Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Acceleration and Deceleration Capacity Throughout Professional Soccer Match-Play

Abstract Russell, M, Sparkes, W, Northeast, J, Cook, CJ, Love, TD, Bracken, RM, and Kilduff, LP. Changes in acceleration and deceleration capacity throughout professional soccer match-play. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2839–2844, 2016—As the acceleration and deceleration demands of soccer are currently not well understood, this study aimed to profile markers of acceleration and deceleration capacity during professional soccer match-play. This within-player observational study required reserve team players from a Premier League club to wear 10-Hz Global Positioning System units throughout competitive matches played in the 2013–14 competitive season. Data are presented for players who completed 4 or more games during the season (n = 11), and variables are presented according to six 15-minute intervals (I1–6: 00:00–14:59 minutes, 15:00–29:59 minutes, 30:00–44:59 minutes, 45:00–59:59 minutes, 60:00–74:59 minutes, and 75:00–89:59 minutes, respectively). During I6, the distance covered (total, per minute, and at high intensity), number of sprints, accelerations (total and high intensity), decelerations (total and high intensity), and impacts were reduced compared with I1 (all p ⩽ 0.05). The number of high-intensity impacts remained unchanged throughout match-play (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that high-intensity actions and markers of acceleration and deceleration capacity are reduced in the last 15 minutes of the normal duration of match-play. Such information can be used to increase the specificity of training programs designed for soccer players while also giving further insight in to the effects of 90 minutes of soccer-specific exercise. Interventions that seek to maintain the acceleration and deceleration capacity of players throughout the full duration of a soccer match warrant investigation.
Rearing temperature influences flavivirus vector competence of mosquitoes

ABSTRACT. Culex annulirostris Skuse mosquitoes (Brisbane strain) were reared at 20oC or 27°C and the adult females were experimentally infected by feeding Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE). They were then maintained (a) in the insectary at 20°C, after rearing at either 20°C or 27°C; (b) at ambient outdoor temperatures, range 12.2–28.9°C, mean 19.6°C; or (c) at 27°C after rearing at 27°C. There was no significant difference in rates of MVE infection or transmission when mosquitoes were reared and maintained constantly at 20°C or 27°C. However, for females kept at reduced temperature (i.e. x = 19.6°C or 20°C after rearing at 27°C), the infection and transmission rates of MVE were significantly reduced (2times8 replicates).
The Dynamic Relation Between Organizational and Professional Commitment of Highly Educated Research and Development (R&D) Professionals

Researchers of the work-related commitment of professionals have investigated the possibility of conflict between organizational and professional forms of commitment. Drawing on the organizational socialization literature, the authors hypothesized that both forms of commitment would change with increasing organizational tenure. Specifically, the authors proposed that the patterns of change of the 2 forms of commitment would be complementary: Organizational commitment would take a U-shaped pattern of change, whereas professional commitment would take an inverse U-shaped pattern. The results, based on data collected from a sample of 204 research and development (R&D) professionals with PhDs, confirmed the U-shaped pattern of organizational commitment and the complementary relation between the 2 forms of commitment during the first 14 months after organizational entry. These findings suggest the importance of maintaining a balance between organizational and professional commitment and provide a method for identifying the critical period for interventions designed to increase retention of R&D professionals during their early organizational socialization.
Antiarrhythmic and Electrophysiologic Effects of Intravenous Ibutilide and Sotaloi in the Canine Sterile Pericarditis Model

Ibutilide, Sotalol, and Atrial Flutter. Introduction: Atrial arrhythmias are a frequent clinical complication following open heart surgery. We compared the Class III agents d,I‐sotalol and ibutilide fumarate in an intravenous cross‐over study using the canine atrial sterile pericarditis model.
Demand for Money in Ghana: An Empirical Study of the Pre-Inflation Targeting Period (1960-2006)

