Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular Responses to Impact and Collision During Elite Rugby League Match Play

Abstract McLellan, CP and Lovell, DI. Neuromuscular responses to impact and collision during elite rugby league match play. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1431–1440, 2012—The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the prematch and short-term postmatch neuromuscular responses to the intensity, number, and distribution of impacts associated with collisions during elite Rugby League match play. Twenty-two elite male Rugby League players were monitored during 8 regular season competition matches using portable global positioning system (GPS) technology. The intensity, number, and distribution of impact forces experienced by players during match play were recorded using integrated accelerometry. Peak rate of force development (PRFD), peak power (PP), and peak force (PF) were measured during a countermovement jump on a force plate 24 hours prematch, 30 minutes prematch, 30 minutes postmatch and then at 24-hour intervals for a period of 5 days postmatch. The change in the dependent variables at each sample collection time was compared with that at 24 hours prematch and 30-minute prematch measures. There were significant (p < 0.05) decreases in PRFD and PP up to 24 hours postmatch with PF significantly (p < 0.05) being decreased 30 minutes postmatch. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between the total number of impacts and PRFD and PP 30 minutes postmatch. Impact zones 4 (7.1–8.0 G), 5 (>8.1–10.0 G), and 6 (>10.1 G) were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated to PRFD and PP 30 minutes postmatch with the number of zone 5 and 6 impacts significantly (p < 0.05) correlated to PRFD and PP 24 hours postmatch. Elite Rugby League match play resulted in significant neuromuscular fatigue and was highly dependent on the number of heavy collisions >7.1G. Results demonstrate that neuromuscular function is compromised for up to 48 hours postmatch indicating that at least 2 days of modified activity is required to achieve full neuromuscular recovery after elite Rugby League match play. Position-specific demands on energy systems and the influence of repeated blunt force trauma during collisions during elite Rugby League match play should be considered when planning postmatch recovery protocols and training activities to optimize subsequent performance.
Cephalometric norms for the Chinese: a compilation of existing data

Abstract The intention of this paper is to compile Chinese cephalometric norms for a more objective orthodontic diagnosis of Chinese patients so that their orthodontic treatment may be better planned. Studies on cephalometric norms of Chinese and subjects of Chinese descent were reviewed. Some important studies were available only in the Chinese journals and they were especially procured and translated for this purpose. A normal range of anteroposterior apical base differences, concomitant interincisal inclinations and locations, were derived from different Chinese groups and were tabulated. The differences between Chinese and Caucasian norms are discussed. A distinctive craniofacial and dental pattern of the people of Chinese origin was found and is reflected in the cephalometric measurements. Compared with Caucasian norms, Chinese norms have skeletal, dental and soft-tissue variations. The Chinese have a shorter cranial base and a larger ANB. The Chinese dentition demonstrates greater bimaxillary-alveolar protrusion, with a decreased interincisal angle. The Chinese soft-tissue profile shows a less prominent nose, with a less obtuse nasolabial angle, and more protrusive lips.
Motivational Factors in Continuing Education an Academic Achievement of Adult Learners.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between motivational factors in continuing education and academic achievement of adult learners. The study is conducted due to a lack of research pertaining to academic achievement among adult learners particularly in Malaysia. Methodology – A random sample of 150 part-time adult learners from a public university in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, represented 202 part-time adult learners in the areas of social sciences and humanities at the university. A thirty-item questionnaire, adapted from Boshier’s Education Participation Scale(EPS) (1991) and Neill’s The University Students Motivation and Satisfaction Questionnaire 2 (TUSMSQ2) (2004) was used to examine their motivational factors i.e. personal development, career advancement, social pressure, social and communication improvement, and escapism. Self-reported cumulative grade point average (CGPA) was utilized as the measurement of academic achievement. Rasch analysis reaffi rmed the content validity of items in the questionnaire. Findings – The fi ndings indicate that personal development and social pressure are the best predictors of academic achievement among adult learners. The motivational factors that are not signifi cant as predictors are career advancement, social and communication improvement, and escapism. Adult learners with higher motivation for personal development (intrinsic motivation) perform better academically. Conversely, adult learners with higher 58 Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction: Vol. 10 (2013): 57-77 motivation based on social pressure (extrinsic motivation) perform lower academically. Intrinsic motivation seems to be more powerful in enhancing academic achievement of adult learners as compared to extrinsic motivation. Signifi cance – This fi nding is crucial for program planners and adult educators. They will be able to lead adult learners to be more intrinsically motivated in continuing education. In this way, they will optimize their learning outcomes and develop quality human capital in Malaysia.
Poorly differentiated carcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown origin: favorable subsets of patients with unknown-primary carcinoma?

PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to assess clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in unselected, consecutive patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDC) or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDA). PATIENTS AND METHODS The 1,400 patients analyzed were referred to our unknown-primary tumor (UPT) clinic from January 1, 1987 through July 31, 1994. Clinical data from these patients were entered into a computerized data base for storage, retrieval, and analysis. Survival was measured from the time of diagnosis; survival distribution was estimated using the product-limit method. Multivariate survival analyses were performed using proportional hazards regression and by recursive partitioning. RESULTS Nine hundred seventy-seven patients were diagnosed with unknown-primary carcinoma (UPC) and 337 of these patients had PDC or PDA. No clinical differences were identified among patients with PDC, PDA, or UPC patients with other carcinoma or adenocarcinoma subtypes. PDC patients enjoyed better survival than PDA patients. Poor cellular differentiation was not an important prognostic variable. Variables predictive of survival included lymph node metastases, sex, number of metastatic sites, histology (PDC v PDA), and age. Although chemotherapy did not appear to influence survival for the entire group of PDC or PDA patients, a subset of patients with good prognostic features experienced median survival durations of up to 40 months. CONCLUSION The long median survival and chemotherapy responsiveness of UPC patients with PDC and PDA could not be confirmed. However, subpopulations with prolonged median survival durations could be defined, and the value of chemotherapy in this group remains to be determined. Identification and exclusion of treatable or slow-growing malignancies may account for the poor survival of the PDC and PDA patients reported in this study.
Idiopathic Scoliosis and the Central Nervous System: A Motor Control Problem: The Harrington Lecture, 1983 Scoliosis Research Society

An etiologic concept linking an impaired axial motor control system to the structural deformity of idiopathic Scoliosis (ISc) is proposed. Postural studies reveal that during quiet stance, adaptation is marked in conditions associated with visual control of sway, particularly of lateral sway; during imposed perturbations of the body, destabilized postural reactions are pronounced in tests requiring visual–vestibular coupling. Observations of visual and/or vestibular generated eye movements indicate ocular instability among a high proportion of the ISc. Previously, the authors argued that a direct relationship exists between visual and/or vestibular functioning and a disordered axial motor system. This was attributed to an aberrant brain stem mechanism. In this presentation, however, we propose that a higher level CNS disturbance may be responsible for reports of EEG abnormalities, visuo-spatial impairment, motor adaptation, and learning deficits. Among the wide range of visual–vestibular variables studied, those representing processing of vestibular signals within the CNS yield the highest degree of correlation with the magnitude of the curve. Moreover, differences in vestibular processing between two subsets of ISc, namely ISc with (70%) and without (30%) normal academic achievement are significant. Variables referable to both vestibular and visual processing correctly classify 87% of the ISc with normal academic achievement and 100% of the ISc with a history of academic problems. The association between learning deficits, altered processing of vestibular information, and ISc suggest a unique syndrome complex, and an important role of cortical structures in the etiology of this disorder. The presence of a visuo-spatial perceptual impairment may be the common feature of ISc. In an attempt to restore perceptual dysfunction (by rearrangement), the ISc adopts a new axial and vestibular motor control strategy based upon recalibration or reinterpretation of proprioceptive signals arising from the axial musculature.
Increasing Retention in First-Year Systems Analysis Through Student Collaboration Using Real World Examples

It is important in teaching Systems Analysis to maintain currency with industry trends, and for teachers of these subjects to maintain close relationships with students’ potential employers. This study presents a qualitative analysis of text responses from IS/IT students to open-ended questions concerning the introduction of a scaffolded small group problem based learning (PBL) task and the introduction of guest lectures. The results indicate that both of these enhancements to the subject have improved the learning experiences of students. These methods can be applied in other ISD subjects; and it is envisaged that enhanced student experiences will also be obtained through such applications.
Changes in electrical response function and myosin heavy chain isoforms following denervation and reinnervation of bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscles in dogs

Abstract Conclusions: Both electrical response function and mRNA expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) types 2X, 1, and Neonatal of bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle changed after denervation or reinnervation in canines. Objectives: There is a need to investigate the electrical response function MyHC alteration of denervation or reinnervation in the bilateral PCA muscle of large animals. Methods: MyHC isoforms expression profile and PCA muscle function outcome were detected by real-time reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction and muscle response to functional electrical stimulation, 9 weeks after denervation and reinnervation with ansa–recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis in dogs. Results: Denervation produced up-regulation of MyHC-1 and MyHC-Neonatal messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression. Reinnervation caused a decrease of MyHC-2X mRNA expression. The electrical voltage threshold of vocal fold movement and maximum abduction of denervation were greater than that of the reinnervated or control group. The denervated vocal abduction maximum of response to electrical stimulation was less than that in reinnervation or control groups.
Beliefs about How to Reduce Anger

To learn more about people's beliefs about how to reduce anger, 416 college students were asked what they thought would be the effects of various responses to feeling angry. In general, they thought that behaving aggressively would make them feel worse and that distracting themselves and doing something nice for another would make them feel better. However, males, younger subjects, and those who had behaved more aggressively in the past were more likely to feel that behaving aggressively would elevate their mood. These observations are consistent with theories emphasizing the importance of cognitive variables in the experiences of anger and aggression.
A metric map of humans: 23,500 loci in 850 bands.

