concentrations and power performance outcomes co-vary positively over the 2 soccer seasons in soccer players.

Electron Cyclotron power management for control of Neoclassical Tearing Modes in the ITER baseline scenario

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poli, Francesca M.; Fredrickson, Eric; Henderson, Mark A.

Time-dependent simulations are used to evolve plasma discharges in combination with a Modified Rutherford equation (MRE) for calculation of Neoclassical Tearing Mode (NTM) stability in response to Electron Cyclotron (EC) feedback control in ITER. The main application of this integrated approach is to support the development of control algorithms by analyzing the plasma response with physics-based models and to assess how uncertainties in the detection of the magnetic island and in the EC alignment affect the ability of the ITER EC system to fulfill its purpose. These simulations indicate that it is critical to detect the island as soon asmore » possible, before its size exceeds the EC deposition width, and that maintaining alignment with the rational surface within half of the EC deposition width is needed for stabilization and suppression of the modes, especially in the case of modes with helicity (2,1). A broadening of the deposition profile, for example due to wave scattering by turbulence fluctuations or not well aligned beams, could even be favorable in the case of the (2,1)-NTM, by relaxing an over-focussing of the EC beam and improving the stabilization at the mode onset. Pre-emptive control reduces the power needed for suppression and stabilization in the ITER baseline discharge to a maximum of 5 MW, which should be reserved and available to the Upper Launcher during the entire flattop phase. By assuming continuous triggering of NTMs, with pre-emptive control ITER would be still able to demonstrate a fusion gain of Q=10.« less

Electron cyclotron power management for control of neoclassical tearing modes in the ITER baseline scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poli, F. M.; Fredrickson, E. D.; Henderson, M. A.; Kim, S.-H.; Bertelli, N.; Poli, E.; Farina, D.; Figini, L.

2018-01-01

Time-dependent simulations are used to evolve plasma discharges in combination with a modified Rutherford equation for calculation of neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) stability in response to electron cyclotron (EC) feedback control in ITER. The main application of this integrated approach is to support the development of control algorithms by analyzing the plasma response with physics-based models and to assess how uncertainties in the detection of the magnetic island and in the EC alignment affect the ability of the ITER EC system to fulfill its purpose. Simulations indicate that it is critical to detect the island as soon as possible, before its size exceeds the EC deposition width, and that maintaining alignment with the rational surface within half of the EC deposition width is needed for stabilization and suppression of the modes, especially in the case of modes with helicity (2, 1) . A broadening of the deposition profile, for example due to wave scattering by turbulence fluctuations or not well aligned beams, could even be favorable in the case of the (2, 1)- NTM, by relaxing an over-focussing of the EC beam and improving the stabilization at the mode onset. Pre-emptive control reduces the power needed for suppression and stabilization in the ITER baseline discharge to a maximum of 5 MW, which should be reserved and available to the upper launcher during the entire flattop phase. Assuming continuous triggering of NTMs, with pre-emptive control ITER would be still able to demonstrate a fusion gain of Q=10 .

Electron Cyclotron power management for control of Neoclassical Tearing Modes in the ITER baseline scenario

DOE PAGES

Poli, Francesca M.; Fredrickson, Eric; Henderson, Mark A.; ...

2017-09-21

Time-dependent simulations are used to evolve plasma discharges in combination with a Modified Rutherford equation (MRE) for calculation of Neoclassical Tearing Mode (NTM) stability in response to Electron Cyclotron (EC) feedback control in ITER. The main application of this integrated approach is to support the development of control algorithms by analyzing the plasma response with physics-based models and to assess how uncertainties in the detection of the magnetic island and in the EC alignment affect the ability of the ITER EC system to fulfill its purpose. These simulations indicate that it is critical to detect the island as soon asmore » possible, before its size exceeds the EC deposition width, and that maintaining alignment with the rational surface within half of the EC deposition width is needed for stabilization and suppression of the modes, especially in the case of modes with helicity (2,1). A broadening of the deposition profile, for example due to wave scattering by turbulence fluctuations or not well aligned beams, could even be favorable in the case of the (2,1)-NTM, by relaxing an over-focussing of the EC beam and improving the stabilization at the mode onset. Pre-emptive control reduces the power needed for suppression and stabilization in the ITER baseline discharge to a maximum of 5 MW, which should be reserved and available to the Upper Launcher during the entire flattop phase. By assuming continuous triggering of NTMs, with pre-emptive control ITER would be still able to demonstrate a fusion gain of Q=10.« less

Trunk extensor and flexor strength of long-distance race car drivers and physically active controls.

PubMed

Baur, Heiner; Muller, Steffen; Pilz, Frederike; Mayer, Patrizia; Mayer, Frank

2010-09-01

Seventy percent of motor sports athletes report low back pain. Information on the physical capacity of race car drivers is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the maximum trunk extensor and flexor strength of elite race car drivers and physically active controls. Thirteen elite race car drivers and 13 controls were measured in concentric mode for maximal trunk flexion and extension at 60° x s(-1) and 120° x s(-1). Peak torque (mean ± s) at 60° x s(-1) in trunk extension was 283 ± 80 N x m in the drivers and 260 ± 88 N x m in controls (P > 0.05). At 120° x s(-1), drivers produced peak torques of 248 ± 55 N x m compared with 237 ± 74 N x m for controls (P > 0.05). Peak torques in flexion were less than in extension for both groups (60° x s(-1): drivers 181 ± 56 N x m, controls 212 ± 54 N x m, P > 0.05; 120° x s(-1): drivers 191 ± 57 N x m, controls 207 ± 48 N x m, P > 0.05). Individual ratios of flexion to extension forces exhibited ratios of 0.88 (60° x s(-1)) and 0.93 (120° x s(-1)) for controls and 0.66 (60° x s(-1)) and 0.77 (120° x s(-1)) for drivers (60° x s(-1): P > 0.05; 120° x s(-1): P > 0.05). The maximum strength performance capacity of the trunk muscles of elite motor sport athletes competing in long-distance racing did not differ from that of anthropometrically matched and physically active controls.

Early school competence: the roles of sex-segregated play and effortful control.

PubMed

Fabes, Richard A; Martin, Carol Lynn; Hanish, Laura D; Anders, Mary C; Madden-Derdich, Debra A

2003-09-01

The purpose of this research was to examine the role that young children's same-sex peer interactions play in influencing early school competence. The authors also examined the degree to which effortful control (EC) moderated these relations. The same-sex play preferences of 98 young children (50 boys and 48 girls; mean age = 54.77 months) were observed during the fall semester. At the end of the fall semester, one set of teachers reported on children's EC, and at the end of the following springsemester, another set reported on children's school competence (social, academic, and perceptual-motor). Results revealed that EC moderated the relations of children's same-sex play to their school competence. These patterns differed for boys and girls such that same-sex play was positively related to school outcomes for boys high in EC and for girls low in EC.

The Interplay of Maternal Sensitivity and Gentle Control When Predicting Children's Subsequent Academic Functioning: Evidence of Mediation by Effortful Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kopystynska, Olena; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Seay, Danielle M.; Eisenberg, Nancy

2016-01-01

The goal of this work was to examine the complex interrelation of mothers' early gentle control and sensitivity in predicting children's effortful control (EC) and academic functioning. Maternal gentle control, maternal sensitivity, and children's EC were measured when children were 18, 30, and 42 months of age (T1, T2, and T3, respectively), and…

Placental insufficiency decreases pancreatic vascularity and disrupts hepatocyte growth factor signaling in the pancreatic islet endothelial cell in fetal sheep.

PubMed

Rozance, Paul J; Anderson, Miranda; Martinez, Marina; Fahy, Anna; Macko, Antoni R; Kailey, Jenai; Seedorf, Gregory J; Abman, Steven H; Hay, William W; Limesand, Sean W

2015-02-01

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are paracrine hormones that mediate communication between pancreatic islet endothelial cells (ECs) and β-cells. Our objective was to determine the impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on pancreatic vascularity and paracrine signaling between the EC and β-cell. Vessel density was less in IUGR pancreata than in controls. HGF concentrations were also lower in islet EC-conditioned media (ECCM) from IUGR, and islets incubated with control islet ECCM responded by increasing insulin content, which was absent with IUGR ECCM. The effect of ECCM on islet insulin content was blocked with an inhibitory anti-HGF antibody. The HGF receptor was not different between control and IUGR islets, but VEGFA was lower and the high-affinity VEGF receptor was higher in IUGR islets and ECs, respectively. These findings show that paracrine actions from ECs increase islet insulin content, and in IUGR ECs, secretion of HGF was diminished. Given the potential feed-forward regulation of β-cell VEGFA and islet EC HGF, these two growth factors are highly integrated in normal pancreatic islet development, and this regulation is decreased in IUGR fetuses, resulting in lower pancreatic islet insulin concentrations and insulin secretion. © 2015 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Mouse repeated electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) does not reverse social stress effects but does induce behavioral and hippocampal changes relevant to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) side-effects in the treatment of depression

PubMed Central

Sigrist, Hannes; Seifritz, Erich; Fikse, Lianne; Bosker, Fokko J.; Schoevers, Robert A.; Klein, Hans C.

2017-01-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, but can have negative side effects including amnesia. The mechanisms of action underlying both the antidepressant and side effects of ECT are not well understood. An equivalent manipulation that is conducted in experimental animals is electroconvulsive seizure (ECS). Rodent studies have provided valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and side effects of ECT. However, relatively few studies have investigated the effects of ECS in animal models with a depression-relevant manipulation such as chronic stress. In the present study, mice were first exposed to chronic social stress (CSS) or a control procedure for 15 days followed by ECS or a sham procedure for 10 days. Behavioral effects were investigated using an auditory fear conditioning (learning) and expression (memory) test and a treadmill-running fatigue test. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was conducted on brain material using the microglial marker Iba-1 and the cholinergic fibre marker ChAT. CSS did not increase fear learning and memory in the present experimental design; in both the control and CSS mice ECS reduced fear learning and fear memory expression. CSS induced the expected fatigue-like effect in the treadmill-running test; ECS induced increased fatigue in CSS and control mice. In CSS and control mice ECS induced inflammation in hippocampus in terms of increased expression of Iba-1 in radiatum of CA1 and CA3. CSS and ECS both reduced acetylcholine function in hippocampus as indicated by decreased expression of ChAT in several hippocampal sub-regions. Therefore, CSS increased fatigue and reduced hippocampal ChAT activity and, rather than reversing these effects, a repeated ECS regimen resulted in impaired fear learning-memory, increased fatigue, increased hippocampal Iba-1 expression, and decreased hippocampal ChAT expression. As such, the current model does not provide insights into the mechanism of ECT antidepressant function but does provide evidence for pathophysiological mechanisms that might contribute to important ECT side-effects. PMID:28910337

Mouse repeated electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) does not reverse social stress effects but does induce behavioral and hippocampal changes relevant to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) side-effects in the treatment of depression.

PubMed

van Buel, Erin M; Sigrist, Hannes; Seifritz, Erich; Fikse, Lianne; Bosker, Fokko J; Schoevers, Robert A; Klein, Hans C; Pryce, Christopher R; Eisel, Ulrich Lm

2017-01-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, but can have negative side effects including amnesia. The mechanisms of action underlying both the antidepressant and side effects of ECT are not well understood. An equivalent manipulation that is conducted in experimental animals is electroconvulsive seizure (ECS). Rodent studies have provided valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and side effects of ECT. However, relatively few studies have investigated the effects of ECS in animal models with a depression-relevant manipulation such as chronic stress. In the present study, mice were first exposed to chronic social stress (CSS) or a control procedure for 15 days followed by ECS or a sham procedure for 10 days. Behavioral effects were investigated using an auditory fear conditioning (learning) and expression (memory) test and a treadmill-running fatigue test. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was conducted on brain material using the microglial marker Iba-1 and the cholinergic fibre marker ChAT. CSS did not increase fear learning and memory in the present experimental design; in both the control and CSS mice ECS reduced fear learning and fear memory expression. CSS induced the expected fatigue-like effect in the treadmill-running test; ECS induced increased fatigue in CSS and control mice. In CSS and control mice ECS induced inflammation in hippocampus in terms of increased expression of Iba-1 in radiatum of CA1 and CA3. CSS and ECS both reduced acetylcholine function in hippocampus as indicated by decreased expression of ChAT in several hippocampal sub-regions. Therefore, CSS increased fatigue and reduced hippocampal ChAT activity and, rather than reversing these effects, a repeated ECS regimen resulted in impaired fear learning-memory, increased fatigue, increased hippocampal Iba-1 expression, and decreased hippocampal ChAT expression. As such, the current model does not provide insights into the mechanism of ECT antidepressant function but does provide evidence for pathophysiological mechanisms that might contribute to important ECT side-effects.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the lumbar spine in elite horseback riders: correlations with back pain, body mass index, trunk/leg-length coefficient, and riding discipline.

PubMed

Kraft, Clayton N; Pennekamp, Peter H; Becker, Ute; Young, Mei; Diedrich, Oliver; Lüring, Christian; von Falkenhausen, Makus

2009-11-01

Most orthopaedic problems experienced by competitive horseback riders are related to pain in the lower back, hip joint, and hamstring muscles. Riders-especially, show jumpers-are frequently hampered in their performance because of lumbar pain. To date, there has been no research into lumbar disk degeneration in elite competitive riders. Competitive horseback riding accelerates lumbar disk degeneration. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Fifty-eight elite riders (18 men, 40 women; mean age, 32.4 years) and a control group of 30 nonriding volunteers (17 men, 13 women; mean age, 28.7 years) were evaluated for lumbar disk degeneration, cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles, spondylolysis, and spondylolisthesis, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prevalence of disk degeneration between the 2 groups was compared, and the relationship was investigated between low back pain (LBP), riding discipline, body mass index (BMI), trunk/leg-length coefficient, and MRI results. Eighty-eight percent of elite riders (n = 51) had a history of LBP, versus 33% of the controls (P < .05). There was no statistical difference for the prevalence of LBP among the different riding disciplines. However, there was a high rate of pathologic T2 signal intensity of the lumbar intervertebral disk among riders-specifically, dressage riders-yet no significant increase when compared with controls. History of LBP symptoms, riding discipline, BMI, and trunk/leg-length ratio had no significant effect on the development of lumbar disk degeneration. Occult fractures of the pars interarticularis and manifest spondylolysis were not seen for any rider. Two controls had spondylolisthesis Meyerding grade 1 not associated with back pain. Although riders have a high prevalence of LBP, there is no conclusive MRI evidence to suggest that the cause lies in undue disk degeneration, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or pathologic changes of the paraspinal muscles of the lumbar spine.

Right and Left Ventricular Function and Mass in Male Elite Master Athletes: A Controlled Contrast-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

PubMed

Bohm, Philipp; Schneider, Günther; Linneweber, Lutz; Rentzsch, Axel; Krämer, Nadine; Abdul-Khaliq, Hashim; Kindermann, Wilfried; Meyer, Tim; Scharhag, Jürgen

2016-05-17

It is under debate whether the cumulative effects of intensive endurance exercise induce chronic cardiac damage, mainly involving the right heart. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiac structure and function in long-term elite master endurance athletes with special focus on the right ventricle by contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Thirty-three healthy white competitive elite male master endurance athletes (age range, 30-60 years) with a training history of 29±8 years, and 33 white control subjects pair-matched for age, height, and weight underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography including tissue-Doppler imaging and speckle tracking, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Indexed left ventricular mass and right ventricular mass (left ventricular mass/body surface area, 96±13 and 62±10 g/m(2); P<0.001; right ventricular mass/body surface area, 36±7 and 24±5 g/m(2); P<0.001) and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume and right ventricular end-diastolic volume (left ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 104±13 and 69±18 mL/m(2); P<0.001; right ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 110±22 and 66±16 mL/m(2); P<0.001) were significantly increased in athletes in comparison with control subjects. Right ventricular ejection fraction did not differ between athletes and control subjects (52±8 and 54±6%; P=0.26). Pathological late enhancement was detected in 1 athlete. No correlations were found for left ventricular and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitive troponin was negative in all subjects. Based on our results, chronic right ventricular damage in elite endurance master athletes with lifelong high training volumes seems to be unlikely. Thus, the hypothesis of an exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy has to be questioned. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Consistency of Field-Based Measures of Neuromuscular Control Using Force-Plate Diagnostics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players.

PubMed

Read, Paul J; Oliver, Jon L; Croix, Mark Ba De Ste; Myer, Gregory D; Lloyd, Rhodri S

2016-12-01

Read, P, Oliver, JL, Croix, MD, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Consistency of field-based measures of neuromuscular control using force-plate diagnostics in elite male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3304-3311, 2016-Deficits in neuromuscular control during movement patterns such as landing are suggested pathomechanics that underlie sport-related injury. A common mode of assessment is measurement of landing forces during jumping tasks; however, these measures have been used less frequently in male youth soccer players, and reliability data are sparse. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of a field-based neuromuscular control screening battery using force-plate diagnostics in this cohort. Twenty-six pre-peak height velocity (PHV) and 25 post-PHV elite male youth soccer players completed a drop vertical jump (DVJ), single-leg 75% horizontal hop and stick (75%HOP), and single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ). Measures of peak landing vertical ground reaction force (pVGRF), time to stabilization, time to pVGRF, and pVGRF asymmetry were recorded. A test-retest design was used, and reliability statistics included change in mean, intraclass correlation coefficient, and coefficient of variation (CV). No significant differences in mean score were reported for any of the assessed variables between test sessions. In both groups, pVGRF and asymmetry during the 75%HOP and SLCMJ demonstrated largely acceptable reliability (CV ≤ 10%). Greater variability was evident in DVJ pVGRF and all other assessed variables, across the 3 protocols (CV range = 13.8-49.7%). Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from small to large and were generally higher in the post-PHV players. The results of this study suggest that pVGRF and asymmetry can be reliably assessed using a 75%HOP and SLCMJ in this cohort. These measures could be used to support a screening battery for elite male youth soccer players and for test-retest comparison.

The influence of executive capacity on selective attention and subsequent processing

PubMed Central

Daffner, Kirk R.; Tarbi, Elise C.; Haring, Anna E.; Zhuravleva, Tatyana Y.; Sun, Xue; Rentz, Dorene M.; Holcomb, Phillip J.

2012-01-01

Recent investigations that suggest selective attention (SA) is dependent on top-down control mechanisms lead to the expectation that individuals with high executive capacity (EC) would exhibit more robust neural indices of SA. This prediction was tested by using event-related potentials (ERPs) to examine differences in markers of information processing across 25 subjects divided into two groups based on high vs. average EC, as defined by neuropsychological test scores. Subjects performed an experimental task requiring SA to a specified color. In contrast to expectation, individuals with high and average EC did not differ in the size of ERP indices of SA: the anterior Selection Positivity (SP) and posterior Selection Negativity (SN). However, there were substantial differences between groups in markers of subsequent processing, including the anterior N2 (a measure of attentional control) and the P3a (an index of the orienting of attention). EC predicted speed of processing at both early and late attentional stages. Individuals with lower EC exhibited prolonged SN, P3a, and P3b latencies. However, the delays in carrying out SA operations did not account for subsequent delays in decision making, or explain excessive orienting and reduced attentional control mechanisms in response to stimuli that should have been ignored. SN latency, P3 latency, and the size of the anterior N2 made independent contributions to the variance of EC. In summary, our findings suggest that current views regarding the relationship between top-down control mechanisms and SA may need refinement. PMID:22701415

Efficacy of free and nanoencapsulated Eucalyptus citriodora essential oils on sheep gastrointestinal nematodes and toxicity for mice.

PubMed

Ribeiro, J C; Ribeiro, W L C; Camurça-Vasconcelos, A L F; Macedo, I T F; Santos, J M L; Paula, H C B; Araújo Filho, J V; Magalhães, R D; Bevilaqua, C M L

2014-08-29

Herbal medicines with anthelmintic effects are alternatives for the sustainable control and prevention of disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites. The nanoencapsulation of essential oils has been proposed to enhance the absorption of their constituents and improve their efficacy. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of free and nanoencapsulated Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EcEO) on the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants in vitro and in vivo. Chitosan was used as a matrix for the formulation of a nanoemulsion. Chromatographic and physico-chemical analyses of EcEO were performed. Egg hatch (EHT) and larval development (LDT) tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nanoencapsulated and free EcEO on the eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus. Acute toxicity of free and nanoencapsulated EcEO was evaluated using mice. Finally, nanoencapsulated EcEO efficacy on the control of gastrointestinal nematodes was calculated by fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) treating 30 sheep naturally infected with 250 mg/kg of free and nanoencapsulated EcEO. In vitro tests were analyzed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by comparison with the Tukey test. The efficacy of FECRT was calculated by the BootStreet program through arithmetic average, using the formula 100 (1-XT/XC). To compare the differences between epg, the data were transformed to log(x+1) and subjected to an ANOVA to compare the significant differences between groups by Tukey's. The level of significance was P<0.05. The free (4 mg/ml concentration) and nanoencapsulated (2mg/ml concentration) EcEO inhibited larvae hatching by 97.2% and 92.8%, respectively. Free and nanoencapsulated EcEO at 8 mg/ml inhibited larval development by 99.8% and 98.1%, respectively. In the acute toxicity test, the LD10 and LD50 of free EcEO was 1999 and 2653 mg/kg, respectively, while the LD10 and LD50 of nanoencapsulated EcEO was 1121 and 1681 mg/kg, respectively. Nanoencapsulated and free EcEO reduced FEC similarly by 40.5% and 55.9%, respectively at 10 days post-treatment. Nanoencapsulated EcEO did not obtain the expected efficacy in vivo. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emergency strategy optimization for the environmental control system in manned spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guoxiang; Pang, Liping; Liu, Meng; Fang, Yufeng; Zhang, Helin

2018-02-01

It is very important for a manned environmental control system (ECS) to be able to reconfigure its operation strategy in emergency conditions. In this article, a multi-objective optimization is established to design the optimal emergency strategy for an ECS in an insufficient power supply condition. The maximum ECS lifetime and the minimum power consumption are chosen as the optimization objectives. Some adjustable key variables are chosen as the optimization variables, which finally represent the reconfigured emergency strategy. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II is adopted to solve this multi-objective optimization problem. Optimization processes are conducted at four different carbon dioxide partial pressure control levels. The study results show that the Pareto-optimal frontiers obtained from this multi-objective optimization can represent the relationship between the lifetime and the power consumption of the ECS. Hence, the preferred emergency operation strategy can be recommended for situations when there is suddenly insufficient power.

The development and malleability of executive control abilities

PubMed Central

Hsu, Nina S.; Novick, Jared M.; Jaeggi, Susanne M.

2014-01-01

Executive control (EC) generally refers to the regulation of mental activity. It plays a crucial role in complex cognition, and EC skills predict high-level abilities including language processing, memory, and problem solving, as well as practically relevant outcomes such as scholastic achievement. EC develops relatively late in ontogeny, and many sub-groups of developmental populations demonstrate an exaggeratedly poor ability to control cognition even alongside the normal protracted growth of EC skills. Given the value of EC to human performance, researchers have sought means to improve it through targeted training; indeed, accumulating evidence suggests that regulatory processes are malleable through experience and practice. Nonetheless, there is a need to understand both whether specific populations might particularly benefit from training, and what cortical mechanisms engage during performance of the tasks used in the training protocols. This contribution has two parts: in Part I, we review EC development and intervention work in select populations. Although promising, the mixed results in this early field make it difficult to draw strong conclusions. To guide future studies, in Part II, we discuss training studies that have included a neuroimaging component – a relatively new enterprise that also has not yet yielded a consistent pattern of results post-training, preventing broad conclusions. We therefore suggest that recent developments in neuroimaging (e.g., multivariate and connectivity approaches) may be useful to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the malleability of EC and brain plasticity. In conjunction with behavioral data, these methods may further inform our understanding of the brain–behavior relationship and the extent to which EC is dynamic and malleable, guiding the development of future, targeted interventions to promote executive functioning in both healthy and atypical populations. PMID:25071485

Specific physiological and biomechanical performance in elite, sub-elite and in non-elite male team handball players.

PubMed

Wagner, Herbert; Fuchs, Philip X; von Duvillard, Serge P

2018-01-01

Team handball is a dynamic sport game that is played professionally in numerous countries. However, knowledge about training and competition is based mostly on practical experience due to limited scientific studies. Consequently, the aims of our study were to compare specific physiological and biomechanical performance in elite, sub-elite and in non-elite male team handball players. Thirty-six elite, sub-elite and non-elite male team handball players performed a game based performance test, upper-body and lower-body strength tests, 30-m sprint test, counter movement jump test and an incremental treadmill running test. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found for the peak oxygen uptake, heart rate, offense and defense time, jump height and ball velocity during the jump throw in the game based performance test, maximal oxygen uptake in the incremental treadmill running test as well as in maximal leg strength and leg explosive strength in the isometric strength test. Elite male players have an enhanced specific agility, a better throwing performance, a higher team handball specific oxygen uptake and higher leg strength compared to sub-elite and non-elite players. Based on these results we recommend that training in team handball should focus on game based training methods to improve performance in specific agility, endurance and technique.

Biodegradation of Ethyl Carbamate and Urea with Lysinibacillus sphaericus MT33 in Chinese Liquor Fermentation.

PubMed

Cui, Kaixiang; Wu, Qun; Xu, Yan

2018-02-14

It is important to reduce the concentration of ethyl carbamate (EC) in fermented foods. However, controlling the formation of EC and its precursor urea is difficult in spontaneous food fermentation because urea is a natural product of nitrogen metabolism. Biodegradation is a better solution to reduce the concentration of EC. This study aimed to reduce the concentration of EC in Chinese liquor via an indigenous strain Lysinibacillus sphaericus MT33. This strain produced urethanase (940 U/L) and urease (1580 U/L) and degraded 76.52% of EC and 56.48% of urea. After inoculation in liquor fermentation, the maximal relative abundance of Lysinibacillus increased from 0.02% to 8.46%, the final EC and urea contents decreased by 41.77% and 28.15%. Moreover, the concentration of EC decreased by 63.32% in liquor. The negative correlation between abundance of Lysinibacillus and contents of EC and urea indicated the effect of L. sphaericus on EC and urea degradation.

77 FR 5996 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-07

... control system (ECS) wrapped with Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 or Aeronautical Materials... deteriorate with age. This AD requires reworking certain air distribution ducts in the ECS. We are issuing... assemblies of the ECS due to a potential electrical arc, which could start a small fire and lead to a larger...

Water polo throwing velocity and kinematics: differences between competitive levels in male players.

PubMed

Melchiorri, G; Viero, V; Triossi, T; De Sanctis, D; Padua, E; Salvati, A; Galvani, C; Bonifazi, M; Del Bianco, R; Tancredi, V

2015-11-01

In water polo, throwing is one of the most important and frequently used technical skills for the player. There is no scientific literature that provides information about differences in throwing between elite and sub-elite water polo players. The aim of our study was to study differences in throwing velocities and kinematic variables in elite and sub-elite level male water polo players. We considered the variables under standardized conditions during a typical motion, the five-meter shot (penalty). Thirty-four athletes from the Men's First Division Water Polo Championship and forty-two players participating in the National Fourth Division League, took part in the study. Video analysis measures were taken with high-speed digital cameras and the videos were analyzed offline with Dartfish 5.0 Pro. No correlation was found between body mass, height and throwing velocity. Elite players had higher values ​for ball speed (22.8±2.4 m/s for elite team and 18.4±1.7 m/s for sub-elite team; P=0.002) and greater elbow angle (157.5±10.3 degree for elite team versus 146.7±8.9 degree for sub-elite team; P=0.002). In elite team the throwing time was lower (165.6±22.2 and 188.6±23.9 ms, respectively; P=0.05) and the shoulder angle was smaller (115.1±10.3 and 123.8±12.4 degree, respectively; P=0.03) than in sub-elite team. Head height was significantly greater in elite players (elite players 71.1±8.7 cm, sub-elite players 65.6±6.2 cm; P=0.03). Differences in kinematic characteristics between elite and sub-elite players were showed. Differences in elbow and shoulder action must be considered both in training and injury prevention.

Day/night difference in extradural cortical stimulation for motor relearning in a subacute stroke rat model.

PubMed

Kim, Joo Yeon; Sun, Woong; Park, Eunhee; Lee, Jiyeong; Kim, Hyun; Shin, Yong-Il; Kim, Yun-Hee; Chang, Won Hyuk

2016-02-24

The aim of this study was to assess the proper timing of extradural cortical stimulation (ECS) on the motor relearning in a rat model of subacute photothrombotic stroke. Photothrombotic infarction was induced on the dominant sensorimotor cortex in male Sprague-Dawley rats after training in a single-pellet reaching task (SPRT). Rats were randomly divided into three groups after stroke: ECS during the inactive period (Day-ECS group), ECS during the active period (Night-ECS group) and no ECS (Non-stimulated group). Six sham-operated rats were assigned to the control group. The Day- and Night-ECS group received continuous ECS for 12 hours during the day or night for 2 weeks from day 4 after the stroke. Behavioral assessment with SPRT was performed daily. SPRT showed a significantly faster and greater improvement in the Day and Night-ECS groups than in the Non-stimulated group. In the Day- and Night-ECS groups, the success rate of SPRT differed significantly from Non-stimulated group on day 11 and day 8, respectively. In addition, the Night-ECS group showed a significantly higher SPRT success rate than the Day-ECS group from days 10 to 13. ECS during the active period might be more effective for motor relearning in the subacute stroke rat model.

Acute toxicity and antispasmodic activities of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch.

PubMed

Ali, Niaz; Shah, Syed Wadood Ali; Ahmed, Ghayour; Shah, Ismail; Shoaib, Mohammad; Junaid, Muhammad; Ali, Waqar

2014-03-01

Since Achillea wilhelmsii is used as antispasmodic in traditional medicine, we conducted our current work to investigate its rationale on scientific grounds. Acute toxicity studies of crude methanol extract of Achillea wilhelmsii (Aw. CMeOH) is also performed. Effect of Aw. CMeOH and its fractions were tested on isolated sections of rabbits' jejunum at test concentrations 0.01, 0.03, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10mg/ml. The test extracts, in similar concentrations, were also tested on KCl-induced contractions. Calcium chloride curves were constructed for those fractions which relaxed KCl induced contractions in the absence and presence of the test samples to investigate its possible mode of action through calcium channels. Aw. CMeOH tested positive for flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, sterols, phenols, carbohydrates and proteins. LD(50) for acute toxicity studies is 2707±12.6 mg/kg. Mean EC(50) values for Aw. CMeOH on spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions are 3.41±0.18 (2.56-3.8, n=6) and 0.68±0.05 (0.6-0.85, n=6) mg/ml, respectively. Respective EC(50) values for n-hexane fraction on spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions are 3.06±0.08 (2.8-3.3, n=6) and 1.68±0.8 (1.4-1.9, n=6) mg/ml, respectively. Corresponding EC(50) (mg/ml) values for chloroformic, ethylacetate and aqueous fractions of Achillea wilhelmsii on spontaneous rabbits' jejunum preparations are 4.8±0.2 (4.41-5.63, n=6), 5.07±0.15 (4.7-5.58, n=6) and 5.2±0.13 (4.91-5.64, n=4), respectively. Constructing calcium chloride curves, in the presence of 0.1 mg/ml of Aw. CMeOH, mean EC(50) value (log molar [Ca(++)]) is-1.98±0.03 (-1.89-2.05, n=6) vs. control EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)])-2.41±0.02 (-2.32-2.44, n=6). Mean EC(50) value (log molar [Ca(++)]) for 0.3 mg/ml n-hexane fraction is-1.76±0.05 (-1.70 -1.93, n=6) vs. control EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)]) value-2.18±0.07 (-2.0-2.46, n=6). While in the presence of chloroformic fraction (3 mg/ml), mean EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)]) value is -2.4±0.1 (-2.78 -2.9, n=6) vs. control EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)]) value-2.70±0.05 (-2.5-2.8, n=6). Mean EC(50) value (log molar [Ca(++)]) for ethyl acetate fraction (1 mg/ml) is-1.94±0.07 (-1.75-2.05, n=6) vs. control EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)]) value-2.69±0.04 (-2.57-2.79, n=6). Mean EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)]) value for residual aqueous fraction (3 mg/ml) is-1.8±0.3 (-1.71-1.84, n=6) vs. control EC(50) (log molar [Ca(++)]) -2.6±0.04 (-2.59-2.76, n=6). Whereas, the verapamil (0.1µM) EC(50) value (log molar [Ca(++)]) is-1.7±0.1 (-1.6-1.8, n=6) vs. control EC(50) value (log molar [Ca(++)])- 2.4±0.09 (-2.3-2.47, n=6). The present research work confirms that the intestinal relaxation effect of Achillea wilhelmsii is supporting its traditional use as antispasmodic. The plant species can be a source for calcium antagonist(s), which can preferably be isolated from n-hexane fraction.

Quiet eye training facilitates competitive putting performance in elite golfers.

PubMed

Vine, Samuel J; Moore, Lee J; Wilson, Mark R

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a brief quiet eye (QE) training intervention aimed at optimizing visuomotor control and putting performance of elite golfers under pressure, and in real competition. Twenty-two elite golfers (mean handicap 2.7) recorded putting statistics over 10 rounds of competitive golf before attending training individually. Having been randomly assigned to either a QE training or Control group, participants were fitted with an Applied Science Laboratories Mobile Eye tracker and performed 20 baseline (pre-test) putts from 10 ft. Training consisted of video feedback of their gaze behavior while they completed 20 putts; however the QE-trained group received additional instructions related to maintaining a longer QE period. Participants then recorded their putting statistics over a further 10 competitive rounds and re-visited the laboratory for retention and pressure tests of their visuomotor control and putting performance. Overall, the results were supportive of the efficacy of the QE training intervention. QE duration predicted 43% of the variance in putting performance, underlying its critical role in the visuomotor control of putting. The QE-trained group maintained their optimal QE under pressure conditions, whereas the Control group experienced reductions in QE when anxious, with subsequent effects on performance. Although their performance was similar in the pre-test, the QE-trained group holed more putts and left the ball closer to the hole on missed putts than their Control group counterparts in the pressure test. Importantly, these advantages transferred to the golf course, where QE-trained golfers made 1.9 fewer putts per round, compared to pre-training, whereas the Control group showed no change in their putting statistics. These results reveal that QE training, incorporated into a pre-shot routine, is an effective intervention to help golfers maintain control when anxious.

Executive Control and Dimensions of Problem Behaviors in Preschool Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Sheffield, Tiffany D.; Wiebe, Sandra A.; Clark, Caron A. C.; Moehr, Matthew J.

2011-01-01

Background: Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of executive control (EC) in externalizing psychopathology, the relation between EC and problem behavior has not been well characterized, particularly in typically developing preschoolers. Method: Using the sample, battery of laboratory tasks, and latent variable modeling methods…

EcR expression in the prothoracicotropic hormone-producing neurosecretory cells of the Bombyx mori brain.

PubMed

Hossain, Monwar; Shimizu, Sakiko; Fujiwara, Haruhiko; Sakurai, Sho; Iwami, Masafumi

2006-08-01

The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) initiates insect molting and metamorphosis through binding with a heterodimer of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). Expression of the specific isoforms EcR-A and EcR-B1 governs steroid-induced responses in the developing cells of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Here, analysis of EcR-A and EcR-B1 expression during larval-pupal development showed that both genes were up-regulated by 20E in the B. mori brain. Whole-mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that EcR-A and EcR-B1 mRNAs and proteins were exclusively located in two pairs of lateral neurosecretory cells in the larval brain known as the prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)- producing cells (PTPCs). In the pupal brain, EcR-A and EcR-B1 expression was detected in tritocerebral cells and optic lobe cells in addition to PTPCs. As PTTH controls ecdysone secretion by the prothoracic gland, these results indicate that 20E-responsive PTPCs are the master cells of insect metamorphosis.

The elite young athlete: strategies to ensure physical and emotional health

PubMed Central

Sabato, Todd M; Walch, Tanis J; Caine, Dennis J

2016-01-01

This article presents a current review of the risk of physical and psychological injury associated with participation in elite youth sport, and suggests strategies to ensure the physical and emotional health of these young athletes. Although there is lack of epidemiological data, especially with regard to psychological injury, preliminary data suggest that the risk of injury is high in this population. While there is lack of incident and follow-up data, there is also concern regarding burnout, disordered eating, and the long-term consequences of injury. Modifiable injury risk factors identified include postural control, competition anxiety, life events, previous injury, and volume of training. There are presently no studies designed to determine the effectiveness of injury prevention measures in elite youth sports. However, there is adequate evidence arising from injury prevention studies of youth sports participants – including neuromuscular training, protective equipment, mental training to enhance self-esteem, and sport rules modification – to prevent injuries in elite youth sports settings. Although not tested, psychosocial prevention strategies such as adoption of task-oriented coping mechanisms, autonomous support from parents, and a proactive organizational approach also show promise in injury prevention. PMID:27621677

Modified aging of elite athletes revealed by analysis of epigenetic age markers

PubMed Central

Spólnicka, Magdalena; Pośpiech, Ewelina; Adamczyk, Jakub Grzegorz; Freire-Aradas, Ana; Pepłońska, Beata; Zbieć-Piekarska, Renata; Makowska, Żanetta; Pięta, Anna; Lareu, Maria Victoria; Phillips, Christopher; Płoski, Rafał; Żekanowski, Cezary

2018-01-01

Recent progress in epigenomics has led to the development of prediction systems that enable accurate age estimation from DNA methylation data. Our objective was to track responses to intense physical exercise of individual age-correlated DNA methylation markers and to infer their potential impact on the aging processes. The study showed accelerated DNA hypermethylation for two CpG sites in TRIM59 and KLF14. Both markers predicted the investigated elite athletes to be several years older than controls and this effect was more substantial in subjects involved in power sports. Accordingly, the complete 5-CpG model revealed age acceleration of elite athletes (P=1.503x10-7) and the result was more significant amongst power athletes (P=1.051x10-9). The modified methylation of TRIM59 and KLF14 in top athletes may be accounted for by the biological roles played by these genes. Their known anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities suggests that intense physical training has a complex influence on aging and potentially launches signalling networks that contribute to the observed lower risk of elite athletes to develop cardiovascular disease and cancer. PMID:29466246

Modified aging of elite athletes revealed by analysis of epigenetic age markers.

PubMed

Spólnicka, Magdalena; Pośpiech, Ewelina; Adamczyk, Jakub Grzegorz; Freire-Aradas, Ana; Pepłońska, Beata; Zbieć-Piekarska, Renata; Makowska, Żanetta; Pięta, Anna; Lareu, Maria Victoria; Phillips, Christopher; Płoski, Rafał; Żekanowski, Cezary; Branicki, Wojciech

2018-02-15

Recent progress in epigenomics has led to the development of prediction systems that enable accurate age estimation from DNA methylation data. Our objective was to track responses to intense physical exercise of individual age-correlated DNA methylation markers and to infer their potential impact on the aging processes. The study showed accelerated DNA hypermethylation for two CpG sites in TRIM59 and KLF14 . Both markers predicted the investigated elite athletes to be several years older than controls and this effect was more substantial in subjects involved in power sports. Accordingly, the complete 5-CpG model revealed age acceleration of elite athletes ( P =1.503x10 -7 ) and the result was more significant amongst power athletes (P=1.051x10 -9 ). The modified methylation of TRIM59 and KLF14 in top athletes may be accounted for by the biological roles played by these genes. Their known anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities suggests that intense physical training has a complex influence on aging and potentially launches signalling networks that contribute to the observed lower risk of elite athletes to develop cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Grouper translationally controlled tumor protein prevents cell death and inhibits the replication of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV).

PubMed

Wei, Jingguang; Guo, Minglan; Ji, Huasong; Yan, Yang; Ouyang, Zhengliang; Huang, Xiaohong; Hang, Youhua; Qin, Qiwei

2012-10-01

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is an important molecule involved in multiple biological processes, such as cell growth, cell cycle progression, malignant transformation, and enhancement of the anti-apoptotic activity. In this study, the TCTP from orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides (Ec-TCTP) was cloned and characterized. The full-length cDNA of Ec-TCTP was comprised of 1057 bp with a 510 bp open reading frame that encodes a putative protein of 170 amino acids. Recombinant Ec-TCTP (rEc-TCTP) was expressed in Escherichia BL21 (DE3) and purified for mouse anti-Ec-TCTP serum preparation. The rEc-TCTP fusion protein was demonstrated to possess antioxidant activity, which conferred resistance to H(2)O(2) damage. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Ec-TCTP mRNA is predominately expressed in the liver, and the expression was up-regulated in the liver of grouper after viral challenge with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). Intracellular localization revealed that Ec-TCTP expression was distributed predominantly in the cytoplasm. Although human TCTP has a role in apoptosis regulation, it is not known if grouper TCTP has any role in apoptosis regulation. Strikingly, grouper TCTP, when overexpressed in fathead minnow (FHM) cells, protected them from cell death induced by cycloheximide (CHX). In addition, overexpressed Ec-TCTP in grouper spleen (GS) cells inhibited the replication of SGIV. These results suggest that Ec-TCTP may play a critical role in their response to SGIV infection, through regulation of a cell death pathway that is common to fish and humans. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ecdysone receptor isoform-B mediates soluble trehalase expression to regulate growth and development in the mirid bug, Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür).

PubMed

Tan, Y-A; Xiao, L-B; Zhao, J; Xiao, Y-F; Sun, Y; Bai, L-X

2015-12-01

Ecdysone receptor (EcR) is the hormonal receptor of ecdysteroids and strictly regulates growth and development in insects. However, the action mechanism of EcR is not very clear. In this study, the cDNA of EcR isoform-B was cloned from Apolygus lucorum (AlEcR-B) and its expression profile was investigated. We reduced AlEcR-B mRNA expression using systemic RNA interference in vivo, and obtained knockdown specimens. Examination of these specimens indicated that AlEcR-B is required for nymphal survival, and that reduced expression is associated with longer development time and lower nymphal weight. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of the observed suppression effects, we selected trehalase for a detailed study. Transcript encoding soluble trehalase (AlTre-1) was up-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone and in agreement with the mRNA expression of AlEcR-B. The expression profile of AlTre-1, soluble trehalase activity and translated protein level in the midgut of surviving nymphs were down-regulated, compared with controls, after the knockdown expression of AlEcR-B. By contrast, membrane-bound trehalase activity, the related gene expression and translated protein level remained at their initial levels. However, trehalose content significantly increased and the glucose content significantly decreased under the same conditions. We propose that AlEcR-B controls normal carbohydrate metabolism by mediating the expression of AlTre-1 to regulate the growth and development in A. lucorum, which provide an extended information into the functions of AlEcR-B. © 2015 The Royal Entomological Society.

Environmental Control System Software & Hardware Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vargas, Daniel Eduardo

2017-01-01

ECS hardware: (1) Provides controlled purge to SLS Rocket and Orion spacecraft. (2) Provide mission-focused engineering products and services. ECS software: (1) NASA requires Compact Unique Identifiers (CUIs); fixed-length identifier used to identify information items. (2) CUI structure; composed of nine semantic fields that aid the user in recognizing its purpose.

National doping prevention guidelines: Intent, efficacy and lessons learned - A 4-year evaluation.

PubMed

Wippert, Pia-Maria; Fließer, Michael

2016-10-10

Doping presents a potential health risk for young athletes. Prevention programs are intended to prevent doping by educating athletes about banned substances. However, such programs have their limitations in practice. This led Germany to introduce the National Doping Prevention Plan (NDPP), in hopes of ameliorating the situation among young elite athletes. Two studies examined 1) the degree to which the NDPP led to improved prevention efforts in elite sport schools, and 2) the extent to which newly developed prevention activities of the national anti-doping agency (NADA) based on the NDPP have improved knowledge among young athletes within elite sports schools. The first objective was investigated in a longitudinal study (Study I: t0 = baseline, t1 = follow-up 4 years after NDPP introduction) with N = 22 teachers engaged in doping prevention in elite sports schools. The second objective was evaluated in a cross-sectional comparison study (Study II) in N = 213 elite sports school students (54.5 % male, 45.5 % female, age M = 16.7 ± 1.3 years (all students had received the improved NDDP measure in school; one student group had received additionally NADA anti-doping activities and a control group did not). Descriptive statistics were calculated, followed by McNemar tests, Wilcoxon tests and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results indicate that 4 years after the introduction of the NDPP there have been limited structural changes with regard to the frequency, type, and scope of doping prevention in elite sport schools. On the other hand, in study II, elite sport school students who received further NADA anti-doping activities performed better on an anti-doping knowledge test than students who did not take part (F(1, 207) = 33.99, p <0.001), although this difference was small. The integration of doping-prevention in elite sport schools as part of the NDPP was only partially successful. The results of the evaluation indicate that the introduction of the NDPP has contributed more to a change in the content of doping prevention activities than to a structural transformation in anti-doping education in elite sport schools. Moreover, while students who did receive additional education in the form of the NDPP"booster sessions" had significantly more knowledge about doping than students who did not receive such education, this difference was only small and may not translate to actual behavior.

Overexpression of hexokinase 2 reduces mitochondrial calcium overload in coronary endothelial cells of type 2 diabetic mice.

PubMed

Pan, Minglin; Han, Ying; Basu, Aninda; Dai, Anzhi; Si, Rui; Willson, Conor; Balistrieri, Angela; Scott, Brian T; Makino, Ayako

2018-03-07

Coronary microvascular rarefaction due to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is one of the causes of increased morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Coronary ECs in diabetes are more apoptotic due partly to mitochondrial calcium overload. This study was designed to investigate the role of hexokinase 2 (HK2, an endogenous inhibitor of voltage-dependent anion channel) in coronary endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. We used mouse coronary ECs (MCECs) isolated from type 2 diabetic mice and human coronary ECs (HCECs) from type 2 diabetic patients to examine protein levels and mitochondrial functions. ECs were more apoptotic and capillary density was lower in the left ventricle of diabetic mice than the control. MCECs from diabetic mice exhibited significant increase in mitochondrial Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] mito ) compared to the control. Among several regulatory proteins for [Ca 2+ ] mito , HK1 and HK2 were significantly lower in MCECs from diabetic mice than control MCECs. We also found that the level of HK2 ubiquitination was higher in MCECs from diabetic mice than in control MCECs. In line with the data from MCECs, HCECs from diabetic patients showed lower HK2 protein levels than HCECs from non-diabetic patients. High-glucose treatment, but not high-fat treatment, significantly decreased HK2 protein levels in the MCEC. HK2 overexpression in MCECs of diabetic mice not only lowered the level of [Ca 2+ ] mito , but also reduced mitochondrial ROS production toward the level seen in control MCECs. These data suggest that HK2 is a potential therapeutic target for coronary microvascular disease in diabetes by restoring mitochondrial function in coronary ECs.

Challenges to "Classic" Esophageal Candidiasis: Looks Are Usually Deceiving.

PubMed

Alsomali, Mohammed I; Arnold, Michael A; Frankel, Wendy L; Graham, Rondell P; Hart, Phil A; Lam-Himlin, Dora M; Naini, Bita V; Voltaggio, Lysandra; Arnold, Christina A

2017-01-01

We undertook the first case control study of histologically confirmed esophageal candidiasis (EC). A computer search from July 2012 through February 2015 identified 1,011 esophageal specimens, including 40 cases of EC and 20 controls. The EC incidence was 5.2%; it was associated with immunosuppression and endoscopic white plaques and breaks. Smoking was a predisposing factor, and alcohol was protective. EC had no unique symptoms, and 54% of endoscopic reports did not suspect EC. Important histologic clues included superficial and detached fragments of desquamated and hyper-pink parakeratosis, acute inflammation, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, dead keratinocytes, and bacterial overgrowth. Thirty percent had no neutrophilic infiltrate. Pseudohyphae were seen on H&E in 92.5% (n = 37/40). "Upfront" periodic acid-Schiff with diastase (PAS/D) on all esophageal specimens would have generated $68,333.49 in patient charges. Our targeted PAS/D strategy resulted in $13,044.87 in patient charges (cost saving = 80.9%, $55,288.62). We describe the typical morphology of EC and recommend limiting PAS/D to cases where the organisms are not readily identifiable on H&E and with at least one of the following: (1) ulcer, (2) suspicious morphology, and/or (3) clinical impression of EC. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Evaluation of nootropic and neuroprotective effects of low dose aspirin in rats.

PubMed

Ghosh, Arijit; Dhumal, V R; Tilak, A V; Das, Nina; Singh, Amarinder; Bondekar, Abhijit A

2011-01-01

To evaluate the nootropic and neuroprotective effects of aspirin in Sprague Dawley rats. Retention of conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and central 5-HT-mediated behavior (lithium-induced head twitches) were assessed using repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in rats. Rats were divided into eight groups: control (pretreated with distilled water), scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), ECS (150 V, 50 Hz sinusoidal with intensity of 210 mA for 0.5 s) pretreated, aspirin (6.75 mg/kg orally) pretreated, combined scopolamine and aspirin pretreated, ondansetron (0.36 mg/kg orally) pretreated, combined ECS and ondansetron pretreated and combined ECS and aspirin pretreated groups. Data was analyzed by the chi-square test and ANOVA. Findings show that administration of single ECS daily for consecutive 8 days results in enhancement of 5-HT-mediated behavior (lithium-induced head twitches) and in disruption of the retention of CAR. Aspirin and ondansetron administration significantly increased the retention of conditioned avoidance response compared to control. Ondansetron and aspirin significantly prevented ECS-induced attenuation of the retention of conditioned avoidance response also. On the other hand, ondansetron and aspirin significantly retarded the ECS-induced enhancement of 5-HT-mediated behavior. Inhibition of the serotonergic transmission by aspirin is responsible for its nootropic and neuroprotective actions.

Evaluation of nootropic and neuroprotective effects of low dose aspirin in rats

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Arijit; Dhumal, V. R.; Tilak, A. V.; Das, Nina; Singh, Amarinder; Bondekar, Abhijit A.

2011-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the nootropic and neuroprotective effects of aspirin in Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: Retention of conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and central 5-HT-mediated behavior (lithium-induced head twitches) were assessed using repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in rats. Rats were divided into eight groups: control (pretreated with distilled water), scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), ECS (150 V, 50 Hz sinusoidal with intensity of 210 mA for 0.5 s) pretreated, aspirin (6.75 mg/kg orally) pretreated, combined scopolamine and aspirin pretreated, ondansetron (0.36 mg/kg orally) pretreated, combined ECS and ondansetron pretreated and combined ECS and aspirin pretreated groups. Data was analyzed by the chi-square test and ANOVA. Results: Findings show that administration of single ECS daily for consecutive 8 days results in enhancement of 5-HT-mediated behavior (lithium-induced head twitches) and in disruption of the retention of CAR. Aspirin and ondansetron administration significantly increased the retention of conditioned avoidance response compared to control. Ondansetron and aspirin significantly prevented ECS-induced attenuation of the retention of conditioned avoidance response also. On the other hand, ondansetron and aspirin significantly retarded the ECS-induced enhancement of 5-HT-mediated behavior. Conclusion: Inhibition of the serotonergic transmission by aspirin is responsible for its nootropic and neuroprotective actions. PMID:21701638

c-Met–mediated endothelial plasticity drives aberrant vascularization and chemoresistance in glioblastoma

PubMed Central

Huang, Menggui; Liu, Tianrun; Ma, Peihong; Mitteer, R. Alan; Zhang, Zhenting; Kim, Hyun Jun; Yeo, Eujin; Zhang, Duo; Cai, Peiqiang; Li, Chunsheng; Zhang, Lin; Zhao, Botao; Roccograndi, Laura; O’Rourke, Donald M.; Dahmane, Nadia; Gong, Yanqing; Koumenis, Constantinos

2016-01-01

Aberrant vascularization is a hallmark of cancer progression and treatment resistance. Here, we have shown that endothelial cell (EC) plasticity drives aberrant vascularization and chemoresistance in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). By utilizing human patient specimens, as well as allograft and genetic murine GBM models, we revealed that a robust endothelial plasticity in GBM allows acquisition of fibroblast transformation (also known as endothelial mesenchymal transition [Endo-MT]), which is characterized by EC expression of fibroblast markers, and determined that a prominent population of GBM-associated fibroblast-like cells have EC origin. Tumor ECs acquired the mesenchymal gene signature without the loss of EC functions, leading to enhanced cell proliferation and migration, as well as vessel permeability. Furthermore, we identified a c-Met/ETS-1/matrix metalloproteinase–14 (MMP-14) axis that controls VE-cadherin degradation, Endo-MT, and vascular abnormality. Pharmacological c-Met inhibition induced vessel normalization in patient tumor–derived ECs. Finally, EC-specific KO of Met inhibited vascular transformation, normalized blood vessels, and reduced intratumoral hypoxia, culminating in suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival in GBM-bearing mice after temozolomide treatment. Together, these findings illustrate a mechanism that controls aberrant tumor vascularization and suggest that targeting Endo-MT may offer selective and efficient strategies for antivascular and vessel normalization therapies in GBM, and possibly other malignant tumors. PMID:27043280

Health education alone and health education plus advance provision of emergency contraceptive pills on knowledge and attitudes among university female students in Enugu, Nigeria.

PubMed

Arinze-Onyia, S U; Aguwa, E N; Nwobodo, Ed

2014-01-01

This was an intervention study to compare the effects of health education alone and health education plus advance provision of emergency contraception (EC) pills on the knowledge and attitudes to EC by female students of University of Nigeria in South-East Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in February, 2009 from 290 female students of a tertiary educational institution (140 in the study group and 150 from the control group) who were selected by multistage sampling. Subsequently, health education was conducted among all the students. In addition, a pack containing 2 tablets of EC pills (Postinor) was given only to the students in the study group. Three months after this intervention, its effects were assessed through a survey using the same structured questionnaire employed in the baseline survey. knowledge of EC was significantly higher among the study group than the controls at post-intervention, P < 0.05. Attitudes to EC were also more favorable at post-intervention survey among the study group, P < 0.05 in most of the variables. Health education plus advance provision of EC pills effectively improved knowledge and attitudes to EC among female students of tertiary institutions more than health education alone and this should be promoted.

Cooperation and tensions in multiethnic corporate societies using Teotihuacan, Central Mexico, as a case study

PubMed Central

Manzanilla, Linda R.

2015-01-01

In this paper, I address the case of a corporate society in Central Mexico. After volcanic eruptions triggered population displacements in the southern Basin of Mexico during the first and fourth centuries A.D., Teotihuacan became a multiethnic settlement. Groups from different backgrounds settled primarily on the periphery of the metropolis; nevertheless, around the core, intermediate elites actively fostered the movement of sumptuary goods and the arrival of workers from diverse homelands for a range of specialized tasks. Some of these skilled craftsmen acquired status and perhaps economic power as a result of the dynamic competition among neighborhoods to display the most lavish sumptuary goods, as well as to manufacture specific symbols of identity that distinguished one neighborhood from another, such as elaborate garments and headdresses. Cotton attire worn by the Teotihuacan elite may have been one of the goods that granted economic importance to neighborhood centers such as Teopancazco, a compound that displayed strong ties to the Gulf Coast where cotton cloth was made. The ruling elite controlled raw materials that came from afar whereas the intermediate elite may have been more active in providing other sumptuary goods: pigments, cosmetics, slate, greenstone, travertine, and foreign pottery. The contrast between the corporate organization at the base and top of Teotihuacan society and the exclusionary organization of the neighborhoods headed by the highly competitive intermediate elite introduced tensions that set the stage for Teotihuacan’s collapse. PMID:25775567

Cooperation and tensions in multiethnic corporate societies using Teotihuacan, Central Mexico, as a case study.

PubMed

Manzanilla, Linda R

2015-07-28

In this paper, I address the case of a corporate society in Central Mexico. After volcanic eruptions triggered population displacements in the southern Basin of Mexico during the first and fourth centuries A.D., Teotihuacan became a multiethnic settlement. Groups from different backgrounds settled primarily on the periphery of the metropolis; nevertheless, around the core, intermediate elites actively fostered the movement of sumptuary goods and the arrival of workers from diverse homelands for a range of specialized tasks. Some of these skilled craftsmen acquired status and perhaps economic power as a result of the dynamic competition among neighborhoods to display the most lavish sumptuary goods, as well as to manufacture specific symbols of identity that distinguished one neighborhood from another, such as elaborate garments and headdresses. Cotton attire worn by the Teotihuacan elite may have been one of the goods that granted economic importance to neighborhood centers such as Teopancazco, a compound that displayed strong ties to the Gulf Coast where cotton cloth was made. The ruling elite controlled raw materials that came from afar whereas the intermediate elite may have been more active in providing other sumptuary goods: pigments, cosmetics, slate, greenstone, travertine, and foreign pottery. The contrast between the corporate organization at the base and top of Teotihuacan society and the exclusionary organization of the neighborhoods headed by the highly competitive intermediate elite introduced tensions that set the stage for Teotihuacan's collapse.

Attentional bias and executive control in treatment-seeking substance-dependent adolescents: A cross-sectional and follow-up study.

PubMed

van Hemel-Ruiter, Madelon E; Wiers, Reinout W; Brook, Frank G; de Jong, Peter J

2016-02-01

Research in adults shows that substance dependent individuals demonstrate attentional bias (AB) for substance-related stimuli. This study investigated the role of AB in adolescents diagnosed with alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine or GHB dependency on entering therapy and six months later, and the role of executive control (EC) as a moderator of the relationship between problem severity and AB. Seventy-eight young substance-dependent (SD) patients (mean age=19.5), and 64 healthy controls (HC; mean age=19.0) were tested. Thirty-eight SD patients took part at 6-month follow-up (FU). AB was indexed by a visual probe task, EC by the attention network task, problem severity by the short alcohol (or drug) use disorder identification test and the severity of dependence questionnaire. SD patients demonstrated an AB for substance stimuli presented for 500 ms and 1250 ms, with the latter related to severity of dependence. There was a nonsignificant tendency indicating that EC was higher in HC than SD participants, but EC did not moderate the relationship between AB and dependency. Substance use, dependency, EC and AB remained unchanged in the 6 month FU period. Young SD patients showed a stronger relatively early as well as maintained AB toward substance cues. A stronger maintained attention was related to higher severity of dependence. Further, there were some indications that EC might play a role in adolescent substance use. The finding that at FU AB and problem severity were not decreased, and EC was not increased underlines the persistent character of addiction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Escherichia coli O157:H7--Discerning Facts from Fiction: An Integrated Research and Extension Project for Multiple Audiences.

PubMed

Moore, D A; Smith, D R; Sischo, W M; Heaton, K; Besser, T E

2016-02-01

The O157:H7 (EcO157) epidemiology of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in cattle is complex, and myths about pre-harvest control are perpetuated. The objectives of this project were to identify perpetuated misinformation and inform four audiences about evidence-based risks and pre-harvest control of EcO157 by addressing: (i) EcO157 epidemiology and pre-harvest control; (ii) how food safety policy is created; and (iii) how to present accurate information about EcO157. An environmental scan using a daily Internet search helped identify themes for education. A literature review of pre-harvest control measures contributed to the development of educational materials (fact sheets, website, web presentations and conferences). Conference 1 was a webinar with 315 registrants, 10 countries including 41 US states and four Canadian provinces. Most participants felt confident in using their new knowledge, more than half felt confident enough to answer EcO157 questions from the public and many would recommend the recorded version of the webinar to colleagues. Conference 2 was live in the Washington, DC, area with most participants employed by the US government. All agreed that they better understood pre-harvest control, how food safety policy was made, and were confident they could create an effective message about STEC pre-harvest control. Videos were posted and received 348 Internet visitors within 2 months. Conference 3 was a webinar with a live audience and Twitter feeds, targeting people who give nutrition advice. Almost all ranked the programme good to excellent and relevant to their work. About 25% indicated that they would share: 'grass-fed beef is not safer than grain-fed', 25% would share information on effectiveness of cattle vaccines, and 14% would share information on message mapping. Across all conferences, major changes in knowledge included the following: there is no additional risk of EcO157 shedding from grain-fed versus grass-fed cattle, pre-harvest vaccination is efficacious, and production systems (pasture versus confinement) do not affect EcO157 shedding rates. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

77 FR 2776 - Dorel Juvenile Group, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-19

... 22790CGT Deluxe 3 in 1 CC033BMT Alpha Omega Elite CC043ANK Alpha Omega Elite CC043ANL Alpha Omega Elite CC043AQS Alpha Omega Elite CC046AAI Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046AAU Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046CTA Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046SNW... between July 20, 2010 and May 18, 2011: 22187ANL Alpha Omega Elite 22187REM Alpha Omega Elite 22187REMA...

Bone mineral density in elite junior Olympic weightlifters.

PubMed

Conroy, B P; Kraemer, W J; Maresh, C M; Fleck, S J; Stone, M H; Fry, A C; Miller, P D; Dalsky, G P

1993-10-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of bone mineral density (BMD) to muscular strength in highly trained young male athletes in order to gain insights concerning the influence of heavy resistance training on BMD. Twenty-five elite junior weightlifters (age, 17.4 +/- 1.4 yr) and 11 age-matched controls (16.9 +/- 1.1 yr) volunteered for this investigation. Measurements of BMD (g.cm-2) utilizing dual energy x-ray absorptiometry were obtained for the lumbar spine (L2-4) and the proximal femur (neck; trochanter, Ward's triangle). The BMD values for the junior lifters were found to be significantly greater at all sites for the junior weightlifters compared with their age-matched control group. The BMD values of the spine and femoral neck of the junior weightlifters when compared with adult reference data (i.e., 20-39 yr old men) were found to be significantly greater. Both simple and multiple regression analyses demonstrated significant relationships of BMD with strength accounting for 30-65% of the variance. These data suggest that in elite junior weightlifters, muscle strength, highly specific to the sport of weightlifting, has a major influence on BMD due to the influence of the chronic overloads experienced in training.

Neuroplus biofeedback improves attention, resilience, and injury prevention in elite soccer players.

PubMed

Rusciano, Aiace; Corradini, Giuliano; Stoianov, Ivilin

2017-06-01

Performance and injury prevention in elite soccer players are typically investigated from physical-tactical, biomechanical, and metabolic perspectives. However, executive functions, visuospatial abilities, and psychophysiological adaptability or resilience are also fundamental for efficiency and well-being in sports. Based on previous research associating autonomic flexibility with prefrontal cortical control, we designed a novel integrated autonomic biofeedback training method called Neuroplus to improve resilience, visual attention, and injury prevention. Herein, we introduce the method and provide an evaluation of 20 elite soccer players from the Italian Soccer High Division (Serie-A): 10 players trained with Neuroplus and 10 trained with a control treatment. The assessments included psychophysiological stress profiles, a visual search task, and indexes of injury prevention, which were measured pre- and posttreatment. The analysis showed a significant enhancement of physiological adaptability, recovery following stress, visual selective attention, and injury prevention that were specific to the Neuroplus group. Enhancing the interplay between autonomic and cognitive functions through biofeedback may become a key principle for obtaining excellence and well-being in sports. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that shows improvement in visual selective attention following intense autonomic biofeedback. © 2017 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Elite Rationalities and Curricular Form: "Meritorious" Class Reproduction in the Elite Thinking Curriculum in Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lim, Leonel; Apple, Michael W.

2015-01-01

While much of the critical scholarship around elite schooling has focused on the students who attend elite institutions, their social class locations, privileged habituses and cultural capital, this paper foregrounds curricular form itself as a central mechanism in the (re)production of elites. Using Basil Bernstein's conceptual framework of…

Chronic Ketogenic Low Carbohydrate High Fat Diet Has Minimal Effects on Acid–Base Status in Elite Athletes

PubMed Central

Carr, Amelia J.; Sharma, Avish P.; Ross, Megan L.; Welvaert, Marijke; Burke, Louise M.

2018-01-01

Although short (up to 3 days) exposure to major shifts in macronutrient intake appears to alter acid–base status, the effects of sustained (>1 week) interventions in elite athletes has not been determined. Using a non-randomized, parallel design, we examined the effect of adaptations to 21 days of a ketogenic low carbohydrate high fat (LCHF) or periodized carbohydrate (PCHO) diet on pre- and post-exercise blood pH, and concentrations of bicarbonate [HCO3−] and lactate [La−] in comparison to a high carbohydrate (HCHO) control. Twenty-four (17 male and 7 female) elite-level race walkers completed 21 days of either LCHF (n = 9), PCHO (n = 7), or HCHO (n = 8) under controlled diet and training conditions. At baseline and post-intervention, blood pH, blood [HCO3−], and blood [La−] were measured before and after a graded exercise test. Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) over the previous 48–72 h was also calculated from monitored dietary intake. LCHF was not associated with significant differences in blood pH, [HCO3−], or [La−], compared with the HCHO diet pre- or post-exercise, despite a significantly higher NEAP (mEq·day−1) (95% CI = (10.44; 36.04)). Our results indicate that chronic dietary interventions are unlikely to influence acid–base status in elite athletes, which may be due to pre-existing training adaptations, such as an enhanced buffering capacity, or the actions of respiratory and renal pathways, which have a greater influence on regulation of acid–base status than nutritional intake. PMID:29463034

Chronic Ketogenic Low Carbohydrate High Fat Diet Has Minimal Effects on Acid-Base Status in Elite Athletes.

PubMed

Carr, Amelia J; Sharma, Avish P; Ross, Megan L; Welvaert, Marijke; Slater, Gary J; Burke, Louise M

2018-02-18

Although short (up to 3 days) exposure to major shifts in macronutrient intake appears to alter acid-base status, the effects of sustained (>1 week) interventions in elite athletes has not been determined. Using a non-randomized, parallel design, we examined the effect of adaptations to 21 days of a ketogenic low carbohydrate high fat (LCHF) or periodized carbohydrate (PCHO) diet on pre- and post-exercise blood pH, and concentrations of bicarbonate (HCO₃ - ) and lactate (La - ) in comparison to a high carbohydrate (HCHO) control. Twenty-four (17 male and 7 female) elite-level race walkers completed 21 days of either LCHF (n = 9), PCHO (n = 7), or HCHO (n = 8) under controlled diet and training conditions. At baseline and post-intervention, blood pH, blood [HCO₃ - ], and blood [La - ] were measured before and after a graded exercise test. Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) over the previous 48-72 h was also calculated from monitored dietary intake. LCHF was not associated with significant differences in blood pH, [HCO₃ - ], or [La - ], compared with the HCHO diet pre- or post-exercise, despite a significantly higher NEAP (mEq·day -1 ) (95% CI = [10.44; 36.04]). Our results indicate that chronic dietary interventions are unlikely to influence acid-base status in elite athletes, which may be due to pre-existing training adaptations, such as an enhanced buffering capacity, or the actions of respiratory and renal pathways, which have a greater influence on regulation of acid-base status than nutritional intake.

Differences in Military Obstacle Course Performance Between Three Energy-Storing and Shock-Adapting Prosthetic Feet in High-Functioning Transtibial Amputees: A Double-Blind, Randomized Control Trial.

PubMed

Highsmith, M Jason; Kahle, Jason T; Miro, Rebecca M; Lura, Derek J; Carey, Stephanie L; Wernke, Matthew M; Kim, Seok Hun; Quillen, William S

2016-11-01

Approximately 683 persons engaged in military service experienced transtibial amputation (TTA) related to recent war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military TTAs function at a level beyond basic ambulation. No empirical data demonstrate which higher functioning prosthetic feet maximize injured service personnel's ability to continue performing at a level commensurate with return to duty. This study's purpose was to determine which of three high-functioning, energy-storing prosthetic feet maximize performance and preference in a field obstacle course (OC) and to quantify physical performance differences between TTAs and high-functioning nonamputees. A randomized, double-blind, repeated measures experimental design compared three prosthetic feet (Ossur Variflex, Endolite Elite Blade, and Ossur Re-Flex Rotate) during performance on a field OC. TTAs accommodated with study feet and the OC before assessment. 14 TTAs and 14 nonamputee controls completed the course. Subjective and objective performance differences were compared across feet conditions and between groups. Total OC completion times were similar between prosthetic feet: Elite-Blade (419 seconds ± 130), Variflex (425 seconds ± 144), and Re-Flex Rotate (444 seconds ± 220). Controls' OC completion time (287.2 seconds ± 58) was less (p ≤ 0.05) than TTA times. In total, controls had faster completion times (p ≤ 0.05) compared to all prosthetic feet conditions in 13/17 obstacles. Re-Flex Rotate had 2 additional obstacles different (p ≤ 0.05) than controls and required more time to complete. Median RPE values were lower (p ≤ 0.05) for controls than TTA regardless of foot. Regarding foot preference for OC completion, 7/14 (50%) preferred Elite Blade, 5/14 (36%) preferred Re-Flex Rotate, and the remaining 2/14 (14%) preferred Variflex. Controls completed the OC faster and with less effort than TTAs regardless of prosthetic foot. No clear differences in prosthetic feet emerged during OC completion; however, individual task performance, perceived effort, and preference resulted in trends of slight performance improvement with and preference for Elite Blade, a dual function energy-storing and return foot combined with vertical shock absorption. Understanding how to maximally improve performance in such functional tasks may allow service members to best sustain physical fitness, return to their military occupational specialty and possibly in-theater duty. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Children’s Sleep and Academic Achievement: The Moderating Role of Effortful Control

PubMed Central

Diaz, Anjolii; Berger, Rebecca; Valiente, Carlos; Eisenberg, Nancy; VanSchyndel, Sarah; Tao, Chun; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Doane, Leah D.; Thompson, Marilyn S.; Silva, Kassondra M.; Southworth, Jody

2016-01-01

Poor sleep is thought to interfere with children’s learning and academic achievement (AA). However, existing research and theory indicate there are factors that may mitigate the academic risk associated with poor sleep. The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of children’s effortful control (EC) on the relation between sleep and AA in young children. One hundred and three 4.5- to 7-year-olds (M = 5.98 years, SD = 0.61) wore a wrist-based actigraph for five continuous weekday nights. Teachers and coders reported on children’s EC. EC was also assessed with a computer-based task at school. Additionally, we obtained a standardized measure of children’s AA. There was a positive main effect of sleep efficiency to AA. Several relations between sleep and AA were moderated by EC and examination of the simple slopes indicated that the negative relation between sleep and AA was only significant at low levels of EC. PMID:28255190

B-cell subset alterations and correlated factors in HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

Pensieroso, Simone; Galli, Laura; Nozza, Silvia; Ruffin, Nicolas; Castagna, Antonella; Tambussi, Giuseppe; Hejdeman, Bo; Misciagna, Donatella; Riva, Agostino; Malnati, Mauro; Chiodi, Francesca; Scarlatti, Gabriella

2013-05-15

During HIV-1 infection, the development, phenotype, and functionality of B cells are impaired. Transitional B cells and aberrant B-cell populations arise in blood, whereas a declined percentage of resting memory B cells is detected. Our study aimed at pinpointing the demographic, immunological, and viral factors driving these pathological findings, and the role of antiretroviral therapy in reverting these alterations. B-cell phenotype and correlating factors were evaluated. Variations in B-cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry in HIV-1-infected individuals naive to therapy, elite controllers, and patients treated with antiretroviral drugs (virological control or failure). Multivariable analysis was performed to identify variables independently associated with the B-cell alterations. Significant differences were observed among patients' groups in relation to all B-cell subsets. Resting memory B cells were preserved in patients naive to therapy and elite controllers, but reduced in treated patients. Individuals naive to therapy and experiencing multidrug failure, as well as elite controllers, had significantly higher levels of activated memory B cells compared to healthy controls. In the multivariate analysis, plasma viral load and nadir CD4 T cells independently correlated with major B-cell alterations. Coinfection with hepatitis C but not hepatitis B virus also showed an impact on specific B-cell subsets. Successful protracted antiretroviral treatment led to normalization of all B-cell subsets with exception of resting memory B cells. Our results indicate that viremia and nadir CD4 T cells are important prognostic markers of B-cell perturbations and provide evidence that resting memory B-cell depletion during chronic infection is not reverted upon successful antiretroviral therapy.

Early Gag Immunodominance of the HIV-Specific T-Cell Response during Acute/Early Infection Is Associated with Higher CD8+ T-Cell Antiviral Activity and Correlates with Preservation of the CD4+ T-Cell Compartment

PubMed Central

Ghiglione, Yanina; Falivene, Juliana; Socias, María Eugenia; Laufer, Natalia; Coloccini, Romina Soledad; Rodriguez, Ana María; Ruiz, María Julia; Pando, María Ángeles; Giavedoni, Luis David; Cahn, Pedro; Sued, Omar; Salomon, Horacio; Gherardi, María Magdalena

2013-01-01

The important role of the CD8+ T-cell response on HIV control is well established. Moreover, the acute phase of infection represents a proper scenario to delineate the antiviral cellular functions that best correlate with control. Here, multiple functional aspects (specificity, ex vivo viral inhibitory activity [VIA] and polyfunctionality) of the HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell subset arising early after infection, and their association with disease progression markers, were examined. Blood samples from 44 subjects recruited within 6 months from infection (primary HIV infection [PHI] group), 16 chronically infected subjects, 11 elite controllers (EC), and 10 healthy donors were obtained. Results indicated that, although Nef dominated the anti-HIV response during acute/early infection, a higher proportion of early anti-Gag T cells correlated with delayed progression. Polyfunctional HIV-specific CD8+ T cells were detected at early time points but did not associate with virus control. Conversely, higher CD4+ T-cell set points were observed in PHI subjects with higher HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell VIA at baseline. Importantly, VIA levels correlated with the magnitude of the anti-Gag cellular response. The advantage of Gag-specific cells may result from their enhanced ability to mediate lysis of infected cells (evidenced by a higher capacity to degranulate and to mediate VIA) and to simultaneously produce IFN-γ. Finally, Gag immunodominance was associated with elevated plasma levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β). All together, this study underscores the importance of CD8+ T-cell specificity in the improved control of disease progression, which was related to the capacity of Gag-specific cells to mediate both lytic and nonlytic antiviral mechanisms at early time points postinfection. PMID:23616666

Opiate-like electroencephalographic and behavioral effects of electroconvulsive shock in rats.

PubMed

Tortella, F C; Cowan, A; Belenky, G L; Holaday, J W

1981-12-03

Rats were studied (a) after a single transauricular electroshock (acute ECS) and (b) following 10 consecutive once-daily shocks (chronic ECS). ECS produced a generalized convulsion marked by a polyspike EEG seizure. The seizure was followed by a period of postictal depression (PID) characterized by EEG high-voltage synchrony, EMG quietening, and an associated stuporous behavior in the rat. Acute ECS produced a maximal of 33 +/- 8 (S.E.) percent above control in the EEG voltage output during postictus, with the PID lasting 2680 +/- 658 sec. Chronic ECS resulted in a significant enhancement of these acute responses. Pretreating rats with naloxone (0.3-10 mg/kg s.c.) antagonized the postictal effects of acute ECS, but not of chronic ECS. These naloxone-sensitive postictal EEG and behavioral changes appear to reflect a release of endogenous opioid peptides during ictus, a finding consistent with the hypothesis that electroshock activates opioid systems.

Parenting and Child "DRD4" Genotype Interact to Predict Children's Early Emerging Effortful Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Heather J.; Sheikh, Haroon I.; Dyson, Margaret W.; Olino, Thomas M.; Laptook, Rebecca S.; Durbin, C. Emily; Hayden, Elizabeth P.; Singh, Shiva M.; Klein, Daniel N.

2012-01-01

Effortful control (EC), or the trait-like capacity to regulate dominant responses, has important implications for children's development. Although genetic factors and parenting likely influence EC, few studies have examined whether they interact to predict its development. This study examined whether the "DRD4" exon III variable number tandem…

Children's Responses to Daily Social Stressors: Relations with Parenting, Children's Effortful Control, and Adjustment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valiente, Carlos; Lemery-Chalfant, Kathryn; Swanson, Jodi

2009-01-01

Background: We examined children's coping and involuntary stress responses as mediators of the relations between parenting or children's effortful control (EC) and adjustment. Method: Two hundred and forty primarily Mexican American 7- to 12-year-old children reported on their EC, coping, involuntary stress responses, and problem behaviors.…

Kindergartners' Temperament, Classroom Engagement, and Student-Teacher Relationship: Moderation by Effortful Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valiente, Carlos; Swanson, Jodi; Lemery-Chalfant, Kathryn

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether kindergartners' (N = 291; M age = 5 years) effortful control (EC), impulsivity, anger, or shyness predict their classroom participation, school liking, and student-teacher relationship. Parents and teachers reported on children's temperament. Children's EC and impulsivity were also assessed with…

On the Intentional Control of Conditioned Evaluative Responses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balas, Robert; Gawronski, Bertram

2012-01-01

The evaluative conditioning (EC) effect is defined as a change in the evaluation of a conditioned stimulus (CS) due to its pairing with a valenced unconditioned stimulus (US). The current research investigated the controllability of EC effects by asking participants to either promote or prevent the influence of CS-US pairings before they provided…

Mothers' Teaching Strategies and Children's Effortful Control: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenberg, Nancy; Vidmar, Masa; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Eggum, Natalie D.; Edwards, Alison; Gaertner, Bridget; Kupfer, Anne

2010-01-01

Findings on the relation of maternal verbal teaching strategies to children's effortful control (EC; i.e., self-regulation) are limited in quantity and somewhat inconsistent. In this study, children's EC was assessed at 18, 30, and 42 months (ns = 255, 229, and 209, respectively) with adults' reports and a behavioral measure. Mothers' verbal…

A speech-controlled environmental control system for people with severe dysarthria.

PubMed

Hawley, Mark S; Enderby, Pam; Green, Phil; Cunningham, Stuart; Brownsell, Simon; Carmichael, James; Parker, Mark; Hatzis, Athanassios; O'Neill, Peter; Palmer, Rebecca

2007-06-01

Automatic speech recognition (ASR) can provide a rapid means of controlling electronic assistive technology. Off-the-shelf ASR systems function poorly for users with severe dysarthria because of the increased variability of their articulations. We have developed a limited vocabulary speaker dependent speech recognition application which has greater tolerance to variability of speech, coupled with a computerised training package which assists dysarthric speakers to improve the consistency of their vocalisations and provides more data for recogniser training. These applications, and their implementation as the interface for a speech-controlled environmental control system (ECS), are described. The results of field trials to evaluate the training program and the speech-controlled ECS are presented. The user-training phase increased the recognition rate from 88.5% to 95.4% (p<0.001). Recognition rates were good for people with even the most severe dysarthria in everyday usage in the home (mean word recognition rate 86.9%). Speech-controlled ECS were less accurate (mean task completion accuracy 78.6% versus 94.8%) but were faster to use than switch-scanning systems, even taking into account the need to repeat unsuccessful operations (mean task completion time 7.7s versus 16.9s, p<0.001). It is concluded that a speech-controlled ECS is a viable alternative to switch-scanning systems for some people with severe dysarthria and would lead, in many cases, to more efficient control of the home.

Solvation-controlled lithium-ion complexes in a nonflammable solvent containing ethylene carbonate: structural and electrochemical aspects.

PubMed

Sogawa, Michiru; Kawanoue, Hikaru; Todorov, Yanko Marinov; Hirayama, Daisuke; Mimura, Hideyuki; Yoshimoto, Nobuko; Morita, Masayuki; Fujii, Kenta

2018-02-28

The structural and electrochemical properties of lithium-ion solvation complexes in a nonflammable organic solvent, tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFEP) containing ethylene carbonate (EC), were investigated using vibrational spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements. Based on quantitative Raman and infrared (IR) spectral analysis of the Li bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA) salt in TFEP + EC electrolytes, we successfully evaluated the individual solvation numbers of EC (n EC ), TFEP (n TFEP ), and TFSA - (n TFSA ) in the first solvation sphere of the Li-ion. We found that the n EC value linearly increased with increasing EC mole fraction (x EC ), whereas the n TFEP and n TFSA values gradually decreased with increasing n EC . The ionic conductivity and viscosity (Walden plots) indicated that mainly Li + TFSA - ion pairs formed in neat TFEP (x EC = 0). This ion pair gradually dissociated into positively charged Li-ion complexes as x EC increased, which was consistent with the Raman/IR spectroscopy results. The redox reaction corresponding to an insertion/desertion of Li-ion into/from the graphite electrode occurred in the LiTFSA/TFEP + EC system at x EC ≥ 0.25. The same was not observed in the lower x EC cases. We discussed the relation between Li-ion solvation and electrode reaction behaviors at the molecular level and proposed that n EC plays a crucial role in the electrode reaction, particularly in terms of solid electrolyte interphase formation on the graphite electrode.

Electrochemical control of iodine disinfectant for space transportation system and space station potable water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geer, Richard D.

1989-01-01

An electrochemical microbial check valve method (EC-MCV) for controlling the iodine disinfectant in potable water (PW) for NASA's space operations was proposed. The factors affecting the design and performance of the unit were analyzed. This showed that it would be feasible to construct a recyclable unit in a small volume that will operate in either an iodine removal or addition mode. The EC-MCV should remove active iodine species rapidly from PW, but the rapid delivery rates at end-use may make complete removal of excess I(-) difficult under some conditions. Its performace change with AgI buildup needs to be investigated, as this controls the time for recycling the unit. The EC-MCV has advantages over the passive microbial check valve (MCV) method currently in use, as it would allow precise control of the I2 level and would not introduce excess I(-) to the water. The presence of oxygen in the EC-MCV needs to be investigated as it could affect the efficiency of I2 addition and excess I(-) removal.

Nicotine, aerosol particles, carbonyls and volatile organic compounds in tobacco- and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes.

PubMed

Lee, Mi-Sun; LeBouf, Ryan F; Son, Youn-Suk; Koutrakis, Petros; Christiani, David C

2017-04-27

We aimed to assess the content of electronic cigarette (EC) emissions for five groups of potentially toxic compounds that are known to be present in tobacco smoke: nicotine, particles, carbonyls, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and trace elements by flavor and puffing time. We used ECs containing a common nicotine strength (1.8%) and the most popular flavors, tobacco and menthol. An automatic multiple smoking machine was used to generate EC aerosols under controlled conditions. Using a dilution chamber, we targeted nicotine concentrations similar to that of exposure in a general indoor environment. The selected toxic compounds were extracted from EC aerosols into a solid or liquid phase and analyzed with chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. We found that EC aerosols contained toxic compounds including nicotine, fine and nanoparticles, carbonyls, and some toxic VOCs such as benzene and toluene. Higher mass and number concentrations of aerosol particles were generated from tobacco-flavored ECs than from menthol-flavored ECs. We found that diluted machine-generated EC aerosols contain some pollutants. These findings are limited by the small number of ECs tested and the conditions of testing. More comprehensive research on EC exposure extending to more brands and flavor compounds is warranted.

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Ec of... - Operating Parameters To Be Monitored and Minimum Measurement and Recording Frequencies

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Which Construction is Commenced After June 20, 1996 Pt. 60, Subpt. Ec, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart Ec of... Operating parameters to be monitored Minimum frequency Data measurement Data recording Control system Dry scrubber followed by fabric filter Wet scrubber Dry scrubber followed by fabric filter and wet scrubber...

A preliminary investigation of the environmental Control and Life Support Subsystems (EC/LSS) for animal and plant experiment payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wells, H. B.

1972-01-01

A preliminary study of the environmental control and life support subsystems (EC/LSS) necessary for an earth orbital spacecraft to conduct biological experiments is presented. The primary spacecraft models available for conducting these biological experiments are the space shuttle and modular space station. The experiments would be housed in a separate module that would be contained in either the shuttle payload bay or attached to the modular space station. This module would be manned only for experiment-related tasks, and would contain a separate EC/LSS for the crew and animals. Metabolic data were tabulated on various animals that are considered useful for a typical experiment program. The minimum payload for the 30-day space shuttle module was found to require about the equivalent of a one-man EC/LSS; however, the selected two-man shuttle assemblies will give a growth and contingency factor of about 50 percent. The maximum payloads for the space station mission will require at least a seven-man EC/LSS for the laboratory colony and a nine-man EC/LSS for the centrifuge colony. There is practically no room for growth or contingencies in these areas.

Neural Reactivity to Emotional Faces Mediates the Relationship Between Childhood Empathy and Adolescent Prosocial Behavior

PubMed Central

Flournoy, John C.; Pfeifer, Jennifer H.; Moore, William E.; Tackman, Allison; Masten, Carrie L.; Mazziotta, John C.; Iacoboni, Marco; Dapretto, Mirella

2017-01-01

Reactivity to others' emotions can result in empathic concern (EC), an important motivator of prosocial behavior, but can also result in personal distress (PD), which may hinder prosocial behavior. Examining neural substrates of emotional reactivity may elucidate how EC and PD differentially influence prosocial behavior. Participants (N=57) provided measures of EC, PD, prosocial behavior, and neural responses to emotional expressions at age 10 and 13. Initial EC predicted subsequent prosocial behavior. Initial EC and PD predicted subsequent reactivity to emotions in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and inferior parietal lobule, respectively. Activity in the IFG, a region linked to mirror neuron processes, as well as cognitive control and language, mediated the relation between initial EC and subsequent prosocial behavior. PMID:28262939

Prophylaxis of acute respiratory infections via improving the immune system in late preterm newborns with E. coli strain Nissle 1917: a controlled pilot trial.

PubMed

Aryayev, Mykola L; Senkivska, Liudmyla I; Bredeleva, Nataliya K; Talashova, Irina V

2018-01-01

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs), caused by the high level of immaturity of the immune system, are a major cause of morbidity in preterm newborns. The probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) is well known for its immuno-modulatory properties and may therefore enhance the immune competence. Thus, EcN administration may provide a promising possibility to decrease the risk of ARIs in this vulnerable group of children. However, clinical data supporting or refuting this hypothesis are, to our knowledge, not available. Therefore, the aim of the presented pilot trial was to collect first data on the efficacy and safety of EcN treatment to prevent ARIs in late preterm newborns. Right after birth, 62 late preterm newborns were included into an open-labeled, controlled 4-week trial with two parallel groups and a follow-up phase until the age of 1 year. All children of the treatment group received an EcN suspension orally for 3 weeks, whereas the control group was only observed. Primary efficacy variable was the number of participants with at least one ARI during the first 28 days of life. Secondary efficacy variables were the number of ARIs and the number and duration of hospitalizations caused by ARIs during the first year of life. The number of participants with at least one ARI during the first 28 days of life was significantly lower in the group treated with EcN compared to that in the control group. Although only of exploratory nature, analyses of secondary efficacy variables suggest that EcN treatment may also reduce the average number of ARIs, the average number of hospitalizations caused by ARIs, and the mean duration of such hospitalizations. There is also some evidence that early EcN treatment may have long-term benefits on newborns' health status. The present pilot trial provides first evidence that EcN is able to reduce the incidence of ARIs in the neonatal period of late preterm newborns. Additionally, EcN is characterized by an excellent individual biocompatibility in the absence of adverse drug reactions. Limitations of the current trial are discussed and recommendations for future confirmatory studies are made. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01540162; retrospectively registered on 16 February 2012.

Importance of Speed and Power in Elite Youth Soccer Depends on Maturation Status.

PubMed

Murtagh, Conall F; Brownlee, Thomas E; OʼBoyle, Andrew; Morgans, Ryland; Drust, Barry; Erskine, Robert M

2018-02-01

Murtagh, CF, Brownlee, TE, O'Boyle, A, Morgans, R, Drust, B, and Erskine, RM. Importance of speed and power in elite youth soccer depends on maturation status. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 297-303, 2018-Maturation status is a confounding factor when identifying talent in elite youth soccer players (ESP). By comparing performance of ESP and control participants (CON) matched for maturation status, the aims of our study were to establish the importance of acceleration, sprint, horizontal-forward jump, and vertical jump capabilities for determining elite soccer playing status at different stages of maturation. Elite youth soccer players (n = 213; age, 14.0 ± 3.5 years) and CON (n = 113; age, 15.0 ± 4.4 years) were grouped using years from/to predicted peak height velocity (PHV) to determine maturation status (ESP: pre-PHV, n = 100; mid-PHV, n = 25; post-PHV, n = 88; CON: pre-PHV, n = 44; mid-PHV, n = 15; post-PHV, n = 54). Participants performed 3 reps of 10- and 20-m sprint, bilateral vertical countermovement jump (BV CMJ), and bilateral horizontal-forward CMJ (BH CMJ). Elite youth soccer players demonstrated faster 10-m (p < 0.001) and 20-m sprint (p < 0.001) performance than CON at all stages of maturation. Mid-PHV and post-PHV ESP achieved greater BV CMJ height (p < 0.001) and BH CMJ distance (ESP vs. CON; mid-PHV: 164.32 ± 12.75 vs. 136.53 ± 21.96 cm; post-PHV: 197.57 ± 17.05 vs. 168.06 ± 18.50 cm; p < 0.001) compared with CON, but there was no difference in BV or BH CMJ between pre-PHV ESP and CON. Although 10 and 20 m and sprint performance may be determinants of elite soccer playing status at all stages of maturation, horizontal-forward and vertical jumping capabilities only discriminate ESP from CON participants at mid- and post-PHV. Our data therefore suggest that soccer talent identification protocols should include sprint, but not jump assessments in pre-PHV players.

Elite formation under occupation: the internal stratification of palestinian elites in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

PubMed

Mazawi, A E; Yogev, A

1999-09-01

This paper examines the internal stratification of Palestinian elites in the West Bank and Gaza Strip under Israeli occupation. Our general aim is to clarify the extent to which social and political subordination to outside rule influences the development of indigenous elites in stateless societies. In contrast to nation-state societies, such elites may be horizontally stratified into a wider range of institutional settings, and vertically stratified by anti-occupation activism alongside the attainment of occupational prestige. In addition, context-specific determinants of their stratification patterns, such as refugee status, regionality, and country in which educational credentials were acquired, should be considered. A secondary content analysis of interviews conducted by the Palestinian Panorama centre with 249 elite members reveals, that the vertical stratification of Palestinian elites along occupational attainment and anti-occupation activism constitutes two quite independent status dimensions. A multinomial logit regression shows that, horizontally, elite groups are embedded in four distinct types of institutional activity, further demonstrating the multi-faceted formation of Palestinian elites. Contextual resources, such as refugee versus non-refugee status, regionality, and the acquiring of Western credentials, have differential effects on the vertical and horizontal stratification of Palestinian elites. The implications of these findings for further research on elite formation in the post-Oslo Palestinian society and in other stateless societies are discussed in conclusion.

Analysis of the release process of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose matrix granules.

