bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Cardiometabolic Health in Young Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wittekind Samuel G. , Gerdes Yvette , Mays Wayne , Chin Clifford , Jefferies John L.
Published: February 2018

Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy is deadly and costly, and treatment options are limited. Cardiac rehabilitation has proved safe and beneficial for adults with various types of heart failure. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the hypothesis that rehabilitation is safe and improves cardiometabolic health in young patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomypathy.

From 2011 through 2015, 8 patients (4 males) (mean age, 20.6 ± 6.6 yr; range, 10–31 yr) underwent rehabilitation at our institution. They were in American Heart Association class C or D heart failure and were on maximal medical therapy. Their mean left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline was 0.26 ± 0.15. Two patients had a left ventricular assist device, and 2 were inpatients. To evaluate safety, we documented adverse events during rehabilitation sessions. Clinical endpoints were measured at baseline, immediately after completing rehabilitation, and after one year.

Patients attended 120 of 141 possible sessions (85%), with no adverse events. There were no marked changes in mean left ventricular ejection fraction or body mass index. The patients' mean waist circumference decreased by 1.37 ± 0.6 in (n=5; 95% CI, −2.1 to −0.63). Their 6-minute walk distance increased by a mean of 111 ± 75 m (n=5; 95% CI, 18–205).

In our small sample of young patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac rehabilitation was feasible and was associated with minimal risk. Our findings suggest that prospective studies in this population are warranted.
Affective Atmospheres of Terror on the Mexico–U.S. Border: Rumors of Violence in Reynosa’s Prostitution Zone
Authors: Luna Sarah
Published: February 2018

This article examines the effects of rumors within the Mexican and U.S. governments’ militarized war on drugs. Focusing on a period during which Mexican drug organizations were strengthened and violence increased, the article follows the lives of Mexican sex workers and their clients, as well as American missionaries living in a prostitution zone in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Borders between narco-controlled and state-controlled territory were shifted in and through the bodies of Reynosa’s residents as a contagion of performative rumors came to occupy la zona. As residents told or listened to stories about torture and murder at the hands of narcos, their perceived vulnerability increased and fear came to predominate. In this article I theorize how rumors of violence shaped affective atmospheres of terror and altered spatial practices in a drug-war zone. Feelings of bodily risk first affected vulnerable populations and later spread to people who had previously felt secure in border zones. These narco-stories not only circulated terror but also allowed people to achieve intimacy and maintain social bonds through the shared experience of terror.
Herausforderungen einer nachhaltigen Bioökonomiepolitik
Authors: Gawel Erik , Purkus Alexandra , Pannicke Nadine , Hagemann Nina
Published: February 2018

Um den Pfadübergang zu einer Bioökonomie zu ermöglichen und gleichzeitig deren Nachhaltigkeit zu sichern, spielt der politische Steuerungsrahmen eine zentrale Rolle. Der Beitrag diskutiert zentrale Herausforderungen der Politikgestaltung.
Long-term recording performance and biocompatibility of chronically implanted cylindrically-shaped, polymer-based neural interfaces
Authors: Fiáth Richárd , Hofer Katharina T. , Csikós Vivien , Horváth Domonkos , Nánási Tibor , Tóth Kinga , Pothof Frederick , Böhler Christian , Asplund Maria , Ruther Patrick , Ulbert István
Published: February 2018

Stereo-electroencephalography depth electrodes, regularly implanted into drug-resistant patients with focal epilepsy to localize the epileptic focus, have a low channel count (6–12 macro- or microelectrodes), limited spatial resolution (0.5–1 cm) and large contact area of the recording sites (~mm2). Thus, they are not suited for high-density local field potential and multiunit recordings. In this paper, we evaluated the long-term electrophysiological recording performance and histocompatibility of a neural interface consisting of 32 microelectrodes providing a physical shape similar to clinical devices. The cylindrically-shaped depth probes made of polyimide (PI) were chronically implanted for 13 weeks into the brain of rats, while cortical or thalamic activity (local field potentials, single-unit and multi-unit activity) was recorded regularly to monitor the temporal change of several features of the electrophysiological performance. To examine the tissue reaction around the probe, neuron-selective and astroglia-selective immunostaining methods were applied. Stable single-unit and multi-unit activity were recorded for several weeks with the implanted depth probes and a weak or moderate tissue reaction was found around the probe track. Our data on biocompatibility presented here andin vivoexperiments in non-human primates provide a strong indication that this type of neural probe can be applied in stereo-electroencephalography recordings of up to 2 weeks in humans targeting the localization of epileptic foci providing an increased spatial resolution and the ability to monitor local field potentials and neuronal spiking activity.
Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of flavonoid triazolyl glycosides
Authors: Wang Gang-qiang , