bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing Sleep Data Created with the Drosophila Activity Monitoring (DAM) System: Figure 1.
Authors: Pfeiffenberger Cory , Lear Bridget C. , Keegan Kevin P. , Allada Ravi
Published: November 2010

INTRODUCTION

Adult behavioral assays have been used with great success in Drosophila melanogaster to identify circadian rhythm genes. In particular, the locomotor activity assay can identify altered behavior patterns over the course of several days in small populations, or even individual flies. Sleep is a highly conserved behavior that is required for optimal performance and, in many cases, life of an organism. Drosophila demonstrate a behavioral state that shows traits consistent with sleep: periods of relative behavioral immobility that coincide with an increased arousal threshold after ~5 min of inactivity, regulated by circadian and homeostatic mechanisms. However, because flies do not produce brain waves recordable by electroencephalography, sleep researchers use behavior-based paradigms to infer when a fly is asleep, as opposed to awake but immobile. Data on Drosophila activity can be collected using an automated monitoring system to provide insight into sleep duration, consolidation, and latency, as well as sleep deprivation and rebound. This protocol details the use of Counting Macro, an Excel-based program, to process data created with the Drosophila Activity Monitoring (DAM) System from TriKinetics for sleep analyses. Specifically, it details the steps necessary to convert the raw data created by the DAM System into sleep duration and consolidation data, broken down into the light (L), dark (D), light:dark cycling (LD), and constant darkness (DD) phases of a behavior experiment.
Array Tomography: Imaging Stained Arrays: Figure 1.
Authors: Micheva Kristina D. , O’Rourke Nancy , Busse Brad , Smith Stephen J.
Published: November 2010

INTRODUCTION

Array tomography is a volumetric microscopy method based on physical serial sectioning. Ultrathin sections of a plastic-embedded tissue are cut using an ultramicrotome, bonded in an ordered array to a glass coverslip, stained as desired, and imaged. The resulting two-dimensional image tiles can then be reconstructed computationally into three-dimensional volume images for visualization and quantitative analysis. The minimal thickness of individual sections permits high-quality rapid staining and imaging, whereas the array format allows reliable and convenient section handling, staining, and automated imaging. Also, the physical stability of the arrays permits images to be acquired and registered from repeated cycles of staining, imaging, and stain elution, as well as from imaging using multiple modalities (e.g., fluorescence and electron microscopy). Array tomography makes it possible to visualize and quantify previously inaccessible features of tissue structure and molecular architecture. However, careful preparation of the tissue is essential for successful array tomography; these steps can be time-consuming and require some practice to perfect. In this protocol, tissue arrays are imaged using conventional wide-field fluorescence microscopy. Images can be captured manually or, with the appropriate software and hardware, the process can be automated.
N-CLAP: Global Profiling of N-Termini by Chemoselective Labeling of the α-Amine of Proteins
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Jaffrey Samie R.
Published: November 2010

INTRODUCTION

N-terminalomics identifies proteins by selectively enriching for and sequencing their N-terminal peptides using mass spectrometry (MS) in a high-throughput manner. Several N-terminalomics procedures have been developed to identify protein cleavage sites in a variety of cell-signaling events, such as apoptosis and N-terminal methionine excision. This protocol describes a newly developed N-terminalomics approach, N-CLAP (N-terminalomics by chemical labeling of the α-amine of proteins). N-CLAP uses Edman chemistry to modify all of the amines in proteins, followed by the generation of a new unmodified amine at the N terminus after the removal of the first amino acid by peptide bond cleavage. A commercially available N-hydroxysuccinimide reagent is used to label the α-amine at the protein N terminus with a cleavable biotin affinity tag, which facilitates the downstream purification of the N-terminal peptides. Peptides are eluted by cleaving the biotin affinity tag using reducing agent and identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). N-CLAP can be used for the identification of signaling peptides for mature proteins as well as for global profiling of cleavage events that occur during cell signaling, such as apoptosis.
A Technique for Artificial Inoculation of Cauliflower Seedlings with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary
Authors: Kapoor K. S. , Gill H. S. , Sharma S. R.
Published: November 2010

The technique involves partial colonisation of detached petals with either the ascospores or the mycelium for initiating subsequent infection of the cauliflower seedlings. Under optimum environmental conditions typical symptoms appeared six days after placement of partially colonised petals on the host surface.

Die Methode beinhaltet die teilweise Kolonisierung von abgetrennten Kronenblättern entweder mit Ascosporen oder Myzel, um anschlieβend eine Infektion der Blumenkohlsämlinge herbeizuführen. Unter optimalen Umweltbedingungen erschienen typischç Symptome sechs Tage nach dem Aufbringen von teilweise kolonisierten Kronenblättern auf die Wirtsoberfläche.
Circulating angiotensin converting enzyme in endurance horses: effect of exercise on blood levels and its value in predicting performance
Authors: DE MELLO COSTA M. F. , ANDERSON G. A. , DAVIES H. M. , EL‐HAGE C. M. , SLOCOMBE R. F.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study: Investigate angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in equine plasma as a predictor of performance in endurance competitions and the effect of endurance exercise on ACE activity.

Hypothesis: Precompetition values of ACE activity in equine blood are correlated with performance results and with heart rates pre‐ and post competition used as indicators of fitness. Endurance exercise increases ACE activity.

Methods: Nineteen horses participating in an 80 km endurance competition had venous blood samples collected before and after the ride. ACE activity and total protein were measured in the blood samples and heart rates and finishing positions were recorded. Statistical analysis included paired t tests and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results: Of the 19 horses enlisted, only 16 horses completed the ride. Of these 16, another 2 were disqualified at the last veterinary check. When the 16 horses were considered, precompetition heart rate, but not ACE, was correlated with finishing position. When only the 14 horses that were classified were considered, the association disappeared. ACE activity was similar before and after competition.

Conclusions: Precompetition ACE activity in endurance horses competing in an 80 km event was not associated with either finishing position or heart rates before or after competition, indicating that the enzyme is not a good predictor of performance in this form of equestrian competition. Endurance competition did not significantly alter ACE activity in this group of horses.
Velocity‐dependent changes of time, force and spatial parameters in Warmblood horses walking and trotting on a treadmill
Authors: WEISHAUPT M. A. , HOGG H. P. , AUER J. A. , WIESTNER T.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Gait analysis parameters are sensitive to alterations in velocity. For comparison of nonspeed‐matched data, the velocity dependency needs to be known.

Objectives:To describe the changes in gait pattern and determine the relationships between stride duration, vertical impulse, contact time and peak vertical force within a range of walking and trotting speeds.

Methods:Thirty‐eight nonlame Warmblood horses were subjected to an incremental speed test. The spans of speed were adjusted individually to each horse and ranged from 1.1–2.1 m/s at walk and from 2.5–5.8 m/s at trot. Time, force and spatial parameters of each limb were measured with an instrumented treadmill and analysed with regression analysis using velocity as the independent variable.

Results:At a slow walk the shape of the force curve was generally single‐peaked in the fore‐ and trapezoidal in the hindlimbs. With increasing speed, the curves turned into the typical double‐peaked shape with a higher second peak in the fore‐ and a higher first peak in the hindlimbs. With increasing velocity, stride duration, stance durations and limb impulses of the fore‐ and hindlimbs decreased in both gaits (r2>0.92). Increasing speed caused a weight shift to the forehand (walk: from 56 to 59%; trot: from 55 to 57%). Despite decreasing limb impulses, peak vertical forces increased in both gaits (r2>0.83). The suspension duration of the trot increased with faster velocities and reached a plateau of around 90 ms at the highest speeds. At a slow trot, the forelimbs impacted first and followed the hindlimbs at lift‐off; with increasing speed, the horses tended to impact earlier with the hindlimbs. Contralateral symmetry indices of all parameters remained unchanged.

Conclusions:Subject velocity affects time, force and spatial parameters. Knowing the mathematical function of these interdependencies enables correction of nonspeed‐matched data.
Effects of prior exercise on insulin‐mediated and noninsulin‐mediated glucose uptake in horses during a hyperglycaemic clamp
Authors: GEOR R. J. , STEWART‐HUNT L. , McCUTCHEON L. J.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:There is limited information about factors regulating glucose utilisation post exercise in horses.

Objectives:To determine the effects of a single bout of moderate intensity exercise on measures of insulin‐mediated (IMGU) and noninsulin‐mediated (NIMGU) glucose uptake during a hyperglycaemic clamp (HC).

Methods:Hyperglycaemic clamps were administered in random order to 8 Standardbreds under 4 conditions: 1) rest, insulinopenia (R‐L); 2) rest, hyperinsulinaemia (R‐H); 3) post exercise (45 min at ∼50% VO2peak), insulinopenia (Ex‐L) and 4) post exercise, hyperinsulinaemia (Ex‐H). In the R‐L and Ex‐L trials, somatostatin was infused to suppress insulin secretion and induce insulinopenia. After 30 min, a 2 h HC was initiated with plasma glucose concentrations maintained at ∼10 mmol/l by variable glucose infusion. In R‐H and Ex‐H, regular insulin (1.0 mu/kg bwt/min) was also administered to induce physiological hyperinsulinaemia. Serum insulin and C‐peptide concentrations were measured in samples obtained at 10 min intervals. Glucose uptake was calculated from mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) during the last 60 min of the HC.

Results:In all HCs C‐peptide remained below baseline concentrations, evidence of suppression of insulin secretion by somatostatin. Overall, mean ± s.e. insulin concentrations during the final 60 min of the HC in R‐L and Ex‐L were 5.7 ± 1.1 and 6.9 ± 1.9 mu/l respectively, and corresponding values in R‐H and Ex‐H were 64.1 ± 11.1 and 61.2 ± 10.9 mu/l. Prior exercise affected IMGU but not NIMGU. Over the final 60 min of the HC, mean GIR was higher (P<0.001) in Ex‐H (5.6 ± 1.1 mg/kg bwt/min) than in R‐H (3.3 ± 0.9 mg/kg bwt/min), whereas mean GIR did not differ (P = 0.26) between R‐L (1.2 ± 0.3 mg/kg bwt/min) and Ex‐L (1.8 ± 0.5 mg/kg bwt/min).

Conclusions:A single bout of moderate intensity exercise increased glucose uptake during a hyperglycaemic clamp under hyperinsulinaemic conditions but not under somatostatin‐induced insulinopenia.
Evaluation of a mask for breath‐by‐breath respirometry during exercise in horses
Authors: RAMSEYER A. , SIDES R. , SLINKER B. , EVANS D. , BAYLY W.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:The ability to obtain breath‐by‐breath measures of ventilatory mechanics for the entirety of an exercise test, regardless of speed(s) or duration enables evaluations of equine ventilation during exercise that are necessary for assessments of performance.

Objective:Evaluation of a new ergospirometer (Quadflow; QF) system's accuracy and repeatability for measuring pulmonary variables in contrast to the established pneumotachometer‐based system (control) and assessment of its effects, if any, on exercise capacity at high speeds.

Materials and methods:Five Thoroughbred horses each performed 10 incremental exercise tests to fatigue, 5 with the QF system and 5 with an open‐circuit flow system. Measures of pulmonary variables were evaluated to determine repeatability. Heart rate, pulmonary variables, arterial blood gases, distance run and time to fatigue measured with each system were compared to assess similarity of results and effect on performance.

Results:Results from both systems had high repeatability with low coefficients of variation. The QF was associated with greater resistance to airflow, higher breathing rate at submaximal speeds, lower minute ventilation and peak inspiratory and expiratory airflows, greater acidaemia, hypoxaemia and hypercapnoea, and decreased total run time and total distance run when compared to control system results.

Conclusion:The greater resistance of the QF was responsible for altered blood gases, respiratory parameters and performance when compared to the control mask. The QF system reliably measured equine pulmonary airflows and volumes and is suitable for research and clinical use provided optimal gas exchange and best possible physical performance are not required.
Assessment of glucose disposal with the hyperglycaemic clamp technique during low intensity exercise in Warmblood horses
Authors: KEMMINK A. , WESTERMANN C. M. , Van Der KOLK J. H.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:The quantity of glucose disposal during exercise (walk and trot) compared to rest by use of the hyperglycaemic clamp technique has not been reported previously and has relevance to nutritional requirements.

Hypothesis:Exercise (walk and trot) significantly increases glucose disposal compared to rest.

Methods:Seven healthy Dutch Warmblood mares, all in dioestrus, mean ± s.d. age 11.6 ± 2.4 years and weighing 569 ± 40 kg were fasted for 12 h prior to a hyperglycaemic clamp at rest (maintaining a steady state of the blood glucose concentration during 30 min), walk (10 min, 1.5 m/s), trot (20 min, 4.4 m/s), walk (10 min, 1.5 m/s) and rest again (maintaining a steady state during 30 min). Plasma glucose concentrations were measured every 5 min. The mean rate of glucose disposal was calculated by corrections for glucose loss via the glucose space and urine. A one‐way ANOVA withpost hocBonferroni was performed.

Results:The mean ± s.d. rate of glucose disposal was 15.0 ± 2.1 at first rest, 25.1 ± 6.2 at first walk, 37.4 ± 9.1 at trot, 33.0 ± 13.1 at second walk and 18.7 ± 4.6 µmol/kg bwt/min at second rest. Values at trot and at second walk differed significantly from values at first rest, whereas values at both rests were similar as well as at first rest and at first walk.

Conclusions:Mean rate of glucose disposal of Warmblood horses increased 2.5 times during trot compared to basal.

Potential relevance:The hyperglycaemic clamp technique is an attractive nonisotope method to assess the rate of glucose disposal in exercising horses.
Study of the effect of plasma-striking atmosphere on Fe-oxidation in thermal dc arc-plasma processing
Authors: Banerjee I. , Khollam Y. B. , Mahapatra S. K. , Das A. K. , Bhoraskar S. V.
Published: November 2010

The effect of plasma-striking atmosphere: air and air+Ar-gas on the crystallization of Fe-oxide phases was studied using dc thermal arc-plasma processing route. The powders were characterized by x-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. At room temperature and O2 rich atmosphere, arc-evaporated Fe2+ ions oxidize into either γ-Fe2O3 or Fe3O4 depending upon the combining ratio of Fe with molecular O2. Fe/O ratio could be adjusted using proper flow rate of Ar gas to crystallize the pure γ-Fe2O3.
Level of physical activity, body composition and abdominal resistance of women with familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type
Authors: Monteiro L Z , Pereira F A , Freitas-Foss M C , Montengro R M , Medeiros A I A , Foss M C
Published: November 2010

Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) is characterised by a progressive reduction of adipose issue in the extremities and in the trunk and by an accumulation of fat in the head, neck and visceral adipose tissue, and is associated with diabetes, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases. The aim was to assess the level of physical activity, body composition (BC) and abdominal resistance in women with FPLD. Eighteen women with FPLD and 18 control women (CG) were evaluated in terms of anthropometric variables (weight, height, body mass index (BMI)). BC was evaluated by dual-energyx-ray absorptiometry (Hologic 4500W). A questionnaire divided into four parts was used for the assessment of habitual physical activity level (HPAL): occupational physical activities (OPA), physical exercise (PE) and locomotion and leisure activities (LLA), which are part of the evaluation of physical activity in the last 12 months (ET). Resistance was determined by the 1 min abdominal test. The characteristics of women with FPLD were: age=36±13 years, weight=64.7±14.1 kg, height=1.61±0.07 m, BMI=24.8±4.2 kg/m2vs CG age=35.6±13 years, weight=63.9±12.4 kg, height=1.62±0.07 m, BMI=24.4±4.8 kg/m2. Regarding HPAL, women with FPLD presented: OPA=2.96±0.61, PE=1.92±0.48, LLA=2.50±0.59, ET=7.33±1.18 vs CG OPA=2.75±0.60, PE=2.14±0.56, LLA=2.47±0.66, ET=7.38±1.16. As expected, % fat (FPLD=23.5±9.5% vs CG=36.0±6.1% p<0.05) and lean mass (FPLD=42.5 kg vs CG=35.8 kg p<0.05) differed between groups. In the abdominal test, women with FPLD presented reduced abdominal resistance (FPLD=14 repetitions vs CG=26 repetitions) (p=0.01). HPAL was low in both groups and abdominal resistance was lower in the FPLD group. A low level of muscle strength may contribute to the onset of diseases that cause limitations of daily activities and a reduced quality of life.
Sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting meniscal pathology
Authors: Chambers S B , Jones M P , Michla Y , Kader D
Published: November 2010

Published data show that sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting meniscal pathology can approach 90% when compared to arthroscopic findings. The authors audited the MRI service in our unit, to judge our performance against this standard. The authors retrospectively analysed a single surgeon series of 240 scopes for all indications (meniscal pathology, osteochondral defects, ligament reconstruction). The arthroscopic reports included an outline diagram of the meniscus upon which the surgeon recorded operative findings. 112 of these patients had received a recent MRI. The authors looked at whether the MRI report showed a tear and compared this with findings detailed in the arthroscopic report. 66 patients had a positive scan. 64 of these were found to have a tear at surgery. 37 scans were reported as “no tear”, of which four were found to have a tear at surgery. Nine scans were not easy to classify as they were descriptive, for example, “signal change, possible tear” or “tear cannot be ruled out”. These tended to correspond with equivocal arthroscopic findings of “degeneration” or “fibrillation”, and were classified on balance of their subjective description. Of the nine equivocal scans, five were more positive for tear. Six out of nine equivocal scans had degenerate menisci at arthroscopy. In our series of 112 knees, MRI was 91% sensitive, 90% specific and 90% accurate, which is comparable to published data. When a definite diagnosis of “tear” or “no tear” was made at scan, there were two false positives and four false negatives. False positives may be unnecessarily exposed to the risks of surgery. Patients with negative scans had a mean delay to surgery of 33 weeks compared to 18 weeks for patients with positive scans. False negatives may therefore wait longer for surgery. Two of the false negative scans clearly showed meniscal tears which were missed by the reporting radiographer. In our series the scan itself was more accurate than the reporting. It is important to have an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist to minimise the number of missed tears. It is also important that surgeons check the scan, as well as the report, when making a decision to operate based on MRI findings.
Effect of different intervention programmes on physical activity behaviour among individuals of Hyderabad region in India
Authors: Venkata R K
Published: November 2010

Decreased physical activity is responsible for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders across the globe causing enormous financial burden by 2030 as per World Health Organisation. Modification of physical activity behaviours in individuals is an immediate necessity. This study aimed to identify and recommend an effective intervention programme to initiate positive physical activity behaviour among population of Hyderabad city, a software hub in India, where the physical activity levels are coming down sharply. Out of the total number of 4010 individual respondents of this study, 1050 were exposed to knowledge with physical fitness intervention wherein the individuals were explained about basic science of exercise of disease prevention in addition to practical exercise sessions, 860 persons participated only in physical fitness workshops wherein practical exercise sessions alone were included, 1230 persons participated in different medical camps in the city wherein poster presentations on importance of physical activity was done and 870 participated in various games and sports camps organised in summer. Physical activity behaviour questionnaire was administered prior and after 6 months of the interventions. Analysis of covariance revealed that the interventions caused a positive change in physical activity behaviour, but the knowledge cum physical fitness intervention brought higher positive effect, since the mean physical activity behaviour score 6 months after the intervention, adjusted on the baseline mean through covariance analysis, was 46.76; scores for the other three interventions were lower (40.55 for medical camp alone intervention participants, 38.85 for fitness workshop alone intervention participants and 36.86 for sports camps alone intervention participants) at 0.05 level of significance. Scheffe's post hoc comparison with a comparison difference of 4.49. Knowledge cum physical fitness intervention is effective in initiating positive change in physical activity behaviour of individuals.
Scholar sports participation according to age and sex of students from urban public schools
Authors: Marques A , Martins J , da Costa F C
Published: November 2010

Inside schools, besides physical education (PE) classes, scholar sports (SS) represent a good opportunity for students to be involved with physical activities (PA). In Portugal almost all schools promote extracurricular sports activities and students have the opportunity to engage in formal PA free of charge, oriented by a PE teacher. The purpose of this study was to examine the sex and age differences in SS participation of students from an urban area, and the association of SS and attitudes toward school and PE. A total of 1214 boys (age 13±2 years) and 1254 girls (age 13±2 years), participated in the study. The students were grouped in age categories of 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18 years. Questionnaires were used for data collection. To analyse the differences in SS participation according to age the t test was used, and to compare sexes in each age group the authors used χ2. Cramer's V correlations were applied to identify the relationships between SS participation and attitudes toward school and PE. 18.4% of boys and 17.6% of girls reported to have participated in SS. Younger boys did not participate more than older boys in SS (t(1212)=−0.123, p=0.902). Among girls the mean age of participants was slightly, but not significantly, higher than that of nonparticipants (t(355 096)=1.441, p=0.150). Comparing both sexes, the only significant differences were in the 10-12 age group (χ2(1)=4.634, p=0.031), with boys participating more than girls. In the other age groups, boys and girls had similar levels of SS participation. A positive and significant correlation was observed between SS and attitude toward PE in boys (r=0.100; p=0.016), and girls (r=0.221; p<0.001), but it was not strong. No correlation was found between SS and attitude toward school. Considering that attending school is mandatory, the levels of SS participation were very low. The results suggest that SS is a good tool to determine differences between sexes, and to improve older girls PA participation. Though the strength of the correlation between SS and attitude toward PE was weak, it seems that developing a positive attitude toward PE could improve SS participation, which would be an important factor in increasing students' general levels of PA practice.
Effect of nutritional status and selected sex hormones on plasma leptin level in female athletes with menstrual disorders
Authors: Sadowska K , Jeszka J
Published: November 2010

Studies on female athletes with low fat mass showed that low plasma leptin level can predict menstrual disorders, but the relationship between levels of leptin and sex hormones in athletes, especially those with menstrual disorders, is unknown. This study investigated secondary regulators of plasma leptin level, such as prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and nutritional status, in female athletes. Thirty-two female professional swimmers with oligomenorrhoea, aged 18±2 years, with a training period of 5.3±2.7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 21.1±2.1 kg/m2, divided in two groups with too high (IL) or too low plasma leptin level (DL) participated in the study. The nutritional status was evaluated basing on analysis of the body composition using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method (percentage of adipose tissue (FM) and lean body mass (FFM)) and skinfold thickness using Harpenden skinfold caliper. Serum levels of leptin, prolactin, testosterone and SHBG were measured. IL athletes were younger (IL: 17±1 years, DL: 19±2 years; p<0.05) than DL athletes. BMI, ST and FM were higher (p<0.05) in IL athletes but FFM was lower (p<0.05) compared to DL swimmers (BMI: IL 22.4±2.3 kg/m2, DL 20.3±1.5 kg/m2, ST: IL 12.6±4.0 mm, DL 9.6±2.1 mm, FM: IL: 23.2±5.0%, DL: 19.2±3.5%, FFM; IL 76.8±5.0%, DL 80.8±3.5%). Furthermore, the results of plasma leptin level correlated (p<0.05) with anthropometric parameters (age: r=−0.39, body mass: r=0.47, BMI: r=0.52, ST: r=0.38), body composition (FM%: r=0.45, FFM kg: r=−0.45), prolactin (r=0.67) and testosterone level (r=0.45). The results confirm the strong influence of body mass and fat mass on serum leptin levels. Moreover, high prolactin and testosterone levels may also favourably increase plasma leptin level in athletes and affect menstrual disorders.
Perceived health and physical activity of the Empowering Health Learning for the Elderly project
Authors: Tortosa-Martínez J , Vega-Ramirez L , Soler-Gomis A , Plaza-Salán A
Published: November 2010

The Empowering Health Learning for the Elderly project targeted the promotion of competences and abilities related to health education for professionals working with adults. The first step of the programme was to analyse the perceived health of 1200 adults and older adults of four different countries (Spain, Italy, France and Holland). The instrument used was a questionnaire with 64 multiple choice questions about healthy lifestyles such as physical exercise, eating, drinking and smoking, use of drugs, memory and emotional intelligence. Data were analysed using Excel dynamic tables and SPSS V.15. The data discussed here represent only physical activity related results of the Spanish sample (300). 86% of the subjects were between 55 and 74 years of age. The perceived health of the population is good and 95% of the sample reports to be independent. About 50% consider themselves as active with only 2% reporting being seated for most of the day. Daily physical activity is reduced with age (p<0.01). Especially, people over 85 years old have reduced activity compared to younger ones (p=0.01). Around 45% of the men consider their physical fitness good compared to nearly 50% for women. There is a higher number of men doing physical activity five or more times a week than women (p<0.017). There is a correlation between reporting a high frequency of physical exercise and having a good perceived physical condition (p=0.05). Overall, the perceived health of the sample is good. The levels of physical activity are also good. This is probably due to the characteristics of the sample, with a high socioeconomic status and a high educational level. The study relies on perceived analyses and not on objective measures. It would be appropriate to use both methods to compare results.
Water consumption in free-living adults
Authors: Al-Jalali E , Shirreffs S M
Published: November 2010