PubMed

Fukui, Atsuko; Fujii, Ryuta; Yonezawa, Yorinobu; Sunada, Hisakazu

2002-11-01

The release properties of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA) from ethylcellulose (EC, ethylcellulose 10 cps (EC#10) and/or 100 cps (EC#100)) matrix granules prepared by the extrusion granulation method were examined. The release process could be divided into two parts, and was well analyzed by applying square-root time law and cube root law equations, respectively. The validity of the treatments was confirmed by the fitness of the simulation curve with the measured curve. At the initial stage, PPA was released from the gel layer of swollen EC in the matrix granules. At the second stage, the drug existing below the gel layer dissolved, and was released through the gel layer. Also, the time and release ratio at the connection point of the simulation curves was examined to determine the validity of the analysis. Comparing the release properties of PPA from the two types of EC matrix granules, EC#100 showed more effective sustained release than EC#10. On the other hand, changes in the release property of the EC#10 matrix granule were relatively more clear than that of the EC#100 matrix granule. Thus, it was supposed that EC#10 is more available for controlled and sustained release formulations than EC#100.

Reliability and validity of a dual-task test for skill proficiency in roundhouse kicks in elite taekwondo athletes.

PubMed

Chen, Chung-Yu; Dai, Jing; Chen, I-Fan; Chou, Kuei-Ming; Chang, Chen-Kang

2015-01-01

The dual-task methodology, conducting two tasks simultaneously, may provide better validity than the traditional single-task tests in the environment that is closely related to real sport competitions. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of a dual-task test that aims to measure the reaction time and skill proficiency in roundhouse kicks in elite and sub-elite taekwondo athletes. The dual-task results were compared to those in the single-task movements with various levels of complexity. The single-task movements A, B, and C were composed of one, three, and five roundhouse kicks, respectively. The dual-task movement D was composed of movement C and a push of a button in response to a light stimulus as the secondary task. The subjects were 12 elite and 12 sub-elite male taekwondo athletes. The test included four movements with five repeats of each movement in a randomized order. Each subject conducted the same test on two consecutive days. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed moderate-to-high correlation in the premotor time (ICC =0.439-0.634 in elite and ICC =0.681-0.824 in sub-elite), motor time (ICC =0.861-0.956 in elite and ICC =0.721-0.931 in sub-elite), and reaction time (ICC =0.692 in elite and ICC =0.676 in sub-elite) in the secondary task in both groups. The elite athletes had significantly faster premotor time than their sub-elite counterparts in all the four movements (all P<0.05). The largest difference lies in the reaction time in the secondary task, in which the elite group (0.248±0.026 seconds) was 33.0% faster than the sub-elite group (0.370±0.081 seconds) (P<0.001). This study shows that the test developed in this study has reasonable reliability and validity in both single- and dual-task methods. In addition, the dual-task method may be a more appropriate way to assess the reaction time and skill proficiency in taekwondo athletes.

Reliability and validity of a dual-task test for skill proficiency in roundhouse kicks in elite taekwondo athletes

PubMed Central

Chen, Chung-Yu; Dai, Jing; Chen, I-Fan; Chou, Kuei-Ming; Chang, Chen-Kang

2015-01-01

The dual-task methodology, conducting two tasks simultaneously, may provide better validity than the traditional single-task tests in the environment that is closely related to real sport competitions. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of a dual-task test that aims to measure the reaction time and skill proficiency in roundhouse kicks in elite and sub-elite taekwondo athletes. The dual-task results were compared to those in the single-task movements with various levels of complexity. The single-task movements A, B, and C were composed of one, three, and five roundhouse kicks, respectively. The dual-task movement D was composed of movement C and a push of a button in response to a light stimulus as the secondary task. The subjects were 12 elite and 12 sub-elite male taekwondo athletes. The test included four movements with five repeats of each movement in a randomized order. Each subject conducted the same test on two consecutive days. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed moderate-to-high correlation in the premotor time (ICC =0.439–0.634 in elite and ICC =0.681–0.824 in sub-elite), motor time (ICC =0.861–0.956 in elite and ICC =0.721–0.931 in sub-elite), and reaction time (ICC =0.692 in elite and ICC =0.676 in sub-elite) in the secondary task in both groups. The elite athletes had significantly faster premotor time than their sub-elite counterparts in all the four movements (all P<0.05). The largest difference lies in the reaction time in the secondary task, in which the elite group (0.248±0.026 seconds) was 33.0% faster than the sub-elite group (0.370±0.081 seconds) (P<0.001). This study shows that the test developed in this study has reasonable reliability and validity in both single- and dual-task methods. In addition, the dual-task method may be a more appropriate way to assess the reaction time and skill proficiency in taekwondo athletes. PMID:26150736

Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and bacterial diversity in corn silage contaminated with the pathogen and treated with chemical or microbial additives.

PubMed

Ogunade, I M; Jiang, Y; Kim, D H; Cervantes, A A Pech; Arriola, K G; Vyas, D; Weinberg, Z G; Jeong, K C; Adesogan, A T

2017-03-01

Inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) in feeds may prevent the transmission or cycling of the pathogen on farms. The first objective of this study was to examine if addition of propionic acid or microbial inoculants would inhibit the growth of EC during ensiling, at silo opening, or after aerobic exposure. The second objective was to examine how additives affected the bacterial community composition in corn silage. Corn forage was harvested at approximately 35% dry matter, chopped to a theoretical length of cut of 10 mm, and ensiled after treatment with one of the following: (1) distilled water (control); (2) 1 × 10 5 cfu/g of EC (ECCH); (3) EC and 1 × 10 6 cfu/g of Lactobacillus plantarum (ECLP); (4) EC and 1 × 10 6 cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri (ECLB); and (5) EC and 2.2 g/kg (fresh weight basis) of propionic acid, containing 99.5% of the acid (ECA). Each treatment was ensiled in quadruplicate in laboratory silos for 0, 3, 7, and 120 d and analyzed for EC, pH, and organic acids. Samples from d 0 and 120 were also analyzed for chemical composition. Furthermore, samples from d 120 were analyzed for ammonia N, yeasts and molds, lactic acid bacteria, bacterial community composition, and aerobic stability. The pH of silages from all treatments decreased below 4 within 3 d of ensiling. Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts were below the detection limit in all silages after 7 d of ensiling. Treatment with L. buchneri and propionic acid resulted in fewer yeasts and greater aerobic stability compared with control, ECCH, and ECLP silages. Compared with the control, the diversity analysis revealed a less diverse bacterial community in the ECLP silage and greater abundance of Lactobacillus in the ECLP and ECA silages. The ECLB silage also contained greater abundance of Acinetobacter and Weissella than other silages. Subsamples of silages were reinoculated with 5 × 10 5 cfu/g of EC either immediately after silo opening or after 168 h of aerobic exposure, and EC were enumerated after 6 or 24 h, respectively. All silages reinoculated with EC immediately after silo opening (120 h) had similar low pH values (<4.0) and EC counts were below the detection limit. The ECCH and ECLP silages reinoculated with EC after 168 h of aerobic exposure had relatively high pH values (>5.0) and EC counts (5.39 and 5.30 log cfu/g, respectively) 24 h later. However, those treated with L. buchneri or propionic acid had lower pH values (4.24 or 3.96, respectively) and lower EC counts (1.32 log cfu/g or none, respectively). During ensiling, EC was eliminated from all silages at pH below 4.0. During aerobic exposure, the growth of EC was reduced or prevented in silages that had been treated with L. buchneri or propionic acid at ensiling, respectively. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal associations between individual changes in hormones, training motivation and physical performance in elite and non-elite trained men.

PubMed

Crewther, B T; Carruthers, J; Kilduff, L P; Sanctuary, C E; Cook, C J

2016-09-01

To advance our understanding of the hormonal contribution to athletic performance, we examined the temporal associations between individual changes in testosterone (T) and/or cortisol (C) concentrations, training motivation and physical performance in elite and non-elite trained men. Two male cohorts classified as elites (n = 12) and non-elites (n = 12) completed five testing sessions over a six-week period. The athletes were tested for salivary T, C, T/C ratio, self-perceived training motivation, countermovement jump (CMJ) height and isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (IMTP PF), after which an actual training workout was performed. The elite men reported higher motivation to train and they produced greater CMJ height overall, whereas the non-elites had higher pooled T levels (p < 0.05). No significant group differences in C concentrations, T/C ratio or IMTP PF were found. The individual changes in T levels were positively associated with training motivation in the elite men only (p = 0.033), but the hormonal and motivation measures did not predict CMJ height or IMTP PF in either group. The monitoring of elite and non-elite men across a short training block revealed differences in T levels, motivation and lower-body power, which may reflect training and competitive factors in each group. Despite having lower T levels, the elite athletes showed better linkage between pre-training T fluctuations and subsequent motivation to train. The nature of the performance tests (i.e. single repetition trials) could partly explain the lack of an association with the hormonal and motivational measures.

Temporal associations between individual changes in hormones, training motivation and physical performance in elite and non-elite trained men

PubMed Central

Carruthers, J; Kilduff, LP; Sanctuary, CE; Cook, CJ

2016-01-01

To advance our understanding of the hormonal contribution to athletic performance, we examined the temporal associations between individual changes in testosterone (T) and/or cortisol (C) concentrations, training motivation and physical performance in elite and non-elite trained men. Two male cohorts classified as elites (n = 12) and non-elites (n = 12) completed five testing sessions over a six-week period. The athletes were tested for salivary T, C, T/C ratio, self-perceived training motivation, countermovement jump (CMJ) height and isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (IMTP PF), after which an actual training workout was performed. The elite men reported higher motivation to train and they produced greater CMJ height overall, whereas the non-elites had higher pooled T levels (p < 0.05). No significant group differences in C concentrations, T/C ratio or IMTP PF were found. The individual changes in T levels were positively associated with training motivation in the elite men only (p = 0.033), but the hormonal and motivation measures did not predict CMJ height or IMTP PF in either group. The monitoring of elite and non-elite men across a short training block revealed differences in T levels, motivation and lower-body power, which may reflect training and competitive factors in each group. Despite having lower T levels, the elite athletes showed better linkage between pre-training T fluctuations and subsequent motivation to train. The nature of the performance tests (i.e. single repetition trials) could partly explain the lack of an association with the hormonal and motivational measures. PMID:27601775

Effects of silenced PAR-2 on cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Chen, Jinmei; Xie, Liqun; Zheng, Yanmin; Liu, Caihong

2017-10-01

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) on cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in the esophageal EC109 cell line. Two short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmids were constructed based on the PAR-2 mRNA sequence in humans, and they were transfected into the EC109 esophageal cancer cell line, and the stable interference cell line (shRNA-PAR-2 EC109) was obtained by puromycin selection. Following transfection of PAR-2 shRNA-1, PAR-2 expression was significantly downregulated in mRNA level and protein level in EC109 cells (P<0.05). The proliferation of EC109 cells transfected with PAR-2 shRNA was significantly lower than the negative control group (P<0.05). At 24, 48 and 72 h, the ratio of proliferation inhibition was 15.92, 24.89 and 32.28%, respectively. Compared with the control group, S-phase arrest was observed in cells transfected with shRNA-PAR-2. The ratio of cells in the S phase was 32.79±4.06, 26.54±1.37 and 33.45±2.46% at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. For invasion, the number of invasive cells was significantly lower in shRNA-PAR2-2 cells compared with the control group (P<0.05). For metastasis assay, the number of invasive cells was significantly lower in shRNA-PAR2-2 cells compared with the control group (P<0.01). In the present study, the PAR-2 shRNA plasmid was constructed successfully, which can significantly downregulate PAR-2 expression in EC109 cells. Subsequent to silencing of PAR-2, the proliferation of EC109 cells was inhibited and the capabilities of invasion and migration were reduced. It is indicated that PAR-2 may be a potential target in esophageal cancer.

Effects of silenced PAR-2 on cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer

PubMed Central

Chen, Jinmei; Xie, Liqun; Zheng, Yanmin; Liu, Caihong

2017-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) on cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in the esophageal EC109 cell line. Two short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmids were constructed based on the PAR-2 mRNA sequence in humans, and they were transfected into the EC109 esophageal cancer cell line, and the stable interference cell line (shRNA-PAR-2 EC109) was obtained by puromycin selection. Following transfection of PAR-2 shRNA-1, PAR-2 expression was significantly downregulated in mRNA level and protein level in EC109 cells (P<0.05). The proliferation of EC109 cells transfected with PAR-2 shRNA was significantly lower than the negative control group (P<0.05). At 24, 48 and 72 h, the ratio of proliferation inhibition was 15.92, 24.89 and 32.28%, respectively. Compared with the control group, S-phase arrest was observed in cells transfected with shRNA-PAR-2. The ratio of cells in the S phase was 32.79±4.06, 26.54±1.37 and 33.45±2.46% at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. For invasion, the number of invasive cells was significantly lower in shRNA-PAR2-2 cells compared with the control group (P<0.05). For metastasis assay, the number of invasive cells was significantly lower in shRNA-PAR2-2 cells compared with the control group (P<0.01). In the present study, the PAR-2 shRNA plasmid was constructed successfully, which can significantly downregulate PAR-2 expression in EC109 cells. Subsequent to silencing of PAR-2, the proliferation of EC109 cells was inhibited and the capabilities of invasion and migration were reduced. It is indicated that PAR-2 may be a potential target in esophageal cancer. PMID:28943918

Skin grafting impairs postsynaptic cutaneous vasodilator and sweating responses.

PubMed

Davis, Scott L; Shibasaki, Manabu; Low, David A; Cui, Jian; Keller, David M; Purdue, Gary F; Hunt, John L; Arnoldo, Brett D; Kowalske, Karen J; Crandall, Craig G

2007-01-01

This study tested the hypothesis that postsynaptic cutaneous vascular responses to endothelial-dependent and -independent vasodilators, as well as sweat gland function, are impaired in split-thickness grafted skin 5 to 9 months after surgery. Intradermal microdialysis membranes were placed in grafted and adjacent control skin, thereby allowing local delivery of the endothelial-dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine (ACh; 1 x 10(-7) to 1 x 10(-1) M at 10-fold increments) and the endothelial-independent nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 5 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-2) M at 10-fold increments). Skin blood flow and sweat rate were simultaneously assessed over the semipermeable portion of the membrane. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated from the ratio of laser Doppler-derived skin blood flow to mean arterial blood pressure. deltaCVC responses from baseline to these drugs were modeled via nonlinear regression curve fitting to identify the dose of ACh and SNP causing 50% of the maximal vasodilator response (EC50). A rightward shift in the CVC dose response curve for ACh was observed in grafted (EC50 = -2.61 +/- 0.44 log M) compared to adjacent control skin (EC50 = -3.34 +/- 0.46 log M; P = .003), whereas the mean EC50 for SNP was similar between grafted (EC50 = -4.21 +/- 0.94 log M) and adjacent control skin (EC50 = -3.87 +/- 0.65 log M; P = 0.332). Only minimal sweating to exogenous ACh was observed in grafted skin whereas normal sweating was observed in control skin. Increased EC50 and decreased maximal CVC responses to the exogenous administration of ACh suggest impairment of endothelial-dependent cutaneous vasodilator responses in grafted skin 5 to 9 months after surgery. Greatly attenuated sweating responses to ACh suggests either abnormal or an absence of functional sweat glands in the grafted skin.

Evaluating the effectiveness of joint emission control policies on the reduction of ambient VOCs: Implications from observation during the 2014 APEC summit in suburban Beijing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kun; Li, Junling; Wang, Weigang; Tong, Shengrui; Liggio, John; Ge, Maofa

2017-09-01

Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at a suburban Beijing site were on-line detected using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) during autumn of 2014, near the location of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. During the APEC summit, the Chinese government enacted strict emission control policies. It was found that VOC concentrations only slightly decreased during the first emission control period (EC I), when control policies were performed in Beijing and 5 cities along the Tai-hang Mountains. However, most of the VOCs (10 out of 12 non-biogenic species) significantly decreased (more than 40%) during the second emission control period (EC II), when control policies were carried out in 16 cities including Beijing, Tianjin, 8 cities of Hebei province and 6 cities of Shandong province. Also the ratio of toluene and benzene decreased during EC II, likely because the emission control policies changed the proportions of different anthropogenic sources. Using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) source apportionment method, five factors are analyzed: (1) vehicle + fuel, (2) solvent, (3) biomass burning, (4) secondary, and (5) background + long-lived. Among them, vehicle + fuel, solvent and biomass burning contribute most of the VOCs concentrations (60%-80%) during the polluted periods and are affected most by emission control policies. During EC II, the reductions of vehicle + fuel, solvent, biomass burning and secondary species were all no less than 50%. Overall, when emission control policies were carried out in many North China Plain (NCP) cities (i.e. EC II), the VOC concentrations of suburban Beijing markedly decreased. This indicates the cross-regional joint-control policies have a large influence on reductions of organic gas species. The findings of this study have vital implications for helping formulate effective emission control policies in China and other countries.

Airway dysfunction in elite swimmers: prevalence, impact, and challenges

PubMed Central

Lomax, Mitch

2016-01-01

The prevalence of airway dysfunction in elite swimmers is among the highest in elite athletes. The traditional view that swimmers naturally gravitate toward swimming because of preexisting respiratory disorders has been challenged. There is now sufficient evidence that the higher prevalence of bronchial tone disorders in elite swimmers is not the result of a natural selection bias. Rather, the combined effects of repeated chlorine by-product exposure and chronic endurance training can lead to airway dysfunction and atopy. This review will detail the underpinning causes of airway dysfunction observed in elite swimmers. It will also show that airway dysfunction does not prevent success in elite level swimming. Neither does it inhibit lung growth and might be partially reversible when elite swimmers retire from competition. PMID:27274324

Coculturing with endothelial cells promotes in vitro maturation and electrical coupling of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Pasquier, Jennifer; Gupta, Renuka; Rioult, Damien; Hoarau-Véchot, Jessica; Courjaret, Raphael; Machaca, Khaled; Al Suwaidi, Jassim; Stanley, Edouard G; Rafii, Shahin; Elliott, David A; Abi Khalil, Charbel; Rafii, Arash

2017-06-01

Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are a promising source of repopulating cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that we could improve maturation of cardiomyocytes and facilitate electrical interconnections by creating a model that more closely resembles heart tissue; that is, containing both endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes. We induced cardiomyocyte differentiation in the coculture of an hESC line expressing the cardiac reporter NKX2.5-green fluorescent protein (GFP), and an Akt-activated EC line (E4 + ECs). We quantified spontaneous beating rates, synchrony, and coordination between different cardiomyocyte clusters using confocal imaging of Fura Red-detected calcium transients and computer-assisted image analysis. After 8 days in culture, 94% ± 6% of the NKX2-5GFP + cells were beating when hESCs embryonic bodies were plated on E4 + ECs compared with 34% ± 12.9% for controls consisting of hESCs cultured on BD Matrigel (BD Biosciences) without ECs at Day 11 in culture. The spatial organization of beating areas in cocultures was different. The GFP + cardiomyocytes were close to the E4 + ECs. The average beats/min of the cardiomyocytes in coculture was faster and closer to physiologic heart rates compared with controls (50 ± 14 [n = 13] vs 25 ± 9 [n = 8]; p < 0.05). The coculture with ECs led to synchronized beating relying on the endothelial network, as illustrated by the loss of synchronization upon the disruption of endothelial bridges. The coculturing of differentiating cardiomyocytes with Akt-activated ECs but not EC-conditioned media results in (1) improved efficiency of the cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol and (2) increased maturity leading to better intercellular coupling with improved chronotropy and synchrony. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The effect of magnesium sulfate concentration on the effective concentration of rocuronium, and sugammadex-mediated reversal, in isolated left phrenic nerve hemi-diaphragm preparations from the rat.

PubMed

Cho, Choon-Kyu; Sung, Tae-Yun; Choi, Seok-Jun; Choi, Hey-Ran; Kim, Yong Beom; Lee, Jung-Un; Yang, Hong-Seuk

2018-05-30

Perioperative magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is used for analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, and obstetric purposes. The effects of MgSO4 on the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by rocuronium, and the sugammadex reversal thereof, have not been clearly quantified. We investigated the effect increase concentrations of MgSO4 on the NMB by rocuronium, and sugammadex reversal, in isolated left phrenic nerve hemi-diaphragm (PNHD) preparations from the rat. Rat PNHD preparations were randomly allocated to one of four groups varying in terms of MgSO4 concentration (1, 2, 3, and 4 mM, each n = 10, in Krebs solution). The train-of-four (TOF) and twitch height responses were recorded mechanomyographically. The preparations were treated with incrementally increasing doses of rocuronium and each group's effective concentration (EC)50, EC90, and EC95 of rocuronium were calculated via nonlinear regression. Then, sugammadex was administered in doses equimolar to rocuronium. The recovery index, time to T1 height >95% of control, and the time to a TOF ratio (TOFR) >0.9 after sugammadex administration were measured. The EC50, EC90, and EC95 of rocuronium fell significantly as the magnesium level increased. The EC50, EC90, and EC95 of rocuronium did not differ between the 3 and 4 mM groups. The recovery index, time to T1 height >95% of control, and time to a TOFR >0.9 after sugammadex administration did not differ among the four groups. Increases in the magnesium concentration in rat PNHD preparations proportionally enhanced the NMB induced by rocuronium but did not affect reversal by equimolar amounts of sugammadex.

Increased plasmatic soluble HLA-G levels in endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Ben Yahia, Hamza; Babay, Wafa; Bortolotti, Daria; Boujelbene, Nadia; Laaribi, Ahmed Baligh; Zidi, Nour; Kehila, Mehdi; Chelbi, Hanène; Boudabous, Abdellatif; Mrad, Karima; Mezlini, Amel; Di Luca, Dario; Ouzari, Hadda-Imene; Rizzo, Roberta; Zidi, Inès

2018-05-03

Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) is known as an immune suppressive molecule; it interacts with several immune cells and inhibits their functions. HLA-G molecule is highly represented in pathological conditions including malignant transformation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that focuses on the expression of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in endometrial cancer (EC). We aimed at exploring sHLA-G plasma levels and its prognostic value in EC. We examined total sHLA-G expression as well as the sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms expression in plasma samples from 40 patients with EC and 45 healthy controls by a specific sandwich ELISA. Immunoprecipitation and Coomassie blue staining were performed to explore the presence of plasmatic sHLA-G monomers and dimers. sHLA-G plasma level was significantly enhanced in patients with EC compared to healthy controls (p = 0.028). Additionally, HLA-G5 molecules were highly represented than sHLA-G1 molecules in EC, at the borderline of significance (p = 0.061). Interestingly, sHLA-G has been shown to be increased in early stages (Stages I and II) as well as in high grade EC (Grade 3) that is associated with rapid spread of the disease (p = 0.057). sHLA-G positive EC plasma were majorly in monomeric form (75%). Clinically, all the HLA-G dimers were detected in early stages and in high grade of EC. Our data strengthen the implication of HLA-G molecules in EC etiology and especially in progression. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emergency contraceptive pills as a backup for lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) of contraception: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Shaaban, Omar M; Hassen, Shaimaa G; Nour, Sanna A; Kames, Mervat A; Yones, Entsar M

2013-03-01

The use of breastfeeding as a method of birth spacing occasionally ends in "unplanned pregnancy." This is due to unexpected expiration of one or more of the lactation amenorrhea method (LAM) prerequisites. The current study tests a new concept that the in-advance provision of single packet of progestogen emergency contraception (EC) pills during the postpartum LAM counseling may decrease the incidence of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding. This was a registered two-armed randomized controlled trial (NCT 01111929). Women intending to breastfeed and to postpone pregnancy for 1 year or more were approached. They received adequate postpartum contraceptive counseling. Women intending to use LAM were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The LAM-only group received the proper LAM counseling and did not receive counseling about EC. The LAM-EC group received counseling for both LAM and EC with in-advance provision of one packet of EC pills. They were advised to use these pills if one of the prerequisites of LAM expires and sexual relation has occurred before the initiation of another regular contraceptive protection. All the participants were advised that they need to use another regular method upon expiration of any of the LAM prerequisites. Eligible women were 1158 parturients randomized into two equal groups. Forty-four percent of the women provided with EC used them. Significantly more women in the LAM-EC group initiated regular contraception within or shortly after the first 6 months postpartum when compared with those in the LAM-only group (30.5% vs. 7.3%, respectively; p=.0004). Pregnancy occurred in 5% of the LAM-only group as compared with 0.8% in the LAM-EC group (p=.005). Minimal side effects were reported after EC use. In-advance provision of EC pills can increase the rate of initiation of regular contraception once one or more of the prerequisites of LAM expire. Consequently, the use of EC pills as a temporary backup of LAM can decrease the incidence of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding. The use of progestogen EC pill during lactation is safe and tolerable. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors associated with dual use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes: A case control study.

PubMed

Farsalinos, Konstantinos E; Romagna, Giorgio; Voudris, Vassilis

2015-06-01

Many electronic cigarette (EC) users reduce cigarette consumption without completely quitting. It is important to assess the characteristics and experiences of these users, commonly called "dual users", in comparison with EC users who have completely substituted smoking (non-smoking vapers). A questionnaire was uploaded in an online survey tool. EC users were invited to participate irrespective of their current smoking status. Dual users were matched for age and gender with non-smoking vapers. From 19,441 participants, 3682 were dual users. After random 1:1 matching with non-smoking vapers (all of whom were former smokers), 3530 participants in each group were compared. Dual users had longer smoking history, lower daily cigarette consumption and similar cigarette dependence compared to non-smoking vapers. Their daily consumption was reduced after initiation of EC use from 20 to 4 cigarettes per day. Most of them were using ECs daily, however, more were occasional EC users compared to non-smoking vapers. Use of advanced (third generation) devices and daily liquid consumption was lower in dual users compared to non-smoking vapers. The most important reason for initiating EC use was to reduce smoking and exposure of family members to smoke for both groups, but higher scores were given to "avoid smoking ban in public places" by dual users compared to non-smoking vapers. The strongest predictors of being dual user from multivariate analysis were: higher risk perception for ECs (OR=2.27, 95% CI=1.40-3.68), use of first-generation EC devices (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.47-2.66), use of prefilled cartomizers (OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.23-3.06) and occasional use of ECs (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.21-2.17). The results of this case-control study indicate that higher risk perceptions about, and less frequent use of, ECs was associated with dual use of ECs and tobacco cigarettes. Since this is a cross-sectional survey, which explores association but not causation, longitudinal studies are warranted to further explore the reasons for dual use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tobacco industry strategies for influencing European Community tobacco advertising legislation.

PubMed

Neuman, Mark; Bitton, Asaf; Glantz, Stanton

2002-04-13

Restrictions on tobacco company advertising and sponsorship are effective parts of tobacco control programmes worldwide. Through Council Directive 98/43/EC, the European Community (EC) sought to end all tobacco advertising and sponsorship in EC member states by 2006. Initially proposed in 1989, the directive was adopted in 1998, and was annulled by the European Court of Justice in 2000 following a protracted lobbying campaign against the directive by a number of interested organisations including European tobacco companies. A new advertising directive was proposed in May, 2001. We reviewed online collections of tobacco industry documents from US tobacco companies made public under the US Master Settlement Agreement of 1998. Documents reviewed dated from 1978 to 1994 and came from Philip Morris, R J Reynolds, and Brown and Williamson (British American Tobacco) collections. We also obtained approximately 15,000 pages of paper records related to British American Tobacco from its documents' depository in Guildford, UK. This information was supplemented with information in the published literature and consultations with European tobacco control experts. The tobacco industry lobbied against Directive 98/43/EC at the level of EC member state governments as well as on a pan-European level. The industry sought to prevent passage of the directive within the EC legislature, to substitute industry-authored proposals in place of the original directive, and if necessary to use litigation to prevent implementation of the directive after its passage. The tobacco industry sought to delay, and eventually defeat, the EC directive on tobacco advertising and sponsorship by seeking to enlist the aid of figures at the highest levels of European politics while at times attempting to conceal the industry's role. An understanding of these proposed strategies can help European health advocates to pass and implement effective future tobacco control legislation.

Timing of The First Zygotic Cleavage Affects Post-Vitrification Viability of Murine Embryos Produced In Vivo

PubMed Central

Jusof, Wan-Hafizah Wan; Khan, Nor-Ashikin Mohamed Noor; Rajikin, Mohd Hamim; Satar, Nuraliza Abdul; Mustafa, Mohd-Fazirul; Jusoh, Norhazlin; Dasiman, Razif

2015-01-01

Background Timing of the first zygotic cleavage is an accurate predictor of embryo quality. Embryos that cleaved early (EC) have been shown to exhibit higher develop- mental viability compared to those that cleaved at a later period (LC). However, the vi- ability of EC embryos in comparison to LC embryos after vitrification is unknown. The present study aims to investigate the post-vitrification developmental viability of murine EC versus LC embryos. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, female ICR mice (6-8 weeks old) were superovulated and cohabited with fertile males for 24 hours. Afterwards, their ovi- ducts were excised and embryos harvested. Embryos at the 2-cell stage were catego- rized as EC embryos, while zygotes with two pronuclei were categorized as LC embryos. Embryos were cultured in M16 medium supplemented with 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a humidified 5% CO2atmosphere. Control embryos were cultured until the blastocyst stage without vitrification. Experimental embryos at the 2-cell stage were vitri- fied for one hour using 40% v/v ethylene glycol, 18% w/v Ficoll-70 and 0.5 M sucrose as the cryoprotectant. We recorded the numbers of surviving embryos from the control and experimental groups and their development until the blastocyst stage. Results were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results A significantly higher proportion of EC embryos (96.7%) from the control group developed to the blastocyst stage compared with LC embryos (57.5%, P<0.0001). Similarly, in the experimental group, a significantly higher percentage of vitrified EC embryos (69.4%) reached the blastocyst stage compared to vitrified LC embryos (27.1%, P<0.0001). Conclusion Vitrified EC embryos are more vitrification tolerant than LC embryos. Prese- lection of EC embryos may be used as a tool for selection of embryos that exhibit higher developmental competence after vitrification. PMID:26246881

Anthropometry, Physical Fitness and Coordination of Young Figure Skaters of Different Levels.

PubMed

Mostaert, M; Deconinck, F; Pion, J; Lenoir, M

2016-06-01

The aim of the present study was to identify anthropometric, physical, coordinative and ice-skating specific characteristics that discriminate young elite ice skaters from non-elite skaters and their non-skating peers. 32 skaters aged 9-12 years old (11 elites and 21 non-elites) voluntarily participated in the study. They were submitted to 5 anthropometric, 7 physical, 3 coordination and 5 ice-skating specific tests. Reference values of a representative healthy non-skating sample were taken from the Flemish Sports Compass dataset. Figure skaters appeared to be predominantly average mature (93.8%), were lighter and leaner than the reference sample, and demonstrated better physical characteristics and motor coordination. There was no difference between the elite and non-elite group regarding maturity status and anthropometric or physical parameters. Still, elite skaters scored better than non-elites on the coordination tests jumping sideways and tended to do so on the moving sideways test. Profiles of figure skaters differ clearly from a reference population, while non-sport-specific motor coordination tests allow discrimination between elite and non-elite skaters. The relevance of these findings with respect to talent detection and identification in young ice skaters are discussed. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effortful Control and Impulsivity as Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors of Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valiente, Carlos; Eisenberg, Nancy; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Haugen, Rg; Thompson, Marilyn S.; Kupfer, Anne

2013-01-01

The goal of this study was to test if both effortful control (EC) and impulsivity, a reactive index of temperament, uniquely predict adolescents' academic achievement, concurrently and longitudinally (Time 1: "N" = 168, X-bar[subscript age] = 12 years). At Time 1, parents and teachers reported on students' EC and impulsivity.…

Relation of Perinatal Risk and Early Parenting to Executive Control at the Transition to School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Caron A. C.; Woodward, Lianne J.

2015-01-01

Executive control (EC) develops rapidly during the preschool years and is central to academic achievement and functional outcome. Although children with perinatal adversity are at known risk for EC impairments, little is known about the underlying nature of these impairments or the mechanisms that contribute to their development over time. Drawing…

Effortful Control in "Hot" and "Cool" Tasks Differentially Predicts Children's Behavior Problems and Academic Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Sanghag; Nordling, Jamie Koenig; Yoon, Jeung Eun; Boldt, Lea J.; Kochanska, Grazyna

2013-01-01

Effortful control (EC), the capacity to deliberately suppress a dominant response and perform a subdominant response, rapidly developing in toddler and preschool age, has been shown to be a robust predictor of children's adjustment. Not settled, however, is whether a view of EC as a heterogeneous rather than unidimensional construct may offer…

Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis to Understand Executive Control in Preschool Children: Sources of Variation in Emergent Mathematic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bull, Rebecca; Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Wiebe, Sandra A.; Sheffield, Tiffany D.; Nelson, Jennifer Mize

2011-01-01

Latent variable modeling methods have demonstrated utility for understanding the structure of executive control (EC) across development. These methods are utilized to better characterize the relation between EC and mathematics achievement in the preschool period, and to understand contributing sources of individual variation. Using the sample and…

Pathways to Problem Behaviors: Chaotic Homes, Parent and Child Effortful Control, and Parenting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valiente, Carlos; Lemery-Chalfant, Kathryn; Reiser, Mark

2007-01-01

Guided by Belsky's and Eisenberg, Cumberland, and Spinrad's heuristic models, we tested a process model with hypothesized paths from parents' effortful control (EC) and family chaos to indices of parenting to children's EC, and finally children's externalizing problem behavior. Parents reported on all constructs and children (N = 188; M age = 9.55…

The Influence of Effortful Control and Empathy on Perception of School Climate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zorza, Juan P.; Marino, Julián; Mesas, Alberto Acosta

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive power of effortful control (EC) and empathy for perception of school climate. Self-report measures of EC, dispositional empathy, and perception of school climate were obtained for 398 students (204 females) aged 12 to 13. Sociometric status was peer-evaluated, and academic achievement was…

Executive Control Goes to School: Implications of Preschool Executive Performance for Observed Elementary Classroom Learning Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Timothy D.; Nelson, Jennifer Mize; James, Tiffany D.; Clark, Caron A. C.; Kidwell, Katherine M.; Espy, Kimberly Andrews

2017-01-01

The transition to elementary school is accompanied by increasing demands for children to regulate their attention and behavior within the classroom setting. Executive control (EC) may be critical for meeting these demands; however, few studies have rigorously examined the association between EC and observed classroom behavior. This study examined…

In vitro analysis of human periodontal microvascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Tsubokawa, Mizuki; Sato, Soh

2014-08-01

Endothelial cells (ECs) participate in key aspects of vascular biology, such as maintenance of capillary permeability, initiation of coagulation, and regulation of inflammation. According to previous reports, ECs have revealed highly specific characteristics depending on the organs and tissues. However, some reports have described the characteristics of the capillaries formed by human periodontal ECs. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the functional characteristics of the periodontal microvascular ECs in vitro. Human periodontal ligament-endothelial cells (HPDL-ECs) and human gingiva-endothelial cells (HG-ECs) were isolated by immunoprecipitation with magnetic beads conjugated to a monoclonal anti-CD31 antibody. The isolated HPDL-ECs and HG-ECs were characterized to definitively demonstrate that these cell cultures represented pure ECs. Human umbilical-vein ECs and human dermal microvascular ECs were used for comparison. These cells were compared according to the proliferation potential, the formation of capillary-like tubes, the transendothelial electric resistance (TEER), and the expression of tight junction proteins. HPDL-ECs and HG-ECs with characteristic cobblestone monolayer morphology were obtained, as determined by light microscopy at confluence. Furthermore, the HPDL-ECs and HG-ECs expressed the EC markers platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (also known as CD31), von Willebrand factor, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, and the cells stained strongly positive for CD31 and CD309. In addition, the HPDL-ECs and HG-ECs were observed to form capillary-like tubes, and they demonstrated uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein. Functional analyses of the HPDL-ECs and HG-ECs showed that, compared to the control cells, tube formation persisted for only a brief period of time, and TEER was substantially reduced at confluence. Furthermore, the cells exhibited delocalization of zonula occludens-1 and occludin at cell-cell contact sites. The present results provide new evidence that HPDL-ECs and HG-ECs have characteristics of fenestrated capillaries. Therefore, capillaries in human periodontal tissues have functional characteristics of fenestrated capillaries, which might be related to the onset and the progression of systemic diseases and inflammation.

Altered expression of genes involved in progesterone biosynthesis, metabolism and action in endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Sinreih, Maša; Hevir, Neli; Rižner, Tea Lanišnik

2013-02-25

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide. It is associated with prolonged exposure to estrogens that is unopposed by the protective effects of progesterone, which suggests that altered progesterone biosynthesis, metabolism and actions might be implicated in the development of EC. Our aim was to evaluate these processes through quantitative real-time PCR expression analysis in up to 47 pairs of EC tissue and adjacent control endometrium. First, we examined the expression of genes encoding proteins associated with progesterone biosynthesis: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR); a side chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1); and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/ketosteroid isomerase (HSD3B). There were 1.9- and 10.0-fold decreased expression of STAR and CYP11A1, respectively, in EC versus adjacent control endometrium, with no significant differences in the expression of HSD3B1 and HSD3B2. Next, we examined expression of genes encoding five progesterone metabolizing enzymes: the 3-keto and 20-ketosteroid reductases (AKR1C1-AKR1C3) and 5α-reductases (SRD5A1 and SRD5A2); and the opposing 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B2). These genes are expressed in EC and adjacent control endometrium. No statistically significant differences were seen in mRNA levels of AKR1C1, AKR1C2, AKR1C3 and SRD5A1. Expression of HSD17B2 was 3.0-fold increased, and expression of SRD5A2 was 3.7-fold decreased, in EC versus adjacent control endometrium. We also examined mRNA levels of progesterone receptors A and B (PGR), and separately the expression of progesterone receptor B (PR-B). Here we saw 1.8- and 2.0-fold lower mRNA levels of PGR and PR-B, respectively, in EC versus adjacent control endometrium. This down-regulation of STAR, CYP11A1 and PGR in endometrial cancer may lead to decreased progesterone biosynthesis and actions although the effects on progesterone levels should be further studied. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physiological Tendon Thickness Adaptation in Adolescent Elite Athletes: A Longitudinal Study

PubMed Central

Cassel, Michael; Intziegianni, Konstantina; Risch, Lucie; Müller, Steffen; Engel, Tilman; Mayer, Frank

2017-01-01

Increased Achilles (AT) and Patellar tendon (PT) thickness in adolescent athletes compared to non-athletes could be shown. However, it is unclear, if changes are of pathological or physiological origin due to training. The aim of this study was to determine physiological AT and PT thickness adaptation in adolescent elite athletes compared to non-athletes, considering sex and sport. In a longitudinal study design with two measurement days (M1/M2) within an interval of 3.2 ± 0.8 years, 131 healthy adolescent elite athletes (m/f: 90/41) out of 13 different sports and 24 recreationally active controls (m/f: 6/18) were included. Both ATs and PTs were measured at standardized reference points. Athletes were divided into 4 sport categories [ball (B), combat (C), endurance (E) and explosive strength sports (S)]. Descriptive analysis (mean ± SD) and statistical testing for group differences was performed (α = 0.05). AT thickness did not differ significantly between measurement days, neither in athletes (5.6 ± 0.7 mm/5.6 ± 0.7 mm) nor in controls (4.8 ± 0.4 mm/4.9 ± 0.5 mm, p > 0.05). For PTs, athletes presented increased thickness at M2 (M1: 3.5 ± 0.5 mm, M2: 3.8 ± 0.5 mm, p < 0.001). In general, males had thicker ATs and PTs than females (p < 0.05). Considering sex and sports, only male athletes from B, C, and S showed significant higher PT-thickness at M2 compared to controls (p ≤ 0.01). Sport-specific adaptation regarding tendon thickness in adolescent elite athletes can be detected in PTs among male athletes participating in certain sports with high repetitive jumping and strength components. Sonographic microstructural analysis might provide an enhanced insight into tendon material properties enabling the differentiation of sex and influence of different sports. PMID:29075203

Control of speed during the double poling technique performed by elite cross-country skiers.

PubMed

Lindinger, Stefan Josef; Stöggl, Thomas; Müller, Erich; Holmberg, Hans-Christer

2009-01-01

Double poling (DP) as a main technique in cross-country skiing has developed substantially over the last 15 yr. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the question, "How do modern elite skiers control DP speed?" Twelve male elite cross-country skiers roller skied using DP at 9, 15, 21, and 27 km.h(-1) and maximum velocity (V(max)). Cycle characteristics, pole and plantar forces, and elbow, hip, and knee joint angles were analyzed. Both poling frequency and cycle length increased up to 27 km.h (-1)(P < 0.05), with a further increase in poling frequency at V(max) (P < 0.05). Peak pole force, rate of force development, and rearfoot plantar force increased with submaximal velocities (V(sm)), whereas poling time and time-to-peak pole force gradually shortened (P < 0.05). Changes in elbow joint kinematics during the poling phase were characterized by a decreased angle minimum and an increased flexion and extension ranges of motion as well as angular velocities across V(sm) (P < 0.05), with no further changes at V(max). Hip and knee joint kinematics adapted across V(sm) by 1) decreasing angles at pole plant and angle minima during the poling phase, 2) increasing the ranges of motion and angular velocities during the flexion phases occurring around pole plant, and 3) increasing extension ranges of motion and angular velocities during the recovery phase (all P values <0.05), with no further changes at V(max). Elite skiers control DP speed by increasing both poling frequency and cycle length; the latter is achieved by increased pole force despite reduced poling time. Adaptation to higher speeds was assisted by an increased range of motion, smaller angle minima, and higher angular velocities in the elbow, the hip, and the knee joints.

Creatine monohydrate supplementation on lower-limb muscle power in Brazilian elite soccer players.

PubMed

Claudino, João G; Mezêncio, Bruno; Amaral, Sérgio; Zanetti, Vinícius; Benatti, Fabiana; Roschel, Hamilton; Gualano, Bruno; Amadio, Alberto C; Serrão, Julio C

2014-01-01

Studies involving chronic creatine supplementation in elite soccer players are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on lower-limb muscle power in Brazilian elite soccer players (n = 14 males) during pre-season training. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study. Brazilian professional elite soccer players participated in this study. During the pre-season (7 weeks), all the subjects underwent a standardized physical and specific soccer training. Prior to and after either creatine monohydrate or placebo supplementation, the lower-limb muscle power was measured by countermovement jump performance. The Jumping performance was compared between groups at baseline (p = 0.99). After the intervention, jumping performance was lower in the placebo group (percent change = - 0.7%; ES = - 0.3) than in the creatine group (percent change = + 2.4%; ES = + 0.1), but it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.23 for time x group interaction). Fisher's exact test revealed that the proportion of subjects that experienced a reduction in jumping performance was significantly greater in the placebo group than in the creatine group (5 and 1, respectively; p = 0.05) after the training. The magnitude-based inferences demonstrated that placebo resulted in a possible negative effect (50%) in jumping performance, whereas creatine supplementation led to a very likely trivial effect (96%) in jumping performance in the creatine group. Creatine monohydrate supplementation prevented the decrement in lower-limb muscle power in elite soccer players during a pre-season progressive training.

Mental skills comparison between elite sprint and endurance track and field runners according to their genetic polymorphism: a pilot study.

PubMed

Znazen, Hela; Slimani, Maamer; Miarka, Bianca; Butovskaya, Marina; Siala, Hajer; Messaoud, Taieb; Chamari, Karim; Souissi, Nizar

2017-09-01

Achieving excellence in track and field athletes requires specific mental skills. The aim of the present study was to compare the mental skills between elite sprint and endurance athletes. Forty elite athletes (age 20.55±2.22 years, body mass 74.8±7.9 kg, height 1.70±0.1 m) participated in the present study. The athletes were classified into two groups according to their genetic polymorphism to physical activity: Endurance group (allele I, N.=20) and power group (allele D, N.=20). The mental skills were assessed by means of Ottawa Mental Skill Assessment Tool-3 inventory (OMSAT-3: based in foundation mental skills, psychosomatic skills, and cognitive skills subscales) before the competition period. Furthermore, genetic data were also collected. Sprint and endurance runners were participating in Tunisian National championship. The results showed a significant difference between elite sprint and endurance runners in the foundation mental and psychosomatic skills subscales (all, P<0.05). Typically, the present study revealed that goal setting, commitment, stress reactions, fear control, imagery, competition planning and mental practice were significantly higher among the elite sprint runners compared to the endurance runners (all, P<0.05). Findings from this study could confirm the widely acclaimed research assumption that mental skills, such as goal setting, commitment and mental practice, are the predictor variables of power performances, while endurance performances are associated with different mental skills components. Finally, the results may inform applied practitioners regarding the differences in mental skill demands between power and endurance athletes and the genetic predisposition of practitioners.

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Losurdo, Giuseppe; Iannone, Andrea; Contaldo, Antonella; Ierardi, Enzo; Di Leo, Alfredo; Principi, Mariabeatrice

2015-12-01

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has been recommended as a therapeutic tool for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. However, to date, no meta-analysis has been performed on this topic. We performed a literature search on PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct and EMBASE. We evaluated success rates for induction of remission, relapse rates and side effects, expressed as Intention-To-Treat. Odd ratios (OR), pooled OR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, based on the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity was assessed by using the χ2 and I2 statistics and, if present, a random-effects model was adopted. We selected six eligible trials, with 719 patients, 390 assigned to the study group and 329 to the control group. EcN induced remission in 61.6% of cases, while in the control group (mesalazine) the remission was achieved in 69.5% of cases, with a mean difference of 7.9%. The pooled OR was 0.92 (95% CI 0.15-9.66, p=0.93). A single study showed a better performance of EcN than the placebo. A relapse of the disease occurred in 36.8% in the EcN group and in 36.1% in the control group (mesalazine), with a mean difference of 0.8%, OR=1.07, with a 95% CI of 0.70-1.64 (p=0.74). Side effects were comparable (OR=1.44, 95% CI 0.80-2.59, p=0.22). EcN is equivalent to mesalazine in preventing disease relapse, thus confirming current guideline recommendations. EcN seems to be as effective as controls in inducing remission and therefore, its use cannot be recommended as in one study the comparison was performed against placebo. Further studies may be helpful for this subject.

Clinical methods to quantify trunk mobility in an elite male surfing population.

PubMed

Furness, James; Climstein, Mike; Sheppard, Jeremy M; Abbott, Allan; Hing, Wayne

2016-05-01

Thoracic mobility in the sagittal and horizontal planes are key requirements in the sport of surfing; however to date the normal values of these movements have not yet been quantified in a surfing population. To develop a reliable method to quantify thoracic mobility in the sagittal plane; to assess the reliability of an existing thoracic rotation method, and quantify thoracic mobility in an elite male surfing population. Clinical Measurement, reliability and comparative study. A total of 30 subjects were used to determine the reliability component. 15 elite surfers were used as part of a comparative analysis with age and gender matched controls. Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged between 0.95-0.99 (95% CI; 0.89-0.99) for both thoracic methods. The elite surfing group had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater rotation than the comparative group (mean rotation 63.57° versus 40.80°, respectively). This study has illustrated reliable methods to assess the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane and thoracic rotation. It has also quantified ROM in a surfing cohort; identifying thoracic rotation as a key movement. This information may provide clinicians, coaches and athletic trainers with imperative information regarding the importance of maintaining adequate thoracic rotation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Testicular Sertoli cells influence the proliferation and immunogenicity of co-cultured endothelial cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fan, Ping, E-mail: fanpinggoodluck@163.com; He, Lan; Pu, Dan

Research highlights: {yields} The proliferation of dramatic increased by co-cultured with Sertoli cells. {yields} VEGF receptor-2 expression of ECs was up-regulated by co-cultured with Sertoli cells. {yields} The MHC expression of ECs induced by INF-{gamma} and IL-6, IL-8 and sICAM induced by TNF-{alpha} decreased respectively after co-cultured with Sertoli cells. {yields} ECs co-cultured with Sertoli cells also didn't increase the stimulation index of spleen lymphocytes. -- Abstract: The major problem of the application of endothelial cells (ECs) in transplantation is the lack of proliferation and their immunogenicity. In this study, we co-cultured ECs with Sertoli cells to monitor whether Sertolimore » cells can influence the proliferation and immunogenicity of co-cultured ECs. Sertoli cells were isolated from adult testicular tissue. ECs were divided into the control group and the experimental group, which included three sub-groups co-cultured with 1 x 10{sup 3}, 1 x 10{sup 4} or 1 x 10{sup 5} cell/ml of Sertoli cells. The growth and proliferation of ECs were observed microscopically, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (KDR) was examined by Western blotting. In another experiment, ECs were divided into the control group, the single culture group and the co-culture group with the optimal concentration of Sertoli cells. After INF-{gamma} and TNF-{alpha} were added to the culture medium, MHC II antigen expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting; interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) were measured in the culture medium by ELISA. We demonstrated that 1 x 10{sup 4} cell/ml Sertoli cells promoted the proliferation of co-cultured ECs more dramatically than that in other groups (P < 0.05). Western blotting showed that 1 x 10{sup 4} cell/ml of the Sertoli cells was most effective in the up-regulation of KDR expression in the co-cultured ECs (P < 0.05). Sertoli cells can effectively suppress INF-{gamma}-induced MHC II antigen expression in co-cultured ECs compared with single culture group (P < 0.05). TNF-{alpha} induced the expression of IL-6, IL-8 and sICAM in ECs. When co-cultured with Sertoli cells, their expressions were significantly lower than in the EC single culture group (P < 0.05). ECs co-cultured with Sertoli cells also did not significantly increase the stimulation index of spleen lymphocytes compared to the single culture group (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that co-culturing with Sertoli cells can significantly promote the proliferation of ECs, accelerate post-transplant angiogenesis, while reduce EC immunogenicity and stimulus to lymphocytes.« less

Reliability of the Tuck Jump Injury Risk Screening Assessment in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players.

PubMed

Read, Paul J; Oliver, Jon L; de Ste Croix, Mark B A; Myer, Gregory D; Lloyd, Rhodri S

2016-06-01

Read, PJ, Oliver, JL, de Ste Croix, MBA, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Reliability of the tuck jump injury risk screening assessment in elite male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(6): 1510-1516, 2016-Altered neuromuscular control has been suggested as a mechanism for injury in soccer players. Ligamentous injuries most often occur during dynamic movements, such as decelerations from jump-landing maneuvers where high-risk movement patterns are present. The assessment of kinematic variables during jump-landing tasks as part of a preparticipation screen is useful in the identification of injury risk. An example of a field-based screening tool is the repeated tuck jump assessment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the within-subject variation of the tuck jump screening assessment in elite male youth soccer players. Twenty-five pre-peak height velocity (PHV) and 25 post-PHV elite male youth soccer players from the academy of a professional English soccer club completed the assessment. A test-retest design was used to explore the within-subject intersession reliability. Technique was graded retrospectively against the 10-point criteria set out in the screening protocol using two-dimensional video cameras. The typical error range reported for tuck jump total score (0.90-1.01 in pre-PHV and post-PHV players respectively) was considered acceptable. When each criteria was analyzed individually, kappa coefficient determined that knee valgus was the only criterion to reach substantial agreement across the two test sessions for both groups. The results of this study suggest that although tuck jump total score may be reliably assessed in elite male youth soccer players, caution should be applied in solely interpreting the composite score due to the high within-subject variation in a number of the individual criteria. Knee valgus may be reliably used to screen elite youth male soccer players for this plyometric technique error and for test-retest comparison.

Islet graft survival and function: concomitant culture and transplantation with vascular endothelial cells in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Pan, Xiaoming; Xue, Wujun; Li, Yang; Feng, Xinshun; Tian, Xiaohui; Ding, Chenguang

2011-12-15

Human islet transplantation is a great potential therapy for type I diabetes. To investigate islet graft survival and function, we recently showed the improved effects after co-culture and co-transplantation with vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in diabetic rats. ECs were isolated, and the viability of isolated islets was assessed in two groups (standard culture group and co-culture group with ECs). Then streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were divided into four groups before islet transplantation as follows: group A with infusion of islet grafts; group B with combined vascular ECs and islet grafts; groups C and D as controls with single ECs infusion and phosphate-buffered saline injection, respectively. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured daily. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The mean microvascular density was also calculated. More than 90% of acridine orange-propidium iodide staining positive islets demonstrated normal morphology while co-cultured with ECs for 7 days. Compared with standard control, insulin release assays showed a significantly higher simulation index in co-culture group except for the first day (P<0.05). After transplantation, there was a significant difference in concentrations of blood glucose and insulin among these groups after 3 days (P<0.05). The mean microvascular density in co-culture group was significantly higher than that in single islet group (P=0.04). Co-culture with ECs in vitro could improve the survival and function of isolated rat islet, and co-transplantation of islets with ECs could effectively prolong the islet graft survival in diabetic rats.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Impact of the Probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 on Campylobacter jejuni's Invasion and Intracellular Survival in Human Colonic Cells.

PubMed

Helmy, Yosra A; Kassem, Issmat I; Kumar, Anand; Rajashekara, Gireesh

2017-01-01

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans. Due to the rise in antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter , there exists a need to develop antibiotic-independent interventions to control infections in humans. Here, we evaluated the impact of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), a probiotic strain, on C. jejuni's invasion and intracellular survival in polarized human colonic cells (HT-29). To further understand how EcN mediates its impact, the expression of 84 genes associated with tight junctions and cell adhesion was profiled in HT-29 cells after treatment with EcN and challenge with C. jejuni . The pre-treatment of polarized HT-29 cells with EcN for 4 h showed a significant effect on C. jejuni 's invasion (∼2 log reduction) of the colonic cells. Furthermore, no intracellular C. jejuni were recovered from EcN pre-treated HT-29 cells at 24 h post-infection. Other probiotic strains tested had no significant impact on C. jejuni invasion and intracellular survival. C. jejuni decreased the expression of genes associated with epithelial cells permeability and barrier function in untreated HT-29 cells. However, EcN positively affected the expression of genes that are involved in enhanced intestinal barrier function, decreased cell permeability, and increased tight junction integrity. The results suggest that EcN impedes C. jejuni invasion and subsequent intracellular survival by affecting HT-29 cells barrier function and tight junction integrity. We conclude that EcN might be a viable alternative for controlling C. jejuni infections.

Comparison of Physical and Physiological Profiles in Elite and Amateur Young Wrestlers.

PubMed

Demirkan, Erkan; Koz, Mitat; Kutlu, Mehmet; Favre, Mike

2015-07-01

The aim of this study is to examine the physical and physiological determinants of wrestling success between elite and amateur male wrestlers. The wrestlers (N = 126) were first assigned to 3 groups based on their competitive level (top elite, elite, and amateur) and then to 6 groups according to their body mass (light, middle, and heavy weight) and their competitive level (elite and amateur). Top elite and elite wrestlers had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more training experiences and maximal oxygen uptake compared with the amateur group. In separating weight classes, light- and middle-weight elite (MWE) wrestlers had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more training experience (7-20%) compared with the light- and middle-weight amateur (MWA) wrestlers. No significant differences were detected between elite and amateur groups (light-, middle-, and heavy-weight wrestlers) for age, body mass, height, body mass index, and body fat (p > 0.05), with the exception of height for heavy wrestlers. Leg average and peak power values (in watts and watts per kilogram) in MWE were higher than MWA (6.5 and 13%, p ≤ 0.05). Relative leg average power value in heavy-weight elite (HWE) (in watts per kilogram) was higher than heavy-weight amateur (HWA) (9.6%, p ≤ 0.05). It was seen that elite wrestlers in MWE and HWE statistically possessed a higher V̇O2max (12.5 and 11.4%, respectively) than amateur middle- and heavy-weight wrestlers (p ≤ 0.05). The results of this study suggest that training experience, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic power and capacity will give a clear advantage for the wrestlers to take part in the elite group.

Fatigue-induced change in corticospinal drive to back muscles in elite rowers.

PubMed

Fulton, Rick C; Strutton, Paul H; McGregor, Alison H; Davey, Nick J

2002-09-01

This study examined post-exercise changes in corticospinal excitability in five 'elite' rowers and six nonrowers. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was delivered to the motor cortex and bilateral electromyographic (EMG) recordings were made from erector spinae (ES) muscles at L3/L4 spinal level and from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle of the dominant hand. Each subject completed two exercise protocols on a rowing ergometer: a light exercise protocol at a sub-maximal output for 10 min and an intense exercise protocol at maximum output for 1 min. A trial of ten magnetic stimuli was delivered before each of the protocols and, on finishing exercise, further trials of ten stimuli were delivered every 2 min for a 16 min period. Amplitudes of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in each of the three test muscles were measured before exercise and during the recovery period after exercise. The non-rowers showed a brief facilitation of MEPs in ES 2 min after light and intense exercise that was only present in the elite rowers after intense exercise. In the period 4-16 min after light exercise, the mean (+/- S.E.M.) MEP amplitude (relative to pre-exercise levels) was less depressed in the elite rowers (79.4 +/- 2.1%) than in the non-rowers (60.9 +/- 2.5%) in the left ES but not significantly so in the right ES. MEP amplitudes in FDI were significantly larger in the elite rowers, averaging 119.0 +/- 3.1% pre-exercise levels, compared with 101.2 +/- 5.8% in the non-rowers. Pre-exercise MEP latencies were no different in the two groups. After light exercise MEP latencies became longer in the elite rowers (left ES, 16.1 +/- 0.5 ms; right ES, 16.1 +/- 0.4 ms; dominant FDI, 23.4 +/- 0.2 ms) than in the non-rowers (left ES, 15.0 +/- 0.3 ms; right ES, 15.2 +/- 0.3 ms; dominant FDI, 21.5 +/- 0.2 ms). There were no differences in MEP depression or latency between elite rowers and non-rowers after intense exercise. We conclude that the smaller degree of MEP depression in the elite rowers after light exercise reflects less central fatigue within corticospinal control pathways than that seen in the non-rowers. The longer latency of MEPs seen in the elite rowers may reflect recruitment of more slower-conducting fatigue-resistant motor units compared with the non-rowers. These differences may be because the energy requirements for the non-rowers during light exercise are closer to their maximum capacity, leading to more fatigue. This notion is supported by the lack of any difference between groups following intense exercise when both groups were working at their own maximum.

Making Democracy Safe for the World: A Game Theory Analysis of the Impact of Elites on the Democratization Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

elites often possess fragile self - esteem and lack empathy. Craving adulation, they often surround themselves with sycophants, placing themselves out of...variable due to their power and influence. Elites fall into two categories: self -oriented and servant-oriented. Based on game theory analysis...transitioners favor the top- down approach, servant-oriented elites favor accepting democracy, and self -oriented elites favor rejecting democracy. Analysis

Esophageal candidiasis in pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: clinical manifestations and risk factors.

PubMed

Chiou, C C; Groll, A H; Gonzalez, C E; Callender, D; Venzon, D; Pizzo, P A; Wood, L; Walsh, T J

2000-08-01

Little is known about the epidemiology and clinical features of esophageal candidiasis (EC) in pediatric AIDS. We therefore investigated the clinical presentation and risk factors of EC in a large prospectively monitored population of HIV-infected children at the National Cancer Institute. We reviewed the records of all HIV-infected children (N = 448) followed between 1987 and 1995 for a history of esophageal candidiasis to characterize the epidemiology, clinical features, therapeutic interventions and outcome of esophageal candidiasis. To understand further the risk factors for EC in pediatric AIDS, we then performed a matched case-control analysis of 25 patients for whom control cases were available. There were 51 episodes of EC documented in 36 patients with 23 male and 13 female patients (0.2 to 17 years; median CD4, count 11/microl), representing a frequency of EC of 8.0%. Concurrent oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) was the most common clinical presentation of EC (94%); other signs and symptoms included odynophagia (80%), retrosternal pain (57%), fever (29%), nausea/vomiting (24%), drooling (12%), dehydration (12%), hoarseness (6%) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (6%). The causative organism documented in 36 episodes (18 from OPC, 17 from endoscopic biopsy and 1 from autopsy) was Candida albicans in all cases. Patients received treatment for EC with amphotericin B (63%), fluconazole (29%), ketoconazole (4%) or itraconazole (1%). A clinical response was documented in all 45 evaluable episodes. In 6 other cases, EC was a final event without contributing to the cause of death. By a conditional logistic regression model for matched data, the best predictor of EC was the presence of prior OPC (P<0.0001), followed by CD4 count and CD4 percentage (P = 0.0002) and use of antibacterial antibiotics (P = 0.0013). The risks associated with low CD4 count were independent of that of prior OPC. EC in pediatric AIDS is a debilitating infection, which develops in the setting of prior OPC, low CD4 counts and previous antibiotics.

'Elites'

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waters, Johanna L.

2018-01-01

This article reviews three books: (1) "Elite Education: International Perspectives" (edited by C. Maxwell and P. Aggleton); (2) "Class Choreographies: Elite Schools and Globalisation" (J. Kenway, J. Fahey, D. Epstein, A. Koh, C. McCarthy, and F. Rizvi); and (3) "Corporate Elite and the Reform of Public Education"…

Serotonin-producing enterochromaffin (EC) cells of gastrointestinal mucosa in dexamethasone-treated rats.

PubMed

Glisić, Radmila; Koko, Vesna; Todorović, Vera; Drndarević, Neda; Cvijić, Gordana

2006-09-11

The aim of our study was to investigate the morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes of rat serotonin-producing enterochromaffin (EC) cells of gastrointestinal mucosa in dexamethasone-treated rats (D). After 12-daily intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg dexamethasone, rats developed diabetes similar to human diabetes type 2. Stomach, small and large intestines were examined. Large serotonin positive EC cells appeared in the corpus mucosa epithelium of D group of rats, although these cells were not present in control (C) rats. Both volume fraction and the number of EC cells per mm(2) of mucosa were significantly increased only in the duodenum. However, the number of EC cells per circular sections of both antrum and small intestine was increased, but reduced both in the ascending and descending colon in D group. The dexamethasone treatment caused a strong reduction in number of granules in the antral EC cells, while it was gradually increased beginning from the jejunum to descending colon. The mean granular content was reduced in the antral EC cells but increased in the jejunal EC cells in D group. In conclusion, the present study showed that morphological changes in gut serotonin-producing EC cells occurred in diabetic rats.

Endothelial permeability is controlled by spatially defined cytoskeletal mechanics: atomic force microscopy force mapping of pulmonary endothelial monolayer.

PubMed

Birukova, Anna A; Arce, Fernando T; Moldobaeva, Nurgul; Dudek, Steven M; Garcia, Joe G N; Lal, Ratnesh; Birukov, Konstantin G

2009-03-01

Actomyosin contraction directly regulates endothelial cell (EC) permeability, but intracellular redistribution of cytoskeletal tension associated with EC permeability is poorly understood. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM), EC permeability assays, and fluorescence microscopy to link barrier regulation, cell remodeling, and cytoskeletal mechanical properties in EC treated with barrier-protective as well as barrier-disruptive agonists. Thrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hydrogen peroxide increased EC permeability, disrupted cell junctions, and induced stress fiber formation. Oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, hepatocyte growth factor, and iloprost tightened EC barriers, enhanced peripheral actin cytoskeleton and adherens junctions, and abolished thrombin-induced permeability and EC remodeling. AFM force mapping and imaging showed differential distribution of cell stiffness: barrier-disruptive agonists increased stiffness in the central region, and barrier-protective agents decreased stiffness in the center and increased it at the periphery. Attenuation of thrombin-induced permeability correlates well with stiffness changes from the cell center to periphery. These results directly link for the first time the patterns of cell stiffness with specific EC permeability responses.

Is Participation in Certain Sports Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Driban, Jeffrey B; Hootman, Jennifer M; Sitler, Michael R; Harris, Kyle P; Cattano, Nicole M

2017-06-02

  Information regarding the relative risks of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) as a result of sport participation is critical for shaping public health messages and for informing knee-OA prevention strategies. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the association between participation in specific sports and knee OA.   We completed a systematic literature search in September 2012 using 6 bibliographic databases (PubMed; Ovid MEDLINE; Journals@Ovid; American College of Physicians Journal Club; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects; and Ovid HealthStar), manual searches (4 journals), and reference lists (56 articles).   Studies were included if they met the following 4 criteria: (1) an aim was to investigate an association between sport participation and knee OA; (2) the outcome measure was radiographic knee OA, clinical knee OA, total knee replacement, self-reported diagnosis of knee OA, or placement on a waiting list for a total knee replacement; (3) the study design was case control or cohort; and (4) the study was written in English. Articles were excluded if the study population had an underlying condition other than knee OA.   One investigator extracted data (eg, group descriptions, knee OA prevalence, source of nonexposed controls).   The overall knee-OA prevalence in sport participants (n = 3759) was 7.7%, compared with 7.3% among nonexposed controls (referent group n = 4730, odds ratio [OR] = 1.1). Specific sports with a significantly higher prevalence of knee OA were soccer (OR = 3.5), elite-level long-distance running (OR = 3.3), competitive weight lifting (OR = 6.9), and wrestling (OR = 3.8). Elite-sport (soccer or orienteering) and nonelite-sport (soccer or American football) participants without a history of knee injury had a greater prevalence of knee OA than nonexposed participants.   Participants in soccer (elite and nonelite), elite-level long-distance running, competitive weight lifting, and wrestling had an increased prevalence of knee OA and should be targeted for risk-reduction strategies.

Is Participation in Certain Sports Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Hootman, Jennifer M.; Sitler, Michael R.; Harris, Kyle P.; Cattano, Nicole M.

2017-01-01

Objective:  Information regarding the relative risks of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) as a result of sport participation is critical for shaping public health messages and for informing knee-OA prevention strategies. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the association between participation in specific sports and knee OA. Data Sources:  We completed a systematic literature search in September 2012 using 6 bibliographic databases (PubMed; Ovid MEDLINE; Journals@Ovid; American College of Physicians Journal Club; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects; and Ovid HealthStar), manual searches (4 journals), and reference lists (56 articles). Study Selection:  Studies were included if they met the following 4 criteria: (1) an aim was to investigate an association between sport participation and knee OA; (2) the outcome measure was radiographic knee OA, clinical knee OA, total knee replacement, self-reported diagnosis of knee OA, or placement on a waiting list for a total knee replacement; (3) the study design was case control or cohort; and (4) the study was written in English. Articles were excluded if the study population had an underlying condition other than knee OA. Data Extraction:  One investigator extracted data (eg, group descriptions, knee OA prevalence, source of nonexposed controls). Data Synthesis:  The overall knee-OA prevalence in sport participants (n = 3759) was 7.7%, compared with 7.3% among nonexposed controls (referent group n = 4730, odds ratio [OR] = 1.1). Specific sports with a significantly higher prevalence of knee OA were soccer (OR = 3.5), elite-level long-distance running (OR = 3.3), competitive weight lifting (OR = 6.9), and wrestling (OR = 3.8). Elite-sport (soccer or orienteering) and nonelite-sport (soccer or American football) participants without a history of knee injury had a greater prevalence of knee OA than nonexposed participants. Conclusions:  Participants in soccer (elite and nonelite), elite-level long-distance running, competitive weight lifting, and wrestling had an increased prevalence of knee OA and should be targeted for risk-reduction strategies. PMID:25574790

Insights into relationships between body mass, composition and bone: findings in elite rugby players.

PubMed

Hind, Karen; Gannon, Lisa; Brightmore, Amy; Beck, Belinda

2015-01-01

Recent reports indicate that bone strength is not proportional to body weight in obese populations. Elite rugby players have a similar body mass index (BMI) to obese individuals but differ markedly with low body fat, high lean mass, and frequent skeletal exposure to loading through weight-bearing exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between body weight, composition, and bone strength in male rugby players characterized by high BMI and high lean mass. Fifty-two elite male rugby players and 32 nonathletic, age-matched controls differing in BMI (30.2 ± 3.2 vs 24.1 ± 2.1 kg/m²; p = 0.02) received 1 total body and one total hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Hip structural analysis of the proximal femur was used to determine bone mineral density (BMD) and cross-sectional bone geometry. Multiple linear regression was computed to identify independent variables associated with total hip and femoral neck BMD and hip structural analysis-derived bone geometry parameters. Analysis of covariance was used to explore differences between groups. Further comparisons between groups were performed after normalizing parameters to body weight and to lean mass. There was a trend for a positive fat-bone relationship in rugby players, and a negative relationship in controls, although neither reached statistical significance. Correlations with lean mass were stronger for bone geometry (r(2): 0.408-0.520) than for BMD (r(2): 0.267-0.293). Relative to body weight, BMD was 6.7% lower in rugby players than controls (p < 0.05). Rugby players were heavier than controls, with greater lean mass and BMD (p < 0.01). Relative to lean mass, BMD was 10%-14.3% lower in rugby players (p < 0.001). All bone geometry measures except cross-sectional area were proportional to body weight and lean mass. To conclude, BMD in elite rugby players was reduced in proportion to body weight and lean mass. However, their superior bone geometry suggests that overall bone strength may be adequate for loading demands. Fat-bone interactions in athletes engaged in high-impact sports require further exploration. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Acceleration and Orientation Jumping Performance Differences Among Elite Professional Male Handball Players With or Without Previous ACL Reconstruction: An Inertial Sensor Unit-Based Study.

PubMed

Setuain, Igor; González-Izal, Miriam; Alfaro, Jesús; Gorostiaga, Esteban; Izquierdo, Mikel

2015-12-01

Handball is one of the most challenging sports for the knee joint. Persistent biomechanical and jumping capacity alterations can be observed in athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Commonly identified jumping biomechanical alterations have been described by the use of laboratory technologies. However, portable and easy-to-handle technologies that enable an evaluation of jumping biomechanics at the training field are lacking. To analyze unilateral/bilateral acceleration and orientation jumping performance differences among elite male handball athletes with or without previous ACL reconstruction via a single inertial sensor unit device. Case control descriptive study. At the athletes' usual training court. Twenty-two elite male (6 ACL-reconstructed and 16 uninjured control players) handball players were evaluated. The participants performed a vertical jump test battery that included a 50-cm vertical bilateral drop jump, a 20-cm vertical unilateral drop jump, and vertical unilateral countermovement jump maneuvers. Peak 3-dimensional (X, Y, Z) acceleration (m·s(-2)), jump phase duration and 3-dimensional orientation values (°) were obtained from the inertial sensor unit device. Two-tailed t-tests and a one-way analysis of variance were performed to compare means. The P value cut-off for significance was set at P < .05. The ACL-reconstructed male athletes did not show any significant (P < .05) residual jumping biomechanical deficits regarding the measured variables compared with players who had not suffered this knee injury. A dominance effect was observed among non-ACL reconstructed controls but not among their ACL-reconstructed counterparts (P < .05). Elite male handball athletes with previous ACL reconstruction demonstrated a jumping biomechanical profile similar to control players, including similar jumping performance values in both bilateral and unilateral jumping maneuvers, several years after ACL reconstruction. These findings are in agreement with previous research showing full functional restoration of abilities in top-level male athletes after ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation and subsequent return to sports at the previous level. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L, sCD154) plays an immunosuppressive role via regulatory T cell expansion in HIV infection

PubMed Central

Jenabian, M-A; Patel, M; Kema, I; Vyboh, K; Kanagaratham, C; Radzioch, D; Thébault, P; Lapointe, R; Gilmore, N; Ancuta, P; Tremblay, C; Routy, J-P

2014-01-01

CD40/CD40-ligand (CD40L) signalling is a key stimulatory pathway which triggers the tryptophan (Trp) catabolizing enzyme IDO in dendritic cells and is immunosuppressive in cancer. We reported IDO-induced Trp catabolism results in a T helper type 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) imbalance, and favours microbial translocation in HIV chronic infection. Here we assessed the link between sCD40L, Tregs and IDO activity in HIV-infected patients with different clinical outcomes. Plasmatic sCD40L and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in anti-retroviral therapy (ART)-naive, ART-successfully treated (ST), elite controllers (EC) and healthy subjects (HS). Plasma levels of Trp and its metabolite Kynurenine (Kyn) were measured by isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry and sCD14 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IDO-mRNA expression was quantified by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The in-vitro functional assay of sCD40L on Treg induction and T cell activation were assessed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HS. sCD40L levels in ART-naive subjects were significantly higher compared to ST and HS, whereas EC showed only a minor increase. In ART-naive alone, sCD40L was correlated with T cell activation, IDO-mRNA expression and CD4 T cell depletion but not with viral load. sCD40L was correlated positively with IDO enzymatic activity (Kyn/Trp ratio), Treg frequency, plasma sCD14 and inflammatory soluble factors in all HIV-infected patients. In-vitro functional sCD40L stimulation induced Treg expansion and favoured Treg differentiation by reducing central memory and increasing terminal effector Treg proportion. sCD40L also increased T cell activation measured by co-expression of CD38/human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR). These results indicate that elevated sCD40L induces immunosuppression in HIV infection by mediating IDO-induced Trp catabolism and Treg expansion. PMID:24924152

Soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L, sCD154) plays an immunosuppressive role via regulatory T cell expansion in HIV infection.

PubMed

Jenabian, M-A; Patel, M; Kema, I; Vyboh, K; Kanagaratham, C; Radzioch, D; Thébault, P; Lapointe, R; Gilmore, N; Ancuta, P; Tremblay, C; Routy, J-P

2014-10-01

CD40/CD40-ligand (CD40L) signalling is a key stimulatory pathway which triggers the tryptophan (Trp) catabolizing enzyme IDO in dendritic cells and is immunosuppressive in cancer. We reported IDO-induced Trp catabolism results in a T helper type 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg ) imbalance, and favours microbial translocation in HIV chronic infection. Here we assessed the link between sCD40L, Tregs and IDO activity in HIV-infected patients with different clinical outcomes. Plasmatic sCD40L and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in anti-retroviral therapy (ART)-naive, ART-successfully treated (ST), elite controllers (EC) and healthy subjects (HS). Plasma levels of Trp and its metabolite Kynurenine (Kyn) were measured by isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry and sCD14 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IDO-mRNA expression was quantified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The in-vitro functional assay of sCD40L on Treg induction and T cell activation were assessed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HS. sCD40L levels in ART-naive subjects were significantly higher compared to ST and HS, whereas EC showed only a minor increase. In ART-naive alone, sCD40L was correlated with T cell activation, IDO-mRNA expression and CD4 T cell depletion but not with viral load. sCD40L was correlated positively with IDO enzymatic activity (Kyn/Trp ratio), Treg frequency, plasma sCD14 and inflammatory soluble factors in all HIV-infected patients. In-vitro functional sCD40L stimulation induced Treg expansion and favoured Treg differentiation by reducing central memory and increasing terminal effector Treg proportion. sCD40L also increased T cell activation measured by co-expression of CD38/human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR). These results indicate that elevated sCD40L induces immunosuppression in HIV infection by mediating IDO-induced Trp catabolism and Treg expansion. © 2014 British Society for Immunology.

Endothelial cells of extremely premature infants display impaired immune response after proinflammatory stimulation.

PubMed

Wisgrill, Lukas; Muck, Martina; Wessely, Isabelle; Berger, Angelika; Spittler, Andreas; Förster-Waldl, Elisabeth; Sadeghi, Kambis

2018-01-01

BackgroundEndothelial cells (ECs) exert immunological functions such as production of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines as well as facilitation of extravasation of immune cells into infected tissue. Limited data are available on the functionality of ECs from extremely preterm neonates during infection. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to investigate the immune response of premature ECs after proinflammatory stimulation.MethodsCell adhesion receptors' expression and function, nuclear factor 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NFκB) signaling, and chemokine production were analyzed in umbilical cord ECs from extremely preterm and term neonates after proinflammatory stimulation.ResultsP-selectin and E-selectin surface expression as well as NFκB signaling were lower after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in premature ECs. Preterm ECs exhibited lower, but significant, cell-adhesive functions after LPS stimulation compared with term ECs. CCL2/CXCL8 chemokine secretion was significantly upregulated after proinflammatory stimulation in both groups. CXCL10 production was significantly increased in term but not in preterm ECs upon stimulation with tumor necrosis factor compared with unstimulated ECs.ConclusionExtremely premature ECs showed partly reduced expression levels and function of cell adhesion molecules. Both NFκB signaling and chemokine/cytokine production were reduced in premature ECs. The diminished endothelial proinflammatory immune response might result in impaired infection control of preterm newborns rendering them prone to severe infection.

Normative data for the Functional Movement Screen in male Gaelic field sports.

PubMed

Fox, Domhnaill; O'Malley, Edwenia; Blake, Catherine

2014-08-01

To determine normative values for the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in Elite and Sub-Elite male Gaelic Football and Hurling players. A cross sectional study of functional movement in Gaelic games at Elite and Sub-Elite level. Players were video recorded completing the Functional Movement Screen Tool and scored post-test. Comparisons were analysed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Field testing in team gym facility and university biomechanics laboratory. A total of 62 players were tested. This consisted of 41 Hurling, and 21 Gaelic Football players. 30 of these participants were deemed Elite and 32 were deemed Sub-Elite. The mean age of the sample was 22.15 ± 3.02 years. Functional Movement Screen (FMS). The FMS mean score for the sample was 15.56 ± 1.46. The Elite group (15.8 ± 1.58) scored higher than the Sub-Elite group (15.34 ± 1.31) but there was no significant difference between groups. This study provides normative reference values for Gaelic Players. Elite Gaelic Players perform no better than a young, active population in the FMS indicating a potential problem with the FMS as a measure. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Body physique and proportionality of Brazilian female artistic gymnasts.

PubMed

Bacciotti, Sarita; Baxter-Jones, Adam; Gaya, Adroaldo; Maia, José

2018-04-01

This study aimed to identify physique characteristics (anthropometry, somatotype, body proportionality) of Brazilian female artistic gymnasts, and to compare them across competitive levels (sub-elite versus non-elite) within competitive age-categories. Two hundred forty-nine female gymnasts (68 sub-elite; 181 non-elite) from 26 Brazilian gymnastics clubs, aged 9-20 years and split into four age-categories, were sampled. Gymnasts were assessed for 16 anthropometric traits (height, weight, lengths, widths, girths, and skinfolds); somatotype was determined according to Heath-Carter method, body fat was estimated by bioimpedance, and proportionality was computed based on the z-phantom strategy. Non-elite and sub-elite gymnasts had similar values in anthropometric characteristics, however non-elite had higher fat folds in all age-categories (P < 0.01). In general, mesomorphy was the salient somatotype component in all age-categories, and an increase in endomorphy, followed by a decrease in ectomorphy across age was observed. Regarding proportionality, profile similarity was found between sub-elite and non-elite within age-categories. In conclusion results suggest the presence of a typical gymnast's physical prototype across age and competitive level, which can be useful to coaches during their selection processes in clubs and regional/national teams.

Who is more efficient: Teacher or pedagogical agents?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Tien Tien; Mustapha, Nur Hanani

2017-05-01

The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of pedagogical agent's and teacher's role on students' understanding and motivation in the learning of Electrochemistry. Interactive Multimedia Module with Pedagogical Agents, EC Lab (IMMPA EC Lab) was used in this study. IMMPA EC Lab consists of five subunits in Electrochemistry topic. The research was a non-equivalent control group quasi experimental design involving two treatment groups and one control group. The first treatment group studied Electrochemistry with expert agent (Professor T) while the second treatment group studied Electrochemistry with learning companion agent (Lisa). On the other hand, the control group learned Electrochemistry with their Chemistry teacher using the material in the IMMPA EC Lab. The study was conducted at a secondary science school in the Pasir Puteh district involving 74 form four students. The instruments used in this research were the Electrochemistry achievement tests in the form of pre-test and post-test, IMMPA EC Lab and motivation questionnaire. ANCOVA results found that there was no significant difference among the three groups in post-test. On the other hand, One-way ANOVA test proved that there were significant differences for the post-motivation scores between the control group and the treatment groups. Post motivation mean scores for expert agent treatment group and learning companion treatment group surpassed the control group. The study focus on the impact of pedagogical agents with different roles on students' learning and motivation should be promoted. Various versions of pedagogical agents that fulfil the good characteristics should be designed to enhance students' learning and motivation.

Scientific Elitism and the Information System of Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amick, Daniel James

1973-01-01

Scientific elitism must be viewed as a multidimensional phenomenon. Ten variables of elitism are considered and a principal components factor analysis is used to scale this multivariate domain. Two significant dimensions of elitism were found; one in basic and one in applied science. (20 references) (Author)

The Endocannabinoid System and Spermatogenesis

PubMed Central

Grimaldi, Paola; Di Giacomo, Daniele; Geremia, Raffaele

2013-01-01

Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which male germ cells undergo a mitotic phase followed by meiosis and by a morphogenetic process to form mature spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis is under the control of gonadotropins, steroid hormones and it is modulated by a complex network of autocrine and paracrine factors. These modulators ensure the correct progression of germ cell differentiation to form mature spermatozoa. Recently, it has been pointed out the relevance of endocannabinoids as critical modulators of male reproduction. Endocannabinoids are natural lipids able to bind to cannabinoid receptors and whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. Together with their receptors and metabolic enzymes, they form the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS). In male reproductive tracts, they affect Sertoli cell activities, Leydig cell proliferation, germ cell differentiation, sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. The ECS interferes with the pituitary-gonadal axis, and an intricate crosstalk between ECS and steroid hormones has been highlighted. This mini-review will focus on the involvement of the ECS in the control of spermatogenesis and on the interaction between ECS and steroid hormones. PMID:24379805

Optics and materials research for controlled radiant energy transfer in buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldner, R. B.

1983-11-01

The overall objective of the Tufts research program was to identify and attempt to solve some of the key materials problems associated with practical approaches for achieving controlled radiant energy transfer (CRET) through building windows and envelopes, so as to decrease heating and cooling loads in buildings. Major accomplishments included: the identification of electrochromic (EC)-based structures as the preferred structures for achieving CRET; the identification of modulated reflectivity as the preferred mode of operation for EC-based structures; demonstration of the feasibility of operating EC-materials in a modulated R(lambda) mode; and demonstration of the applicability of free electron model to colored polycrystalline WO3 films.

Yo-Yo IR2 testing of elite and sub-elite soccer players: performance, heart rate response and correlations to other interval tests.

PubMed

Ingebrigtsen, Jørgen; Bendiksen, Mads; Randers, Morten Bredsgaard; Castagna, Carlo; Krustrup, Peter; Holtermann, Andreas

2012-01-01

We examined performance, heart rate response and construct validity of the Yo-Yo IR2 test by testing 111 elite and 92 sub-elite soccer players from Norway and Denmark. VO₂max, Yo-Yo IR1 and repeated sprint tests (RSA) (n = 51) and match-analyses (n = 39) were also performed. Yo-Yo IR2 and Yo-Yo IR1 performance was 41 and 25% better (P < 0.01) for elite than sub-elite players, respectively, and heart rate after 2 and 4 min of the Yo-Yo IR2 test was 20 and 15 bpm (9 and 6% HRmax), respectively, lower (P < 0.01) for elite players. RSA performance and VO₂max was not different between competitive levels (P > 0.05). For top-teams, Yo-Yo IR2 performance (28%) and sprinting distance (25%) during match were greater (P < 0.05) than for bottom-teams. For elite and sub-elite players, Yo-Yo IR2 performance was correlated (P < 0.05) with Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = 0.74 and 0.76) and mean RSA time (r = -0.74 and -0.34). We conclude that the Yo-Yo IR2 test has a high discriminant and concurrent validity, as it discriminates between players of different within- and between-league competitive levels and is correlated to other frequently used intermittent elite soccer tests.

Characterization of broadly neutralizing antibody responses to HIV-1 in a cohort of long term non-progressors.

PubMed

González, Nuria; McKee, Krisha; Lynch, Rebecca M; Georgiev, Ivelin S; Jimenez, Laura; Grau, Eulalia; Yuste, Eloísa; Kwong, Peter D; Mascola, John R; Alcamí, José

2018-01-01

Only a small fraction of HIV-1-infected patients develop broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), a process generally associated to chronic antigen stimulation. It has been described that rare aviremic HIV-1-infected patients can generate bNAbs but this issue remains controversial. To address this matter we have assessed bNAb responses in a large cohort of long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) with low or undetectable viremia. Samples from the LTNP cohort of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (87 elite and 42 viremic controllers) and a control population of 176 viremic typical-progressors (TPs) were screened for bNAbs using Env-recombinant viruses. bNAb specificities were studied by ELISA using mutated gp120, neutralization assays with mutated viruses, and peptide competition. Epitope specificities were also elucidated from the serum pattern of neutralization against a panel of diverse HIV-1 isolates. Broadly neutralizing sera were found among 9.3% LTNPs, both elite (7%) and viremic controllers (14%). Within the broadly neutralizing sera, CD4 binding site antibodies were detected by ELISA in 4/12 LTNPs (33%), and 16/33 of TPs (48%). Anti-MPER antibodies were detected in 6/12 LTNPs (50%) and 14/33 TPs (42%) whereas glycan-dependent HIV-1 bNAbs were more frequent in LTNPs (11/12, 92%) as compared to TPs (12/33, 36%). A good concordance between standard serum mapping and neutralization-based mapping was observed. LTNPs, both viremic and elite controllers, showed broad humoral immune responses against HIV-1, including activity against many major epitopes involved in bNAbs-mediated protection.

Experimental and clinical study of influence of high-frequency electric surgical knives on healing of abdominal incision.

PubMed

Ji, Guang-Wei; Wu, Yuan-Zhi; Wang, Xu; Pan, Hua-Xiong; Li, Ping; Du, Wan-Ying; Qi, Zhi; Huang, An; Zhang, Li-Wei; Zhang, Li; Chen, Wen; Liu, Guang-Hua; Xu, Hui; Li, Quan; Yuan, Ai-Hua; He, Xiao-Ping; Mei, Guo-Hua

2006-07-07

To study the influence of high-frequency electric surgical knives on healing of abdominal incision. Two hundred and forty white rats were divided into 10(0), 10(2), 10(5), and 10(8) groups and rat models of abdominal operation were induced by using electric surgical knives and common lancets respectively. Then they were respectively given hypodermic injections of normal saline and 0.2 mL quantitative mixture of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 10(2), 10(5) and 10(8). On the basis of the animal experiment, 220 patients undergoing abdominal operations (above type II) were randomly allocated into one of following three groups: electric knife (EK, 93 cases), electro-coagulation (EC, 55 cases) and control (72 cases). High-frequency electric surgical knives were used to dissect abdominal tissues and electro-coagulation for hemostasis in EK group. Common lancets and electro-coagulation were applied in EC group. Common lancets and tying silk suture were used in the controls. In all the groups except group 10(0), infection rate of incisional wounds made by electric surgical knives were remarkably higher than that with common lancets. Furthermore, there were significant differences in groups 10(2), 10(5), and 10(8) (P<0.05), but not in group 10(0) (P>0.05) between EK and EC groups. Clinical studies showed a delayed wound healing in 16 cases (17.20%) in EK, 11 cases (16.36%) in EC and 2 cases (2.86%) in the control groups. A significant difference between EK and the control groups (chi2 = 8.57, P<0.01), and between EC and the control groups (chi2 = 5.66, P<0.05) was observed, but not between EK and EC (chi2 = 0.017, P>0.05). High-frequency electric knives may remarkably delay abdominal incision healing. Its application should be minimized so as to reduce the possibility of postoperative complications.

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Covered Consumer Products and Certain High-Volume...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... in Step (c). (6) For an energy or water consumption standard (ECS), compute the upper control limit (UCL2) for the mean of the combined first and second samples using the DOE ECS as the desired mean and a...)(1). (7) For an energy or water consumption standard (ECS), compare the combined sample mean (x2) to...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Covered Consumer Products and Certain High-Volume...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... in Step (c). (6) For an energy or water consumption standard (ECS), compute the upper control limit (UCL2) for the mean of the combined first and second samples using the DOE ECS as the desired mean and a...)(1). (7) For an energy or water consumption standard (ECS), compare the combined sample mean (x2) to...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Covered Consumer Products and Certain High-Volume...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... in Step (c). (6) For an energy or water consumption standard (ECS), compute the upper control limit (UCL2) for the mean of the combined first and second samples using the DOE ECS as the desired mean and a...)(1). (7) For an energy or water consumption standard (ECS), compare the combined sample mean (x2) to...

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals gene expression signatures of breast cancer-associated endothelial cells.

PubMed

Sun, Zhengda; Wang, Chih-Yang; Lawson, Devon A; Kwek, Serena; Velozo, Hugo Gonzalez; Owyong, Mark; Lai, Ming-Derg; Fong, Lawrence; Wilson, Mark; Su, Hua; Werb, Zena; Cooke, Daniel L

2018-02-16

Tumor endothelial cells (TEC) play an indispensible role in tumor growth and metastasis although much of the detailed mechanism still remains elusive. In this study we characterized and compared the global gene expression profiles of TECs and control ECs isolated from human breast cancerous tissues and reduction mammoplasty tissues respectively by single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Based on the qualified scRNA-seq libraries that we made, we found that 1302 genes were differentially expressed between these two EC phenotypes. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and heat map-based hierarchical clustering separated the cancerous versus control ECs as two distinctive clusters, and MetaCore disease biomarker analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes are highly correlated with breast neoplasm diseases. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis software (GSEA) enriched these genes to extracellular matrix (ECM) signal pathways and highlighted 127 ECM-associated genes. External validation verified some of these ECM-associated genes are not only generally overexpressed in various cancer tissues but also specifically overexpressed in colorectal cancer ECs and lymphoma ECs. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that ECM-associated genes play pivotal roles in breast cancer EC biology and some of them could serve as potential TEC biomarkers for various cancers.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Uncertainty Analysis for Payload Fairing Spacecraft Environmental Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Groves, Curtis; Ilie, Marcel; Schallhorn, Paul

2014-01-01

Spacecraft components may be damaged due to airflow produced by Environmental Control Systems (ECS). There are uncertainties and errors associated with using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict the flow field around a spacecraft from the ECS System. This paper describes an approach to estimate the uncertainty in using CFD to predict the airflow speeds around an encapsulated spacecraft.

Contextual Risk and Parenting as Predictors of Effortful Control and Social Competence in Preschool Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lengua, Liliana J.; Honorado, Elizabeth; Bush, Nicole R.

2007-01-01

Using a short-term longitudinal design (6 months), this study examined cumulative contextual risk as a predictor of effortful control (EC) and social competence in a community sample of children (N = 80, ages 33-40 months at time 1). Maternal parenting was examined as a mediator of contextual risk. EC was assessed using laboratory tasks, and…

BMD in elite female triathletes is related to isokinetic peak torque without any association to sex hormone concentrations.

