Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In-season whole-body vibration training enhances vertical jump performance in professional soccer goalkeepers

Goalkeepers play an important role in soccer, often influencing match outcome. Soccer goalkeepers have superior jumping ability compared with their outfield counterparts and research has highlighted the importance of this ability. While there is evidence that whole body vibration training (WBVT) can improve explosive power in various populations, there is no data focusing on how this training modality may benefit soccer goalkeepers. With institutional ethics approval, 20 professional male soccer goalkeepers ( age = 24 ± 6 yrs.; mass = 84 ± 10.3 kg; height = 1.84 ± 0.1 m ) from the English Football League Division One were randomly assigned to either a WBVT or control group. The WBVT group performed static squats from their individual ready position, which is utilised by goalkeepers prior to performing any dynamic movements, on a vibration platform twice-a-week over a five-week period. The control group followed the same exercise programme without the application of vibration. Vertical jump performance, initiated from the goalkeepers’ individual ready position, was measured prior to, and on completion of, the five-week study. A 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed an improvement in the experimental group’s jump performance from 49.2 ± 4.4 cm pre-training to 53.8 ± 3.5 cm post-training , while the control group’s performance remained stable from 47.02 ± 4.8 cm pre-training to 46.6 ± 4.5 cm post-training , resulting in a significant time-by-group interaction (P<0.001). Findings of the current study provide evidence supporting WBVT’s incorporation into goalkeepers’ training regimes.
Differences between Self-forgiveness and Interpersonal Forgiveness in Relation to Mental Health

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between forgiveness and mental health and to examine the potential differences between two types of forgiveness: self-forgiveness and interpersonal forgiveness. A level of mental health was operationalized as a syndrome of an individual’s well-being symptoms, including positive mental health, trait depression, trait anxiety and the perceived quality of interpersonal relationships. The research sample consisted of 331 respondents, aged 16 to 69 years. The tools used included the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, Mental Health Continuum Scale – Short Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Depression Inventory and Positive Relations with Others Scale from the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Basic demographic data including subjective assessment of the general state of health were administered. The results have shown a statistically significant correlation between forgiveness and all the investigated variables. Self-forgiveness has been found to be in a tighter correlation with the investigated variables than interpersonal forgiveness.
Leg-extensor strength and continuous-scale physical functional performance in independent-living older adults

A clear relationship between age-related decrements in leg strength and physical function have been reported. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the relationship between quadriceps strength tested at various velocities and the CS-PFP 10 items. Thirty-three older adults (ages 70-95 years) were assessed using the CS-PFP 10 test battery and performed quadriceps strength testing at 0, 90, 180o/sec using the Biodex dynamometer. Values for torque are reported as peak torque (PT) and relative peak torque (AdjPT) in Nm/kg body weight. The range of values for PT was (PT0: 20.2-144.3 Nm; PT90: 14-113.6 Nm; PT180: 9.6-86.4 Nm). Simple correlation revealed age was inversely related to quadriceps strength (with PT0, r=-0.368; PT180, r=-0.384), while nearly significant at PT90 (r=-0.339, p=0.54), and the overall CS-PFP 10 scores (r=0.657, p<0.001). However, when treating the data according to gender, the relationship between age and strength did not achieve significance for either males or females. Age was associated with several of the individual CS-PFP items. Results also revealed relationships between absolute strength and CS-PFP 10 scores (PT0 r=0.622 p<0.001; PT90 r=0.683 p<0.001; PT180 r=0.614 p<0.001). Moreover, the association between age and function appeared somewhat similar for males (-0.621) and females (-0.678). However, the male subjects also showed associations between relative strength (AdjPT90 and AdjPT180) and CS-PFP10 scores, while females revealed an association between relative strength and function at 0 per second, only. Lastly, curve fitting revealed that the association between strength and function in this group of older adults is linear, thereby suggesting the absence of an identifiable functional threshold above which an increase in strength would not result in an increase in function. The results are consistent with age-
MOLECULAR TRACERS OF PDR-DOMINATED GALAXIES

Photon-dominated regions (PDRs) are powerful molecular line emitters in external galaxies. They are expected in galaxies with high rates of massive star formation due to either starburst (SB) events or SB coupled with active galactic nuclei (AGNs) events. We have explored the PDR chemistry for a range of physical conditions representing a variety of galaxy types. Our main result is a demonstration of the sensitivity of the chemistry to changes in the physical conditions. We adopt crude estimates of relevant physical parameters for several galaxy types and use our models to predict suitable molecular tracers of those conditions. The set of recommended molecular tracers differs from that which we recommended for use in galaxies with embedded massive stars. Thus, molecular observations can in principle be used to distinguish between excitation by SB and by SB+AGN in distant galaxies. Our recommendations are intended to be useful in preparing Herschel and ALMA proposals to identify sources of excitation in galaxies.
Behavioral, Physiologic, and Habitat Influences on the Dynamics of Puumala virus Infection in Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus)

Populations of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were monitored during a 4-year study in southern Belgium to assess the influence of agonistic behavior, reproductive status, mobility, and distribution of the rodents on the dynamics of Puumala virus (abbreviation: PUUV; genus: Hantavirus) infection. Concordance was high between data from serologic testing and results of viral RNA detection. Wounds resulting from biting or scratching were observed mainly in adult rodents. Hantavirus infection in adults was associated with wounds in the fall, i.e., at the end of the breeding season, but not in spring. In addition, sexually active animals were significantly more often wounded and positive for infection. Hantavirus infection was associated with higher mobility in juvenile and subadult males. Seroconversions observed 6 months apart also occurred more frequently in animals that had moved longer distances from their original capture point. During nonepidemic years, the distribution of infection was patchy, and positive foci were mainly located in dense ground vegetation.
Molecular and cellular characterisation of highly purified stromal stem cells derived from human bone marrow

Previous studies have provided evidence for the existence of adult human bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells. Using a combination of cell separation techniques, we have isolated an almost homogeneous population of BMSSCs from adult human bone marrow. Lacking phenotypic characteristics of leukocytes and mature stromal elements, BMSSCs are non-cycling and constitutively express telomerase activity in vivo. This mesenchymal stem cell population demonstrates extensive proliferation and retains the capacity for differentiation into bone, cartilage and adipose tissue in vitro. In addition, clonal analysis demonstrated that individual BMSSC colonies exhibit a differential capacity to form new bone in vivo. These data are consistent with the existence of a second population of bone marrow stem cells in addition to those for the hematopoietic system. Our novel selection protocol provides a means to generate purified populations of BMSSCs for use in a range of different tissue engineering and gene therapy strategies.
Evaluation of the Inter-Domain Multicast Protocols MSDP and BGMP

In order to alleviate the inherent problems of early multicast architecture, two protocols have been proposed for the inter-domain multicast deployment: MSDP and BGMP. In this paper we evaluate the overhead and performance of these two protocols using analytic and simulation models. Metrics include state and communication overhead, network resource utilization, join latency and end-to-end delay. The simulations are performed on a realistic model of the Internet AS topology. We discuss the overhead and performance results in the light of protocol complexity and manageability. Finally, we suggest several protocol improvements, and argue that MSDP may prevail as the inter-domain protocol solution due to its simplicity and su cient scalability.
Switching Max-Plus models for legged locomotion

We present a new class of gait generation and control algorithms based on the switching max-plus modeling framework that allows for the synchronization of multiple legs of walking robots. Transitions between stance and swing phases of each leg are modeled as discrete events on a system described by max-plus-linear state equations. Different gaits and gait parameters can be interleaved by using different system matrices. Switching in max-plus-linear systems offers a powerful collection of modeling, analysis, and control tools that, in particular, allow for safe transitions between different locomotion gaits that may involve breaking/enforcing synchronization or changing the order of leg lift off events. Experimental validation of the proposed algorithms is presented by the implementation of various horse gaits on a simple quadruped robot.
Learning in-progress: On the role of gesture in microgenetic development of L2 grammar

Abstract Though gesture is a growing area in second language research, its role in the teaching and learning of grammar remains on the margins. Drawing from Sociocultural Theory, the present case study addresses this gap by offering a microgenetic analysis of an ESL learner’s developing understanding of the progressive aspect. Our analysis is threefold. First, we observe how the learner’s gesture reveals her initial understanding of the progressive aspect. This is followed by study of the learner’s appropriation of the teacher’s gesture for the progressive aspect. Finally, we examine the crucial ways in which the learner’s gesture differs from the teacher’s, arguing that the learner merged her initial understanding and the teacher’s gesture, instead of merely copying the teacher. We contend that gesture should not be regarded as supplementary to speech but as an indispensable window into the learning process that may not be accessible through the verbal channel alone.
Tumor necrosis factor and CD11/CD18 (beta 2) integrins act synergistically to lower cAMP in human neutrophils