This paper estimates the demand for real money balances using the Ghanaian data for the pre-inflation targeting period. It applies the Hassler-Berlin’s modified two-step Engel-Granger approach to test for cointegration with different forms of structural shifts. The paper first estimated the long-run demand for real cedi balances for the pre- and post-1983 reforms. The results suggest that, although there was a stable and well-defined real demand for the cedi for both narrow and broad definitions, the stability had broken down around 1983. The paper therefore divided the sample into pre- and post-1983 reforms and estimated the long-run demand for real cedi corresponding to the two sub-samples. This has enabled the paper to undertake an analysis of the effects of the 1983 reforms on the real demand for cedi, as well as on financial intermediation in Ghana (which had both nearly collapsed by the end of 1983). Using the General-to-Specific methodology, the parsimonious dynamic short-run models for the narrow and broad demand for real cedi are estimated. Battery of tests, including amongst others, tests for parameter stability, weak exogeneity tests of income, interest rate and exchange rate, the long-run price homogeneity tests, were conducted. Results show that there was indeed a stable, well-defined relationship between the cedi and a few variables that were identifiable as the real demand for money corresponding to the two sub-samples in Ghana. Secondly, there was a significant increase in the holding of cedi following the reforms, suggesting that the reforms have succeeded in reversing the currency collapse that appeared eminent in the early 1980s. Thirdly, the finding that the elasticity of the inverse velocity with respect to income is higher in the post-reform period (for both broad and narrow money) suggested that: (i) the rate of monetisation in the post-reform period was higher, hence the economic agents exhibited greater confidence in the banking system as they increasingly hold greater fraction of their incomes in bank balances; and (ii) given the higher income level achieved in the post-1983 reforms, the higher income elasticity of the velocity means that the banking sector, or financial intermediation has significantly increased following the reforms. The paper concludes that given the empirical evidence that a stable demand for both real M1 and M2 exists for Ghana, which implies that their respective velocities are predictable, these monetary aggregates can be useful in the conduct of monetary policy.
A study of the impact of oral health on the quality of life of older people in the UK--findings from a national survey.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to was to determine whether older adults perceive oral health as affecting their life quality and to identify variations in impacts in relation to socio-demographic factors, dental service utilisation and method of payment. DESIGN This study formed part of the Office for National Statistics Omnibus Survey, which utilised a random probability sample of addresses from the British Postcode Address File (PAF). SETTING 3,000 homes were selected from one hundred post sectors across Britain. Respondents were interviewed in their homes about how oral health affects their quality of life. Subjects 454 older people (aged 65 and over) took part in the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The study group perceived oral health as impacting on their quality of life in general (negative and/or positive impact) (70%, 318), enhancing (53%, 241) and detracting (44%, 199) from their life quality. The most frequently perceived way in which oral health affects life quality was its effect on eating and comfort. Older people from higher socio-economic groups reported that oral health had a greater impact on their quality of life in general (positive and/or negative impacts), (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.22,2.78) and specifically, enhancing their quality of life (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.01,2.30). Those who reported attending the dentist within the last year perceived that their oral health enhanced their life quality (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.01,2.38). CONCLUSIONS Socio-economic background and dental attendance pattern are associated with how older people perceived oral health as affecting quality of life. These findings may have implications for promoting regular dental attendance and auditing dental services for older people.
Lack of human muscle architectural adaptation after short‐term strength training

The mechanisms governing the increases in force production in response to short periods of strength training have yet to be fully elucidated. We examined whether muscle architectural adaptation was a contributing factor. Ultrasound imaging techniques were used to measure quadriceps muscle architecture at 17 sites in vivo in trained and untrained legs of men and women after 2.5 and 5 weeks of unilateral knee extension training, as well as in a nontraining control group. Despite increases in knee extensor strength of the trained and untrained (women only) legs, there were no changes in muscle thickness, fascicle angle, or fascicle length in any of the muscles tested. The moderate correlation between vastus lateralis thickness (middle site) and eccentric (r = 0.55; P < 0.05) and concentric (r = 0.46; P < 0.1) torque after, but not before, training is suggestive of neural rather than architectural adaptations predominating in the early phase of training. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Exploring the role of local heirloom germplasm in expanding western Washington dry bean production

ABSTRACT Increasing production of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) could contribute to the sustainability of regional agricultural systems. This study in western Washington identified 24 distinct dry bean varieties grown in the region for 20–130 years; varieties originated from diverse geographic areas and were maintained because growers valued the culinary, visual, and agronomic traits as well as history and marketability. Primary barriers to increased production were access to scale-appropriate equipment and drying beans in the field prior to harvest. Locally conserved germplasm may have value in participatory plant breeding projects that recognize the contributions of regional farmers.
Auditor Selection and Corporate Social Responsibility

This study examines the association between the selection of an industry specialist auditor and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We find that firms with higher CSR ratings are more likely to hire industry specialist auditors (national-level industry leaders, city-level industry leaders, or joint city-national industry leaders). Moreover, firms with better CSR performance related to product quality and the environment in controversial industries are found to select non-specialized auditors. The results suggest that such firms may overinvest in CSR activities associated with the environment and product issues to disguise the sin nature of their manufactured goods, and simultaneously engage low quality auditors perhaps to avoid full disclosure of potential environmental and legal liabilities. Overall, we conclude that CSR is associated with the non-controversial firms ensuring high quality financial reporting in response to societal expectations, and thus CSR firms in such industries have strong incentives to engage industry specialist auditors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Demonstration and partial characterization of parasite-specific immunoglobulin A responses in human strongyloidiasis

By using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses directed against Strongyloides stercoralis larvae antigens were measured in 104 presumably immunocompetent individuals with chronic uncomplicated strongyloidiasis and in 15 immunocompromised patients with S. stercoralis infection. Fifty healthy North American adults and 18 patients with other helminthic parasites served as controls. All 50 healthy controls were negative for antibody responses (mean absorbance +/- standard deviation = 0.0724 +/- 0.040). The mean absorbance of the 18 parasitized controls was 0.230 +/- 0.087; two individuals parasitized by Ascaris lumbricoides showed positive antibody responses. The mean absorbance of the immunocompetent patients with strongyloidiasis was 0.680 +/- 0.364, with 91 subjects (87.5%) having a positive value (greater than 0.300). Of the immunocompromised patients (mean absorbance +/- standard deviation = 0.735 +/- 0.538), 11 (73%) had a positive antibody response test. When the IgA responses of these two groups were compared, they were not significantly different. There was no correlation between the levels of total serum IgA and the concentration of specific IgA in the infected patients. Both IgA and IgG immunoreactive bands were detected on immunoblots of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-separated larval antigen protein blots. Nineteen bands were recognized by IgG, and 13 were recognized by IgA from sera of infected patients. Several bands displayed specific IgG or IgA reactivity. The present work shows that most patients with strongyloidiasis mount specific IgA responses against filariform larval antigens. These responses are, for the most part, directed against antigens that are different from those recognized by IgG. The lack of correlation between the magnitude of the specific serum IgA responses and the clinical aspects of the infection suggests that these antibodies may not play a central role in the regulation of this parasitosis.
Comorbid bipolar disorder and panic disorder in families with a high prevalence of bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE Panic attacks are a common complication of affective disorder, although the etiologic relationship of panic and affective symptoms has not been determined. Evidence from a family study suggests that panic attacks and panic disorder may be related genetically to bipolar disorder. This study used diagnostic data from the NIMH Bipolar Disorder Genetics Initiative to assess in a separate, larger family set the familiality of panic combined with bipolar disorder. METHOD First-degree relatives (N=966) of probands with bipolar I disorder (N=192) and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, (N=11) were included in the study. All subjects were interviewed directly and were assigned best-estimate diagnoses for major affective and other psychiatric disorders. The risk of a family member being diagnosed with panic disorder if the proband with bipolar disorder had panic attacks or panic disorder was calculated with logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations that controlled for sex and affective disorder subdiagnosis. RESULTS More than 90% of the probands and first-degree relatives with panic disorder also had an affective disorder diagnosis. Panic disorder was present in 17% of the relatives with recurrent major affective disorder and in 3% of the relatives without recurrent major affective disorder. Risk of panic disorder in relatives with bipolar disorder was increased significantly if the proband had panic attacks or panic disorder. CONCLUSIONS Risk for panic disorder with familial bipolar disorder appears to be inherited. Inherited risk for panic disorder with bipolar disorder may indicate a shared genetic etiology for both disorders in some families. The patterns of bipolar disorder and panic disorder comorbidity observed in families imply a complex genetic etiology, which may be elucidated by using endophenotypes.
Repeatability analysis of the Tetrahymena pyriformis population growth impairment assay

Assessments necessary to ensure the safety of both humans and the environment are challenged by the sheer number of chemicals in use today. Chemical legislation, such as REACH, aims to use alternative methods to reduce the reliance on in vivo animal testing. Consequently, databases such as the TETRATOX database, containing data from the Tetrahymena pyriformis population growth impairment assay, have been used extensively to develop computational models which aid in priority setting and initial hazard assessments. To use any toxicological data, an assessment of quality is required. One important aspect of quality is the repeatability of the assay. This study considered TETRATOX assay data for 85 structurally and mechanistically diverse compounds. The repeatability of replicate determinations was assessed and factors relating to repeatability are discussed. Despite the majority of compounds demonstrating excellent repeatability, it was found that the mechanism of action is likely to be a modulating factor, with compounds acting via electrophilic mechanisms being more likely to exhibit reduced repeatability than those acting via narcotic mechanisms. It is evident from this study that the TETRATOX assay is a robust and highly repeatable assay, suitable for use in toxicological modelling studies and priority setting.
Influence of Interest Rates Determinants on the Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