PubMed

Wulff Helge, E; Melin, A; Waaddegaard, M; Kanstrup, I L

2012-10-01

Female endurance athletes suffering from low energy availability and reproductive hormonal disorders are at risk of low BMD. Muscle forces acting on bone may have a reverse site-specific effect. Therefore we wanted to test how BMD in female elite triathletes was associated to isokinetic peak torque (IPT) and reproductive hormone concentrations (RHC). A possible effect of oral contraceptives (OCON's) is taken into consideration. Eight female elite triathletes (training 8-24 hrs/wk) and seven sedentary controls, age 21-37 years, participated. Total body and regional BMD (g.cm-2) were measured by DXA. IPT were measured during knee extension, and trunk extension and flexion (Nm). Serum RHC and biochemical bone markers were evaluated. Energy balance was estimated from 7-days training-and weighed food records. Despite a high training volume, BMD in triathletes was not higher than in controls. In triathletes trunk flexion IPT, but not RHC, was a strong predictor of BMD in both total body and femur (0.70

Sex differences in leg dexterity are not present in elite athletes.

PubMed

Lawrence, Emily L; Peppoloni, Lorenzo; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J

2017-10-03

We studied whether the time-varying forces that control unstable foot-ground interactions provide insight into the neural control of dynamic leg function. Twenty elite (10F, 26.4±3.5yrs) and 20 recreational (10F, 24.8±2.4yrs) athletes used an isolated leg to maximally compress a slender spring designed to buckle at low forces while seated. The foot forces during the compression at the edge of instability quantify the maximal sensorimotor ability to control dynamic foot-ground interactions. Using the nonlinear analysis technique of attractor reconstruction, we characterized the spatial (interquartile range IQR) and geometric (trajectory length TL, volume V, and sum of edge lengths SE) features of the dynamical behavior of those force time series. ANOVA confirmed the already published effect of sex, and a new effect of athletic ability, respectively, in TL (p=0.014 and p<0.001), IQR (p=0.008 and p<0.001), V (p=0.034 and p=0.002), and SE (p=0.033 and p<0.001). Further analysis revealed that, for recreational athletes, females exhibited weaker corrective actions and greater stochasticity than males as per their greater mean values of TL (p=0.003), IQR (p=0.018), V (p=0.017), and SE (p=0.025). Importantly, sex differences disappeared in elite athletes. These results provide an empirical link between sex, athletic ability, and nonlinear dynamical control. This is a first step in understanding the sensorimotor mechanisms for control of unstable foot-ground interactions. Given that females suffer a greater incidence of non-contact knee ligament injuries, these non-invasive and practical metrics of leg dexterity may be both indicators of athletic ability, and predictors of risk of injury. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long-term vigorous training in young adulthood and later physical activity as predictors of hypertension in middle-aged and older men.

PubMed

Hernelahti, M; Kujala, U M; Kaprio, J; Sarna, S

2002-04-01

500 and 69 male former elite athletes and 319 male controls completed a health questionnaire in 1985 and in 1995. Register data on the subjects were also collected. Subjects were aged 65 years or less and had no history of hypertension in 1985, and they had been healthy at the age of 20 years. The athletes were grouped into endurance and mixed sports (n = 386), and power sports (n = 183). The cumulative 10-year incidence of hypertension up to 1995 was significantly lower in the endurance and mixed sports group (23.6 %) compared to the power sports group (33.3 %) or the control group (32.0 %). The difference between the endurance and mixed sports group and the two other groups was still significant after adjustment for age, but not after further adjustment for body mass index, alcohol consumption, and later physical activity. However, the trend of reduced risk remained. In conclusion, a history of being an elite athlete in endurance or mixed sports predicts a lower risk of hypertension in working age men, while a history of being an elite athlete in power sports appears to confer no benefit. Later physical activity was also associated with lower risk.

An investigation into the immediate effects of pelvic taping on hamstring eccentric force in an elite male sprinter - A case report.

PubMed

Macdonald, Ben

2017-11-01

Hamstring Injuries commonly cause missed training and competition time in elite sports. Injury surveillance studies have demonstrated high injury and re-injury rates, which have not improved across sports despite screening and prevention programmes being commonplace. The most commonly suggested intervention for hamstring prevention and rehabilitation is eccentric strength assessment and training. This case study describes the management of an elite sprinter with a history of hamstring injury. A multi-variate screening process based around lumbar-pelvic dysfunction and hamstring strength assessment using the Nordbord is employed. The effect of external pelvic compression using a taping technique, on eccentric hamstring strength is evaluated. A persistent eccentric strength asymmetry of 17% was recorded as well as lumbar-pelvic control deficits. Pelvic taping appears to improve load transfer capability across the pelvis, resulting in correction of eccentric strength asymmetry. Screening strategies and interventions to prevent hamstring injury have failed to consistently improve injury rates across various sports. In this case study external pelvic compression resulted in normalising eccentric strength deficits assessed using the Nordbord. The inclusion of lumbar-pelvic motor control assessment, in relation to hamstring strength and function, as part of a multi-variate screening strategy requires further research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Increased Body Temperature on Motor Control during Golf Putting

PubMed Central

Mathers, John F.; Grealy, Madeleine A.

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effect of increased core temperature on the performance outcome and movement kinematics of elite golfers during a golf putting task. The study aimed to examine individual differences in the extent to which increased temperature influenced the rate of putting success, whether increased temperature speeded up the timing of the putting downswing and whether elite golfers changed their movement kinematics during times of thermal stress. Six participants performed 20 putts to each of four putt distances (1, 2, 3, and 4 m) under normal temperature conditions and when core body temperature was increased. There was no significant difference in the number of successful putts between the two temperature conditions, but there was an increase in putterhead velocity at ball impact on successful putts to distances of 1 and 4 m when temperature was elevated. This reflected an increase in swing amplitude rather than a reduction in swing duration as hypothesized. There were individual differences in the motor control response to thermal stress as three of the golfers changed the kinematic parameters used to scale their putting movements to achieve putts of different distances at elevated temperatures. Theoretical implications for these findings and the practical implications for elite golfers and future research are discussed. PMID:27630588

Elites and Panic: More to Fear than Fear Itself

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Lee; Chess, Caron

2008-01-01

Attributions of panic are almost exclusively directed at members of the general public. Here, we inquire into the relationships between elites and panic. We review current research and theorizing about panic, including problems of identifying when it has occurred. We propose three relationships: elites fearing panic, elites causing panic and…

Elite Schools, Postcolonial Chineseness and Hegemonic Masculinities in Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goh, Daniel P. S.

2015-01-01

The educational reproduction of elite masculinity in postcolonial societies has not been properly studied. This is partly because the postcolonial masculinities of non-western elites are accomplished through the cultivation of naturalized practices signifying the body politic of the nation-state. In Singapore, same-sex elite schools of colonial…

Jumping Together: Apprenticeship Learning among Elite Trampoline Athletes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lund, Ole; Ravn, Susanne; Christensen, Mette Krogh

2014-01-01

Background: Elite athletes often take part in group trainings and use teammates as learning resources. Despite this, research on the training and learning of elite athletes tends to characterise this training and learning as primarily individual. Purpose: This study, explores interrelated learning processes among elite athletes by exploring the…

75 FR 49947 - Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-16

... Decree, Premix is required to operate an emission control system (``ECS'') that meets and exceeds... based upon the demonstrated performance of the ECS. Finally, the proposed settlement will also require...

Norrin/Frizzled4 signaling in retinal vascular development and blood brain barrier plasticity.

PubMed

Wang, Yanshu; Rattner, Amir; Zhou, Yulian; Williams, John; Smallwood, Philip M; Nathans, Jeremy

2012-12-07

Norrin/Frizzled4 (Fz4) signaling activates the canonical Wnt pathway to control retinal vascular development. Using genetically engineered mice, we show that precocious Norrin production leads to premature retinal vascular invasion and delayed Norrin production leads to characteristic defects in intraretinal vascular architecture. In genetic mosaics, wild-type endothelial cells (ECs) instruct neighboring Fz4(-/-) ECs to produce an architecturally normal mosaic vasculature, a cell nonautonomous effect. However, over the ensuing weeks, Fz4(-/-) ECs are selectively eliminated from the mosaic vasculature, implying the existence of a quality control program that targets defective ECs. In the adult retina and cerebellum, gain or loss of Norrin/Fz4 signaling results in a cell-autonomous gain or loss, respectively, of blood retina barrier and blood brain barrier function, indicating an ongoing requirement for Frizzled signaling in barrier maintenance and substantial plasticity in mature CNS vascular structure. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Factor Structure of Effortful Control and Measurement Invariance Across Ethnicity and Sex in a High-Risk Sample

PubMed Central

Huerta, Snjezana; Zerr, Argero A.; Eisenberg, Nancy; Spinrad, Tracy L.; Valiente, Carlos; Di Giunta, Laura; Pina, Armando A.; Eggum, Natalie D.; Sallquist, Julie; Edwards, Alison; Kupfer, Anne; Lonigan, Christopher J.; Phillips, Beth M.; Wilson, Shauna B.; Clancy-Menchetti, Jeanine; Landry, Susan H.; Swank, Paul R.; Assel, Michael A.; Taylor, Heather B.

2010-01-01

Measurement invariance of a one-factor model of effortful control (EC) was tested for 853 low-income preschoolers (M age = 4.48 years). Using a teacher-report questionnaire and seven behavioral measures, configural invariance (same factor structure across groups), metric invariance (same pattern of factor loadings across groups), and partial scalar invariance (mostly the same intercepts across groups) were established across ethnicity (European Americans, African Americans and Hispanics) and across sex. These results suggest that the latent construct of EC behaved in a similar way across ethnic groups and sex, and that comparisons of mean levels of EC are valid across sex and probably valid across ethnicity, especially when larger numbers of tasks are used. The findings also support the use of diverse behavioral measures as indicators of a single latent EC construct. PMID:20593008

Peripheral endocannabinoid system dysregulation in first-episode psychosis.

PubMed

Bioque, Miquel; García-Bueno, Borja; Macdowell, Karina S; Meseguer, Ana; Saiz, Pilar A; Parellada, Mara; Gonzalez-Pinto, Ana; Rodriguez-Jimenez, Roberto; Lobo, Antonio; Leza, Juan C; Bernardo, Miguel

2013-12-01

Several hypotheses involving alterations of the immune system have been proposed among etiological explanations for psychotic disorders. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a homeostatic role as an endogenous neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory system. Alterations of this system have been associated with psychosis. Cannabis use is a robust risk factor for these disorders that could alter the ECS signalling. In this study, 95 patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) and 90 healthy controls were recruited. Protein expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), the protein levels of the main endocannabinoid synthesizing enzymes N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase (NAPE) and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL), and of degradation enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) were determined by western blot analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Patients with a FEP showed a decreased expression of CB2 and of both endocannabinoids synthesizing enzymes (NAPE and DAGL) in comparison to healthy controls. After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, and cannabis use, NAPE and DAGL expression remained significantly decreased, whereas FAAH and MAGL expression were increased. On the other hand, FEP subjects with history of severe cannabis use showed a larger ECS dysregulation compared with healthy controls. These results indicate an ECS dysregulation in PBMC of FEP patients. The alteration of the ECS presented at the initial phases of psychosis could be contributing to the pathophysiology of the disease and constitutes a possible biomarker of psychotic disorders and an interesting pharmacological target to take into account for therapeutic purposes.

Quiet Eye Training Facilitates Competitive Putting Performance in Elite Golfers

PubMed Central

Vine, Samuel J.; Moore, Lee J.; Wilson, Mark R.

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a brief quiet eye (QE) training intervention aimed at optimizing visuomotor control and putting performance of elite golfers under pressure, and in real competition. Twenty-two elite golfers (mean handicap 2.7) recorded putting statistics over 10 rounds of competitive golf before attending training individually. Having been randomly assigned to either a QE training or Control group, participants were fitted with an Applied Science Laboratories Mobile Eye tracker and performed 20 baseline (pre-test) putts from 10 ft. Training consisted of video feedback of their gaze behavior while they completed 20 putts; however the QE-trained group received additional instructions related to maintaining a longer QE period. Participants then recorded their putting statistics over a further 10 competitive rounds and re-visited the laboratory for retention and pressure tests of their visuomotor control and putting performance. Overall, the results were supportive of the efficacy of the QE training intervention. QE duration predicted 43% of the variance in putting performance, underlying its critical role in the visuomotor control of putting. The QE-trained group maintained their optimal QE under pressure conditions, whereas the Control group experienced reductions in QE when anxious, with subsequent effects on performance. Although their performance was similar in the pre-test, the QE-trained group holed more putts and left the ball closer to the hole on missed putts than their Control group counterparts in the pressure test. Importantly, these advantages transferred to the golf course, where QE-trained golfers made 1.9 fewer putts per round, compared to pre-training, whereas the Control group showed no change in their putting statistics. These results reveal that QE training, incorporated into a pre-shot routine, is an effective intervention to help golfers maintain control when anxious. PMID:21713182

No Evidence of a Common DNA Variant Profile Specific to World Class Endurance Athletes

PubMed Central

Wolfarth, Bernd; Wang, Guan; Sarzynski, Mark A.; Alexeev, Dmitry G.; Ahmetov, Ildus I.; Boulay, Marcel R.; Cieszczyk, Pawel; Eynon, Nir; Filipenko, Maxim L.; Garton, Fleur C.; Generozov, Edward V.; Govorun, Vadim M.; Houweling, Peter J.; Kawahara, Takashi; Kostryukova, Elena S.; Kulemin, Nickolay A.; Larin, Andrey K.; Maciejewska-Karłowska, Agnieszka; Miyachi, Motohiko; Muniesa, Carlos A.; Murakami, Haruka; Ospanova, Elena A.; Padmanabhan, Sandosh; Pavlenko, Alexander V.; Pyankova, Olga N.; Santiago, Catalina; Sawczuk, Marek; Scott, Robert A.; Uyba, Vladimir V.; Yvert, Thomas; Perusse, Louis; Ghosh, Sujoy; Rauramaa, Rainer; North, Kathryn N.; Lucia, Alejandro; Pitsiladis, Yannis; Bouchard, Claude

2016-01-01

There are strong genetic components to cardiorespiratory fitness and its response to exercise training. It would be useful to understand the differences in the genomic profile of highly trained endurance athletes of world class caliber and sedentary controls. An international consortium (GAMES) was established in order to compare elite endurance athletes and ethnicity-matched controls in a case-control study design. Genome-wide association studies were undertaken on two cohorts of elite endurance athletes and controls (GENATHLETE and Japanese endurance runners), from which a panel of 45 promising markers was identified. These markers were tested for replication in seven additional cohorts of endurance athletes and controls: from Australia, Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Russia and Spain. The study is based on a total of 1520 endurance athletes (835 who took part in endurance events in World Championships and/or Olympic Games) and 2760 controls. We hypothesized that world-class athletes are likely to be characterized by an even higher concentration of endurance performance alleles and we performed separate analyses on this subsample. The meta-analysis of all available studies revealed one statistically significant marker (rs558129 at GALNTL6 locus, p = 0.0002), even after correcting for multiple testing. As shown by the low heterogeneity index (I2 = 0), all eight cohorts showed the same direction of association with rs558129, even though p-values varied across the individual studies. In summary, this study did not identify a panel of genomic variants common to these elite endurance athlete groups. Since GAMES was underpowered to identify alleles with small effect sizes, some of the suggestive leads identified should be explored in expanded comparisons of world-class endurance athletes and sedentary controls and in tightly controlled exercise training studies. Such studies have the potential to illuminate the biology not only of world class endurance performance but also of compromised cardiac functions and cardiometabolic diseases. PMID:26824906

No Evidence of a Common DNA Variant Profile Specific to World Class Endurance Athletes.

PubMed

Rankinen, Tuomo; Fuku, Noriyuki; Wolfarth, Bernd; Wang, Guan; Sarzynski, Mark A; Alexeev, Dmitry G; Ahmetov, Ildus I; Boulay, Marcel R; Cieszczyk, Pawel; Eynon, Nir; Filipenko, Maxim L; Garton, Fleur C; Generozov, Edward V; Govorun, Vadim M; Houweling, Peter J; Kawahara, Takashi; Kostryukova, Elena S; Kulemin, Nickolay A; Larin, Andrey K; Maciejewska-Karłowska, Agnieszka; Miyachi, Motohiko; Muniesa, Carlos A; Murakami, Haruka; Ospanova, Elena A; Padmanabhan, Sandosh; Pavlenko, Alexander V; Pyankova, Olga N; Santiago, Catalina; Sawczuk, Marek; Scott, Robert A; Uyba, Vladimir V; Yvert, Thomas; Perusse, Louis; Ghosh, Sujoy; Rauramaa, Rainer; North, Kathryn N; Lucia, Alejandro; Pitsiladis, Yannis; Bouchard, Claude

2016-01-01

There are strong genetic components to cardiorespiratory fitness and its response to exercise training. It would be useful to understand the differences in the genomic profile of highly trained endurance athletes of world class caliber and sedentary controls. An international consortium (GAMES) was established in order to compare elite endurance athletes and ethnicity-matched controls in a case-control study design. Genome-wide association studies were undertaken on two cohorts of elite endurance athletes and controls (GENATHLETE and Japanese endurance runners), from which a panel of 45 promising markers was identified. These markers were tested for replication in seven additional cohorts of endurance athletes and controls: from Australia, Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Russia and Spain. The study is based on a total of 1520 endurance athletes (835 who took part in endurance events in World Championships and/or Olympic Games) and 2760 controls. We hypothesized that world-class athletes are likely to be characterized by an even higher concentration of endurance performance alleles and we performed separate analyses on this subsample. The meta-analysis of all available studies revealed one statistically significant marker (rs558129 at GALNTL6 locus, p = 0.0002), even after correcting for multiple testing. As shown by the low heterogeneity index (I2 = 0), all eight cohorts showed the same direction of association with rs558129, even though p-values varied across the individual studies. In summary, this study did not identify a panel of genomic variants common to these elite endurance athlete groups. Since GAMES was underpowered to identify alleles with small effect sizes, some of the suggestive leads identified should be explored in expanded comparisons of world-class endurance athletes and sedentary controls and in tightly controlled exercise training studies. Such studies have the potential to illuminate the biology not only of world class endurance performance but also of compromised cardiac functions and cardiometabolic diseases.

Family history of cancer predicts endometrial cancer risk independently of Lynch Syndrome: Implications for genetic counselling.

PubMed

Johnatty, Sharon E; Tan, Yen Y; Buchanan, Daniel D; Bowman, Michael; Walters, Rhiannon J; Obermair, Andreas; Quinn, Michael A; Blomfield, Penelope B; Brand, Alison; Leung, Yee; Oehler, Martin K; Kirk, Judy A; O'Mara, Tracy A; Webb, Penelope M; Spurdle, Amanda B

2017-11-01

To determine endometrial cancer (EC) risk according to family cancer history, including assessment by degree of relatedness, type of and age at cancer diagnosis of relatives. Self-reported family cancer history was available for 1353 EC patients and 628 controls. Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between EC and cancer diagnosis in ≥1 first or second degree relative, and to assess whether level of risk differed by degree of relationship and/or relative's age at diagnosis. Risk was also evaluated for family history of up to three cancers from known familial syndromes (Lynch, Cowden, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) overall, by histological subtype and, for a subset of 678 patients, by EC tumor mismatch repair (MMR) gene expression. Report of EC in ≥1 first- or second-degree relative was associated with significantly increased risk of EC (P=3.8×10 -7 ), independent of lifestyle risk factors. There was a trend in increasing EC risk with closer relatedness and younger age at EC diagnosis in relatives (P Trend =4.43×10 -6 ), and with increasing numbers of Lynch cancers in relatives (P Trend ≤0.0001). EC risk associated with family history did not differ by proband tumor MMR status, or histological subtype. Reported EC in first- or second-degree relatives remained associated with EC risk after conservative correction for potential misreported family history (OR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.24-3.37, P=0.004). The strongest predictor of EC risk was closer relatedness and younger EC diagnosis age in ≥1 relative. Associations remained significant irrespective of proband MMR status, and after excluding MMR pathogenic variant carriers, indicating that Lynch syndrome genes do not fully explain familial EC risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perceived Control and Hedonic Tone Dynamics during Performance in Elite Shooters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robazza, Claudio; Bertollo, Maurizio; Filho, Edson; Hanin, Yuri; Bortoli, Laura

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the individuals' dynamics of perceived control and hedonic tone over time, with respect to the 4 performance states as conceptualized within the multiaction plan (MAP) model. We expected to find idiosyncratic and differentiated trends over time in the scores of perceived control and hedonic…

Neural Reactivity to Emotional Faces May Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Empathy and Adolescent Prosocial Behavior.

PubMed

Flournoy, John C; Pfeifer, Jennifer H; Moore, William E; Tackman, Allison M; Masten, Carrie L; Mazziotta, John C; Iacoboni, Marco; Dapretto, Mirella

2016-11-01

Reactivity to others' emotions not only can result in empathic concern (EC), an important motivator of prosocial behavior, but can also result in personal distress (PD), which may hinder prosocial behavior. Examining neural substrates of emotional reactivity may elucidate how EC and PD differentially influence prosocial behavior. Participants (N = 57) provided measures of EC, PD, prosocial behavior, and neural responses to emotional expressions at ages 10 and 13. Initial EC predicted subsequent prosocial behavior. Initial EC and PD predicted subsequent reactivity to emotions in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and inferior parietal lobule, respectively. Activity in the IFG, a region linked to mirror neuron processes, as well as cognitive control and language, mediated the relation between initial EC and subsequent prosocial behavior. © 2016 The Authors. Child Development © 2016 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

Nitric oxide releasing hydrogel promotes endothelial differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Nie, Yan; Zhang, Kaiyue; Zhang, Shuaiqiang; Wang, Dan; Han, Zhibo; Che, Yongzhe; Kong, Deling; Zhao, Qiang; Han, Zhongchao; He, Zuo-Xiang; Liu, Na; Ma, Fengxia; Li, Zongjin

2017-11-01

Transplantation of endothelial cells (ECs) holds great promise for treating various kinds of ischemic diseases. However, the major challenge in ECs-based therapy in clinical applications is to provide high quality and enough amounts of cells. In this study, we developed a simple and efficient system to direct endothelial differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using a controllable chitosan nitric oxide (NO)-releasing hydrogel (CS-NO). ESCs were plated onto the hydrogel culture system, and the expressions of differentiation markers were measured. We found that the expression of Flk-1 (early ECs marker) and VE-cadherin (mature ECs marker) increased obviously under the controlled NO releasing environment. Moreover, the Flk-1 upregulation was accompanied by the activation of the phospho-inositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. We also found that in the presence of the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), the endothelial commitment of ESCs was abolished, indicating the importance of Akt phosphorylation in the endothelial differentiation of ESCs. Interestingly, in the absence of NO, the activation of Akt phosphorylation alone by using AKT activator (SC-79) did not profoundly promote the endothelial differentiation of ESCs, suggesting an interdependent relationship between NO and the Akt phosphorylation in driving endothelial fate specification of ESCs. Taken together, we demonstrated that NO releasing in a continuous and controlled manner is a simple and efficient method for directing the endothelial differentiation of ESCs without adding growth factors. Fascinating data continues to show that artificial stem cell niche not only serve as a physical supporting scaffold for stem cells proliferation, but also as a novel platform for directing stem cell differentiation. Because of the lack of proper microenvironment for generating therapeutic endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro, the source of ECs for transplantation is the major limitation in ECs-based therapy to clinical applications. The current study established a feeder cell-free, 2-dimensional culture system for promoting the differentiation processes of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) committed to the endothelial lineage via using a nitric oxide (NO) controlled releasing hydrogel (CS-NO). Notably, the NO releasing from the hydrogel could selectively up-regulate Flk-1 (early ECs marker) and VE-cadherin (mature ECs marker) in the absence of growth factors, which was of crucial importance in the endothelial differentiation of ESCs. In summary, the current study proposes a simple and efficient method for directing the endothelial differentiation of ESCs without extra growth factors. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes.

PubMed

Christiansen, Thomas Lykke; Niazi, Imran Khan; Holt, Kelly; Nedergaard, Rasmus Wiberg; Duehr, Jens; Allen, Kathryn; Marshall, Paul; Türker, Kemal S; Hartvigsen, Jan; Haavik, Heidi

2018-04-01

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single session of spinal manipulation (SM) increases strength and cortical drive in the lower limb (soleus muscle) of elite Taekwondo athletes. Soleus-evoked V-waves, H-reflex and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar flexors were recorded from 11 elite Taekwondo athletes using a randomized controlled crossover design. Interventions were either SM or passive movement control. Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention and at three post-intervention time periods (immediate post, post 30 min and post 60 min). A multifactorial repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess within and between group differences. Time and session were used as factors. A post hoc analysis was carried out, when an interactive effect was present. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. SM increased MVC force [F(3,30) = 5.95, p < 0.01], and V-waves [F(3,30) = 4.25, p = 0.01] over time compared to the control intervention. Between group differences were significant for all time periods (p < 0.05) except for the post60 force measurements (p = 0.07). A single session of SM increased muscle strength and corticospinal excitability to ankle plantar flexor muscles in elite Taekwondo athletes. The increased MVC force lasted for 30 min and the corticospinal excitability increase persisted for at least 60 min.

Age-dependent plasticity in endocannabinoid modulation of pain processing through postnatal development.

PubMed

Kwok, Charlie H-T; Devonshire, Ian M; Imraish, Amer; Greenspon, Charles M; Lockwood, Stevie; Fielden, Catherine; Cooper, Andrew; Woodhams, Stephen; Sarmad, Sarir; Ortori, Catherine A; Barrett, David A; Kendall, David; Bennett, Andrew J; Chapman, Victoria; Hathway, Gareth J

2017-11-01

Significant age- and experience-dependent remodelling of spinal and supraspinal neural networks occur, resulting in altered pain responses in early life. In adults, endogenous opioid peptide and endocannabinoid (ECs) pain control systems exist which modify pain responses, but the role they play in acute responses to pain and postnatal neurodevelopment is unknown. Here, we have studied the changing role of the ECs in the brainstem nuclei essential for the control of nociception from birth to adulthood in both rats and humans. Using in vivo electrophysiology, we show that substantial functional changes occur in the effect of microinjection of ECs receptor agonists and antagonists in the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and rostroventral medulla (RVM), both of which play central roles in the supraspinal control of pain and the maintenance of chronic pain states in adulthood. We show that in immature PAG and RVM, the orphan receptor, GPR55, is able to mediate profound analgesia which is absent in adults. We show that tissue levels of endocannabinoid neurotransmitters, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, within the PAG and RVM are developmentally regulated (using mass spectrometry). The expression patterns and levels of ECs enzymes and receptors were assessed using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. In human brainstem, we show age-related alterations in the expression of key enzymes and receptors involved in ECs function using PCR and in situ hybridisation. These data reveal that significant changes on ECs that to this point have been unknown and which shed new light into the complex neurochemical changes that permit normal, mature responses to pain.

Learner-Controlled Self-Observation is Advantageous for Motor Skill Acquisition

PubMed Central

Ste-Marie, Diane M.; Vertes, Kelly A.; Law, Barbi; Rymal, Amanda M.

2013-01-01

There were two main objectives of this research. First, we wanted to examine whether video feedback of the self (self-observation) was more effective for motor skill learning when the choice to view the video was provided to the learner (learner-controlled, LC) as opposed to an experimenter-controlled (EC) delivery. Secondly, we explored whether there were differences in the self-regulatory processes of self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, as well as perceived choice between the LC and EC conditions. Two groups (LC and EC) of children (M age of 11.2 years; SD = 1.89) attempted to learn a progression of trampoline skills during a 2-day acquisition phase in which video self-observation was available. The second acquisition day was followed by a no self-observation retention test 1 day later. It was hypothesized that, during retention, the LC group would be more self-efficacious about their ability to progress through the trampoline skills, show greater intrinsic motivation and perceived choice, and go further in skill progression than the EC group. Analysis of the acquisition data showed the LC group had greater increases in self-efficacy as compared to the EC group. Results of the retention test showed that the participants in the LC group obtained higher scores on the intrinsic motivation and perceived choice measures and had higher skill progression scores as compared to the EC group. Regression analysis showed that group assignment and self-efficacy were significant predictors of the physical performance benefits noted in retention. These findings are discussed within Zimmerman’s (2004) self-regulation of learning model. PMID:23355826

Drinking water: a risk factor for high incidence of esophageal cancer in Anyang, China.

PubMed

Cao, Wenbo; Han, Jianying; Yuan, Yi; Xu, Zhixiang; Yang, Shengli; He, Weixin

2016-06-01

Anyang is known to be a high-incidence area of esophageal cancer (EC) in China. Among a long list of risk factors, the quality of drinking water was evaluated. We have selected 3806 individuals and collected 550 drinking water samples correspondent with this not-matched case-control survey. There are 531 EC patients included based on Population Cancer Registry from 92 townships, of which 3275 controls with long-lived aged over 90 years and free from EC are used as controls in the same regions. Our result suggests that the quality of drinking water is a highly associated risk factor for EC. The residential ecological environment and the quality of water resource positively link with each other. The analysis of water samples also demonstrated that the concentrations of methyl ethylamine, morpholine, N-methylbenzylamine, nitrate and chloride in water from springs and rivers are higher than those in well and tap water (P = 0.001). Micronuclei formation tests show that well water and tap water in these regions have no mutagenicity.

What Performance Characteristics Determine Elite Versus Nonelite Athletes in the Same Sport?

PubMed Central

Lorenz, Daniel S.; Reiman, Michael P.; Lehecka, B.J.; Naylor, Andrew

2013-01-01

Context: There are significant data comparing elite and nonelite athletes in anaerobic field and court sports as well as endurance sports. This review delineates specific performance characteristics in the elite athlete and may help guide rehabilitation. Evidence Acquisition: A Medline search from April 1982 to April 2012 was undertaken for articles written in English. Additional references were accrued from reference lists of research articles. Results: In the anaerobic athlete, maximal power production was consistently correlated to elite performance. Elite performance in the endurance athlete is more ambiguous, however, and appears to be related to the dependent variable investigated in each individual study. Conclusion: In anaerobic field and court sport athletes, maximal power output is most predictive of elite performance. In the endurance athlete, however, it is not as clear. Elite endurance athletes consistently test higher than nonelite athletes in running economy, anaerobic threshold, and VO2max. PMID:24427430

Embodying "Britishness": The (Re)Making of the Contemporary Nigerian Elite Child

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayling, Pere

2015-01-01

Existing studies on the role of schooling in the formation and (re)production of elite identity have focused almost entirely on the reproduction strategies of Western elites. Consequently, the distinction strategies employed by non-western elite parents to maintain and/or advance their class positioning--via their children--have remained largely…

Environmentalism and elitism: a conceptual and empirical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrison, Denton E.; Dunlap, Riley E.

1986-09-01

The frequent charge that environmentalism is “elitist” is examined conceptually and empirically. First, the concept of elitism is analyzed by distinguishing between three types of accusations made against the environmental movement: (a) compositional elitism suggests that environmentalists are drawn from privileged socioeconomic strata, (b) ideological elitism suggests that environmental reforms are a subterfuge for distributing benefits to environmentalists and/or costs to others, and (c) impact elitism suggests that environmental reforms, whether intentionally or not, do in fact have regressive social impacts. The evidence bearing on each of the three types of elitism is examined in some detail, and the following conclusions are drawn: Compositional elitism is an exaggeration, for although environmentalists are typically above average in socioeconomic status (as are most sociopolitical activists), few belong to the upper class. Ideological elitism may hold in some instances, but environmentalists have shown increasing sensitivity to equity concerns and there is little evidence of consistent pursuit of self-interest. Impact elitism is the most important issue, and also the most difficult to assess. It appears that there has been a general tendency for environmental reforms to have regressive impacts. However, it is increasingly recognized that problems such as workplace pollution and toxic waste contamination disproportionately affect the lower socioeconomic strata, and thus reforms aimed at such problems will likely have more progressive impacts.

Attributes of top elite team-handball players.

PubMed

Massuça, Luís M; Fragoso, Isabel; Teles, Júlia

2014-01-01

Researchers in the field of excellence in sport performance are becoming increasingly focused on the study of sport-specific characteristics and requirements. In accordance with this, the purposes of this study were (a) to examine the morphologic-, fitness-, handball-specific skills and psychological and "biosocial" differences between top elite and nontop elite team-handball players and (b) to investigate the extent to which they may be used to identify top elite team-handball players. One hundred sixty-seven adult male team-handball players were studied and divided in 2 groups: top elite (n = 41) and nontop elite (n = 126). Twenty-eight morphologic-, 9 fitness-, 1 handball-specific skills and 2 psychological-based and 2 "biosocial"-based attributes were used. Top elite and nontop elite groups were compared for each variable of interest using Student's t-test, and 5 logistic regression analyses were performed with the athlete's performance group (top elite or nontop elite) as the dependent variable and the variables of each category as predictors. The results showed that (a) body mass, waist girth, radiale-dactylion length, midstylion-dactylion length, and absolute muscle mass (morphologic model); (b) 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump height and average power, abdominal strength and the class of performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test (fitness model); (c) offensive power (specific-skills model); (d) ego-based motivational orientation (psychological model); (e) socioeconomic status and the energy spent (for week) in handball activity (biosocial model); significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to predict the probability of an athlete to be a top elite team-handball player. Moreover, the fitness model exhibited higher percentages of correct classification (i.e., 91.5%) than all the other models did. This study provided (a) the rational to reduce the battery of tests for evaluation purposes, and (b) the initial step to work on building a multidisciplinary model to predict the probability of a handball athlete to be a top elite player.

Effortful Control in Typically Developing Boys and in Boys with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samyn, Vicky; Roeyers, Herbert; Bijttebier, Patricia

2011-01-01

Despite increased interest in the role of effortful control (EC) in developmental disorders, few studies have focused on EC in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and no study so far has directly compared children with ASD and children with ADHD. A first aim of this study was to investigate whether typically developing (TD) boys, boys with ADHD and…

RELIABILITY OF THE TUCK JUMP INJURY RISK SCREENING ASSESSMENT IN ELITE MALE YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS

PubMed Central

READ, PAUL; OLIVER, JON L.; DE STE CROIX, MARK B.A.; MYER, GREGORY D.; LLOYD, RHODRI S.

2015-01-01

Altered neuromuscular control has been suggested as a mechanism for injury in soccer players. Ligamentous injuries most often occur during dynamic movements, such as decelerations from jump-landing maneuvers where high risk movement patterns are present. The assessment of kinematic variables during jump-landing tasks as part of a pre-participation screen is useful in the identification of injury risk. An example of a field-based screening tool is the repeated tuck jump assessment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the within-subject variation of the tuck jump screening assessment in elite male youth soccer players. 25 pre and 25 post-peak height velocity (PHV) elite male youth soccer players from the academy of a professional English soccer club completed the assessment. A test, re-test design was used to explore the within-subject inter-session reliability. Technique was graded retrospectively against the 10-point criteria set out in the screening protocol using two-dimensional video cameras. The typical error range reported for tuck jump total score (0.90 – 1.01 in pre and post-PHV players respectively) was considered acceptable. When each criteria was analyzed individually, Kappa coefficient determined that knee valgus was the only criterion to reach substantial agreement across the two test sessions for both groups. The results of this study suggest that although tuck jump total score may be reliably assessed in elite male youth soccer players, caution should be applied in solely interpreting the composite score due to the high within-subject variation in a number of the individual criteria. Knee valgus may be reliably used to screen elite youth male soccer players for this plyometric technique error and for test, re-test comparison. PMID:26562715

Asymptomatic Elite Adolescent Tennis Players' Signs of Tendinosis in Their Dominant Shoulder Compared With Their Nondominant Shoulder

PubMed Central

Johansson, Fredrik R.; Skillgate, Eva; Adolfsson, Anders; Jenner, Göran; DeBri, Edin; Swärdh, Leif; Cools, Ann M.

2015-01-01

Context Tennis is an asymmetric overhead sport with specific muscle-activation patterns, especially eccentrically in the rotator cuff. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in asymptomatic adolescent elite tennis players have not previously been reported. Objective The first aim of the study was to describe MRI findings regarding adaptations or abnormalities, as well as muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), of the rotator cuff. The second aim of the study was to investigate the rotator cuff based on the interpretation of the MRI scans as normal versus abnormal, with the subdivision based on the grade of tendinosis, and its association with eccentric rotator cuff strength in the dominant arm (DA) of the asymptomatic elite adolescent tennis player. Setting Testing environment at the radiology department of Medicinsk Röntgen AB. Patients or Other Participants Thirty-five asymptomatic elite tennis players (age = 17.4 ± 2.7 years) were selected based on ranking and exposure time. Intervention(s) We assessed MRI scans and measured the CSA of the rotator cuff muscle. The non-DA (NDA) was used as a control. In addition, eccentric testing of the external rotators of the DA was performed with a handheld dynamometer. Results The DA and NDA displayed different frequencies of infraspinatus tendinosis (grade 1 changes) (P < .05). Rotator cuff measurements revealed larger infraspinatus and teres minor CSA (P < .05) in the DA than in the NDA. Mean eccentric external-rotation strength in the DA stratified by normal tendon and tendinosis was not different between groups (P = .723). Conclusions Asymptomatic adolescent elite tennis players demonstrated infraspinatus tendinosis more frequently in the DA than in the NDA. Clinicians must recognize these tendon changes in order to modify conditioning and performance programs appropriately. PMID:26651279

Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene influences skeletal muscle phenotypes in non-resistance trained males and elite rugby playing position.

PubMed

Heffernan, S M; Stebbings, G K; Kilduff, L P; Erskine, R M; Day, S H; Morse, C I; McPhee, J S; Cook, C J; Vance, B; Ribbans, W J; Raleigh, S M; Roberts, C; Bennett, M A; Wang, G; Collins, M; Pitsiladis, Y P; Williams, A G

2017-01-19

FTO gene variants have been associated with obesity phenotypes in sedentary and obese populations, but rarely with skeletal muscle and elite athlete phenotypes. In 1089 participants, comprising 530 elite rugby athletes and 559 non-athletes, DNA was collected and genotyped for the FTO rs9939609 variant using real-time PCR. In a subgroup of non-resistance trained individuals (NT; n = 120), we also assessed structural and functional skeletal muscle phenotypes using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, ultrasound and isokinetic dynamometry. In a subgroup of rugby athletes (n = 77), we assessed muscle power during a countermovement jump. In NT, TT genotype and T allele carriers had greater total body (4.8% and 4.1%) and total appendicular lean mass (LM; 3.0% and 2.1%) compared to AA genotype, with greater arm LM (0.8%) in T allele carriers and leg LM (2.1%) for TT, compared to AA genotype. Furthermore, the T allele was more common (94%) in selected elite rugby union athletes (back three and centre players) who are most reliant on LM rather than total body mass for success, compared to other rugby athletes (82%; P = 0.01, OR = 3.34) and controls (84%; P = 0.03, OR = 2.88). Accordingly, these athletes had greater peak power relative to body mass than other rugby athletes (14%; P = 2 x 10 -6 ). Collectively, these results suggest that the T allele is associated with increased LM and elite athletic success. This has implications for athletic populations, as well as conditions characterised by low LM such as sarcopenia and cachexia.

Genetic variants associated with physical and mental characteristics of the elite athletes in the Polish population.

PubMed

Peplonska, B; Adamczyk, J G; Siewierski, M; Safranow, K; Maruszak, A; Sozanski, H; Gajewski, A K; Zekanowski, C

2017-08-01

The aim of the study was to assess whether selected genetic variants are associated with elite athlete performance in a group of 413 elite athletes and 451 sedentary controls. Polymorphisms in ACE, ACTN3, AGT, NRF-2, PGC1A, PPARG, and TFAM implicated in physical performance traits were analyzed. Additionally, polymorphisms in CHRNB3 and FAAH coding for proteins modulating activity of brain's emotion centers were included. The results of univariate analyses indicated that the elite athletic performance is associated with four polymorphisms: ACE (rs4341, P = 0.0095), NRF-2 (rs12594956, P = 0.011), TFAM (rs2306604, P = 0.049), and FAAH (rs324420, P = 0.0041). The multivariate analysis adjusted for age and gender confirmed this association. The higher number of ACE D alleles (P = 0.0021) and the presence of NRF-2 rs12594956 A allele (P = 0.0067) are positive predictors, whereas TFAM rs2306604 GG genotype (P = 0.031) and FAAH rs324420 AA genotype (P = 0.0084) negatively affect the elite athletic performance. The CHRNB3 variant (rs4950, G allele) is significantly more frequent in the endurance athletes compared with the power ones (P = 0.025). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of rs4950 G allele contributes to endurance performance (P = 0.0047). Our results suggest that genetic inheritance of psychological traits should be taken into consideration while trying to decipher a genetic profile of top athletic performance. © 2016 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Histopathological features of endometrial carcinomas associated with POLE mutations: implications for decisions about adjuvant therapy.

PubMed

Bakhsh, Salwa; Kinloch, Mary; Hoang, Lien N; Soslow, Robert A; Köbel, Martin; Lee, Cheng-Han; McAlpine, Jessica N; McConechy, Melissa K; Gilks, C Blake

2016-05-01

To characterize the histomorphological features of endometrial carcinomas (ECs) harbouring polymerase ε (POLE) mutations. Forty-three ECs with POLE mutations were compared with a cohort of 202 ECs. Most POLE-mutated ECs were endometrioid [34/43 (79%)]; the remaining tumours were mixed [6/43 (14%)], serous [2/43 (5%)], and clear cell [1/43 (2%)]. The endometrioid carcinomas were predominantly International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade 3 (27/43, 63%). The histotype distribution did not differ from that of control ECs (P = 0.69), but the grade of the EC was higher (P < 0.0005). Both nuclear grade and mitotic index were significantly higher in POLE-mutated ECs than in the comparison cohort. POLE-mutated ECs were associated with peritumoral lymphocytes and numerous tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Lymphovascular invasion was present in 20 of 43 tumours. Adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy would be offered in up to 80% and 40% of patients, respectively, on the basis of stage, grade, lymphovascular invasion, and histotype. POLE-mutated ECs are typically of high grade, with prominent lymphocytic infiltration, but they are not sufficiently distinctive to allow accurate diagnosis based on routine haematoxylin and eosin staining. Even though POLE-mutated tumours are associated with an excellent prognosis, current guidelines for giving adjuvant treatment for EC result in most patients receiving adjuvant therapy. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Leaf Dynamics of Panicum maximum under Future Climatic Changes

PubMed Central

Britto de Assis Prado, Carlos Henrique; Haik Guedes de Camargo-Bortolin, Lívia; Castro, Érique; Martinez, Carlos Alberto

2016-01-01

Panicum maximum Jacq. ‘Mombaça’ (C4) was grown in field conditions with sufficient water and nutrients to examine the effects of warming and elevated CO2 concentrations during the winter. Plants were exposed to either the ambient temperature and regular atmospheric CO2 (Control); elevated CO2 (600 ppm, eC); canopy warming (+2°C above regular canopy temperature, eT); or elevated CO2 and canopy warming (eC+eT). The temperatures and CO2 in the field were controlled by temperature free-air controlled enhancement (T-FACE) and mini free-air CO2 enrichment (miniFACE) facilities. The most green, expanding, and expanded leaves and the highest leaf appearance rate (LAR, leaves day-1) and leaf elongation rate (LER, cm day-1) were observed under eT. Leaf area and leaf biomass were higher in the eT and eC+eT treatments. The higher LER and LAR without significant differences in the number of senescent leaves could explain why tillers had higher foliage area and leaf biomass in the eT treatment. The eC treatment had the lowest LER and the fewest expanded and green leaves, similar to Control. The inhibitory effect of eC on foliage development in winter was indicated by the fewer green, expanded, and expanding leaves under eC+eT than eT. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of the eT and eC treatments, respectively, on foliage raised and lowered, respectively, the foliar nitrogen concentration. The inhibition of foliage by eC was confirmed by the eC treatment having the lowest leaf/stem biomass ratio and by the change in leaf biomass-area relationships from linear or exponential growth to rectangular hyperbolic growth under eC. Besides, eC+eT had a synergist effect, speeding up leaf maturation. Therefore, with sufficient water and nutrients in winter, the inhibitory effect of elevated CO2 on foliage could be partially offset by elevated temperatures and relatively high P. maximum foliage production could be achieved under future climatic change. PMID:26894932

Old Elite Schools, History and the Construction of a New Imaginary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rizvi, Fazal

2014-01-01

Elite schools established in the nineteenth century in the image of British public schools now face intense competition from newly established elite schools. Located within the broader research project that this special issue discusses, this paper examines some of the ways in which an old elite school in India has sought to utilise is history to…

Sprinters in the Course of a Marathon: Withdrawal from Elite Competitive Sport in Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mudrak, Jiri

2010-01-01

This paper attempts to explain, using a multi-case study approach, why some young elite athletes, who have shown extraordinary talent in childhood, leave competitive sport in adolescence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five young elite athletes who decided to withdraw from elite sport. Interview data were analyzed using the…

Reach for the Stars: A Constellational Approach to Ethnographies of Elite Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prosser, Howard

2014-01-01

This paper offers a method for examining elite schools in a global setting by appropriating Theodor Adorno's constellational approach. I contend that arranging ideas and themes in a non-deterministic fashion can illuminate the social reality of elite schools. Drawing on my own fieldwork at an elite school in Argentina, I suggest that local and…

Staying Ahead of the Game: The Globalising Practices of Elite Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kenway, Jane; Fahey, Johannah

2014-01-01

How are elite schools caught up in the changing processes of globalisation? Is globalisation a new phenomenon for them? This paper focuses on the globalising practices that selected elite schools adopt. It also explores how globalisation is impacting on the social purposes of elite schools, which conventionally have been to serve privileged social…

Preliminary concepts for a solar electric orbit raising experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cohen, R.B.; Penn, J.P.; Janson, S.W.