High-resolution maps integrated with the enhanced location data base software (LDB+) give improved estimates of genetic parameters and reveal characteristics of cytogenetic bands. Chiasma interference is intermediate between Kosambi and Carter-Falconer levels, as in Drosophila and the mouse. The autosomal genetic map is 2832 and 4348 centimorgans in males and females, respectively. Telomeric T-bands are strikingly associated with male recombination and gene density. Position and centromeric heterochromatin have large effects, but nontelomeric R-bands are not significantly different from G-bands. Several possible reasons are discussed. These regularities validate the maps, despite their high resolution and inevitable local errors. No other approach has been demonstrated to integrate such a large number of loci, which are increasing at about 45% per year. The maps and the data and software from which they are constructed are available through the Internet (http:@cedar.genetics.soton.ac.uk/public_html). Successive versions of this location data base may also be accessed on CD-ROM.
Characteristics of sexual partnerships, not just of individuals, are associated with condom use and recent HIV infection in rural South Africa

Abstract Characteristics of sexual partnerships, as well as those of the individuals involved, might influence the use of condoms and risk of HIV transmission. We set out to identify characteristics of non-spousal sexual partnerships associated with condom use at last sex in the previous year and HIV infection in the previous three years among sexually active young people in rural South Africa. We conducted an analysis of follow-up data (collected in 2004) from a cohort of 14–35-year old men and women recruited to a cluster-randomised trial. Data on 1647 non-spousal sexual partnerships during the previous year were reported in 2004 and analysed alongside new HIV infections over the previous three years among 762 individuals who were HIV-negative in 2001. Structured interviews elicited information on sexual behaviour. HIV serostatus was assessed through oral-fluid ELISA. Condom use at last sex was reported for 615/1647 non-spousal sexual partnerships (37.3%) and was more commonly reported by individuals who were younger, more educated and aware of their HIV status. Condom use was more common in casual partnerships, those where the male partner was younger, where sex was less frequent and where the respondent believed the partner to have other sexual contacts. New HIV infection in the last three years was identified for 87/762 individuals (11.4%) and was more common among females and those out of school. Infection risk was associated with the age of the partners and was less common among individuals reporting less frequent intercourse in the previous year. Characteristics of sexual partnerships, as well as those of individuals, are important determinants of condom use and risk of HIV infection. Male characteristics may be particularly important because of their greater capacity to make decisions about HIV prevention. Established non-spousal sexual partnerships are an increasingly important context for HIV transmission in this setting.
Influence of infection on exacerbations of multiple sclerosis

Exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS) are triggered by exogenous events, the best documented being viral upper respiratory infections (URIs), which can stimulate secretion of cytokines such as interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) by immune cells. In conjunction with a recent clinical trial of systemic interferon‐β (IFN‐β) in relapsing–remitting MS, we studied the occurrence of viral infections and their correlation with MS attacks. Thirty patients kept daily logs, noting URI symptoms in themselves, family members, and co‐workers. Patients were examined every 3 months, or whenever an attack of MS occurred, and were tested for antibodies to common upper respiratory pathogens. A strong correlation was found between MS attacks and URIs. There were 168 URIs in 2,792 patient‐weeks, including 996 weeks at risk (the interval beginning 1 week before and ending 5 weeks after onset of URI symptoms) and 1,796 weeks not at risk. Nearly two‐thirds of attacks occurred in periods at risk. Attack rates were 2.92 per year in weeks at risk compared to 1.16 per year in weeks not at risk, a significant difference (p ≤ 0.001). High‐dose interferon reduced the frequency of MS attacks, but had no effect on the number of URIs. Although a specific virus could not be incriminated, we concluded that URIs of presumed viral origin are an important trigger of MS attacks, and that treatment with IFN‐β reduces the attack rate, but not by preventing URIs. Rather, it may modulate responses to viral infection that would otherwise lead to immune activation and clinical symptoms.
The Incidence of Rot in Norway Spruce and its Influence on the Value of Trees in Slovenia