The ability of neutrophils (PMN) to undergo a prolonged respiratory burst in response to cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) depends on expression of CD11/CD18 (beta 2) integrins and interaction with matrix protein-coated surfaces (Nathan, C., S. Srimal, C. Farber, E. Sanchez, L. Kabbash, A. Asch, J. Gailit, and S. D. Wright. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 109:1341-1349). We tested the hypothesis that changes in cAMP mediate the joint action of cytokines and integrins. When plated on FBS- or fibrinogen-coated surfaces, PMN responded to TNF with a sustained fall in intracellular cAMP. This did not occur without TNF; in suspended PMN; in PMN treated with anti-CD18 mAb; or in PMN genetically deficient in beta 2 integrins. A preceding fall in cAMP appeared essential for TNF to induce a respiratory burst, because drugs that elevate cAMP blocked the burst if added any time before, but not after, its onset. Adenosine analogues and cytochalasins also block the TNF-induced respiratory burst if added before, but not after, its onset. Both also blocked the TNF-induced fall in cAMP. The effect of cytochalasins led us to examine the relationship between cAMP and actin reorganization. The same conditions that led to a sustained fall in cAMP led at the same time to cell spreading and the assembly of actin filaments. As with the respiratory burst, cAMP-elevating agents inhibited TNF-induced cell spreading and actin filament assembly if added before, but not after, spreading began. Thus, occupation of TNF receptors and engagement of CD18 integrins interact synergistically in PMN to promote a fall in cAMP. The fall in cAMP is closely related to cell spreading and actin reorganization. These changes are necessary for TNF to induce a prolonged respiratory burst. We conclude that integrins can act jointly with cytokines to affect cell shape and function through alterations in the level of a second messenger, cAMP.
The effects of appraisal interview style, goal setting, and differential feedback on satisfaction, motivation, and performance /

3. When a map, drawing or chart, etc., was part of the material being photographed the photographer followed a definite method in "sectioning" the material. It is customary to begin photoing at the upper left hand corner of a large sheet and to continue photoing from left to right in equal sections with a small overlap. If necessary, sectioning is continued again — beginning below the first row and continuing on until complete.
Stellar population synthesis at the resolution of 2003

We present a new model for computing the spectral evolution of stellar populations at ages between 1 x 10 5 and 2 x 10 1 0 yr at a resolution of 3 A across the whole wavelength range from 3200 to 9500 A for a wide range of metallicities. These predictions are based on a newly available library of observed stellar spectra. We also compute the spectral evolution across a larger wavelength range, from 91 A to 160 μm, at lower resolution. The model incorporates recent progress in stellar evolution theory and an observationally motivated prescription for thermally pulsing stars on the asymptotic giant branch. The latter is supported by observations of surface brightness fluctuations in nearby stellar populations. We show that this model reproduces well the observed optical and near-infrared colour-magnitude diagrams of Galactic star clusters of various ages and metallicities. Stochastic fluctuations in the numbers of stars in different evolutionary phases can account for the full range of observed integrated colours of star clusters in the Magellanic Clouds. The model reproduces in detail typical galaxy spectra from the Early Data Release (EDR) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We exemplify how this type of spectral fit can constrain physical parameters such as the star formation history, metallicity and dust content of galaxies. Our model is the first to enable accurate studies of absorption-line strengths in galaxies containing stars over the full range of ages. Using the highest-quality spectra of the SDSS EDR, we show that this model can reproduce simultaneously the observed strengths of those Lick indices that do not depend strongly on element abundance ratios. The interpretation of such indices with our model should be particularly useful for constraining the star formation histories and metallicities of galaxies.
A randomized, controlled comparison of macroscopic conjunctival hyperemia in patients treated with bimatoprost 0.01% or vehicle who were previously controlled on latanoprost

Purpose To evaluate conjunctival hyperemia associated with bimatoprost 0.01% treatment in patients who replace latanoprost 0.005% with bimatoprost 0.01%. Methods Randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, multicenter study of patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was adequately controlled on latanoprost monotherapy. At baseline, patients discontinued latanoprost and were randomized to treatment with once-daily bimatoprost 0.01% (n = 151) or vehicle (n = 71). The primary endpoint was the peak change in macroscopic hyperemia (conjunctival hyperemia evaluated by gross visual inspection) from baseline to month 1. Results Bimatoprost 0.01% was noninferior to vehicle in the mean [standard deviation] peak change from baseline macroscopic hyperemia at month 1 (0.18 [0.46] in the bimatoprost 0.01% group vs 0.02 [0.32] in the vehicle group, P = 0.009). The between-group difference was 0.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04, 0.26), which was within the predefined margin for noninferiority of 0.5 on a hyperemia grading scale of 0 to +3. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in the percentage of patients with a ≥1-grade increase in macroscopic hyperemia from baseline. Mean IOP was decreased from baseline (−0.7 to −1.3 mm Hg) in the bimatoprost 0.01% group (P ≤ 0.002) and was increased from baseline (+3.3 to +3.6 mm Hg) in the vehicle group (P < 0.001) at month 1. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in adverse events. Conclusions Bimatoprost 0.01% was noninferior to vehicle with respect to conjunctival hyperemia in this study population. Replacement of latanoprost with bimatoprost 0.01% in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma can result in additional IOP reduction without clinically important hyperemia.
Cosmological parameters and the WMAP data revisited