This study sought to investigate the influence of interest rate determinants on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Interest rates are the major economic factors that influence the economic growth in an economy. They can be used to control inflation and to boost economic development. The interest rates determinants that were studied are Inflation Rates, discount rates, Exchange Rate and reserve requirement to determine the influence they have on performance of banks. The target population of the study was all 43 commercial banks operating in Kenya. The sample size was 26 commercial banks obtained from the population. The data analysis technique applied in this study was the multiple regression analysis. The results showed that discount rates, inflation rates and exchange rates had positive influence on performance of commercial banks while reserve requirement ratio had negative influence. The study concluded that higher levels of discount rates, inflation rates and exchange rates lead to higher performance in commercial banks in Kenya, higher levels of reserve requirement ratio result in lower bank performance in Kenya. The study recommends that the Central Bank of Kenya should set base reserve requirements that do not pressurize banks in their operations. This will help grow the banking industry in Kenya and hence develop the economy. Lastly, the study recommends that the commercial banks management should strategize on best way to set up discounts rates for their banks as this will go a long way dictating the borrowing and lending culture of the commercial banks in Kenya and in return enhance their performance.
Can we predict seasonal changes in high impact weather in the United States?

Severe convective storms cause catastrophic losses each year in the United States, suggesting that any predictive capability is of great societal benefit. While it is known that El Niño and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence high impact weather events, such as a tornado activity and severe storms, in the US during early spring, this study highlights that the influence of ENSO on US severe storm characteristics is weak during May–July. Instead, warm water in the Gulf of Mexico is a potential predictor for moist instability, which is an important factor in influencing the storm characteristics in the US during May–July.
HLA–DPB1 as a Risk Factor for Relapse in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: A Cohort Study

The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitides (AAVs) form a group of small‐vessel vasculitides with systemic involvement. Although the etiology of AAVs remains largely unknown, both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. Recently, certain alleles in the HLA–DPB1 region on chromosome 6 were shown to be associated with proteinase 3 (PR3)–ANCA–positive AAV but not with myeloperoxidase (MPO)–ANCA–positive AAV. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different alleles in the HLA–DPB1 region have clinical and/or prognostic implications in AAV.
Relationship between hydroxycinnamic acid content, lignin composition and digestibility of maize silages in sheep

Cell wall-bound hydroxycinnamic acids and the composition of lignin were studied in relation to the digestibility of a collection of 91 maize silages in wethers. Total lignin and guaiacyl content showed the highest correlation coefficients with digestibility. Using the above-mentioned chemical parameters, eight equations were also developed to predict digestibility. The prediction of organic matter digestibility produced a high adjusted R 2 value (0.487) using total lignin, guaiacyl, esterified ferulic acid and esterified p-coumaric acid content as predictors. The prediction of in vivo dry matter digestibility produced a higher adjusted R 2 value (0.516) using the same variables as predictors. Cell wall digestibility depends on a multiplicity of factors and it is not possible to attribute a causal effect on in vivo digestibility to any single factor. However, total lignin, guaiacyl and p-coumaric acid content emerge as good predictors of digestibility.
Oxidative stress increases synthesis of big endothelin-1 by activation of the endothelin-1 promoter.

Modulation of the biosynthesis of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 by oxygen-derived free radicals generated by xanthine oxidase or hydrogen peroxide was studied in cultured endothelial cells. Endothelin-1 metabolism was investigated at the level of endothelin-1 promoter, preproendothelin-1 mRNA and intracellular big endothelin-1. Endothelin-1 mRNA, as characterized by Northern blotting, was increased both time- and dose-dependently by xanthine oxidase to up to 500% above baseline. Analysis of endothelin-1 promoter activity using a construct containing 1329 bp of the endothelin-1 promoter revealed that promoter activity was increased up to eight-fold by incubation with xanthine oxidase. Specificity was ascertained by co-incubation with superoxide dismutase and catalase leading to inhibition of the effect of xanthine oxidase. A significant contribution of nitric oxide was ruled out, since NOS III-mRNA transcription remained unchanged and l -NAME did not significantly alter endothelin-1 promoter activity. Synthesis of intracellular big endothelin-1 protein was increased dose-dependently by xanthine oxidase. Our results indicate that oxidative stress leads to increased endothelial synthesis of big endothelin-1, which is a previously unknown mechanism and may help to understand the detrimental association of increased oxidative stress and elevated endothelin-1 levels in pathophysiological conditions promoting atherosclerosis.