Water is the largest single component of the human body. It is obtained from food and beverage consumption and by metabolic production in the body. This study investigated water consumption in adults living in the UK. 40 males and 40 females (mean±SD age 34±13 years, body mass 72±19 kg, height 169±10 cm, body mass index 25±6 kg/m2, mean arterial blood pressure 97±13 mm Hg) completed a three consecutive day dietary record for 1 weekend and 2 week days. Every item consumed (food and drinks), the eating occasion (meal or snack), time, food preparation method, brand of product, location of consumption and details of any people with them were recorded. Females tended to consume more water than males (2402±827 ml/day, 2056±911 ml/day respectively p=0.079). More water was consumed via nonwater beverages than food and plain water (p=0.000): for females this was 1013±552 ml, 556±220 ml and 833±683 ml and for males were 924±637 ml, 567±248 ml and 565±574 ml, respectively. This is equivalent to 27±11% of total daily water intake from food, 45±20% from nonwater beverages and 28±21% from plain water. There was no difference in total water intake on weekend days compared to week days for females 2488±1041 ml, 2446±831 ml and 2272±921 ml (p=0.892) or for males 2132±1353 ml, 2101±1295 ml and 1934±876 ml (p=0.869). There was no difference in total water intake among females and males relative to weekend days and week day 1 and week day 2 (p=0.191), (p=0.160) and (p=0.097). The mean amount of water consumed per person per day in UK population was 2229±882 ml with 1668±766 ml being obtained from beverages. This is similar to previous research1 which found that the total beverage consumption in Britain in 2000/2001 was 1988 ml/day for males and 1585 ml/day for females.
Effects of heavy resistance exercise on fatigue and recovery during period of 48 h post-exercise in females
Authors: Touba M , Lees A
Published: November 2010

The objective of study two was to establish the heavy resistance exercise volume and intensity to produce a fatigue effect of a 40% reduction in measured force variables and to establish the fatigue and recovery responses over 48-h period. Subjects were familiarised with the same testing procedures in the pilot study. All subjects performed three sets of six different exercises (lying leg curls, dumbbell lunges, barbell squats, leg extensions, straight leg deadlift, leg presses) at an intensity corresponding to 70% of 1 RM (8-10 repetitions). A 1-min rest period was allowed between exercises and a 3-min rest period between sets. The isometric force measurements were also obtained 2 h, 24 h and 48 h recovery for maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD). The data showed that there was a significant main effect of time on MVC for both legs (p=0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between pre- and post-exercise (p=0.001), pre-exercise and 2 h, 24 h (p=0.002) but no significant difference for 48 h (p=1.00). A significant main effect of time on MVC (p<0.001) for the dominant leg. Pairwise comparisons showed a significant difference between pre- and post-exercise at 2 h (p=0.001), but no significant difference between pre-exercise and after 24 h and 48 h (p=1.00). The RFD for both legs (p<0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between pre- and post-exercise (p=0.001) and at 2 h, but no significant difference among pre-exercise, 24 h and 48 h (p=1.00). There was a significant main effect of time on RFD (p<0.001) for the dominant leg. Pairwise comparisons showed a significant difference between pre- and post-exercise (p=0.000) but no significant difference between pre-exercise and 2, 24 and 48 h (p=1.00). In this study it was found that using both legs at 70% of 1 RM was still not enough for the desired reduction, so further studies should increase the intensity of 1 RM.
Validity and reliability of the Myotest Pro wireless accelerometer
Authors: Bampouras T M , Relph N , Orme D , Esformes J I
Published: November 2010

Assessing strength and power is crucial for evaluating muscular performance and function. As laboratory testing can be time-consuming or inaccessible to many athletes, portable accelerometers have been developed to assess strength and power on the field. Recently, a wireless accelerometer was introduced to allow for even greater flexibility in assessment. Nevertheless, any assessment tool must be valid and reliable. The aim of the current study was to assess the validity and reliability of a commercially available accelerometer. Forty-eight physically active subjects (males: n=32: age 30±9 years, height 1.79±0.12 m, body mass 82.0±14.3 kg; females: n=16: age 27±6 years, height 1.71±0.06 m, body mass 63.8±7.4 kg) completed two countermovement jump squats on a force plate (FP) with at least 1-min rest, on two separate occasions. The accelerometer was secured on a lightweight bar, which rested on the subjects' shoulders while jumping. The jump with the highest force generation was selected from each occasion for further analysis. Validity was determined from the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the accelerometer and the FP. Bias was also calculated, using a t test. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV), while test-retest differences were examined with a t test. The accelerometer demonstrated significant and high correlation to the FP (p=0.001, r=0.85), while it overestimated force production by 7.8% (p=0.001). Repeatability for both devices was the same (ICC=0.87), with small CV (accelerometer=7.5%, FP=6.1%) and test-retest differences (accelerometer=0.1%, FP=1.1%). The results indicate that the Myotest Pro accelerometer is a valid and reliable tool for assessing force in the field. However, caution needs to be exercised when the results are compared to data obtained from a FP, as the Myotest Pro calculation method overestimates the maximum force produced.
Systematic examination of the influence of carbohydrate supplementation on physical and mental performance in warm conditions
Authors: Watson P , van Langen F , Quigley J , Maughan R J
Published: November 2010