1989-01-01

Some preliminary concepts for a solar electric orbit raising demonstration that will show technological readiness for the development of operational Electric Orbital Transfer Vehicles (EOTVs) are outlined. These ideas could serve as a template for the proposed Electric Insertion Transfer Experiment (ELITE). At this moment, ELITE is not a funded program. Concepts are presented for a solar electric orbit raising demonstration, for ELITE, and for the path from the proposed ELITE to a future operational EOTV. A brief discussion of the benefits to be derived from the use of EOTVs, the conceptual organization of the ELITE team, the key technologiesmore » for EOTV and ELITE, and some preliminary options for the orbit raising vehicle and representative missions are provided.« less

Endothelial Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Promotes Atherosclerosis and Monocyte Recruitment by Upregulating MicroRNA-19a.

PubMed

Akhtar, Shamima; Hartmann, Petra; Karshovska, Ela; Rinderknecht, Fatuma-Ayaan; Subramanian, Pallavi; Gremse, Felix; Grommes, Jochen; Jacobs, Michael; Kiessling, Fabian; Weber, Christian; Steffens, Sabine; Schober, Andreas

2015-12-01

Chemokines mediate monocyte adhesion to dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs) and promote arterial inflammation during atherosclerosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is expressed in various cell types of atherosclerotic lesions and is associated with lesional inflammation. However, the impact of endothelial HIF-1α in atherosclerosis is unclear. HIF-1α was detectable in the nucleus of ECs covering murine and human atherosclerotic lesions. To study the role of endothelial HIF-1α in atherosclerosis, deletion of the Hif1a gene was induced in ECs from apolipoprotein E knockout mice (EC-Hif1a(-/-)) by Tamoxifen injection. The formation of atherosclerotic lesions, the lesional macrophage accumulation, and the expression of CXCL1 in ECs were reduced after partial carotid ligation in EC-Hif1a(-/-) compared with control mice. Moreover, the lesion area and the lesional macrophage accumulation were decreased in the aortas of EC-Hif1a(-/-) mice compared with control mice during diet-induced atherosclerosis. In vitro, mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein or lysophosphatidic acid 20:4 increased endothelial CXCL1 expression and monocyte adhesion by inducing HIF-1α expression. Moreover, endothelial Hif1a deficiency resulted in downregulation of miR-19a in atherosclerotic arteries determined by microRNA profiling. In vitro, HIF-1α-induced miR-19a expression mediated the upregulation of CXCL1 in mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein-stimulated ECs. These results indicate that hyperlipidemia upregulates HIF-1α expression in ECs by mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein-derived unsaturated lysophosphatidic acid. Endothelial HIF-1α promoted atherosclerosis by triggering miR-19a-mediated CXCL1 expression and monocyte adhesion, indicating that inhibition of the endothelial HIF-1α/miR-19a pathway may be a therapeutic option against atherosclerosis. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Optics and materials research for controlled radiant energy transfer in buildings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldner, R.B.

1983-11-01

The overall objective of the Tufts research program was to identify and attempt to solve some of the key materials problems associated with practical approaches for achieving controlled radiant energy transfer (CRET) through building windows and envelopes, so as to decrease heating and cooling loads in buildings. Major accomplishments included: the identification of electrochromic (EC)-based structures as the preferred structures for achieving CRET the identification of modulated reflectivity as the preferred mode of operation for EC-based structures demonstration of the feasibility of operating EC-materials in a modulated R(lambda) mode and demonstration of the applicability of free electron model to coloredmore » polycrystalline WO3 films.« less

Reduced proliferation of endothelial colony-forming cells in unprovoked venous thromboembolic disease as a consequence of endothelial dysfunction

PubMed Central

Hernandez-Lopez, Rubicel; Chavez-Gonzalez, Antonieta; Torres-Barrera, Patricia; Moreno-Lorenzana, Dafne; Lopez-DiazGuerrero, Norma; Santiago-German, David; Isordia-Salas, Irma; Smadja, David; C. Yoder, Mervin; Majluf-Cruz, Abraham

2017-01-01

Background Venous thromboembolic disease (VTD) is a public health problem. We recently reported that endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) derived from endothelial cells (EC) (ECFC-ECs) from patients with VTD have a dysfunctional state. For this study, we proposed that a dysfunctional status of these cells generates a reduction of its proliferative ability, which is also associated with senescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods and results Human mononuclear cells (MNCs) were obtained from peripheral blood from 40 healthy human volunteers (controls) and 50 patients with VTD matched by age (20−50 years) and sex to obtain ECFCs. We assayed their proliferative ability with plasma of patients and controls and supernatants of cultures from ECFC-ECs, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), ROS, and expression of ephrin-B2/Eph-B4 receptor. Compared with cells from controls, cells from VTD patients showed an 8-fold increase of ECFCs that emerged 1 week earlier, reduced proliferation at long term (39%) and, in passages 4 and 10, a highly senescent rate (30±1.05% vs. 91.3±15.07%, respectively) with an increase of ROS and impaired expression of ephrin-B2/Eph-4 genes. Proliferation potential of cells from VTD patients was reduced in endothelial medium [1.4±0.22 doubling population (DP)], control plasma (1.18±0.31 DP), or plasma from VTD patients (1.65±0.27 DP). Conclusions As compared with controls, ECFC-ECs from individuals with VTD have higher oxidative stress, proliferation stress, cellular senescence, and low proliferative potential. These findings suggest that patients with a history of VTD are ECFC-ECs dysfunctional that could be associated to permanent risk for new thrombotic events. PMID:28910333

Long-lasting control of Anopheles arabiensis by a single spray application of micro-encapsulated pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic® 300 CS)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes are an increasing threat to malaria vector control. The Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management (GPIRM) recommends rotation of non-pyrethroid insecticides for indoor residual spraying (IRS). The options from other classes are limited. The carbamate bendiocarb and the organophosphate pirimiphos-methyl (p-methyl) emulsifiable concentrate (EC) have a short residual duration of action, resulting in increased costs due to multiple spray cycles, and user fatigue. Encapsulation (CS) technology was used to extend the residual performance of p-methyl. Methods Two novel p-methyl CS formulations were evaluated alongside the existing EC in laboratory bioassays and experimental hut trials in Tanzania between 2008-2010. Bioassays were carried out monthly on sprayed substrates of mud, concrete, plywood, and palm thatch to assess residual activity. Experimental huts were used to assess efficacy against wild free-flying Anopheles arabiensis, in terms of insecticide-induced mortality and blood-feeding inhibition. Results In laboratory bioassays of An. arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus both CS formulations produced high rates of mortality for significantly longer than the EC formulation on all substrates. On mud, the best performing CS killed >80% of An. arabiensis for five months and >50% for eight months, compared with one and two months, respectively, for the EC. In monthly bioassays of experimental hut walls the EC was ineffective shortly after spraying, while the best CS formulation killed more than 80% of An. arabiensis for five months on mud, and seven months on concrete. In experimental huts both CS and EC formulations killed high proportions of free-flying wild An. arabiensis for up to 12 months after spraying. There was no significant difference between treatments. All treatments provided considerable personal protection, with blood-feeding inhibition ranging from 9-49% over time. Conclusions The long residual performance of p-methyl CS was consistent in bioassays and experimental huts. The CS outperformed the EC in laboratory and hut bioassays but the EC longevity in huts was unexpected. Long-lasting p-methyl CS formulations should be more effective than both p-methyl EC and bendiocarb considering a single spray could be sufficient for annual malaria control. IRS with p-methyl 300 CS is a timely addition to the limited portfolio of long-lasting residual insecticides. PMID:24476070

Anticipatory control of impending postural perturbation in elite springboard divers.

PubMed

Popa, T; Bonifazi, M; della Volpe, R; Rossi, A; Mazzocchio, R

2008-12-01

Among athletes, elite springboard divers (ED) should develop an optimal anticipatory control of postural stability, as a result of specific training. Postural strategies of ED and healthy subjects (HS) while expecting an impending perturbation were compared. The mean center of pressure (COP) position was analyzed during control quiet stance (cQS) and during anticipatory quiet stance (aQS(1-4)), i.e., in expectation of four backward translations of the support surface. During cQS, COP position in ED was not significantly different as compared to HS. During aQS(1-4,) a significant increase in the mean COP position was observed in both groups with ED adopting a more forward inclined vertical alignment than HS. In ED specific training may have resulted in a reference frame offset in a more anterior direction while expecting an impending perturbation. We suggest that leaning more forward may represent a more reliable way of coping with predictable perturbations of postural stability.

Neuromuscular performance of Bandal Chagui: Comparison of subelite and elite taekwondo athletes.

PubMed

Moreira, Pedro Vieira Sarmet; Goethel, Márcio Fagundes; Gonçalves, Mauro

2016-10-01

With the aim of comparing kinematic and neuromuscular parameters of Bandal Chagui kicks between 7 elite and 7 subelite taekwondo athletes, nine Bandal Chaguis were performed at maximal effort in a selective reaction time design, simulating the frequency of kicks observed in taekwondo competitions. Linear and angular leg velocities were recorded through 3D motion capture system. Ground reaction forces (GRF) were evaluated by a force platform, and surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals were evaluated in the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae lata, adductor magnus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles of the kicking leg. sEMG data were processed to obtain the cocontraction indices (CI) of antagonist vs. overall (agonist and antagonist) muscle activity. CI was measured for the hip and knee, in flexion and extension, and for hip abduction. Premotor, reaction (kinetic and kinematic), and kicking times were evaluated. Timing parameters, except kinetic reaction time, were faster in elite athletes. Furthermore, CI and angular velocity during knee extension, foot and knee linear velocity, and horizontal GRF were significantly higher in elite than in subelite athletes. In conclusion, selected biomechanical parameters of Bandal Chagui appear to be useful in controlling the training status of the kick and in orienting the training goal of black belt competitors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The management of bovine reproduction in elite herds.

PubMed

Sheldon, I Martin; Wathes, D Claire; Dobson, Hilary

2006-01-01

The management of bovine reproduction is the cornerstone of health provision in elite herds. Aims and objectives for reproductive performance should be herd specific and data to monitor progress should not only be frequently collected, but also analysed and reported. Strategic monitoring of animals should include a vaginal examination for evidence of uterine disease, as well as transrectal ultrasonography of the genital tract. There has been considerable advancement in our ability to intervene in the reproduction of cattle during the last 50 years. However, it is salutary to note that during this time fertility has consistently declined, despite increasing veterinary intervention. Most elite herds use artificial insemination and success depends on accurate detection of oestrus expression, but this appears to be less overt than 25 years ago. In addition, half the cattle have abnormal oestrous cycles after parturition and conception rates are decreasing by 1% per year. Risk factors for abnormal oestrous cycles include puerperal problems, negative energy balance, which can be evaluated by body condition scoring, and uterine disease. Bacterial contamination of the uterus is ubiquitous after parturition in cattle and disease disrupts ovarian follicle growth and function. Reproduction is also disrupted by stress associated with clinical disease, pain or a sub-optimal environment. The challenge for veterinarians providing reproduction control programmes to elite herds is to transfer our knowledge of the problems underlying subfertility to the farm, in order to provide effective solutions.

Quantifying sources of elemental carbon over the Guanzhong Basin of China: A consistent network of measurements and WRF-Chem modeling.

PubMed

Li, Nan; He, Qingyang; Tie, Xuexi; Cao, Junji; Liu, Suixin; Wang, Qiyuan; Li, Guohui; Huang, Rujin; Zhang, Qiang

2016-07-01

We conducted a year-long WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting Chemical) model simulation of elemental carbon (EC) aerosol and compared the modeling results to the surface EC measurements in the Guanzhong (GZ) Basin of China. The main goals of this study were to quantify the individual contributions of different EC sources to EC pollution, and to find the major cause of the EC pollution in this region. The EC measurements were simultaneously conducted at 10 urban, rural, and background sites over the GZ Basin from May 2013 to April 2014, and provided a good base against which to evaluate model simulation. The model evaluation showed that the calculated annual mean EC concentration was 5.1 μgC m(-3), which was consistent with the observed value of 5.3 μgC m(-3). Moreover, the model result also reproduced the magnitude of measured EC in all seasons (regression slope = 0.98-1.03), as well as the spatial and temporal variations (r = 0.55-0.78). We conducted several sensitivity studies to quantify the individual contributions of EC sources to EC pollution. The sensitivity simulations showed that the local and outside sources contributed about 60% and 40% to the annual mean EC concentration, respectively, implying that local sources were the major EC pollution contributors in the GZ Basin. Among the local sources, residential sources contributed the most, followed by industry and transportation sources. A further analysis suggested that a 50% reduction of industry or transportation emissions only caused a 6% decrease in the annual mean EC concentration, while a 50% reduction of residential emissions reduced the winter surface EC concentration by up to 25%. In respect to the serious air pollution problems (including EC pollution) in the GZ Basin, our findings can provide an insightful view on local air pollution control strategies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of refractometry as a new management tool in AI boar centers for quality assurance of extender preparations.

PubMed

Schulze, M; Rüdiger, K; Jung, M; Grossfeld, R

2015-01-01

A study was performed to see if refractometry can be used as a new quality control tool for boar semen extenders. For this the refractive index and osmolality of BTS extender concentrations (EC) were recorded in 10%-steps from 50% to 150% and 200% of the correct amount. Twelve boar ejaculates were evaluated for semen quality. The refractive index for the correctly prepared extender was 4.6±0.0°Bx, corresponded to 316±16mOsmkg(-1), and correlated highly with osmolality (r=0.99; P<0.001). Total sperm motility with 100% EC differed significantly from ≤70% EC (P<0.001) and 200% EC (P<0.001) on day 1 (d1) and d4, respectively. The percentage of motile spermatozoa in a thermoresistance test on d2 showed a significant drop using ≤70% EC (P=0.047) and ≥140% EC (P=0.004). Secondary apical ridge defects were significantly higher using 50% EC (P<0.001) and ≥150% EC (P=0.032) compared to 100% EC, respectively. An increased number of coiled tails were observed using ≤60% EC (P<0.001). Percentages of spermatozoa with intact membranes on d2 resulted in a significant decrease using 50% EC (P<0.001) and ≥150% EC (P=0.005), respectively. The mean percentage of PI negative spermatozoa with active mitochondria on d2 showed a significant difference using ≤60% EC (P=0.016) and ≥140% EC (P<0.001) compared to 100% EC, respectively. Boar sperm quality is affected by inexact extender preparation. The refractive-index is an indicator of osmolality and may be used to verify semen extender preparation. The sensitivity is sufficient to detect deviations from correct extender preparation before negative effects on sperm quality occur. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A descriptive-comparative study of performance characteristics in futsal players of different levels.

PubMed

Naser, Naser; Ali, Ajmol

2016-09-01

Despite the increasing popularity of futsal, there is little information on performance characteristics of players. We aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a futsal shooting test and to evaluate and compare performance characteristics of three futsal playing levels. Twenty-four males (n = 8 elite, n = 8 semi-elite, n = 8 social) completed two trials to examine the reliability of the Massey Futsal Shooting Test (MFST) and to compare various fitness characteristics between groups. MFST time taken (P = 0.010), shot speed (P < 0.001) and points scored per shot (P < 0.001) were better for elite relative to social players. Test-retest reliability was acceptable for all groups, but it was most repeatable in elite players. Loughborough Soccer Passing Test performance was better in elite relative to social players (P = 0.004). There were no differences in countermovement-jump height between groups. Elite players ran faster over 5 m than both semi-elite (P = 0.043) and social (P = 0.002) and faster than the social players through 10 m (P = 0.028) and 20 m (P = 0.026). Distance covered in the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test was higher in elite relative to semi-elite (P = 0.005) and social (P < 0.001) groups. The MFST is a valid and reliable protocol to assess futsal shooting-skill performance; elite players have superior shooting and passing skill and have greater sprinting and intermittent-running ability.

Can evaluative conditioning decrease soft drink consumption?

PubMed

Shaw, Jena A; Forman, Evan M; Espel, Hallie M; Butryn, Meghan L; Herbert, James D; Lowe, Michael R; Nederkoorn, Chantal

2016-10-01

The present study examined the effect of a picture-picture evaluative conditioning (EC) procedure on soft drink (soda) outcomes, including negative implicit attitudes, consumption during a taste test, and real-world consumption reported during the week after the intervention. In the EC condition (n = 43), soda images were paired with disgust images and water images were paired with pleasant images, whereas in the control condition (n = 41), the same images were viewed without pairing. The EC condition showed a larger reduction in real-world soda consumption across the week following the intervention. However, individuals in the EC condition did not consume less soda during a taste test immediately following the intervention. EC only significantly increased negative implicit attitudes towards soda among individuals who already had relatively higher baseline negative attitudes. These findings generally favored the potential for EC to impact soda drinking habits, but suggest that a brief EC intervention may not be strong enough to change attitudes towards a well-known brand unless negative attitudes are already present. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Movement Demands and Metabolic Power Comparisons Between Elite and Subelite Australian Footballers.

PubMed

Johnston, Richard J; Watsford, Mark L; Austin, Damien J; Pine, Matthew J; Spurrs, Robert W

2015-10-01

This study examined the differences in movement demands and metabolic power output of elite and subelite Australian football (AF) players and quantified the movement profiles of a subelite AF competition. Movement variables were collected from AF players using Global Positioning System devices over 2 AF League (elite) and North East Australian Football League (NEAFL, subelite) seasons. A total of 500 files were collected from 37 elite and subelite nomadic AF players. NEAFL players covered 13,547 m at an average speed of 124.5 m·min(-1). Elite players performed more high-speed running (5.7-6.3%) and high acceleration and deceleration efforts (1.9-14.7%, p ≤ 0.05). The elite players had a higher mean metabolic power output (3.2%) and time spent at the very high power zone (15.9%, p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, elite players recorded a lower total match duration than the subelite players (4%, p ≤ 0.05). The contrasting amount of high-intensity activities performed by the 2 groups demonstrates the need to alter the training programs of subelite players to ensure they are capable of meeting the demands of elite football. The differences in match duration suggest that reducing subelite players' match time through increasing their rotations would assist the replication of movement profiles of elite players.

The Burden of Responsibility: Elite Students' Understandings of Civic Participation in Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sim, Jasmine B.-Y.

2012-01-01

Elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew maintains that a society ruled by elites is necessary to provide for high growth and social progress. Elitism conjures a class divide; an ongoing concern is a disconnection between elite and the citizens it has to represent. In the tradition of political socialization, and using the case study approach, this article…

Moving Elite Athletes Forward: Examining the Status of Secondary School Elite Athlete Programmes and Available Post-School Options

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Seth

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study focused specifically on examining the status of and the promotion of two elite athlete programmes (EAPs), the students/elite athlete selection process and available post-school options. The research was guided by Michel Foucault's work in understanding the relationship between power and knowledge. Participants,…

Foam pad of appropriate thickness can improve diagnostic value of foam posturography in detecting postural instability.

PubMed

Liu, Bo; Leng, Yangming; Zhou, Renhong; Liu, Jingjing; Liu, Dongdong; Liu, Jia; Zhang, Su-Lin; Kong, Wei-Jia

2018-04-01

The present study investigated the effect of foam thickness on postural stability in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) during foam posturography. Static and foam posturography were performed in 33 patients (UVH group) and 30 healthy subjects (control group) with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) on firm surface and on 1-5 foam pad(s). Sway velocity (SV) of center of pressure, standing time before falling (STBF) and falls reaction were recorded and analyzed. (1) SVs had an increasing tendency in both groups as the foam pads were added under EO and EC conditions. (2) STBFs, only in UVH group with EC, decreased with foam thickness increasing. (3) Significant differences in SV were found between the control and UVH group with EO (except for standing on firm surface, on 1 and 2 foam pad(s)) and with EC (all surface conditions). (4) Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the SV could better reflect the difference in postural stability between the two groups while standing on the 4 foam pads with EC. Our study showed that diagnostic value of foam posturography in detecting postural instability might be enhanced by using foam pad of right thickness.

Sibling dynamics and sport expertise.

PubMed

Hopwood, M J; Farrow, D; MacMahon, C; Baker, J

2015-10-01

Family members are known to be highly influential in the development of sport expertise. To date, much of the research in this area has focused on parents, with less known about sibling influences on expertise. This investigation explored associations between sport expertise, sibling characteristics, and sibling participation in sport and physical activity. Athletes representing three skill levels provided details of sibling characteristics and participation in sport and physical activity via the Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire. Elite athletes were more likely to be later-born children, while pre-elite and non-elite athletes were more likely to be first-born. Compared with siblings of non-elite athletes, siblings of elite athletes were more likely to have participated in regular physical activity and were more likely to have participated in sport at the pre-elite and elite levels. These results suggest siblings may play a key role in sport expertise development. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Eculizumab treatment in severe pediatric STEC-HUS: a multicenter retrospective study.

PubMed

Percheron, Lucas; Gramada, Raluca; Tellier, Stéphanie; Salomon, Remi; Harambat, Jérôme; Llanas, Brigitte; Fila, Marc; Allain-Launay, Emma; Lapeyraque, Anne-Laure; Leroy, Valerie; Adra, Anne-Laure; Bérard, Etienne; Bourdat-Michel, Guylhène; Chehade, Hassid; Eckart, Philippe; Merieau, Elodie; Piètrement, Christine; Sellier-Leclerc, Anne-Laure; Frémeaux-Bacchi, Véronique; Dimeglio, Chloe; Garnier, Arnaud

2018-03-23

Hemolytic uremic syndrome related to Shiga-toxin-secreting Escherichia coli infection (STEC-HUS) remains a common cause of acute kidney injury in young children. No specific treatment has been validated for this severe disease. Recently, experimental studies highlight the potential role of complement in STEC-HUS pathophysiology. Eculizumab (EC), a monoclonal antibody against terminal complement complex, has been used in severe STEC-HUS patients, mostly during the 2011 German outbreak, with conflicting results. On behalf of the French Society of Pediatric Nephrology, we retrospectively studied 33 children from 15 centers treated with EC for severe STEC-HUS. Indication for EC was neurologic involvement in 20 patients, cardiac and neurologic involvement in 8, cardiac involvement in 2, and digestive involvement in 3. Based on medical status at last follow-up, patients were divided into two groups: favorable (n = 15) and unfavorable outcomes (n = 18). Among patients with favorable outcome, 11/14 patients (79%) displayed persistent blockade of complement activity before each EC reinjection. Conversely, in patients with unfavorable outcome, only 9/15 (53%) had persistent blockade (p = n.s.). Among 28 patients presenting neurological symptoms, 19 had favorable neurological outcome including 17 with prompt recovery following first EC injection. Only two adverse effects potentially related to EC treatment were reported. Taken together, these results may support EC use in severe STEC-HUS patients, especially those presenting severe neurological symptoms. The study, however, is limited by absence of a control group and use of multiple therapeutic interventions in treatment groups. Thus, prospective, controlled trials should be undertaken.

Acute, sublethal and combination effects of azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis toxins on Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae.

PubMed

Singh, G; Rup, P J; Koul, Opender

2007-08-01

The efficacy of neem (1500 ppm azadirachtin (AI)), Delfin WG, a biological insecticide based on selected strain of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) subspecies kurstaki, and Cry1Ac protein, either individually or in combination, were examined against first to fourth instar Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) larvae. Using an oral administration method, various growth inhibitory concentrations (EC) and lethal concentrations (LC) were determined for each bioagent. Combinations of sublethal concentrations of Bt spray formulation with azadirachtin at EC50 or EC95 levels not only enhanced the toxicity, but also reduced the duration of action when used in a mixture. The LC20 and LC50 values for Cry1Ac toxin were 0.06 and 0.22 microg ml-1, respectively. Bt-azadirachtin combinations of LC50+EC20 and LC50+EC50 result in 100% mortality. The mortality also was significant in LC20+EC20 and LC20+EC50 mixtures. These studies imply that the combined action is not synergistic but complimentary, with azadirachtin particularly facilitating the action of Bt. The Bt spray-azadirachtin combination is more economical than combinations that involve isolating the toxic protein, as the Bt spray formulations can be combined in a spray mixture with neem. These combinations may be useful for controlling bollworm populations that have acquired resistance to Bt as they may not survive the effect of mixture. Azadirachtin may be useful as a means of reducing the endotoxin concentrations in a mixture, to promote increased economic savings and further reduce the probability of resistance development to either insect control agent.

Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation and reduction.

PubMed

McRobbie, Hayden; Bullen, Chris; Hartmann-Boyce, Jamie; Hajek, Peter

2014-01-01

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are electronic devices that heat a liquid - usually comprising propylene glycol and glycerol, with or without nicotine and flavours, stored in disposable or refillable cartridges or a reservoir - into an aerosol for inhalation. Since ECs appeared on the market in 2006 there has been a steady growth in sales. Smokers report using ECs to reduce risks of smoking, but some healthcare organisations have been reluctant to encourage smokers to switch to ECs, citing lack of evidence of efficacy and safety. Smokers, healthcare providers and regulators are interested to know if these devices can reduce the harms associated with smoking. In particular, healthcare providers have an urgent need to know what advice they should give to smokers enquiring about ECs. To examine the efficacy of ECs in helping people who smoke to achieve long-term abstinence; to examine the efficacy of ECs in helping people reduce cigarette consumption by at least 50% of baseline levels; and to assess the occurrence of adverse events associated with EC use. We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Groups Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and two other databases for relevant records from 2004 to July 2014, together with reference checking and contact with study authors. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which current smokers (motivated or unmotivated to quit) were randomized to EC or a control condition, and which measured abstinence rates or changes in cigarette consumption at six months or longer. As the field of EC research is new, we also included cohort follow-up studies with at least six months follow-up. We included randomized cross-over trials and cohort follow-up studies that included at least one week of EC use for assessment of adverse events. One review author extracted data from the included studies and another checked them. Our main outcome measure was abstinence from smoking after at least six months follow-up, and we used the most rigorous definition available (continuous, biochemically validated, longest follow-up). For reduction we used a dichotomous approach (no change/reduction < 50% versus reduction by 50% or more of baseline cigarette consumption). We used a fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel model to calculate the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study, and where appropriate we pooled data from these studies in meta-analyses. Our search identified almost 600 records, from which we include 29 representing 13 completed studies (two RCTs, 11 cohort). We identified nine ongoing trials. Two RCTs compared EC with placebo (non-nicotine) EC, with a combined sample size of 662 participants. One trial included minimal telephone support and one recruited smokers not intending to quit, and both used early EC models with low nicotine content. We judged the RCTs to be at low risk of bias, but under the GRADE system the overall quality of the evidence for our outcomes was rated 'low' or 'very low' because of imprecision due to the small number of trials. A 'low' grade means that further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate. A 'very low' grade means we are very uncertain about the estimate. Participants using an EC were more likely to have abstained from smoking for at least six months compared with participants using placebo EC (RR 2.29, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.96; placebo 4% versus EC 9%; 2 studies; GRADE: low). The one study that compared EC to nicotine patch found no significant difference in six-month abstinence rates, but the confidence intervals do not rule out a clinically important difference (RR 1.26, 95% CI: 0.68 to 2.34; GRADE: very low). A higher number of people were able to reduce cigarette consumption by at least half with ECs compared with placebo ECs (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.68, 2 studies; placebo: 27% versus EC: 36%; GRADE: low) and compared with patch (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.67, 1 study; patch: 44% versus EC: 61%; GRADE: very low). Unlike smoking cessation outcomes, reduction results were not biochemically verified.None of the RCTs or cohort studies reported any serious adverse events (SAEs) that were considered to be plausibly related to EC use. One RCT provided data on the proportion of participants experiencing any adverse events. Although the proportion of participants in the study arms experiencing adverse events was similar, the confidence intervals are wide (ECs vs placebo EC RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.34; ECs vs patch RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.22). The other RCT reported no statistically significant difference in the frequency of AEs at three- or 12-month follow-up between the EC and placebo EC groups, and showed that in all groups the frequency of AEs (with the exception of throat irritation) decreased significantly over time. There is evidence from two trials that ECs help smokers to stop smoking long-term compared with placebo ECs. However, the small number of trials, low event rates and wide confidence intervals around the estimates mean that our confidence in the result is rated 'low' by GRADE standards. The lack of difference between the effect of ECs compared with nicotine patches found in one trial is uncertain for similar reasons. ECs appear to help smokers unable to stop smoking altogether to reduce their cigarette consumption when compared with placebo ECs and nicotine patches, but the above limitations also affect certainty in this finding. In addition, lack of biochemical assessment of the actual reduction in smoke intake further limits this evidence. No evidence emerged that short-term EC use is associated with health risk.

Long-term effect of exercise on bone mineral density and body composition in post-menopausal ex-elite athletes: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Andreoli, A; Celi, M; Volpe, S L; Sorge, R; Tarantino, U

2012-01-01

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term effect of exercise on bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and body composition (BC) in post-menopausal women who were elite athletes during their youth compared with sedentary controls. It is a retrospective study and carried out in an outpatient clinic. A total of 48 post-menopausal women (54-73 years of age) were enrolled. Ex-elite athletes with long-term (>20 years) histories of significant training and performance were divided into two groups: weight-bearing sports (runners, n=12) and non-weight-bearing sports (swimmers, n=12). The athletes were age matched with sedentary controls (n=24). BMD, BMC and BC were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Healthcare and sport activity histories were evaluated using a questionnaire. No significant differences were found with regard to body weight, height, body mass index and hours of activity between the two groups of athletes. There were no significant differences in activity levels between athletes and controls at the time of this study. BMD and BMC were not significantly different between athletes; they were significantly higher in athletes than in controls (P<0.001). Although the ex-athletes did not significantly differ in BC, left and right lean arm mass and arm BMD were significantly higher in swimmers than in runners (P<0.0001). The high level of physical activity observed in female athletes is associated with improved muscle mass, BMD and BMC, and physical activity during youth seems to have a beneficial effect on bone mass and helps to prevent bone loss due to aging.

Deriving a light use efficiency model from eddy covariance flux data for predicting daily gross primary production across biomes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yuan, W.; Liu, S.; Zhou, G.; Tieszen, L.L.; Baldocchi, D.; Bernhofer, C.; Gholz, H.; Goldstein, Allen H.; Goulden, M.L.; Hollinger, D.Y.; Hu, Y.; Law, B.E.; Stoy, Paul C.; Vesala, T.; Wofsy, S.C.

2007-01-01

The quantitative simulation of gross primary production (GPP) at various spatial and temporal scales has been a major challenge in quantifying the global carbon cycle. We developed a light use efficiency (LUE) daily GPP model from eddy covariance (EC) measurements. The model, called EC-LUE, is driven by only four variables: normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), air temperature, and the Bowen ratio of sensible to latent heat flux (used to calculate moisture stress). The EC-LUE model relies on two assumptions: First, that the fraction of absorbed PAR (fPAR) is a linear function of NDVI; Second, that the realized light use efficiency, calculated from a biome-independent invariant potential LUE, is controlled by air temperature or soil moisture, whichever is most limiting. The EC-LUE model was calibrated and validated using 24,349 daily GPP estimates derived from 28 eddy covariance flux towers from the AmeriFlux and EuroFlux networks, covering a variety of forests, grasslands and savannas. The model explained 85% and 77% of the observed variations of daily GPP for all the calibration and validation sites, respectively. A comparison with GPP calculated from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) indicated that the EC-LUE model predicted GPP that better matched tower data across these sites. The realized LUE was predominantly controlled by moisture conditions throughout the growing season, and controlled by temperature only at the beginning and end of the growing season. The EC-LUE model is an alternative approach that makes it possible to map daily GPP over large areas because (1) the potential LUE is invariant across various land cover types and (2) all driving forces of the model can be derived from remote sensing data or existing climate observation networks.

Effects of the removal of vision on body sway during different postures in elite gymnasts.

PubMed

Asseman, F; Caron, O; Crémieux, J

2005-03-01

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of the removal of vision on postural performance and postural control in function of the difficulty and specificity of the posture. Twelve elite gymnasts were instructed to be as stable as possible with eyes open and eyes closed in three postures: bipedal, unipedal, and handstand ranked from the less difficult and less specific to the more difficult and more specific. The ratios eyes closed on eyes open, computed on CP surface and CP mean velocity, which respectively represents postural performance and postural control, were similar in the bipedal and handstand postures. They were highly increased in the unipedal one. The effect of the removal of vision and so the role of vision on body sway was not directly linked to the difficulty or specificity of the posture; other tasks' characteristics like the segments configuration also played a role.

Effect of Dry Needling on Thigh Muscle Strength and Hip Flexion in Elite Soccer Players.

PubMed

Haser, Christian; Stöggl, Thomas; Kriner, Monika; Mikoleit, Jörg; Wolfahrt, Bernd; Scherr, Johannes; Halle, Martin; Pfab, Florian

2017-02-01

Increase in muscle force, endurance, and flexibility is desired in elite athletes to improve performance and to avoid injuries, but it is often hindered by the occurrence of myofascial trigger points. Dry needling (DN) has been shown effective in eliminating myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled study in 30 elite youth soccer players of a professional soccer Bundesliga Club investigated the effects of four weekly sessions of DN plus water pressure massage on thigh muscle force and range of motion of hip flexion. A group receiving placebo laser plus water pressure massage and a group with no intervention served as controls. Data were collected at baseline (M1), treatment end (M2), and 4 wk follow-up (M3). Furthermore, a 5-month muscle injury follow-up was performed. DN showed significant improvement of muscular endurance of knee extensors at M2 (P = 0.039) and M3 (P = 0.008) compared with M1 (M1:294.6 ± 15.4 N·m·s, M2:311 ± 25 N·m·s; M3:316.0 ± 28.6 N·m·s) and knee flexors at M2 compared with M1 (M1:163.5 ± 10.9 N·m·s, M2:188.5 ± 16.3 N·m·s) as well as hip flexion (M1: 81.5° ± 3.3°, M2:89.8° ± 2.8°; M3:91.8° ± 3.8°). Compared with placebo (3.8° ± 3.8°) and control (1.4° ± 2.9°), DN (10.3° ± 3.5°) showed a significant (P = 0.01 and P = 0.0002) effect at M3 compared with M1 on hip flexion; compared with nontreatment control (-10 ± 11.9 N·m), DN (5.2 ± 10.2 N·m) also significantly (P = 0.049) improved maximum force of knee extensors at M3 compared with M1. During the rest of the season, muscle injuries were less frequent in the DN group compared with the control group. DN showed a significant effect on muscular endurance and hip flexion range of motion that persisted 4 wk posttreatment. Compared with placebo, it showed a significant effect on hip flexion that persisted 4 wk posttreatment, and compared with nonintervention control, it showed a significant effect on maximum force of knee extensors 4 wk posttreatment in elite soccer players.

Relationships of eating competence, sleep behaviors and quality, and overweight status among college students.

PubMed

Quick, Virginia; Shoff, Suzanne; Lohse, Barbara; White, Adrienne; Horacek, Tanya; Greene, Geoffrey

2015-12-01

Little is known about the relationships between eating competence (intra-individual approach to eating and food-related attitudes and behaviors that entrain positive bio-psychosocial outcomes) and sleep behaviors and quality in college students, a high-risk group for poor eating habits, weight gain, and inadequate sleep. Thus, data from full-time college students (N=1035; 82% White; 61% female) aged 18-24 years from 5 U.S. universities were obtained from online questionnaires (eating competence (ecSI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), physical activity, demographics) and physical assessments (measured height, weight), to explore sleep behavior and quality between eating-competent (EC; ecSI score≥32) and non-EC groups (ecSI<32). Generalized linear models controlling for gender, body mass index, and physical activity were utilized. A higher proportion of those in the EC group reported adequate sleep quality (67% vs. 57% in non-EC, p=0.001), sleep duration of ≥7 h nightly (58% vs. 50% in non-EC, p=0.007), and infrequent daytime dysfunction (72% vs. 65% in non-EC, p=0.02). When ecSI scores were grouped as tertiles, those in the highest tertile reported a higher prevalence of no sleep disturbances (7% vs. 2% in the lowest ecSI tertile, p=0.006) and lower prevalence of sleep medication use (10% vs. 15% in the lowest ecSI tertile, p=0.04). Results suggest that competent eaters are more likely to have better overall sleep quality and fewer sleep-related issuescompared to less competent eaters. These findings may inform future longitudinal studies, and health promotion and weight management interventions for young adults. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reducing The Cost of Transport and Increasing Walking Distance After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Fast Locomotor Training Combined With Functional Electrical Stimulation

PubMed Central

Awad, Louis N.; Reisman, Darcy S.; Pohlig, Ryan T.; Binder-Macleod, Stuart A.

2015-01-01

Background Neurorehabilitation efforts have been limited in their ability to restore walking function after stroke. Recent work has demonstrated proof-of-concept for a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-based combination therapy designed to improve poststroke walking by targeting deficits in paretic propulsion. Objectives To determine the effects on the energy cost of walking (EC) and long-distance walking ability of locomotor training that combines fast walking with FES to the paretic ankle musculature (FastFES). Methods Fifty participants >6 months poststroke were randomized to 12 weeks of gait training at self-selected speeds (SS), fast speeds (Fast), or FastFES. Participants’ 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance and EC at comfortable (EC-CWS) and fast (EC-Fast) walking speeds were measured pretraining, posttraining, and at a 3-month follow-up. A reduction in EC-CWS, independent of changes in speed, was the primary outcome. Also evaluated were group differences in the number of 6MWT responders and moderation by baseline speed. Results When compared with SS and Fast, FastFES produced larger reductions in EC (p’s ≤0.03). FastFES produced reductions of 24% and 19% in EC-CWS and EC-Fast (p’s <0.001), whereas neither Fast nor SS influenced EC. Between-group 6MWT differences were not observed; however, 73% of FastFES and 68% of Fast participants were responders, in contrast to 35% of SS participants. Conclusions Combining fast locomotor training with FES is an effective approach to reducing the high EC of persons poststroke. Surprisingly, differences in 6MWT gains were not observed between groups. Closer inspection of the 6MWT and EC relationship and elucidation of how reduced EC may influence walking-related disability is warranted. PMID:26621366

Relationships of eating competence, sleep behaviors and quality, and overweight status among college students

PubMed Central

Quick, Virginia; Shoff, Suzanne; Lohse, Barbara; White, Adrienne; Horacek, Tanya; Greene, Geoffrey

2015-01-01

Little is known about the relationships between eating competence (intra-individual approach to eating and food-related attitudes and behaviors that entrains positive bio-psychosocial outcomes), and sleep behaviors and quality in college students, a high risk group for poor eating habits, weight gain and inadequate sleep. Thus, data from full-time college students (N=1035; 82% White; 61% female) aged 18-24 years from 5 U.S. universities were obtained from online questionnaires (eating competence (ecSI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), physical activity, demographics) and physical assessments (measured height, weight), to explore sleep behavior and quality between eating competent (EC; ecSI score ≥ 32) and non-EC groups (ecSI < 32). Generalized linear models controlling for gender, body mass index, and physical activity were utilized. A higher proportion of those in the EC group reported adequate sleep quality (67% vs. 57% in non-EC, p=0.001), sleep duration of ≥ 7 hours nightly (58% vs. 50% in non-EC, p=0.007), and infrequent daytime dysfunction (72% vs. 65% in non-EC, p=0.02). When ecSI scores were grouped as tertiles, those in the highest tertile reported a higher prevalence of no sleep disturbances (7% vs. 2% in the lowest ecSI tertile, p=0.006) and lower prevalence of sleep medication use (10% vs. 15% in the lowest ecSI tertile, p=0.04). Results suggest that competent eaters are more likely to have better overall sleep quality and fewer sleep-related issues, compared to less competent eaters. These findings may inform future longitudinal studies, and health promotion and weight management interventions for young adults. PMID:26164670

Emergency Contraception in Mexico: Trends in Knowledge and Ever-Use 2006-2014.

PubMed

Han, Leo; Saavedra-Avendano, Biani; Lambert, William; Fu, Rongwei; Rodriguez, Maria I; Edelman, Alison; Darney, Blair

2017-11-01

Objectives A package of interventions to introduce emergency contraception (EC) to Mexico was implemented, resulting in the addition of EC to the national family planning guidelines in 2004. We describe EC knowledge and use among women in Mexico over time. Methods We used the 2006, 2009, and 2014 of waves of a nationally representative demographic survey (ENADID). We assessed EC knowledge and usage in women ages 15-29 who are not using permanent methods and tested whether EC knowledge and use is changing over time after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics using logistic regression. Results Our sample included n = 99,223 (population N = 40,234,355) women ages 15-29. Overall, knowledge of EC increased over time: 62% in 2006 to 79% in 2009 to 83% in 2014 (p < 0.001). Among young women who have used contraception (n = 42,883; N = 16,816,701), the proportion that reported EC use increased from 3 to 11% to 29% (p < 0.001). Compared to non-users, women who had ever used EC were more likely to be using no method of contraception (44 vs. 35%) or barrier method (22 vs. 17%). Demographic factors including lower wealth, lower education, indigenous status and rural living are significantly associated with less EC knowledge and use. Stratified multivariate analysis found that demographic disadvantages magnify lower EC use among rural residents compared to non-rural residents. Conclusions for Practice Knowledge and use of EC are growing rapidly in Mexico, but disparities persist in demographically disadvantaged women, particularly those living in rural areas. Women who use EC appear to be at higher risk of unintended pregnancy based on current contraceptive use.

Controls with remote sensing of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) arable- and forage- area-based subsidies: a yearly more than 700-image and 3-M euro affair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astrand, Par-Johan; Wirnhardt, Csaba; Biagini, Bruno; Weber, Michaela; Hellerman, Rani

2004-11-01

Since 1993, the EC DG Agriculture has promoted the use of "Controls with Remote Sensing" (CwRS) as appropriate control system within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). CwRS is considered suitable to check if agricultural area-based subsidies (yearly > 25 billion euro EC expenditure) are correctly granted. On the basis of the Council Regulation (EC) 165/94 and of the Commission Regulation (EC) 601/94, the Commission Services are required to centralize the satellite images acquisition. This task has been managed by the MARS Project at the JRC since 1999, where the whole controls activity is coordinated. The activity also includes the setting up of specifications, recommendations, performing Quality Controls (QC) and auditing of the selected contractors, and evaluation of new methods. Satellite image acquisition involves the control site definition within each Member State, and the subsequent chain of image acquisition over the defined sites including feasibility with image providers, acquisition, validation, ordering, delivery and final archiving of the imagery. In summary the 2004 years campaign involved a budget of approximately 3.2 M euro to cover some 150 High Resolution (HR) sites and 71 Very High Resolution (VHR) sites. The objective of this paper is to describe the CwRS image acquisition with emphasis on the Ikonos, Quickbird, and EROS A satellites for the 2004 years CwRS Campaign, to give preliminary results, recommendations and future trends.

A Response to the Question of Elitism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hausman, Jerome J.

1987-01-01

Points out that Ralph Smith's article, "A Question of Elitism," offers useful distinctions for advancing the cause of elitism in education. Contends that excellence and democratic values are indeed compatible. (BSR)

Heterotypic contact reveals a COX-2-mediated suppression of osteoblast differentiation by endothelial cells: A negative modulatory role for prostanoids in VEGF-mediated cell: cell communication?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clarkin, Claire E.; Garonna, Elena; Pitsillides, Andrew A.

In bone, angiogenesis must be initiated appropriately, but limited once remodelling or repair is complete. Our recent findings have supported a role for prostaglandins (PG), known modulators of osteoblast (OB) and endothelial cell (EC) behaviour, in facilitating VEGF-mediated paracrine communication from OBs to 'remotely located' ECs, but the mechanism(s) regulating OB:EC crosstalk when these cells are closely opposed are undefined. In this study we have examined: (i) the effects of exogenous PGE{sub 2} on VEGF-driven events in ECs, and (ii) the role of endogenous COX-2-derived prostanoids in mediating communication between intimately opposed OBs and ECs in direct contact. Exposure ofmore » ECs to PGE{sub 2} increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, COX-2 induction, 6-keto-PGF{sub 1{alpha}} release and EC proliferation. In contrast, PGE{sub 2} attenuated VEGF{sub 165}-induced VEGFR2/Flk1 phosphorylation, ERK1/2 activation and proliferation of ECs, suggesting that exogenous PGE{sub 2} restricts the actions of VEGF. However, the COX-2-selective inhibitor, NS398, also attenuated VEGF-induced proliferation, implying a distinct role for endogenous COX-2 activity in regulating EC behaviour. To examine the effect of OB:EC proximity and the role of COX-2 products further, we used a confrontational co-culture model. These studies showed that COX-2 blockade with NS398 enhanced EC-dependent increases in OB differentiation, that this effect was reversed by exogenous PGH{sub 2} (immediate COX-2 product), and that exogenous VEGF did not influence EC-dependent OB differentiation under these conditions. Our findings indicate that locally produced prostanoids may serve distinct roles depending on OB:EC proximity and negatively modulate VEGF-mediated changes in EC behaviour when these cells are closely opposed to control angiogenesis during bone (re)modelling.« less

Developing eco-friendly biofungicide for the management of major seed borne diseases of rice and assessing their physical stability and storage life.