Nacrtak Rot is one of the most important defects in timber assortments of Norway spruce (Picea abies). With the aim to investigate this phenomenon, we analyzed 1,334 spruce trees from 65 locations across Slovenia. The study showed that the incidence of rot was higher in even-aged stands compared to uneven-aged stands. Lower-trunk rot (for the purpose of this study, lower-trunk rot is rot that affects the stem up to 5 m above ground) is significantly connected with the diameter of the tree, whereas rot in the upper part of the trunk, i.e. upper-trunk rot, does not show such dependence. Rot is most commonly associated with dolomite bedrock. Its incidence increases with tree age, site productivity, and site altitude. Mechanical stem injury is another contributing factor. On the other hand, slender trees, sun-exposed sites, and uneven-aged stands carry a lower risk for the studied defect. The incidence of rot may decrease the value of usable timber by as much as 19 €/m, with the decrease being highest in 50 to 70 cm tree diameter.
Effect of tropisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, on analgesia and nausea after intrathecal morphine.

We have studied the effect of tropisetron, a 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, on postoperative nausea, vomiting and pain in 54 patients, aged 50-83 yr, after major hip or knee surgery. The patients were given subarachnoid injection of plain 0.5% bupivacaine, mixed with preservative-free morphine 0.3 mg, for surgical and postoperative analgesia. In a double-blind fashion, either tropisetron 5 mg (1 mg ml-1) or saline 5 ml was injected i.v. 30 min after spinal administration of bupivacaine and morphine. The number of patients needing i.m. oxycodone for pain relief, the total number of oxycodone doses or the mean time to the first i.m. oxycodone administration did not differ significantly between the two groups. The number of patients who became nauseated or vomited during the observation period did not differ significantly between groups. Seventeen patients had nausea and 11 vomited in the tropisetron group, compared with 20 and 13, respectively, in the control group during the first 24 h.
Downregulation of Th17 Cells in the Small Intestine by Disruption of Gut Flora in the Absence of Retinoic Acid

Retinoic acid (RA), a well-known vitamin A metabolite, mediates inhibition of the IL-6-driven induction of proinflammatory Th17 cells and promotes anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell generation in the presence of TGF-β, which is mainly regulated by dendritic cells. To directly address the role of RA in Th17/regulatory T cell generation in vivo, we generated vitamin A-deficient (VAD) mice by continuous feeding of a VAD diet beginning in gestation. We found that a VAD diet resulted in significant inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation in the small intestine lamina propria by as early as age 5 wk. Furthermore, this diet resulted in low mRNA expression levels of IL-17, IFN regulatory factor 4, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 without alteration of other genes, such as RORγt, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-25, and IL-27 in the small intestine ileum. In vitro results of enhanced Th17 induction by VAD dendritic cells did not mirror in vivo results, suggesting the existence of other regulation factors. Interestingly, the VAD diet elicited high levels of mucin MUC2 by goblet cell hyperplasia and subsequently reduced gut microbiome, including segmented filamentous bacteria. Much like wild-type mice, the VAD diet-fed MyD88−/−TRIF−/− mice had significantly fewer IL-17–secreting CD4+ T cells than the control diet-fed MyD88−/−TRIF−/− mice. The results strongly suggest that RA deficiency altered gut microbiome, which in turn inhibited Th17 differentiation in the small intestine lamina propria.
Hemodialysis is an independent predictor of coronary in-stent restenosis after paclitaxel eluting stent implantation.

OBJECTIVE A drug eluting stent is often used for high-risk patients with complications such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and hemodialysis (HD), however the factors to predict restenosis after paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) placement have not been reported to date. METHODS Between May 2007 and August 2009, 165 consecutive patients (231 stents) received PES in our hospital. Stent diameter and length were determined by the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). All patients continued to take 2 types of anti-platelet agents (aspirin and Clopidogrel or Ticlopidine). Ninety percent of the subjects received a follow-up coronary angiogram 6 months later. RESULTS Underlying diseases were hypertension in 75%, hyperlipidemia in 78% and DM in 60% (15% on insulin), and 14% of the subjects received HD. Eighty-three percent of the patients had orally taken Statin, 85% ACE/ARB and 68% had beta blockers. Mean length and diameter of PES were 21.6 ± 7.2 mm and 2.9 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate 6 months after PES placement was 14.6% overall. In HD patients TLR was 43%, hypertension 15.0%, hyperlipemia 12.4%, DM with oral medication 12.5%, DM with insulin 12.0%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, HD was an independent risk factor for TLR (p=0.0001, OR: 6.61, 95% C.I.: 2.34-18.6). CONCLUSION HD had the greatest influence on TLR after PES even though risk factors were well controlled. It is necessary to develop new PCI techniques and stents that are useful for HD patients.