Exercise performance in the heat is not limited by the availability of carbohydrate (CHO), and the provision of more dilute CHO-electrolyte solutions may confer a greater benefit during prolonged exercise in a warm environment. The present study evaluated the effects of low concentrations of CHO on physical and mental performance. Twelve healthy males (mean±SD Age 21±2 years; Height 179±8 cm; Mass 80.2±7.1 kg; VO2max4.2±0.5 l/min) exercised to volitional exhaustion at a workload corresponding to 60% VO2maxat 30°C, 60% RH. Subjects ingested 3 ml/kg body mass of a 0%, 2%, 4% or 6% CHO solution before exercise and a further 1.5 ml/kg body mass of the appropriate solution every 10 min during exercise. Heart rate, core temperature, RPE and perceived thermal stress were recorded at regular intervals. Expired gas samples were collected to determine rates of substrate utilisation. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerised test battery. Exercise time to exhaustion was 94.5±24.5 min, 104.1±20.1 min, 105.5±26.7 min and 112.0±28.7 min in the 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% trials respectively (P=0.046). Drink CHO content did not influence heart rate (P=0.464) or core temperature (P=0.516). Rates of CHO (P=0.105) and fat (P=0.339) oxidation were not influenced by the drink ingested. The exercise bout resulted in a slowing of response times to a visual search task in the 0% and 2% trials (p<0.05). The present data demonstrate a positive relationship between drink CHO content and exercise time to exhaustion. There was some suggestion that CHO may attenuate decrements in motor skills tasks performed after exhausting exercise. The study was carried out in relation to the product Powerade and was funded in part by The Coca-Cola Company.
Agreement between observed and participant self-reported energy intake in adolescent netball players
Authors: Rumbold P L S , St Clair-Gibson A , Stevenson E , Dodd-Reynolds C J
Published: November 2010

The aim was to explore the agreement over 24 h between observed and participant self-reported energy intake in adolescent netball players (habitual exercisers). Thirteen girls; age 16±1 years; stature 1.68±0.06 m; mass 61.1±8.0 kg; body mass index 21.6±2.5 kg/m2; body fat 21.5±6.9%; dietary restraint 2.13±0.63 (average category for high school females)1 and maturity offset 2.7±0.5 years from peak height velocity (positive maturity offset). The participants spent 12 h at Northumbria University, from 08:00 in the morning to 20:00 in the evening. They were provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with ad libitum snacks throughout the day and for the period between 20:00 and 08:00 the following morning. All items were pre weighed or measured by the observer to determine the energy intake (MJ) content. These were then numerically coded and the participants could collect food and drink items at their discretion throughout the day. The participants were instructed to inform a member of the research team of the numerical code of each item collected to later calculate observed energy intake (MJ), taking into account all leftover food or drink items. Participant recorded energy intake (MJ) was calculated using a combined self-reported, weighed food record, where all food and drink items were manually weighed or measured and recorded in a food diary by the participants and confirmed during a 24-h recall interview with the observer the following morning. Agreement between observer and participant self-reported energy intake was calculated. Energy intake mean bias±random error equated to 0.46±1.5 MJ (1.96 SD of the mean difference), therefore the 95% limits of agreement was large, ranging from −1.04 to 1.96 MJ/days. The 95% CI for bias, however, ranged from 0.00 to 0.92 MJ/days. Overall, the combined self-reported, weighed food diary and 24-h recall interview technique indicated good agreement at the group level, therefore providing a means for assessing self-reported energy intake in habitual exercisers.
Foot area and height of centre of gravity of individuals as determinants during the transition phase of step and jump of triple jumping
Authors: Venkata R K
Published: November 2010

Larger foot area and lower centre of gravity need more propulsive force. Larger foot area releases larger amount of force into the earth causing ineffective repulsion during the step and jump phases making more uneconomical. This study was to analyse the correlation among the area of the foot, height of the individual and step and jump performance of triple jumping. Foot area of the 200 subjects was measured by graph weighing method. The mean subject height was 170 cm: all were nonobese without any prior regular athletic training. Partial correlation was applied to analyse the correlation between the distance achieved for step and jump phases and foot area, centre of gravity height of the participants. A significant negative correlation was found between foot area and the performance (r=−0.148; p<0.003), but no significant correlation was found between height and the performance. The negative correlation between foot area and the performance was greater (r=−0.191; p<0.0001), when the effect of height was removed through first order partial correlation. The positive correlation between height and performance was found increased to significant level (r=0.142; p<0.0014), when the effect of foot area was removed through partial correlation of first order. The performance of step and jump phases of triple jump decreases with the increase in the area of the foot and increases with the increase in height of centre of gravity of individuals.
Acceleration and rotation rate profile comparison from inertial sensors mounted on the service arm between tennis players of different skill level
Authors: Patterson M , Caulfield B , Conroy L
Published: November 2010

Two inertial measurement units were placed on the distal and proximal forearms of tennis players of varying skill levels to determine what type of information it is possible to obtain from such sensors and investigate the difference skill level had on the sensor readings. Players of better skill had higher rotation rate on the proximal sensor (elite 2040°/s, rec 1650°/s and beginner 700°/s), which seems similar to previously reported information on shoulder internal rotation rate.1 Shoulder internal rotation rate is a key factor for an effective service. Two players previously had formal technique coaching for their serve; these players acceleration profiles suggest that they contact the ball with less forearm supination than the nontechnique trained group (z-y acceleration ratios were 3.388 and 4.184 in technique-trained compared to 0.206 and 1.226 in nontrained). A system like this could be developed over time to quickly give coaches quantification of a player's performance without the need to use a complex biomechanics laboratory.
Test–retest reliability of isokinetic concentric knee extension and flexion
Authors: Cockburn E , Hayes P
Published: November 2010