Several recent papers have made claims about the detection of an asymmetric distribution of large-scale power in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy as measured by the WMAP satellite. In this paper, we investigate how the estimates of particular cosmological parameters vary when inferred from power spectra computed separately on the Northern and Southern hemispheres in three frames of reference: the galactic, the ecliptic and the specific frame of reference that maximizes the asymmetry between the power spectra from the corresponding hemispheres. The study is intended to quantify the consistency of the observed spectral variations in the context of the inflationary scenario inspired models with which the data are commonly compared. We focus on the three specific parameters to which the analysis is most sensitive (spectral index n, amplitude of fluctuations A and optical depth) and find interesting variations in their estimates as determined from different hemispheres. Only multipoles in the ranges l = 2- 60, 200- 240 and 520- 560 (the latter two around the first two peaks) are included in the analysis. Polarization information could not be used since the appropriate sky maps are not publicly available. Furthermore, we fix Omega(Lambda) = 0.74, Omega(cdm) h(2) = 0.11 and Omega(total) = 1 atthese best-fitting values obtained by the WMAP team, and use a Gaussian prior centred at Omega(b)h(2) = 0.022 with sigma = 0.001 for the baryon fraction. No significant changes to the conclusions were found when these parameters were varied. When using a Gaussian prior on the spectral index n centred at n = 1 with a flat prior on the optical depth, the preferred value for the optical depth (derived in the reference frame of maximum asymmetry) in the Northern hemisphere is tau = 0 with upper limit tau < 0.08, whereas in the Southern hemisphere we find = 0.24(-0.07)(+0.06) (68 per cent confidence level). The latter result is inconsistent with = 0 at the 2sigma level. The estimated optical depth of tau = 0.17 on the (nearly) full sky found by the WMAP collaboration, and confirmed independently here, could thus in large part originate in structure associated with the Southern hemisphere. Furthermore, putting a prior on,we find values of the spectral index that are inconsistent between the two hemispheres. The exact values depend on the prior on. Our conclusions remain unaltered even when, on the basis of putative residual foreground contamination, the multipole range l = 2- 7 is excluded from the analysis. While our results should not be considered more than suggestive, the significance of the parameter differences in the two hemispheres being typically of order 2sigma ,if they are confirmed with the higher-sensitivity WMAP 2-yr data, then it may be necessary to question the assumption of cosmological isotropy and the conceptual framework within which studies of CMB anisotropy are made.
Riding the Spiral Waves: Implications of Stellar Migration for the Properties of Galactic Disks

Stars in disks of spiral galaxies are usually assumed to remain roughly at their birth radii. This assumption is built into decades of modeling of the evolution of stellar populations in our own Galaxy and in external systems. We present results from self-consistent high-resolution N-body + smooth particle hydrodynamics simulations of disk formation, in which stars migrate across significant galactocentric distances due to resonant scattering with transient spiral arms, while preserving their circular orbits. We investigate the implications of such migrations for observed stellar populations. Radial migration provides an explanation for the observed flatness and spread in the age-metallicity relation and the relative lack of metal-poor stars in the solar neighborhood. The presence of radial migration also prompts rethinking of interpretations of extragalactic stellar population data, especially for determinations of star formation histories.
Near-Death Experiences: Quantitative Findings from an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample

Abstract: Most of what is currently known about near-death experiences (NDEs) has come from published case studies and larger scale research projects conducted in Western Anglo-European cultures. This article presents findings from the first large-scale retrospective, quantitative study of NDEs conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand over a two-year period, between August 2010 and December 2012. We investigated the occurrence and phenomenology of NDEs in 220 participants. Results revealed the characteristics and occurrence of NDEs in this sample were similar to those reported in other Western samples. Results of a multivariate regression analysis showed belief in the survival of a soul after physical death and being of Māori ethnicity contributed a significant amount of unique variance to NDE Scale scores in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our study represents an important contribution to understanding NDEs in Aotearoa New Zealand, although more research is required to futher elucidate and advance the findings.