PubMed

Naveenkumar, Ramasamy; Muthukumar, Arjunan; Sangeetha, Ganesan; Mohanapriya, Ramanathan

2017-04-01

Three plant oils (Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martini, and Pelargonium graveolens) were developed as EC formulations and tested for their physical stabilities. EC formulations (10EC, 20EC and 30EC) of C. citratus, C. martini and P. graveolens had emulsion stability, spontaneity property, heat and cold stability. EC formulated plant oils were screened against the major seed borne fungi of rice such as Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, Bipolaris oryzae, and Sarocladium oryzae. The level of inhibition varied among the concentrations of EC formulations. Among the three EC formulations, that of C. citratus oil 30EC recorded 100% inhibition on the mycelial growth of test pathogens. In the blotter paper method, rice seeds treated with a formulation of C. citratus oil 30EC controlled the infection of C. lunata, F. moniliforme, B. oryzae and S. oryzae in rice seed to the tune of 66.0%, 60.4%, 66.0% and 69.1%, respectively. Seed soaking with formulation of C. citratus oil 30EC showed the highest percentage of normal seedlings, the lowest number of abnormal seedling and fresh ungerminated seeds when tested with the roll-towel method. Seed soaking with 30EC formulation of C. citratus oil increased seed germination, shoot length, root length and vigour of rice seedlings when tested with the plastic tray method. Transmission of pathogens from seed to seedling was reduced significantly by the 30EC formulation of C. citratus oil when tested with the plastic pot method. The effect of the storage life of the 30EC formulation of C. citratus oil showed that it had retained their antifungal effect till the end of the incubation period (120 days), and is able to inhibit the mycelial growth of all test pathogens to the 100% level. Copyright © 2017 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Fatty acid carbon is essential for dNTP synthesis in endothelial cells

PubMed Central

Missiaen, Rindert; Queiroz, Karla CS; Borgers, Gitte; Elia, Ilaria; Zecchin, Annalisa; Cantelmo, Anna Rita; Christen, Stefan; Goveia, Jermaine; Heggermont, Ward; Goddé, Lucica; Vinckier, Stefan; Van Veldhoven, Paul P.; Eelen, Guy; Schoonjans, Luc; Gerhardt, Holger; Dewerchin, Mieke; Baes, Myriam; De Bock, Katrien; Ghesquière, Bart; Lunt, Sophia Y.; Fendt, Sarah-Maria; Carmeliet, Peter

2015-01-01

The metabolism of endothelial cells (ECs) during vessel sprouting remains poorly studied. Here, we report that endothelial loss of CPT1a, a rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), caused vascular sprouting defects due to impaired proliferation, not migration of ECs. Reduction of FAO in ECs did not cause energy depletion or disturb redox homeostasis, but impaired de novo nucleotide synthesis for DNA replication. Isotope labeling studies in control ECs showed that fatty acid carbons substantially replenished the Krebs cycle, and were incorporated into aspartate (a nucleotide precursor), uridine monophosphate (a precursor of pyrimidine nucleoside triphosphates) and DNA. CPT1a silencing reduced these processes and depleted EC stores of aspartate and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. Acetate (metabolized to acetyl-CoA, thereby substituting for the depleted FAO-derived acetyl-CoA) or a nucleoside mix rescued the phenotype of CPT1a-silenced ECs. Finally, CPT1 blockade inhibited pathological ocular angiogenesis, suggesting a novel strategy for blocking angiogenesis. PMID:25830893

Global architecture of the F-actin cytoskeleton regulates cell shape-dependent endothelial mechanotransduction.

PubMed

Shao, Yue; Mann, Jennifer M; Chen, Weiqiang; Fu, Jianping

2014-03-01

Uniaxial stretch is an important biophysical regulator of cell morphology (or shape) and functions of vascular endothelial cells (ECs). However, it is unclear whether and how cell shape can independently regulate EC mechanotransductive properties under uniaxial stretch. Herein, utilizing a novel uniaxial cell-stretching device integrated with micropost force sensors, we reported the first experimental evidence showing cell shape-dependent EC mechanotransduction via cytoskeleton (CSK) contractile forces in response to uniaxial stretch. Combining experiments and theoretical modeling from first principles, we showed that it was the global architecture of the F-actin CSK that instructed the cell shape-dependent EC mechanotransductive process. Furthermore, a cell shape-dependent nature was relayed in EC mechanotransduction via dynamic focal adhesion (FA) assembly. Our results suggested a novel mechanotransductive process in ECs wherein the global architecture of the F-actin CSK, governed by cell shape, controls mechanotransduction via CSK contractile forces and force-dependent FA assembly under uniaxial stretch.

The effects of health education on knowledge and attitudes to emergency contraception by female students of a tertiary educational institution in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

PubMed

Arinze-Onyia, S U; Onwasigwe, C N; Uzochukwu, B S C; Nwobi, E A; Ndu, A C; Nwobodo, Ed

2010-11-28

This was an intervention study to assess the effects of health education on the knowledge and attitudes to emergency contraception (EC) by female students of University of Nigeria in southeast Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 337 female students of a tertiary educational institution (150 in the study group and 187 from the control group) who were selected by multistage sampling. Subsequently, health education was conducted only among students in the study institution. Three months after this intervention, its effects were assessed through a survey using the same structured questionnaire employed in the baseline survey. Unlike the pre-intervention results, knowledge of EC was significantly higher among the study group than the controls. Attitudes to EC were also more favourable at the post- intervention survey among the study group. Health education can effectively improve knowledge and attitudes to EC among female students of tertiary institutions and this should be encouraged.

Associations Between Parenting Styles and Perceived Child Effortful Control Within Chinese Families in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan

PubMed Central

Huang, Ching-Yu; Cheah, Charissa S. L.; Lamb, Michael E.; Zhou, Nan

2017-01-01

The current study examined the associations between parentally perceived child effortful control (EC) and the parenting styles of 122 Chinese mothers (36 first-generation Chinese immigrants in the United Kingdom, 40 first-generation Chinese immigrants in the United States, and 46 Taiwanese mothers) of 5- to 7-year-old (M age = 5.82 years, SD = .805; 68 boys and 54 girls) children. The findings showed significant cultural group differences in mothers’ reported authoritarian parenting style. Significant associations also emerged between mothers’ reports of their children’s EC and some parenting dimensions, although there were no cultural group differences in perceived child EC. Different patterns of associations between perceived child EC and parenting styles in these three groups also demonstrated heterogeneity within the Chinese population, and highlighted the need to consider differences between original and receiving societies when seeking to understand parenting and child development in different immigrant groups. PMID:29276309

Associations Between Parenting Styles and Perceived Child Effortful Control Within Chinese Families in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan.

PubMed

Huang, Ching-Yu; Cheah, Charissa S L; Lamb, Michael E; Zhou, Nan

2017-07-01

The current study examined the associations between parentally perceived child effortful control (EC) and the parenting styles of 122 Chinese mothers (36 first-generation Chinese immigrants in the United Kingdom, 40 first-generation Chinese immigrants in the United States, and 46 Taiwanese mothers) of 5- to 7-year-old ( M age = 5.82 years, SD = .805; 68 boys and 54 girls) children. The findings showed significant cultural group differences in mothers' reported authoritarian parenting style. Significant associations also emerged between mothers' reports of their children's EC and some parenting dimensions, although there were no cultural group differences in perceived child EC. Different patterns of associations between perceived child EC and parenting styles in these three groups also demonstrated heterogeneity within the Chinese population, and highlighted the need to consider differences between original and receiving societies when seeking to understand parenting and child development in different immigrant groups.

Flight evaluation of Spacelab 1 payload thermal/ECS interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, C. D.; Humphries, W. R.; Patterson, W. C.

1984-01-01

The Spacelab (SL-1) thermal/Environmental Control Systems (ECS) are discussed. Preflight analyses and flight data are compared in order to validate payload to Spacelab interfaces as well as corroborate modeling/analysis techniques. In doing so, a brief description of the Spacelab 1 payload configuration and the interactive Spacelab thermal/ECS systems are given. In particular, these interfaces address equipment cooling air, thermal and fluid conditions, humidity levels, both freon and water loop temperatures and load states, as well as passive radiant environment interfaces.

The intrauterine device as emergency contraception: how much do young women know?

PubMed

Goodman, Suzan R; El Ayadi, Alison M; Rocca, Corinne H; Kohn, Julia E; Benedict, Courtney E; Dieseldorff, Jessica R; Harper, Cynthia C

2018-04-18

Unprotected intercourse is common, especially among teens and young women. Access to intrauterine device (IUD) as emergency contraception (EC) can help interested patients more effectively prevent unintended pregnancy and can also offer ongoing contraception. This study evaluated young women's awareness of IUD as EC and interest in case of need. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from young women aged 18-25 years, not desiring pregnancy within 12 months, and receiving contraceptive counseling within a cluster-randomized trial in 40 US Planned Parenthood health centers in 2011-2013 (n=1500). Heath centers were randomized to receive enhanced training on contraceptive counseling and IUD placement, or to provide standard care. The intervention did not focus specifically on IUD as EC. We assessed awareness of IUD as EC, desire to learn more about EC and most trusted source of information of EC among women in both intervention and control groups completing baseline and 3- or 6-month follow-up questionnaires (n=1138). At follow-up, very few young women overall (7.5%) visiting health centers had heard of IUD as EC. However, if they needed EC, most (68%) reported that they would want to learn about IUDs in addition to EC pills, especially those who would be very unhappy to become pregnant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.6, p<.05). Most (91%) reported a doctor or nurse as their most trusted source of EC information, over Internet (6%) or friends (2%), highlighting providers' essential role. Most young women at risk of unintended pregnancy are not aware of IUD as EC and look to their providers for trusted information. Contraceptive education should explicitly address IUD as EC. Few young women know that the IUD can be used for EC or about its effectiveness. However, if they needed EC, most reported that they would want to learn about IUDs in addition to EC pills, especially those very unhappy to become pregnant. Contraceptive education should explicitly address IUD as EC. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on leg flexor and extensor isokinetic strength in elite women athletes.

PubMed

Sekir, U; Arabaci, R; Akova, B; Kadagan, S M

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of static and dynamic stretching of the leg flexors and extensors on concentric and eccentric peak torque (PT) and electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the leg extensors and flexors in women athletes. Ten elite women athletes completed the following intervention protocol in a randomized order on separate days: (a) non-stretching (control), (b) static stretching, and (c) dynamic stretching. Stretched muscles were the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Before and after the stretching or control intervention, concentric and eccentric isokinetic PT and EMG activity of the leg extensors and flexors were measured at 60 and 180 degrees/s. Concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength at both test speeds displayed a significant decrease following static stretching (P<0.01-0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed after dynamic stretching for these strength parameters (P<0.05-0.001). Parallel to this, normalized EMG amplitude parameters exhibited significant decreases following static (P<0.05-0.001) and significant increases following dynamic stretching (P<0.05-0.001) during quadriceps and hamstring muscle actions at both concentric and eccentric testing modes. Our findings suggest that dynamic stretching, as opposed to static or no stretching, may be an effective technique for enhancing muscle performance during the pre-competition warm-up routine in elite women athletes.

Can Adverse Effects of Acidity and Aluminum Toxicity Be Alleviated by Appropriate Rootstock Selection in Cucumber?

PubMed Central

Rouphael, Youssef; Rea, Elvira; Cardarelli, Mariateresa; Bitterlich, Michael; Schwarz, Dietmar; Colla, Giuseppe

2016-01-01

Low-pH and aluminum (Al) stresses are the major constraints that limit crop yield in acidic soils. Grafting vegetable elite cultivars onto appropriate rootstocks may represent an effective tool to improve crop tolerance to acidity and Al toxicity. Two greenhouse hydroponic experiments were performed to evaluate growth, yield, biomass production, chlorophyll index, electrolyte leakage, mineral composition, and assimilate partitioning in plant tissues of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. “Ekron”) either non-grafted or grafted onto “P360” (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne × Cucurbita moschata Duchesne; E/C) or figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché; E/F). Cucumber plants were cultured in pots and supplied with nutrient solutions having different pH and Al concentrations: pH 6, pH 3.5, pH 3.5 + 1.5 mM Al, and pH 3.5 + 3 mM Al (Experiment 1, 14 days) and pH 6, pH 3.5, and pH 3.5 + 0.75 mM Al (Experiment 2, 67 days). Significant depression in shoot and root biomass was observed in response to acidity and Al concentrations, with Al-stress being more phytotoxic than low pH treatment. Significant decrease in yield, shoot, and root biomass, leaf area, SPAD index, N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and B concentration in aerial parts (leaves and stems) in response to low pH with more detrimental effects at pH 3.5 + Al. Grafted E/C plants grown under low pH and Al had higher yield, shoot, and root biomass compared to E/F and non-grafted plants. This better crop performance of E/C plants in response to Al stress was related to (i) a reduced translocation of Al from roots to the shoot, (ii) a better shoot and root nutritional status in K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn concentration, (iii) a higher chlorophyll synthesis, as well as (iv) the ability to maintain cell membrane stability and integrity (lower electrolyte leakage). Data provide insight into the role of grafting on Al stress tolerance in cucumber. PMID:27621740

Macro-mechanics controls quantum mechanics: mechanically controllable quantum conductance switching of an electrochemically fabricated atomic-scale point contact.

PubMed

Staiger, Torben; Wertz, Florian; Xie, Fangqing; Heinze, Marcel; Schmieder, Philipp; Lutzweiler, Christian; Schimmel, Thomas

2018-01-12

Here, we present a silver atomic-scale device fabricated and operated by a combined technique of electrochemical control (EC) and mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ). With this EC-MCBJ technique, we can perform mechanically controllable bistable quantum conductance switching of a silver quantum point contact (QPC) in an electrochemical environment at room temperature. Furthermore, the silver QPC of the device can be controlled both mechanically and electrochemically, and the operating mode can be changed from 'electrochemical' to 'mechanical', which expands the operating mode for controlling QPCs. These experimental results offer the perspective that a silver QPC may be used as a contact for a nanoelectromechanical relay.

Macro-mechanics controls quantum mechanics: mechanically controllable quantum conductance switching of an electrochemically fabricated atomic-scale point contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staiger, Torben; Wertz, Florian; Xie, Fangqing; Heinze, Marcel; Schmieder, Philipp; Lutzweiler, Christian; Schimmel, Thomas

2018-01-01

Here, we present a silver atomic-scale device fabricated and operated by a combined technique of electrochemical control (EC) and mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ). With this EC-MCBJ technique, we can perform mechanically controllable bistable quantum conductance switching of a silver quantum point contact (QPC) in an electrochemical environment at room temperature. Furthermore, the silver QPC of the device can be controlled both mechanically and electrochemically, and the operating mode can be changed from ‘electrochemical’ to ‘mechanical’, which expands the operating mode for controlling QPCs. These experimental results offer the perspective that a silver QPC may be used as a contact for a nanoelectromechanical relay.

The role of community in the development of elite handball and football players in Denmark.

PubMed

Rossing, N N; Nielsen, A B; Elbe, A-M; Karbing, D S

2016-01-01

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the place of early development in a sample of Danish male elite and youth handball and football players. The sample included 366 handball and football players from the elite Danish league in the season 2011-2012 and a comparison sample of youth players under the age of 12 from 2003, including 147,221 football and 26,290 handball players. Odds ratio analysis showed that both population size and density significantly affected the proportional number of youth players per community and the odds of athletes reaching an elite level in football and handball. The odds for youth player registrations in both handball and football increased in rural in contrast to urban communities. However, elite football players primarily came from communities of high density (>1000 pop./km(2)), whereas elite handball players primarily came from less densely populated communities (100 to <250 pop./km(2)). Furthermore, there seems to be a relation between representation of elite and talent clubs in different communities and the probability of becoming an elite player in both sports. The limited number of elite players in both sports from rural communities may be due to national talent development strategies that do not incorporate development support for clubs in rural areas. Additionally, the results of the study clearly suggest the need to include the youth player population to advance research findings in birthplace effect studies.

Optimisation of shape kernel and threshold in image-processing motion analysers.

PubMed

Pedrocchi, A; Baroni, G; Sada, S; Marcon, E; Pedotti, A; Ferrigno, G

2001-09-01

The aim of the work is to optimise the image processing of a motion analyser. This is to improve accuracy, which is crucial for neurophysiological and rehabilitation applications. A new motion analyser, ELITE-S2, for installation on the International Space Station is described, with the focus on image processing. Important improvements are expected in the hardware of ELITE-S2 compared with ELITE and previous versions (ELITE-S and Kinelite). The core algorithm for marker recognition was based on the current ELITE version, using the cross-correlation technique. This technique was based on the matching of the expected marker shape, the so-called kernel, with image features. Optimisation of the kernel parameters was achieved using a genetic algorithm, taking into account noise rejection and accuracy. Optimisation was achieved by performing tests on six highly precise grids (with marker diameters ranging from 1.5 to 4 mm), representing all allowed marker image sizes, and on a noise image. The results of comparing the optimised kernels and the current ELITE version showed a great improvement in marker recognition accuracy, while noise rejection characteristics were preserved. An average increase in marker co-ordinate accuracy of +22% was achieved, corresponding to a mean accuracy of 0.11 pixel in comparison with 0.14 pixel, measured over all grids. An improvement of +37%, corresponding to an improvement from 0.22 pixel to 0.14 pixel, was observed over the grid with the biggest markers.

Plantar Plating for the Treatment of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Elite Athletes.

PubMed

Mitchell, Ronald J; Duplantier, Neil L; Delgado, Domenica A; Lambert, Bradley S; McCulloch, Patrick C; Harris, Joshua D; Varner, Kevin E

2017-05-01

Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, zones II and III, are commonly treated surgically, especially in elite athletes. Intramedullary screw fixation remains the most used construct despite nonunion and refracture. High tensile forces on the plantar-lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal are difficult to control, and intramedullary screw fixation depends on ideal screw position, length, and width. The authors present a plantar plating technique with cancellous bone autograft for zones II and III proximal fifth metatarsal fractures. Rotational instability and plantar-lateral gapping are resisted by applying a compression plate to the tension side of the fracture, eliminating causes for failure. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e563-e566.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

The effect on immunity of long-term intensive training in elite swimmers.

PubMed

Gleeson, M; McDonald, W A; Cripps, A W; Pyne, D B; Clancy, R L; Fricker, P A

1995-10-01

The impact of long-term training on systemic and mucosal immunity was assessed prospectively in a cohort of elite swimmers over a 7-month training season in preparation for national championships. The results indicated significant suppression (P < 0.05) of serum IgA, IgG and IgM and salivary IgA concentration in athletes associated with long-term training at an intensive level. There was also a trend towards lower IgG2 subclass levels in serum in athletes compared with controls (P = 0.07). There were no significant changes in numbers or percentages of B or T cell subsets, but there was a significant fall in natural killer (NK) cell numbers and percentages in athletes over the training season (P < 0.05). After individual training sessions there was a significant decrease in salivary IgA levels for athletes compared with controls (P = 0.002). In athletes there was a downward trend in salivary IgA levels over the 7-month training period in both the pre-exercise (P = 0.06) and post-exercise samples (P = 0.04). There were no significant trends in salivary IgG levels over the study period in either athletes or controls. The only significant change in salivary IgM levels was an increase in detection rate in the pre-competition phase in athletes (P = 0.03). The study suggests that training of elite athletes at an intensive level over both short- and long-time frames suppresses both systemic and mucosal immunity. Protracted immune suppression linked with prolonged training may determine susceptibility to infection, particularly at times of major competitions.

Effects of synchronous music on treadmill running among elite triathletes.

PubMed

Terry, Peter C; Karageorghis, Costas I; Saha, Alessandra Mecozzi; D'Auria, Shaun

2012-01-01

Music can provide ergogenic, psychological, and psychophysical benefits during physical activity, especially when movements are performed synchronously with music. The present study developed the train of research on synchronous music and extended it to elite athletes. Repeated-measures laboratory experiment. Elite triathletes (n=11) ran in time to self-selected motivational music, a neutral equivalent and a no-music control during submaximal and exhaustive treadmill running. Measured variables were time-to-exhaustion, mood responses, feeling states, RPE, blood lactate concentration, oxygen consumption and running economy. Time-to-exhaustion was 18.1% and 19.7% longer, respectively, when running in time to motivational and neutral music, compared to no music. Mood responses and feeling states were more positive with motivational music compared to either neutral music or no music. RPE was lowest for neutral music and highest for the no-music control. Blood lactate concentrations were lowest for motivational music. Oxygen consumption was lower with music by 1.0%-.7%. Both music conditions were associated with better running economy than the no-music control. Although neutral music did not produce the same level of psychological benefits as motivational music, it proved equally beneficial in terms of time-to-exhaustion and oxygen consumption. In functional terms, the motivational qualities of music may be less important than the prominence of its beat and the degree to which participants are able to synchronise their movements to its tempo. Music provided ergogenic, psychological and physiological benefits in a laboratory study and its judicious use during triathlon training should be considered. Copyright © 2011 Sports Medicine Australia. All rights reserved.

Feasibility to apply eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation in young elite athletes.

PubMed

Van der Eycken, S; Schelpe, A; Marijsse, G; Dilissen, E; Troosters, T; Vanbelle, V; Aertgeerts, S; Dupont, L J; Peers, K; Bullens, D M; Seys, S F

2016-02-01

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is more common in athletes compared to the general population. The eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test is used to detect EIB in adult athletes. It is however unclear whether this technique is also applicable to young athletes. Young athletes (basketball (n = 13), football (n = 19), swimming (n = 12)) were recruited at the start of their elite sports career (12-14 years). Eight age-matched controls were also recruited. Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test was performed according to ATS guidelines in all subjects. A second (after 1 year, n = 32) and third (after 2 years, n = 39) measurement was performed in a subgroup of athletes and controls. At time of first evaluation, 3/13 basketball players, 4/19 football players, 5/11 swimmers and 1/8 controls met criteria for EIB (fall in FEV1≥10% after EVH). A ventilation rate of >85% of the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) is recommended by current guidelines (for adults) but was only achieved by a low number of individuals (first occasion: 27%, third occasion: 45%) However, MVV in young athletes corresponds to 30 times FEV1, which is equivalent to 85% of MVV in adults. A threshold of 70% of MVV (21 times FEV1) is feasible in the majority of young athletes. EIB is present in a substantial number of individuals at the age of 12-14 years, especially in swimmers. This underscores the importance of screening for EIB at this age. EVH is feasible in young elite athletes, however target ventilation needs to be adjusted accordingly. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A fast elitism Gaussian estimation of distribution algorithm and application for PID optimization.

PubMed

Xu, Qingyang; Zhang, Chengjin; Zhang, Li

2014-01-01

Estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) is an intelligent optimization algorithm based on the probability statistics theory. A fast elitism Gaussian estimation of distribution algorithm (FEGEDA) is proposed in this paper. The Gaussian probability model is used to model the solution distribution. The parameters of Gaussian come from the statistical information of the best individuals by fast learning rule. A fast learning rule is used to enhance the efficiency of the algorithm, and an elitism strategy is used to maintain the convergent performance. The performances of the algorithm are examined based upon several benchmarks. In the simulations, a one-dimensional benchmark is used to visualize the optimization process and probability model learning process during the evolution, and several two-dimensional and higher dimensional benchmarks are used to testify the performance of FEGEDA. The experimental results indicate the capability of FEGEDA, especially in the higher dimensional problems, and the FEGEDA exhibits a better performance than some other algorithms and EDAs. Finally, FEGEDA is used in PID controller optimization of PMSM and compared with the classical-PID and GA.

A Fast Elitism Gaussian Estimation of Distribution Algorithm and Application for PID Optimization

PubMed Central

Xu, Qingyang; Zhang, Chengjin; Zhang, Li

2014-01-01

Estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) is an intelligent optimization algorithm based on the probability statistics theory. A fast elitism Gaussian estimation of distribution algorithm (FEGEDA) is proposed in this paper. The Gaussian probability model is used to model the solution distribution. The parameters of Gaussian come from the statistical information of the best individuals by fast learning rule. A fast learning rule is used to enhance the efficiency of the algorithm, and an elitism strategy is used to maintain the convergent performance. The performances of the algorithm are examined based upon several benchmarks. In the simulations, a one-dimensional benchmark is used to visualize the optimization process and probability model learning process during the evolution, and several two-dimensional and higher dimensional benchmarks are used to testify the performance of FEGEDA. The experimental results indicate the capability of FEGEDA, especially in the higher dimensional problems, and the FEGEDA exhibits a better performance than some other algorithms and EDAs. Finally, FEGEDA is used in PID controller optimization of PMSM and compared with the classical-PID and GA. PMID:24892059

Effects of Parent Training on Callous-Unemotional Traits, Effortful Control, and Conduct Problems: Mediation by Parenting.

PubMed

Elizur, Yoel; Somech, Lior Y; Vinokur, Amiram D

2017-01-01

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits and effortful control (EC) are personality and temperament traits implicated in early-onset antisocial trajectories. This secondary analysis of Hitkashrut's randomized controlled trial first tested parent training's effects on EC and CU traits while controlling for more general treatment effects on conduct problems (CP), and subsequently tested mediation by parenting. Prekindergarten teachers in three Israeli cities identified 209 3-5 year-old (163 boys; 46 girls) preschoolers with subclinical-clinical range conduct problems. All participants were Jewish ranging from ultra-orthodox to secular. They were assigned to 14-session co-parent training groups (n = 140 couples), or to minimal intervention control groups with referral to local services as necessary (n = 69 couples). We employed averaged indices of pre- and post-intervention questionnaires completed by both parents. The testing of all hypothesized models controlled for treatment effects on CP in order to strengthen the robustness of the analyses. We found significant concurrent treatment effects on CP and on either CU traits or EC. All effects were mediated by ineffective parenting (IP): a latent variable that was indicated by negative/inconsistent practices and perceived parenting inefficacy. This is the first demonstration of parenting mediated treatment effects on both EC and CU traits in a randomized controlled study conducted in everyday practice contexts. This finding supports a disruption model of change: the reduction of IP facilitates a caregiving environment that affects children's behavior and developing personality. The changing of personality and temperament characteristics implicated in early-onset pathways suggests an innovative prevention strategy for disruptive behavior disorders.

Legal Training and the Reshaping of French Elite: Lessons from an Ethnography of Law Classes in Two French Elite Higher Education Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Israël, Liora; Vanneuville, Rachel

2017-01-01

The article examines the nature of contemporary legal training in two French elite higher education institutions--one dedicated to prepare for legal careers in the economic field, the other one to train top civil servants--in order to assess the role of legal knowledge in the shaping of French contemporary elites. Based on observations of law…

Hydraulic Conductivity of Endothelial Cell-Initiated Arterial Cocultures

PubMed Central

Mathura, Rishi A.; Russell-Puleri, Sparkle; Cancel, Limary; Tarbell, John M.

2014-01-01

This study describes cocultures of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC) and endothelial cells (EC) and the influences of their heterotypic interactions on hydraulic conductivity (Lp), an important transport property. A unique feature of these cocultures is that ECs were first grown to confluence and then SMCs were inoculated. Bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMCs) and bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were cocultured on Transwell Permeable Supports, and then exposed to a pressure-driven transmural flow. Lp across each culture was measured using a bubble tracking apparatus that determined water flux (Jv). Our results indicate that arterial Lp is significantly modulated by EC-SMC proximity, and serum content in culture. The Lp of cocultures was also compared to the predictions of a resistances-in-series model to distinguish the contributions of heterotypic interactions between SMCs and ECs. Conditions that lead to significantly reduced coculture Lp, compared to BAEC monoculture controls, have been uncovered and the lowest Lp in the literature for an in-vitro system are reported. In addition, VE-cadherin immunostaining of intact BAEC monolayers in each culture configuration reveals that EC-SMC proximity on a porous membrane has a dramatic influence on EC morphology patterns. The cocultures with the lowest Lp have ECs with significantly elongated morphology. Confocal imaging indicates that there are no direct EC-SMC contacts in coculture. PMID:24264601

Improved Genetic Algorithm Based on the Cooperation of Elite and Inverse-elite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanakubo, Masaaki; Hagiwara, Masafumi

In this paper, we propose an improved genetic algorithm based on the combination of Bee system and Inverse-elitism, both are effective strategies for the improvement of GA. In the Bee system, in the beginning, each chromosome tries to find good solution individually as global search. When some chromosome is regarded as superior one, the other chromosomes try to find solution around there. However, since chromosomes for global search are generated randomly, Bee system lacks global search ability. On the other hand, in the Inverse-elitism, an inverse-elite whose gene values are reversed from the corresponding elite is produced. This strategy greatly contributes to diversification of chromosomes, but it lacks local search ability. In the proposed method, the Inverse-elitism with Pseudo-simplex method is employed for global search of Bee system in order to strengthen global search ability. In addition, it also has strong local search ability. The proposed method has synergistic effects of the three strategies. We confirmed validity and superior performance of the proposed method by computer simulations.

Support for liberal development policies among community elites and non-elites in a rural region of Wisconsin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buttel, F.H.; Johnson, D.E.

Liberal development policies for rural areas, aimed at improving economic conditions and helping corporations find more profitable production sites, are found to fit the traditional role of intervention by government to encourage private investment in underdeveloped areas. Two strategies used in Wisconsin are analyzed to determine the level of community support and compare the social and intellectual support for growth centers of community elites with non-elites. Results indicate the general public does not support the concept of planned growth centers, with primary opposition coming from professional and farm groups rather than the ''traditionalism'' that is often used to characterize themore » area. Those favoring growth-center policies are primarily elites, who tend to limit their support to development of their own community. Elites also favor consolidating community and county delivery of services. Data for the study consisted of 231 personal interviews with leaders of 32 small- and mid-size communities. Their responses were then compared with a random sampling of non-elites. 27 references. (DCK)« less

Selection for Reduced Fusarium Ear Rot and Fumonisin Content in Advanced Backcross Maize Lines and Their Topcross Hybrids

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Backcross breeding is an important method to improve elite cultivars for traits controlled by a small number of loci but has been used less frequently to improve quantitatively controlled traits. Resistances to Fusarium ear rot and contamination by the associated mycotoxin fumonisin in maize are qua...

Mode Tracker for Mode-Hop-Free Operation of a Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wysocki, Gerard; Tittel, Frank K.; Curl, Robert F.

2010-01-01

A mode-tracking system that includes a mode-controlling subsystem has been incorporated into an external-cavity (EC) quantum cascade laser that operates in a mid-infrared wavelength range. The mode-tracking system makes it possible to perform mode-hop-free wavelength scans, as needed for high-resolution spectroscopy and detection of trace gases. The laser includes a gain chip, a beam-collimating lens, and a diffraction grating. The grating is mounted on a platform, the position of which can be varied to effect independent control of the EC length and the grating angle. The position actuators include a piezoelectric stage for translation control and a motorized stage for coarse rotation control equipped with a piezoelectric actuator for fine rotation control. Together, these actuators enable control of the EC length over a range of about 90 m with a resolution of 0.9 nm, and control of the grating angle over a coarse-tuning range of +/-6.3deg and a fine-tuning range of +/-520 microrad with a resolution of 10 nrad. A mirror mounted on the platform with the grating assures always the same direction of the output laser beam.

Docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide improves glucose uptake and alters endocannabinoid system gene expression in proliferating and differentiating C2C12 myoblasts

PubMed Central

Kim, Jeffrey; Carlson, Morgan E.; Watkins, Bruce A.

2014-01-01

Skeletal muscle is a major storage site for glycogen and a focus for understanding insulin resistance and type-2-diabetes. New evidence indicates that overactivation of the peripheral endocannabinoid system (ECS) in skeletal muscle diminishes insulin sensitivity. Specific n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are precursors for the biosynthesis of ligands that bind to and activate the cannabinoid receptors. The function of the ECS and action of PUFA in skeletal muscle glucose uptake was investigated in proliferating and differentiated C2C12 myoblasts treated with either 25 μM of arachidonate (AA) or docosahexaenoate (DHA), 25 μM of EC [anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA)], 1 μM of CB1 antagonist NESS0327, and CB2 inverse agonist AM630. Compared to the BSA vehicle control cell cultures in both proliferating and differentiated myoblasts those treated with DHEA, the EC derived from the n-3 PUFA DHA, had higher 24 h glucose uptake, while AEA and 2-AG, the EC derived from the n-6 PUFA AA, had lower basal glucose uptake. Adenylyl cyclase mRNA was higher in myoblasts treated with DHA in both proliferating and differentiated states while those treated with AEA or 2-AG were lower compared to the control cell cultures. Western blot and qPCR analysis showed higher expression of the cannabinoid receptors in differentiated myoblasts treated with DHA while the opposite was observed with AA. These findings indicate a compensatory effect of DHA and DHEA compared to AA-derived ligands on the ECS and associated ECS gene expression and higher glucose uptake in myoblasts. PMID:24711795

Defining the extent of cables loss in endometrial cancer subtypes and its effectiveness as an inhibitor of cell proliferation in malignant endometrial cells in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

DeBernardo, Robert L; Littell, Ramey D; Luo, Hongwei; Duska, Linda R; Oliva, Esther; Kirley, Sandra D; Lynch, Maureen P; Zukerberg, Lawrence R; Rueda, Bo R

2005-01-01

Loss of Cables expression is associated with a high incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma in humans. The Cables mutant mouse develops endometrial hyperplasia and following exposure to chronic estrogen develops early endometrial adenocarcinoma. The objectives of the current study were to determine if: (1) loss of Cables expression occurred in high grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma, uterine serous and clear cell carcinoma as observed in endometrial hyperplasia and low grade endometrial adenocarcinoma; (2) overexpression of Cables inhibited cell proliferation in endometrial cancer (EC) cells in vitro and in vivo; and (3) progesterone could regulate the expression of Cables mRNA. Hyperplastic endometrium and low and high grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma showed loss of Cables expression when compared to benign control secretory endometrium. Loss of Cables expression in serous and clear cell tumors was similar to that observed in endometrioid adenocarcinomas with greater than 80% showing loss of protein expression. Treatment of EC lines with progesterone increased cables expression in low-grade EC whereas it had no effect on cables expression in cells derived from high-grade EC. The progesterone-induced increase in cables was abrogated in the presence of a progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist, suggesting the PR mediates the increase. Cables overexpression inhibited cell proliferation of well differentiated EC cells and had no effect on the poorly differentiated EC cells. The capacity to form tumors was dramatically reduced in the Cables overexpressing cell lines compared to those cells containing the control vector. Collectively these results suggest that Cables is an important regulator of cell proliferation and loss of Cables expression contributes to the development of all types of EC.

Differences in Seizure Expression Between Magnetic Seizure Therapy and Electroconvulsive Shock.

PubMed

Cycowicz, Yael M; Rowny, Stefan B; Luber, Bruce; Lisanby, Sarah H

2018-06-01

Evidence suggests that magnetic seizure therapy (MST) results in fewer side effects than electroconvulsive treatment, both in humans treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as well as in the animal preclinical model that uses electroconvulsive shock (ECS). Evidence suggests that MST results in fewer cognitive side effects than ECT. Although MST offers enhanced control over seizure induction and spread, little is known about how MST and ECT seizures differ. Seizure characteristics are associated with treatment effect. This study presents quantitative analyses of electroencephalogram (EEG) power after electrical and magnetic seizure induction and anesthesia-alone sham in an animal model. The aim was to test whether differential neurophysiological characteristics of the seizures could be identified that support earlier observations that the powers of theta, alpha, and beta but not delta frequency bands were lower after MST when compared with those after ECS. In a randomized, sham-controlled trial, 24 macaca mulatte received 6 weeks of daily sessions while scalp EEG was recorded. Electroencephalogram power was quantified within delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. Magnetic seizure therapy induced lower ictal expression in the theta, alpha and beta frequencies than ECS, but MST and ECS were indistinguishable in the delta band. Magnetic seizure therapy showed less postictal suppression than ECS. Increasing electrical dosage increased ictal power, whereas increasing MST dosage had no effect on EEG expression. Magnetic seizure therapy seizures have less robust electrophysiological expression than ECS, and these differences are largest in the alpha and beta bands. The relevance of these differences in higher frequency bands to clinical outcomes deserves further exploration. Contrasting EEG in ECS and MST may lead to insights on the physiological underpinnings of seizure-induced amnesia and to finding ways to reduce cognitive side effects.

A two-year study of carbonaceous aerosols in ambient PM2.5 at a regional background site for western Yangtze River Delta, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dong; Cui, Hongfei; Zhao, Yu; Yin, Lina; Lu, Yan; Wang, Qingeng

2017-01-01

To analyze the characteristics of regional background carbonaceous aerosols in western Yangtze River Delta (YRD), hourly organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in fine particular matter (PM2.5) were measured with a semi-continuous carbon analyzer at a suburban site in upwind Nanjing from June 2013 to May 2015. Relatively low OC, EC and OC/EC were observed compared to other studies conducted in Nanjing. The reasons include the limited primary emissions around the observation site, the improved emission controls in recent years, and the use of denuder to reduce positive artifact in OC measurement. Resulting from the stable atmosphere conditions and emission variations, the highest concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols were found in both winters, with average OC and EC observed at 11.8 ± 10.0 and 5.9 ± 3.4 μg/m3 for the first one, and 8.1 ± 5 and 4.5 ± 2.4 μg/m3 for the second one, respectively. Compared to 2013, reduced OC and EC were found in summer and autumn 2014, demonstrating the benefits of emission control polices implemented for the Nanjing Youth Olympic, while elevated OC observed in spring 2015 was attributed probably to the increased biomass burning. For the hazy event in winter 2013, the back trajectories of air masses suggested that heavy pollution were from eastern Jiangsu, northern Anhui and Jiangsu, downtown Nanjing, and Shanghai. Secondary aerosol formation played an important role indicated by the larger mass fraction of OC and increased OC/EC in PM2.5 during the heavy pollution period. In the harvest season, biomass burning was estimated to contribute 51% and 16% of OC and EC concentrations, respectively.

Magnetic beads (Dynabead) toxicity to endothelial cells at high bead concentration: implication for tissue engineering of vascular prosthesis.

PubMed

Tiwari, A; Punshon, G; Kidane, A; Hamilton, G; Seifalian, A M

2003-10-01

Magnetic beads (Dynabeads) have been used for the purification of endothelial cells. One application for this procedure may be for single-stage seeding of bypass grafts. The number of endothelial cells (EC) isolated is crucial and therefore to increase the number of cells extracted, a higher number of Dynabeads per cell may need to be used. The effect of large numbers of CD31 Dynabeads on cell proliferation/metabolism is unknown. We undertook this study using CD31-coated Dynabeads and EC from human umbilical vein. EC were coated at concentrations of 4, 10, or 50 beads per cell. The cells were cultured for 6 days with control being normal EC. Cellular proliferation was assessed by trypsinization of cells and metabolism assessed with an Alamar blue viability assay. In a further experiment a compliant polyurethane graft was single-stage seeded with both coated Dynabeads and normal EC. The results showed that using a higher number of beads per cell resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation and a reduction in cell metabolism. The total number of Dynabeads-coated cells in culture compared to controls (%) by day 6 were 30.7 +/- 2.56, 41.3 +/- 9.8 and 59.2 +/- 7.3 for 50, 10, and 4 beads per cell, respectively. The corresponding results for Alamar blue were 43.7 +/- 1.2, 61.8 +/- 1.4, and 72.1 +/- 4.3. The seeded grafts showed reduced metabolism with the Dynabeads-coated EC. In conclusion, high numbers of beads per cell have a late detrimental effect on cell proliferation and metabolism. Therefore for single-stage seeding lower numbers of Dynabeads will need to be used with resultant reduction in the number of available EC.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Endothelial Cells Overexpressing Interleukin‐8 Receptors A/B and/or C‐C Chemokine Receptors 2/5 Inhibit Vascular Injury Response

PubMed Central

Giordano, Samantha; Zhao, Xiangmin; Chen, Yiu‐Fai; Litovsky, Silvio H.; Hage, Fadi G.; Townes, Tim M.; Sun, Chiao‐Wang; Wu, Li‐Chen; Oparil, Suzanne

2017-01-01

Abstract Recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages to the site of vascular injury is mediated by binding of chemoattractants to interleukin (IL) 8 receptors RA and RB (IL8RA/B) C‐C chemokine receptors (CCR) 2 and 5 expressed on neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage membranes. Endothelial cells (ECs) derived from rat‐induced pluripotent stem cells (RiPS) were transduced with adenovirus containing cDNA of IL8RA/B and/or CCR2/5. We hypothesized that RiPS‐ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B (RiPS‐IL8RA/B‐ECs), CCR2/5 (RiPS‐CCR2/5‐ECs), or both receptors (RiPS‐IL8RA/B+CCR2/5‐ECs) will inhibit inflammatory responses and neointima formation in balloon‐injured rat carotid artery. Twelve‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent balloon injury of the right carotid artery and intravenous infusion of (a) saline vehicle, (b) control RiPS‐Null‐ECs (ECs transduced with empty virus), (c) RiPS‐IL8RA/B‐ECs, (d) RiPS‐CCR2/5‐ECs, or (e) RiPS‐IL8RA/B+CCR2/5‐ECs. Inflammatory mediator expression and leukocyte infiltration were measured in injured and uninjured arteries at 24 hours postinjury by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Neointima formation was assessed at 14 days postinjury. RiPS‐ECs expressing the IL8RA/B or CCR2/5 homing device targeted the injured arteries and decreased injury‐induced inflammatory cytokine expression, neutrophil/macrophage infiltration, and neointima formation. Transfused RiPS‐ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B and/or CCR2/5 prevented inflammatory responses and neointima formation after vascular injury. Targeted delivery of iPS‐ECs with a homing device to inflammatory mediators in injured arteries provides a novel strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1168–1177 PMID:28233474

Survival of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) in the gastrointestinal tract given in combination with oral mesalamine to healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Joeres-Nguyen-Xuan, Thai Hoa; Boehm, Stephan Karl; Joeres, Lars; Schulze, Juergen; Kruis, Wolfgang

2010-02-01

Mesalamine and the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) are both effective agents for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. A combined therapy may have more than additive efficacy. However, mesalamine may have antimicrobial effects on EcN. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 48 healthy volunteers took EcN in a run-in phase for 17 days (5-50 x 10(9) viable bacteria od). If stool samples became positive for EcN, volunteers received combination treatment with EcN plus either mesalamine (1500 mg twice a day) or placebo for 1 week. Fecal samples were further tested for EcN in 2- to 3-day intervals until a maximum of 48 weeks after treatment. Patient diaries, blood, and urine were checked to assess safety, compliance, and tolerance. During run-in, viable EcN were detected in 45 of the 48 volunteers (94%); 2 volunteers were positive before taking EcN. From days 1 to 7 of combination treatment (n = 40), the number of EcN-positive volunteers varied between 70% and 80% in the mesalamine group and between 85% and 95% in the placebo group. Differences between the groups were not significant (normal approximation: day 3, P > 0.15; day 5, P > 0.25; day 7, P > 0.076). At treatment discontinuation, 16 of 20 volunteers in the mesalamine group and 15 of 20 volunteers in the placebo group were EcN positive, whereas this figure dropped continuously up to week 12 after discontinuation (mesalamine, 7 of 20; placebo, 4 of 20). No differences between the groups were seen with regard to tolerance and safety. The combination of EcN and mesalamine has no significant effect on the survival of EcN in healthy volunteers.

Doping control, providing whereabouts and the importance of privacy for elite athletes.