Isokinetic dynamometry, which is a useful tool for the assessment of muscular function, must have sufficient reliability to be certain that changes are due to experimental intervention. Isokinetic concentric knee extension and flexion measured with a range of dynamometers has high reliability, but differences in measured variables exist between different dynamometers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the reliability of isokinetic concentric knee extension and flexion on a Cybex Norm. Following familiarisation, 14 participants (23±3 years; 171±9 cm; 65.9±9.6 kg) attended the laboratory on 3 separate occasions, separated by 1 week. On each visit, participants completed 6 maximal concentric knee extension/flexions at 1.05 rad/s on a Cybex Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and group coefficients of variation (CV). CV's for peak torque were 4.0%, 5.1%, 4.9% and 4.5% for dominant quadriceps, nondominant quadriceps, dominant hamstrings and nondominant hamstrings, respectively. ICC's for peak torque of each measurement ranged from 0.82 to 0.97. The results demonstrate that the protocol and dynamometer used are reliable measures of concentric peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors, and are in line with other data examining isokinetic dynamometry.
NEARLY CONFORMAL GAUGE THEORIES ON THE LATTICE
Authors: FODOR ZOLTÁN , HOLLAND KIERAN , KUTI JULIUS , NÓGRÁDI DÁNIEL , SCHROEDER CHRIS
Published: November 2010

We present selected new results on chiral symmetry breaking in nearly conformal gauge theories with fermions in the fundamental representation of the SU (3) color gauge group. We found chiral symmetry breaking (χSB) for all flavors between Nf = 4 and Nf = 12 with most of the results discussed here for Nf = 4, 8, 12 as we approach the conformal window. To identify χSB we apply several methods which include, within the framework of chiral perturbation theory, the analysis of the Goldstone spectrum in the p -regime and the spectrum of the fermion Dirac operator with eigenvalue distributions of random matrix theory in the ϵ-regime. Chiral condensate enhancement is observed with increasing Nf when the electroweak symmetry breaking scale F is held fixed in technicolor language. Important finite-volume consistency checks from the theoretical understanding of the SU(Nf) rotator spectrum of the δ-regime are discussed. We also consider these gauge theories at Nf = 16 inside the conformal window. Our work on the running coupling is presented separately.1
BALANCED SUBDIVISIONS WITH BOUNDARY CONDITION OF TWO SETS OF POINTS IN THE PLANE
Authors: KANO M. , UNO MIYUKI
Published: November 2010

Let R and B be two disjoint sets of red points and blue points in the plane, respectively, such that no three points of R ∪ B are collinear, and let a,b and g be positive integers. We show that if ag ≤ |R| < (a + 1)g and bg ≤ |B| < (b + 1)g, then we can subdivide the plane into g convex polygons so that every open convex polygon contains exactly a red points and b blue points and that the remaining points lie on the boundary of the subdivision. This is a generalization of equitable subdivision of ag red points and bg blue points in the plane.
SCALE SELECTION FOR GEOMETRIC FITTING IN NOISY POINT CLOUDS
Authors: UNNIKRISHNAN RANJITH , LALONDE JEAN-FRANÇOIS , VANDAPEL NICOLAS , HEBERT MARTIAL
Published: November 2010

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the use of raw point cloud data as the geometric primitive of choice for several modeling tasks such as rendering, editing and compression. Algorithms using this representation often require reliable additional information such as the curve tangent or surface normal at each point. Estimation of these quantities requires the selection of an appropriate scale of analysis to accommodate sensor noise, density variation and sparsity in the data. To this goal, we present a new class of locally semi-parametric estimators that allows analysis of accuracy with finite samples, as well as explicitly addresses the problem of selecting optimal support volume for local fitting. Experiments on synthetic and real data validate the behavior predicted by the model, and show competitive performance and improved stability over leading alternatives that require a preset scale.
ON OPTIMAL TREATMENT PLANNING IN RADIOTHERAPY GOVERNED BY TRANSPORT EQUATIONS
Authors: HERTY MICHAEL , SANDJO ALBERT N.
Published: November 2010

This paper is devoted to the study of optimal control problems arising in radiotherapy planning problems. The distribution of the radiative intensity in the patient's body is described by a Boltzmann-integro differential equation with position, angular and energy-dependent scattering and absorption coefficients and an energy loss term. The presented discussion is the last in the series of Refs. 13 and 14 discussing radiotherapy problems using the Boltzmann transport equation. We show the existence, uniqueness and regularity of an optimal control using evolution group theory. We extend existing results in order to treat the important case of energy-dependent scattering coefficients.
Asset Allocation
Authors: Wachter Jessica A.
Published: November 2010

This review article describes recent literature on asset allocation, covering both static and dynamic models. The article focuses on the bond-stock decision and on the implications of return predictability. In the static setting, investors are assumed to be Bayesian, and the role of various prior beliefs and specifications of the likelihood are explored. In the dynamic setting, recursive utility is assumed, and attention is paid to obtaining analytical results when possible. Results under both full- and limited-information assumptions are discussed.