PubMed

Valkenburg, Diane; de Hon, Olivier; van Hilvoorde, Ivo

2014-03-01

To improve anti-doping efforts in sports, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) introduced the World Anti-Doping Program, in which (among others) regulations for providing athletes' whereabouts are described. Because the effectiveness and efficiency of this system depends on the co-operation and compliance of athletes, the perspective of elite athletes is important. This paper answers the following research questions: What is the perspective of Dutch elite athletes on the current whereabouts system in general and how important is their privacy in providing whereabouts in particular? In addition, this study explores how far the whereabouts system can be developed in the future. Are athletes willing to accept greater invasions of their privacy in order to reduce administrative effort and whereabouts failures? A structured questionnaire was completed by 129 Dutch elite athletes registered in the national and/or international testing pool. The results of this study indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the whereabouts system. Most respondents support anti-doping testing in general, but many athletes feel that WADA's whereabouts system is unacceptable in several respects. In terms of physical privacy, there was a great dissatisfaction. Nearly half of the athletes felt that the '1-hour time slot' limits their freedom, but on the other hand, most athletes disagreed with the statement that the distinction between their sport and private life is disturbed. For almost one in three respondents, the whereabouts system has a negative influence on the pleasure they experience in being an elite athlete. In terms of informational privacy, almost all athletes had confidence in the confidential treatment of their whereabouts information. Almost all athletes would accept giving their phone number to Doping Control Officials, but only half of the athletes would accept sharing their location on their mobile phone. Furthermore, almost two in ten of the athletes would accept wearing a permanent wrist or ankle bracelet or accept being implanted with a GPS chip in order to facilitate future anti-doping testing. The current whereabouts system needs to be improved in order to increase athletes' satisfaction with the anti-doping rules. The athletes themselves need to be engaged in this process. The results of this study indicate that a majority of the athletes are not likely to accept a greater violation of their privacy than the current whereabouts regulations already entail. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reducing intrusive traumatic memories after emergency caesarean section: A proof-of-principle randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Horsch, Antje; Vial, Yvan; Favrod, Céline; Harari, Mathilde Morisod; Blackwell, Simon E; Watson, Peter; Iyadurai, Lalitha; Bonsall, Michael B; Holmes, Emily A

2017-07-01

Preventative psychological interventions to aid women after traumatic childbirth are needed. This proof-of-principle randomized controlled study evaluated whether the number of intrusive traumatic memories mothers experience after emergency caesarean section (ECS) could be reduced by a brief cognitive intervention. 56 women after ECS were randomized to one of two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio: intervention (usual care plus cognitive task procedure) or control (usual care). The intervention group engaged in a visuospatial task (computer-game 'Tetris' via a handheld gaming device) for 15 min within six hours following their ECS. The primary outcome was the number of intrusive traumatic memories related to the ECS recorded in a diary for the week post-ECS. As predicted, compared with controls, the intervention group reported fewer intrusive traumatic memories (M = 4.77, SD = 10.71 vs. M = 9.22, SD = 10.69, d = 0.647 [95% CI: 0.106, 1.182]) over 1 week (intention-to-treat analyses, primary outcome). There was a trend towards reduced acute stress re-experiencing symptoms (d = 0.503 [95% CI: -0.032, 1.033]) after 1 week (intention-to-treat analyses). Times series analysis on daily intrusions data confirmed the predicted difference between groups. 72% of women rated the intervention "rather" to "extremely" acceptable. This represents a first step in the development of an early (and potentially universal) intervention to prevent postnatal posttraumatic stress symptoms that may benefit both mother and child. ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02502513. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Allosteric modulation of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activities in vitro by imidazoline receptor ligands

PubMed Central

Holt, Andrew; Wieland, Barbara; Baker, Glen B

2004-01-01

Evidence indicates that imidazoline I2 binding sites (I2BSs) are present on monoamine oxidase (MAO) and on soluble (plasma) semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase enzymes. The binding site on MAO has been described as a modulatory site, although no effects on activity are thought to have been observed as a result of ligands binding to these sites. We examined the effects in vitro of several imidazoline binding site ligands on activities of bovine plasma amine oxidase (BPAO) and porcine kidney diamine oxidase (PKDAO) in a spectrophotometric protocol. While both enzymes were inhibited at high concentrations of all ligands, clonidine, cirazoline and oxymetazoline were seen, at lower concentrations, to increase activity of BPAO versus benzylamine, but not of PKDAO versus putrescine. This effect was substrate dependent, with mixed or biphasic inhibition of spermidine, methylamine, p-tyramine and β-phenylethylamine oxidation observed at cirazoline concentrations that increased benzylamine oxidation. With benzylamine as substrate, clonidine decreased KM (EC50 8.82 μM, Emax 75.1% of control) and increased Vmax (EC50 164.6 μM, Emax 154.1% of control). Cirazoline decreased Vmax (EC50 2.15 μM, Emax 91.4% of control), then decreased KM (EC50 5.63 μM, Emax 42.6% of control) and increased Vmax (EC50 49.0 μM, Emax 114.4% of decreased Vmax value). Data for clonidine fitted a mathematical model for two-site nonessential activation plus linear intersecting noncompetitive inhibition. Data for cirazoline were consistent with involvement of a fourth site. These results reveal an ability of imidazoline ligands to modulate BPAO kinetics allosterically. The derived mechanism may have functional significance with respect to modulation of MAO by I2BS ligands. PMID:15451775

Functional roles of cell surface peptidases in reproductive organs

PubMed Central

2004-01-01

A number of biologically active peptides have been proposed to regulate function and differentiation of reproductive organs in an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion. Regulation of the local concentrations of these peptides is one of the important factors influencing their physiological effects on target cells. Membrane‐bound cell surface peptidases can activate or inactivate biologically active peptides before peptide factors access their receptors on the cell surface. Aminopeptidase A (EC 3.4.11.7), placental leucine aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.3), aminopeptidase‐N/CD13 (EC 3.4.11.2), dipeptidyl peptidases IV/CD26 (EC.3.4.14.5), carboxypeptidase‐M (EC 3.4.17.12), neutral endopeptidase/CD10 (EC 3.4.24.11) and endothelin converting enzyme‐1 (EC 3.4.23) are differentially expressed on the ovary, endometrium and placenta. The inhibition of enzyme activity affects steroid hormone production by granulosa and thecal cells, decidualization of endometrium and migration of extravillous trophoblasts. These findings suggest that membrane‐bound cell surface peptidases are local regulators for cellular growth and differentiation in reproductive organs by controlling extracellular concentration of peptide factors. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 165 –176) PMID:29662383

Laminar shear stress promotes mitochondrial homeostasis in endothelial cells.

PubMed

Wu, Li-Hong; Chang, Hao-Chun; Ting, Pei-Ching; Wang, Danny L

2018-06-01

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly subjected to flow-induced shear stress that is crucial for endothelial functions. Laminar shear stress (LSS) exerts atheroprotection to ECs. Mitochondrial homeostasis is essential for cellular survival. However, the effects of LSS on mitochondrial homeostasis in ECs remain unclear. Mitochondrial homeostasis in ECs exposed to LSS was examined. Cultured human umbilical vein ECs were subjected to LSS (12 dynes/cm 2 ) generated by a parallel-plate flow chamber system. ECs subjected to LSS demonstrated an increment of mitochondria in tubular form coupled with the increase of fusion proteins (Mfn2, OPA1) and the decrease of fission protein (Fis1). An increase of both long- and short- OPA1 along with a higher protease YME1L level were observed. LSS triggered a rapid phosphorylation on S637 but a decrease on S616 of fission-controlled protein Drp1. Consistently, Drp1 translocation to mitochondria was decreased in sheared ECs, suggesting that LSS promotes mitochondrial fusion. Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in sheared ECs was shown by the increase of mitochondrial mass and its regulatory proeins (PGC1α, TFAM, Nrf1). LSS enhances the expression of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes and improves mitochondrial functions indicated by the increase of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP generation. TNFα treatment decreased mitochondrial tubular network and its functions in ECs. LSS mitigated TNFα-induced mitochondrial impairments in ECs. Our results clearly indicate that LSS promotes mitochondrial homeostasis and attenuates inflammation-induced mitochondrial impairments in ECs. Our results provide novel insights into the manner of mitochondrial dynamics and functions modulated by LSS that contribute to endothelial integrity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

ECRH System For ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbos, C.; Henderson, M.; Albajar, F.; Bigelow, T.; Bomcelli, T.; Chavan, R.; Denisov, G.; Farina, D.; Gandini, F.; Heidinger, R.; Goodman, T.; Hogge, J. P.; Kajiwara, K.; Kasugai, A.; Kern, S.; Kobayashi, N.; Oda, Y.; Ramponi, G.; Rao, S. L.; Rasmussen, D.; Rzesnicki, T.; Saibene, G.; Sakamoto, K.; Sauter, O.; Scherer, T.; Strauss, D.; Takahashi, K.; Zohm, H.

2009-11-01

A 26 MW Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive (EC H&CD) system is to be installed for ITER. The main objectives are to provide, start-up assist, central H&CD and control of MHD activity. These are achieved by a combination of two types of launchers, one located in an equatorial port and the second type in four upper ports. The physics applications are partitioned between the two launchers, based on the deposition location and driven current profiles. The equatorial launcher (EL) will access from the plasma axis to mid radius with a relatively broad profile useful for central heating and current drive applications, while the upper launchers (ULs) will access roughly the outer half of the plasma radius with a very narrow peaked profile for the control of the Neoclassical Tearing Modes (NTM) and sawtooth oscillations. The EC power can be switched between launchers on a time scale as needed by the immediate physics requirements. A revision of all injection angles of all launchers is under consideration for increased EC physics capabilities while relaxing the engineering constraints of both the EL and ULs. A series of design reviews are being planned with the five parties (EU, IN, JA, RF, US) procuring the EC system, the EC community and ITER Organization (IO). The review meetings qualify the design and provide an environment for enhancing performances while reducing costs, simplifying interfaces, predicting technology upgrades and commercial availability. In parallel, the test programs for critical components are being supported by IO and performed by the Domestic Agencies (DAs) for minimizing risks. The wide participation of the DAs provides a broad representation from the EC community, with the aim of collecting all expertise in guiding the EC system optimization. Still a strong relationship between IO and the DA is essential for optimizing the design of the EC system and for the installation and commissioning of all ex-vessel components when several teams from several DAs will be involved together in the tests on the ITER site.

A chronic toxicity test for the tropical marine snail Nassarius dorsatus to assess the toxicity of copper, aluminium, gallium, and molybdenum.

PubMed

Trenfield, Melanie A; van Dam, Joost W; Harford, Andrew J; Parry, David; Streten, Claire; Gibb, Karen; van Dam, Rick A

2016-07-01

Chronic toxicity test methods for assessing the toxicity of contaminants to tropical marine organisms are generally lacking. A 96-h chronic growth rate toxicity test was developed for the larval stage of the tropical dogwhelk, Nassarius dorsatus. Growth rates of N. dorsatus larvae were assessed following exposures to copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), gallium (Ga), and molybdenum (Mo). Exposure to Cu at 28 °C validated the sensitivity of the test method, with 10% (EC10) and 50% (EC50) effect concentrations of 4.2 μg/L and 7.3 μg/L Cu, respectively. The EC10 and EC50 values for Al (<0.45-μm filtered fraction) at 28 °C were 115 μg/L and 185 μg/L, respectively. The toxicity of Cu and Al was also assessed at 24 °C and 31 °C, representing average year-round water temperatures for subtropical and tropical Australian coastal environments. At 24 °C, the growth rate of control larvae was reduced by 52% compared with the growth rate at 28 °C and there was an increase in sensitivity to Cu (EC50 = 4.7 μg/L) but a similar sensitivity to Al (EC50 = 180 μg/L). At 31 °C the control growth rate increased by 35% from that measured at 28 °C and there was reduced sensitivity to both Cu and Al (EC50s = 8.5 μg/L and 642 μg/L, respectively). There was minimal toxicity resulting from Ga (EC50 = 4560 μg/L) and Mo (no effect at ≤7000 μg/L Mo). Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1788-1795. © 2015 SETAC. © 2015 SETAC.

Efficacy of amoxycillin-clavulanate in an experimental model of murine pneumonia caused by AmpC-non-hyperproducing clinical isolates of Escherichia coli resistant to cefoxitin.

PubMed

Docobo-Pérez, F; Fernández-Cuenca, F; Pachón-Ibáñez, M E; Pascual, A; Pichardo, C; Martínez-Martínez, L; Pachón, J

2008-06-01

The algorithms included in most automated systems used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (e.g., Vitek 2) consider that Escherichia coli isolates resistant to cefoxitin are AmpC-hyperproducers and, consequently, resistant also to amoxycillin-clavulanate. However, a recent study revealed that 30% of E. coli clinical isolates resistant to cefoxitin remained susceptible in vitro to amoxycillin-clavulanate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of amoxycillin-clavulanate in the treatment of an experimental model of pneumonia, using two clonally related isolates (with identical repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence (REP)-PCR patterns) of AmpC-non-hyperproducing and OmpF-lacking E. coli (Ec985 and Ec571) that were resistant to cefoxitin and susceptible to cefotaxime and amoxycillin-clavulanate. MICs were determined using a microdilution technique, and in-vitro bactericidal activity was tested using time-kill assays. The in-vivo efficacy of amoxycillin, amoxycillin-clavulanate and cefotaxime against both isolates was tested in a murine pneumonia model using immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. Ec571 (a TEM-1/2 producer) was resistant to amoxycillin, whereas Ec985 (a TEM-1/2 non-producer) was susceptible. Amoxycillin, amoxycillin-clavulanate and cefotaxime were bactericidal for Ec985, and amoxycillin-clavulanate and cefotaxime were bactericidal for Ec571 at different concentrations and time-points, as determined using time-kill assays. Treatment with amoxycillin, amoxycillin-clavulanate and cefotaxime reduced the bacterial lung concentration of Ec985 compared with non-treated controls (p <0.05), whereas amoxycillin-clavulanate and cefotaxime showed efficacy against Ec571 when compared with the control and amoxycillin groups (p <0.05). Regardless of the exact underlying mechanism(s) of resistance, amoxycillin-clavulanate was effective in the experimental murine model in the treatment of pneumonia caused by AmpC-non-hyperproducing strains of E. coli resistant to cefoxitin.

Learning-related skills and academic achievement in academically at-risk first graders

PubMed Central

Cerda, Carissa A.; Im, Myung Hee; Hughes, Jan N.

2015-01-01

Using an academically at-risk, ethnically diverse sample of 744 first-grade children, this study tested a multi-method (i.e., child performance measures, teacher ratings, and peer ratings) measurement model of learning-related skills (i.e., effortful control [EC], behavioral self-regulation [BSR], and social competence [SC]), and their shared and unique contributions to children's reading and math achievement, above the effect of demographic variables. The hypothesized correlated factor measurement model demonstrated relatively good fit, with BSR and SC correlated highly with one another and moderately with EC. When entered in separate regression equations, EC and BSR each predicted children's reading and math achievement; SC only predicted reading achievement. When considered simultaneously, neither EC, BSR, nor SC contributed independently to reading achievement; however, EC had a direct effect on math achievement and an indirect effect on reading achievement via both BSR and SC. Implications for research and early intervention efforts are discussed. PMID:25908886

Light-regulation of enzyme activity in anacystis nidulans (Richt.).

PubMed

Duggan, J X; Anderson, L E

1975-01-01

The effect of light on the levels of activity of six enzymes which are light-modulated in higher plants was examined in the photosynthetic procaryot Anacystis nidulans. Ribulose-5-phosphate kinase (EC 2.7.1.19) was found to be light-activated in vivo and dithiothreitol-activated in vitro while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) was light-inactivated and dithiothreitol-inactivated. The enzymes fructose-1,6-diphosphate phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11), sedoheptulose-1,7-diphosphate phosphatase, NAD- and NADP-linked glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.12; EC 1.2.1.13) were not affected by light treatment of the intact algae, but sedoheptulose-diphosphate phosphatase and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases were dithiothreitol-activated in crude extracts. Light apparently controls the activity of the reductive and oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in this photosynthetic procaryot as in higher plants, through a process which probably involves reductive modulation of enzyme activity.

Anaerobic and Aerobic Performance of Elite Female and Male Snowboarders

PubMed Central

Żebrowska, Aleksandra; Żyła, Dorota; Kania, Damian; Langfort, Józef

2012-01-01

The physiological adaptation to training is specific to the muscle activity, dominant energy system involved, muscle groups trained, as well as intensity and volume of training. Despite increasing popularity of snowboarding only little scientific data is available on the physiological characteristics of female and male competitive snowboarders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the aerobic capacity and maximal anaerobic power of elite Polish snowboarders with untrained subjects. Ten snowboarders and ten aged matched students of Physical Education performed two exercise tests. First, a 30-second Wingate test was conducted and next, a cycle ergometer exercise test with graded intensity. In the first test, peak anaerobic power, the total work, relative peak power and relative mean power were measured. During the second test, relative maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold were evaluated. There were no significant differences in absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake between snowboarders and the control group. Mean maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold were significantly higher in men than in women. Significant differences were found between trained men and women regarding maximal power and relative maximal power. The elite snowboarders demonstrated a high level of anaerobic power. The level of relative peak power in trained women correlated negatively with maximal oxygen uptake. In conclusion, our results seem to indicate that the demanding competition program of elite snowboarders provides a significant training stimulus mainly for anaerobic power with minor changes in anaerobic performance. PMID:23487498

Potential role of maternal lineage in the thoroughbred breeding strategy.

PubMed

Lin, Xiang; Zhou, Shi; Wen, Li; Davie, Allan; Yao, Xinkui; Liu, Wujun; Zhang, Yong

2015-05-05

Many studies have focused on identifying the genes or single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the athletic ability of thoroughbreds, but few have considered differences in maternal and paternal heritability of athletic ability. Herein, we report on our association study of career race performances of 675 Australian thoroughbreds with their pedigrees. Racing performance data (prize money per start) were collected from the Bloodhound database. The performance of all horses was categorised as either poor or elite athletic achievement. Then, 675 foals were divided by their parents' performance (elite or poor) into four groups: (1) elite dams and elite sires; (2) elite dams and poor sires; (3) poor dams and elite sires; and (4) poor dams and poor sires. The performance of foals was then compared between the four groups. The results show that the heritability of race performance between dams and foals (r = 0.141, P < 0.001) is much higher than that between sires and foals (r = 0.035, P = 0.366), and that this difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). We also examined the effect of the child-bearing age of dams and sires on the ratio of elite foals. We found a strong correlation between the number of elite foals and dams' child-bearing age (r = -0.105, P < 0.001), with the ratio of elite offspring reaching a high level between a child-bearing age of 8 and 11 years (χ2 = 14.31, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001). These findings suggest that the maternal line may play an important role in the selective breeding of athletic performance in thoroughbreds.

Assessment of the presence/absence of the palmaris longus muscle in different sports, and elite and non-elite sport populations.

PubMed

Fowlie, Craig; Fuller, Colin; Pratten, Margaret K

2012-06-01

To investigate whether higher presence of the palmaris longus muscle is associated with sports that require hand grip. Cross-sectional study. Six hundred and forty-two medical students, members of sports clubs and national athletes. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire that assessed their main sport, elite or non-elite level of participation, and level of activity. The presence of the palmaris longus was assessed visually using a standardised test. Presence of the palmaris longus, type of hand grip required for the sport and the level of participation. The presence of the palmaris longus was higher in elite athletes (21/22, 96%) than non-elite athletes (66/84, 79%; P=0.066) for sports that require a dominant-handed or two-handed cylindrical grip (18/22, 82% and 19/35, 54%, respectively; P=0.034). For both elite and non-elite athletes, the presence of the palmaris longus was higher in those participating in sustained grip sports (325/387, 84%) compared with sports that do not require a sustained grip (150/197, 76%; P=0.012). The palmaris longus may provide an advantage in certain types of sport that require hand grip, and for elite athletes participating in sports that require a dominant-handed or two-handed cylindrical hand grip. Orthopaedic specialists considering the use of the palmaris longus for a grafting procedure on an athlete should consider the level of participation and the type of hand grip required in the athlete's sport. Copyright © 2011 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A cross-sectional lower-body power profile of elite and subelite Australian football players.

PubMed

Caia, Johnpaul; Doyle, Tim L A; Benson, Amanda C

2013-10-01

Australian football (AF) is a sport which requires a vast array of physiological qualities, including high levels of strength and power. However, the power characteristics of AF players, particularly at the subelite level have not been extensively studied with further investigation warranted to understand the power capabilities and training requirements of elite and subelite AF groups. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to develop a lower-body power profile of elite and subelite AF players. Eighteen elite and 12 subelite AF players completed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat test to determine maximal lower-body strength, and countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) testing to assess lower-body muscular power performance. Maximal lower-body strength was not statistically different between groups (p > 0.05). Elite players produced greater levels of peak power for CMJ at loads of 0, 30 (p < 0.05), and 40% (p < 0.01) of 1RM in comparison to subelite players. Squat jump peak power was statistically different between groups at 0, 20, 30, and 40% (p < 0.01) of 1RM; with elite players producing greater power than their subelite counterparts at all measured loads for SJ. Findings from this investigation demonstrate that elite AF players are able to generate greater levels of lower-body power than subelite AF players, despite no significant differences existing in maximal lower-body strength or body mass. As lower-body power levels clearly differentiate elite and subelite AF players, emphasis may be placed on improving the power levels of subelite players, particularly those aspiring to reach the elite level.

Relevance of estrogen-related receptor gene and ecdysone receptor gene in adult testis of the cricket Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Wenjie; Jia, Yishu; Tan, E.; Xi, Gengsi

2017-12-01

Estrogen-related receptor gene ( ERR) and ecdysone receptor gene ( EcR) belong to the nuclear receptor gene superfamily, both of which are associated with the regulation of insect reproductive development. However, the relationship between ERR and EcR and whether ERR participates in the 20E signal pathway during male reproduction are unclear. In this paper, adult male crickets Teleogryllus emma Ohmschi & Matsumura were divided into the experimental group, negative group, and control group. Crickets of the experimental group were injected with TeERR or TeEcR-dsRNA, and those in the negative group received EGFP-dsRNA. The efficiency of TeERR and TeEcR-RNAi was detected in the experimental group. Furthermore, the transcription level, morphological characteristics as well as weight were analyzed in the TeERR or TeEcR knocked-down testis. Results showed that the expression level of TeERR or TeEcR was significantly down-regulated ( P < 0.05) when treated with 2000 ng TeERR or TeEcR-dsRNA for 48 h. The expression level of TeERR could be down-regulated ( P < 0.05) using TeEcR-RNAi and vice versa. TeERR and TeEcR-RNAi caused morphological changes in testes, but they had no obvious effect on weight ( P > 0.05). These results indicate that TeERR and TeEcR are intimately related to each other. In addition, TeERR may be involved in the 20E signal pathway and maintain the function of adult cricket testis.

Postural control in 13-year-old soccer players

PubMed Central

Bieć, Ewa

2010-01-01

To evaluate the effect of early systematic soccer training on postural control we measured center-of-pressure (COP) variability, range, mean velocity and frequency in bipedal quiet stance with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) in 44 boys aged 13 (25 boys who practiced soccer for 5–6 years and 19 healthy boys who did not practice sports). The soccer players had better stability, particularly in the medial–lateral plane (M/L); their COP variability and range were lower than in controls in both EO (p < 0.05) and EC (p < 0.0005) condition indicating that the athletes were less dependent on vision than non-athletes. Improved stability of athletes was accompanied by a decrease in COP frequency (p < 0.001 in EO, and p < 0.04 in EC) which accounted for lower regulatory activity of balance system in soccer players. The athletes had lower COP mean velocity than controls (p < 0.0001 in both visual condition), with larger difference in the M/L than A/P plane (p < 0.00001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Postural behavior was more variable within the non-athletes than soccer players, mainly in the EC stances (p < 0.005 for all COP parameters). We conclude that: (1) soccer training described was efficient in improving the M/L postural control in young boys; (2) athletes developed specific postural strategies characterized by decreased COP frequency and lower reliance on vision. PMID:20582432

Cardiovascular health profile of elite female football players compared to untrained controls before and after short-term football training.

PubMed

Randers, Morten Bredsgaard; Andersen, Lars Juel; Orntoft, Christina; Bendiksen, Mads; Johansen, Lars; Horton, Joshua; Hansen, Peter Riis; Krustrup, Peter

2013-01-01

This study examined the intermittent exercise performance and cardiovascular health profile in elite female football players in comparison to untrained young women, as well as a subgroup subjected to football training 2x1 h · week(-1) for 16 weeks. Twenty-seven Danish national team players (elite trained, ET) and 28 untrained women (UT) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-scanning (DXA), comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, treadmill and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 2 (IE2) testing. Eight women in UT were also tested after the football training period. Maximal oxygen uptake rate (VO2max), peak ventilation and peak lactate were 40, 18 and 51% higher (P< 0.01) in ET than UT, respectively. Cardiac dimensions and function were greater in ET than UT, with left ventricular diastolic diameter, right ventricular diastolic diameter, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak transmitral flow in early diastole divided by peak transmitral flow velocity in late diastole during atrial contraction (E/A-ratio) being 13, 19, 27 and 41%, respectively, greater in ET than UT (P< 0.001 to< 0.05). Yo-Yo IE2 performance was 7-fold higher in ET than UT (1772 ± 508 vs. 234 ± 66 m, P< 0.001), fat mass was 51% lower (P< 0.001) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were 20% higher (P< 0.01). Sixteen weeks of football elevated VO2max and Yo-Yo IE2 performance by 16 and 40%, respectively, and lowered fat mass by 6%. Cardiac function was markedly improved by 16 weeks of football training with 26 and 46% increases in TAPSE and E/A ratio, respectively, reaching levels comparable to ET. In summary, elite female football players have a superior cardiovascular health profile and intermittent exercise performance compared to untrained controls, but short-term football training can markedly improve the cardiovascular health status.

The effect of nebulized salbutamol or isotonic saline on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in elite skaters following a 1,500-meter race: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Driessen, Jean M M; Gerritsma, Margryt; Westbroek, Jaap; ten Hacken, Nick H T; de Jongh, Frans H C

2013-07-09

Prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is high in elite athletes, especially after many years training in cold and dry air conditions. The primary treatment of EIB is inhaling a short-acting beta-2-agonist such as salbutamol. However, professional speed skaters also inhale nebulized isotonic saline or tap water before and after a race or intense training. The use of nebulized isotonic saline or tap water to prevent EIB has not been studied before, raising questions about safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to analyze the acute effect of nebulized isotonic saline or salbutamol on EIB in elite speed skaters following a 1,500-meter race. This randomized controlled trial compares single dose treatment of 1 mg nebulized salbutamol in 4 mL of isotonic saline, or with 5 mL of isotonic saline. A minimum of 13 participants will be allocated in each treatment group. Participants should be between 18 and 35 years of age and able to skate 1,500 m in less than 2 min 10 s (women) or 2 min 05 s (men). Repeated measurements of spirometry, forced oscillation technique, and electromyography will be performed before and after an official 1,500-m race. Primary outcome of the study is the difference in fall in FEV1 after exercise in the different treatment groups. The trial is currently enrolling participants. Elite athletes run the risk of pulmonary inflammation and remodeling as a consequence of their frequent exercise, and thus increased ventilation in cold and dry environments. Although inhalation of nebulized isotonic saline is commonplace, no study has ever investigated the safety or efficacy of this treatment. This trial protocol was registered with the Dutch trial registration for clinical trials under number NTR3550.

[Experience in controlling the Salmonella carrier state on a pedigree poultry breeding farm].

PubMed

Savov, D; Dimitrov, N; Slavkov, I; Tsonev, Ts; Duparinov, I

1976-01-01

Systematic microbiologic control was carried out in the 1972-1975 period on an elite poultry farm whereas from the 23,724 samples studied, taken from objects of the epizootic chain forage-birds-hatchery, 78 cultures of Salmonella organisms of 14 species or 0.32 per cent of the total number of samples were isolated. A trend was observed toward the year-to-year drop in the number of positive findings of Salmonellae, and by the end of 1975 the results were negative. This fact was backed by the investigations in the poultry dressing combines throughout the country that have received the parental forms of birds from the sanated elite poultry farm. Established was vertical (congenital) transmission of Salmonella enteritidis, and using the typhoid-pullorosis test all carrier birds were detected and eliminated. Thus serologically were followed up and eliminated the hidden sources of infection among the flocks on the elite poultry farm. The alimentary mechanism of infection transmission (horizontally with the chain forage-birds was discontinued through the storage of feed mixtures packed in bags (not in bulk). The chain birds-hatchery was interrupted by means of fumigation, the eggs being treated up to the second hour following laying, and then subjected to four subsequent treatment with disinfectants up to hatching. The environment was sanated by three-fold disinfections every sixth day with lysol, formalin or veraform, anf fumigation with formaldehyde vapours, resulting in 100 per cent effectiveness. This was demonstrated many times bacteriologically. The overall observation of hygiene measures contributed to the sanation of the elite farm. The parallel examination of personnel on the farm made by organs of the Hygiene and Epidemiologic Inspection detected a female worker that acted as a carrier of S. enteritidis. Upon her elimination the complex of measures for the study and complete sanation of the farm was considered fulfilled.

Eighty-three per cent of elite athletes return to preinjury sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review with meta-analysis of return to sport rates, graft rupture rates and performance outcomes.

PubMed

Lai, Courtney C H; Ardern, Clare L; Feller, Julian A; Webster, Kate E

2018-01-01

The primary objective was to calculate the rate of return to sport (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in elite athletes. Secondary objectives were to estimate the time taken to RTS, calculate rates of ACL graft rupture, evaluate postsurgical athletic performance and identify determinants of RTS. Pooled RTS and graft rupture rates were calculated using random effects proportion meta-analysis. Time to RTS, performance data and determinants of RTS were synthesised descriptively. MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, AMI, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and The Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 19 January 2016. Hand searching of 10 sports medicine journals and reference checking were also performed. Studies were included if they reported the ratio of elite athletes who returned to their preinjury level of sport following ACL reconstruction. Twenty-four studies were included. The pooled RTS rate was 83% (95% CI 77% to 88%). The mean time to RTS ranged from 6 to 13 months. The pooled graft rupture rate was 5.2% (95% CI 2.8% to 8.3%). Six out of nine studies that included a noninjured control group found no significant deterioration in athletic performance following ACL reconstruction. Indicators of greater athletic skill or value to the team were associated with RTS. Eighty-three per cent of elite athletes returned to sport following ACL reconstruction, while 5.2% sustained a graft rupture. Most athletes who returned to sport performed comparably with matched, uninjured controls. This information may assist in guiding expectations of athletes and clinicians following ACL reconstruction. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Modulation of paraquat toxicity by beta-carotene at low oxygen partial pressure in chicken embryo fibroblasts.

PubMed

Lawlor, S M; O'Brien, N M

1997-01-01

The efficiency with which beta-carotene protects against oxidative stress in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) at low O2 partial pressures was assessed. Primary cultures of CEF were grown at low O2 partial pressures and oxidatively stressed by exposure to paraquat (PQ). Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1; SOD), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6; CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9; GSH-Px) were measured as indices of oxidative stress. CEF incubated with 0.25-1.0 mM-PQ for 18 h exhibited increased SOD and CAT activities compared with non-PQ-treated control cells (P < 0.001). No cytotoxicity as indicated by lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27; LDH) release was observed at PQ concentrations below 2.0 mM. Incorporation of added beta-carotene into 0.25 mM-PQ-treated cells prevented the PQ-induced increases in SOD and CAT, and activities were similar to those seen in non-PQ-treated control cells. GSH-Px activity decreased relative to its control value on exposure to 0.25 mM-PQ and beta-carotene prevented this decrease in a dose-dependent manner. The proportion of LDH released from the CEF treated with beta-carotene remained below the control value of 2.5% at all times.

The application of soccer performance testing protocols to the non-elite player.

PubMed

Siegler, J; Robergs, R; Weingart, H

2006-03-01

The application of performance testing for the evaluation of non-elite soccer players has received little attention. The purpose of this investigation was to use tests developed for elite soccer players to evaluate performance in non-elite soccer players and compare performance test results between elite (literature) and non-elite (data) players. Thirteen male soccer players volunteered to participate. The tests included a treadmill VO2max test, 20 m sprint, vertical jump (VJ), 30 s Wingate cycle ergometer test, the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST), and 2 20-m multi-stage shuttle runs to exhaustion (fatigue test). Actual VO2max (absolute and relative) scores were correlated with the estimated VO2max scores (fatigue test), 20 m sprint, VJ, and 30 s Wingate using a Pearson's product-moment correlation. A paired t-test was conducted on the fatigue test trials. Non-significant relationships were observed between actual VO2max scores and estimated VO2max from the fatigue test (absolute and relative terms). Non-significant relationships were also observed between peak and average power output (Wingate), 20 m sprint, and VJ. Mean heart rates (HRs) throughout the LIST was 165+/-7 bpm, which represented 88% of HRmax. The results of this study demonstrate that to elicit physiological differences between elite and non-elite players, assessment must include both an aerobic and anaerobic component.

Winning the game: brain processes in expert, young elite and amateur table tennis players.

PubMed

Wolf, Sebastian; Brölz, Ellen; Scholz, David; Ramos-Murguialday, Ander; Keune, Philipp M; Hautzinger, Martin; Birbaumer, Niels; Strehl, Ute

2014-01-01

(1) compared with amateurs and young elite, expert table tennis players are characterized by enhanced cortical activation in the motor and fronto-parietal cortex during motor imagery in response to table tennis videos; (2) in elite athletes, world rank points are associated with stronger cortical activation. To this aim, electroencephalographic data were recorded in 14 expert, 15 amateur and 15 young elite right-handed table tennis players. All subjects watched videos of a serve and imagined themselves responding with a specific table tennis stroke. With reference to a baseline period, power decrease/increase of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) during the pretask- and task period indexed the cortical activation/deactivation (event-related desynchronization/synchronization, ERD/ERS). Regarding hypothesis (1), 8-10 Hz SMR ERD was stronger in elite athletes than in amateurs with an intermediate ERD in young elite athletes in the motor cortex. Regarding hypothesis (2), there was no correlation between ERD/ERS in the motor cortex and world rank points in elite experts, but a weaker ERD in the fronto-parietal cortex was associated with higher world rank points. These results suggest that motor skill in table tennis is associated with focused excitability of the motor cortex during reaction, movement planning and execution with high attentional demands. Among elite experts, less activation of the fronto-parietal attention network may be necessary to become a world champion.

The key to success in elite athletes? Explicit and implicit motor learning in youth elite and non-elite soccer players.

PubMed

Verburgh, L; Scherder, E J A; van Lange, P A M; Oosterlaan, J

2016-09-01

In sports, fast and accurate execution of movements is required. It has been shown that implicitly learned movements might be less vulnerable than explicitly learned movements to stressful and fast changing circumstances that exist at the elite sports level. The present study provides insight in explicit and implicit motor learning in youth soccer players with different expertise levels. Twenty-seven youth elite soccer players and 25 non-elite soccer players (aged 10-12) performed a serial reaction time task (SRTT). In the SRTT, one of the sequences must be learned explicitly, the other was implicitly learned. No main effect of group was found for implicit and explicit learning on mean reaction time (MRT) and accuracy. However, for MRT, an interaction was found between learning condition, learning phase and group. Analyses showed no group effects for the explicit learning condition, but youth elite soccer players showed better learning in the implicit learning condition. In particular, during implicit motor learning youth elite soccer showed faster MRTs in the early learning phase and earlier reached asymptote performance in terms of MRT. Present findings may be important for sports because children with superior implicit learning abilities in early learning phases may be able to learn more (durable) motor skills in a shorter time period as compared to other children.

Effortful control as a dimension of temperament is negatively associated with prefrontal serotonin transporter availability in obese and non-obese individuals.

PubMed

Zientek, Franziska; Winter, Karsten; Müller, Astrid; Rullmann, Michael; Luthardt, Julia; Becker, Georg-Alexander; Bresch, Anke; Patt, Marianne; Sabri, Osama; Hilbert, Anja; Hesse, Swen

2016-10-01

There is evidence that temperamental factors are associated with obesity; however, the biological mechanism of such association remains elusive. We aimed to investigate a possible association between serotonin transmission and regulative temperament in obese and non-obese individuals by using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of serotonin transporters (SERT) and the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. Twenty-nine obese individuals with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m 2 and 13 non-obese controls (BMI < 30 kg/m 2 ) underwent PET with [ 11 C]-labeled DASB (highly selective for SERT) and self-completed the Effortful Control (EC) scale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire-Short Form (ATQ). With the help of this questionnaire, we aimed to assess the capacity of self-regulation. Overall, for obese and non-obese individuals together, VOI-based (volume of interest) analysis showed significant negative correlations between SERT BP ND and ATQ-EC AC (Activation Control) subscale in several brain regions (all r ≤ -0.47). Obese and non-obese individuals separated showed equally strong positive, but non-significant correlations. The analysis did not reveal any significant correlations of SERT availability and ATQ-EC IC (Inhibitory Control) or ATQ-EC AtC (Attentional Control) subscale within and between the two groups. The results indicate that regulative temperament - particularly the capacity to mitigate negatively toned impulses and to resist inappropriate avoidance behavior - might be associated with the prefrontal serotonergic system. © 2016 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Investigation of a new pH-responsive nanoparticulate pore former for controlled release enteric coating with improved processability and stability.

PubMed

Chen, Kuan; Chang, Hao Han R; Shalviri, Alireza; Li, Jason; Lugtu-Pe, Jamie Anne; Kane, Anil; Wu, Xiao Yu

2017-11-01

Water-soluble polymers are often used as pore formers to tailor permeability of film-forming hydrophobic polymers on coated dosage forms. However, their addition to a coating formulation could significantly increase the viscosity thus making the coating process difficult. Moreover, the dissolution of pore formers after oral administration could compromise film integrity resulting in undesirable, inconsistent release profiles. Therefore, a non-leaching, pH-responsive nanoparticulate pore former is proposed herein to preserve film integrity and maintain pH-dependent permeability. Poly(methacrylic acid)-polysorbate 80-grafted-starch terpolymer nanoparticles (TPNs) were incorporated within an ethylcellulose (EC) film (TPN-EC) by casting or spray coating. TPNs at 10%wt (pore former level) only increased viscosity of EC coating suspension slightly while conventional pore formers increased the viscosity by 490-11,700%. Negligible leaching of TPNs led to superior mechanical properties of TPN-EC films compared to Eudragit® L-EC films. As pH increased from 1.2 to 6.8, TPN-EC films with 10% pore former level exhibited an 8-fold higher diltiazem permeability compared to Eudragit® L-EC films. The pH-dependent drug release kinetics of diltiazem HCl beads coated with TPN-EC films was tunable by adjusting the pore former level. These results suggest that the TPNs are promising pH-sensitive nanoparticulate pore formers in EC-coated dosage forms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elite and Status Attainment Models of Inequality of Opportunity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myles, John F.; Srensen, Aage B.

1975-01-01

With changes in method, analysis of the process of attainment of various occupations and sub-sets of occupations such as elites can bring about the desired comparability between elite and status attainment studies of equality of opportunity. (Author/AM)

Hospital Exemption for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: Issue in Application in the European Union Member States.

PubMed

Ivaskiene, Tatjana; Mauricas, Mykolas; Ivaska, Justinas

2017-01-01

Regulation (EC) 1394/2007 of the European Parliament and the Council on advanced therapy medicinal products and amending Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 allowed the use of non - authorized advanced therapy medicinal products under the certain circumstances. This socalled hospital exemption rule needs to be applied in the each Member State of the European Union individually and for this purpose Member States should provide national procedures and control measures. The aim of this article is to clear up the criteria for hospital exemption listed in Regulation (EC) 1394/2007 and to contrast the difference in implementing hospital exemption rule into national legal regimes on examples of the United Kingdom, Lithuania and Poland.

Noise Effects on Entangled Coherent State Generated via Atom-Field Interaction and Beam Splitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najarbashi, G.; Mirzaei, S.

2016-05-01

In this paper, we introduce a controllable method for producing two and three-mode entangled coherent states (ECS's) using atom-field interaction in cavity QED and beam splitter. The generated states play central roles in linear optics, quantum computation and teleportation. We especially focus on qubit, qutrit and qufit like ECS's and investigate their entanglement by concurrence measure. Moreover, we illustrate decoherence properties of ECS's due to noisy channels, using negativity measure. At the end the effect of noise on monogamy inequality is discussed.

Unilateral jumps in different directions: a novel assessment of soccer-associated power?

PubMed

Murtagh, Conall F; Vanrenterghem, Jos; O'Boyle, Andrew; Morgans, Ryland; Drust, Barry; Erskine, Robert M

2017-11-01

We aimed to determine whether countermovement jumps (CMJs; unilateral and bilateral) performed in different directions assessed independent lower-limb power qualities, and if unilateral CMJs would better differentiate between elite and non-elite soccer players than the bilateral vertical (BV) CMJ. Elite (n=23; age, 18.1±1.0years) and non-elite (n=20; age, 22.3±2.7years) soccer players performed three BV, unilateral vertical (UV), unilateral horizontal-forward (UH) and unilateral medial (UM) CMJs. Jump performance (height and projectile range), kinetic and kinematic variables from ground reaction forces, and peak activation levels of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris (BF) muscles from surface electromyography, were compared between jumps and groups of players. Peak vertical power (V-power) was greater in BV (220.2±30.1W/kg) compared to UV (144.1±16.2W/kg), which was greater than UH (86.7±18.3W/kg) and UM (85.5±13.5W/kg) (all, p<0.05) but there was no difference between UH and UM (p=1.000). Peak BF EMG was greater in UH compared to all other CMJs (p≤0.001). V-power was greater in elite than non-elite for all CMJs (p≤0.032) except for BV (p=0.197). Elite achieved greater UH projectile range than non-elite (51.6±15.4 vs. 40.4±10.4cm, p=0.009). We have shown that UH, UV and UM CMJs assess distinct lower-limb muscular power capabilities in soccer players. Furthermore, as elite players outperformed non-elite players during unilateral but not BV CMJs, unilateral CMJs in different directions should be included in soccer-specific muscular power assessment and talent identification protocols, rather than the BV CMJ. Copyright © 2017 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Patellar tendon properties distinguish elite from non-elite soccer players and are related to peak horizontal but not vertical power.

PubMed

Murtagh, Conall F; Stubbs, Michael; Vanrenterghem, Jos; O'Boyle, Andrew; Morgans, Ryland; Drust, Barry; Erskine, Robert M

2018-06-02

To investigate potential differences in patellar tendon properties between elite and non-elite soccer players, and to establish whether tendon properties were related to power assessed during unilateral jumps performed in different directions. Elite (n = 16; age 18.1 ± 1.0 years) and non-elite (n = 13; age 22.3 ± 2.7 years) soccer players performed vertical, horizontal-forward and medial unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJs) on a force plate. Patellar tendon (PT) cross-sectional area, elongation, strain, stiffness, and Young's modulus (measured at the highest common force interval) were assessed with ultrasonography and isokinetic dynamometry. Elite demonstrated greater PT elongation (6.83 ± 1.87 vs. 4.92 ± 1.88 mm, P = 0.011) and strain (11.73 ± 3.25 vs. 8.38 ± 3.06%, P = 0.009) than non-elite soccer players. Projectile range and peak horizontal power during horizontal-forward CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r = 0.657 and 0.693, P < 0.001) but inversely with Young's modulus (r = - 0.376 and - 0.402; P = 0.044 and 0.031). Peak medial power during medial CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r = 0.658, P < 0.001) but inversely with tendon stiffness (r = - 0.368, P = 0.050). Not only does a more compliant patellar tendon appear to be an indicator of elite soccer playing status but it may also facilitate unilateral horizontal-forward and medial, but not vertical CMJ performance. These findings should be considered when prescribing talent selection and development protocols related to direction-specific power in elite soccer players.

Starting Block Performance in Sprinters: A Statistical Method for Identifying Discriminative Parameters of the Performance and an Analysis of the Effect of Providing Feedback over a 6-Week Period

PubMed Central

Fortier, Sylvie; Basset, Fabien A.; Mbourou, Ginette A.; Favérial, Jérôme; Teasdale, Normand

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine if kinetic and kinematic parameters of the sprint start could differentiate elite from sub-elite sprinters and, (b) to investigate whether providing feedback (FB) about selected parameters could improve starting block performance of intermediate sprinters over a 6-week training period. Twelve male sprinters, assigned to an elite or a sub-elite group, participated in Experiment 1. Eight intermediate sprinters participated in Experiment 2. All athletes were required to perform three sprint starts at maximum intensity followed by a 10-m run. To detect differences between elite and sub-elite groups, comparisons were made using t-tests for independent samples. Parameters reaching a significant group difference were retained for the linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The LDA yielded four discriminative kinetic parameters. Feedback about these selected parameters was given to sprinters in Experiment 2. For this experiment, data acquisition was divided into three periods. The first six sessions were without specific FB, whereas the following six sessions were enriched by kinetic FB. Finally, athletes underwent a retention session (without FB) 4 weeks after the twelfth session. Even though differences were found in the time to front peak force, the time to rear peak force, and the front peak force in the retention session, the results of the present study showed that providing FB about selected kinetic parameters differentiating elite from sub-elite sprinters did not improve the starting block performance of intermediate sprinters. Key Points The linear discriminative analysis allows the identification of starting block parameters differentiating elite from sub-elite athletes. 6-week of feedback does not alter starting block performance in training context. The present results failed to confirm previous studies since feedback did not improve targeted kinetic parameters of the complex motor task in real-world context. PMID:24431969

Starting Block Performance in Sprinters: A Statistical Method for Identifying Discriminative Parameters of the Performance and an Analysis of the Effect of Providing Feedback over a 6-Week Period.

PubMed

Fortier, Sylvie; Basset, Fabien A; Mbourou, Ginette A; Favérial, Jérôme; Teasdale, Normand

2005-06-01

(a) to examine if kinetic and kinematic parameters of the sprint start could differentiate elite from sub-elite sprinters and, (b) to investigate whether providing feedback (FB) about selected parameters could improve starting block performance of intermediate sprinters over a 6-week training period. Twelve male sprinters, assigned to an elite or a sub-elite group, participated in Experiment 1. Eight intermediate sprinters participated in Experiment 2. All athletes were required to perform three sprint starts at maximum intensity followed by a 10-m run. To detect differences between elite and sub-elite groups, comparisons were made using t-tests for independent samples. Parameters reaching a significant group difference were retained for the linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The LDA yielded four discriminative kinetic parameters. Feedback about these selected parameters was given to sprinters in Experiment 2. For this experiment, data acquisition was divided into three periods. The first six sessions were without specific FB, whereas the following six sessions were enriched by kinetic FB. Finally, athletes underwent a retention session (without FB) 4 weeks after the twelfth session. Even though differences were found in the time to front peak force, the time to rear peak force, and the front peak force in the retention session, the results of the present study showed that providing FB about selected kinetic parameters differentiating elite from sub-elite sprinters did not improve the starting block performance of intermediate sprinters. Key PointsThe linear discriminative analysis allows the identification of starting block parameters differentiating elite from sub-elite athletes.6-week of feedback does not alter starting block performance in training context.The present results failed to confirm previous studies since feedback did not improve targeted kinetic parameters of the complex motor task in real-world context.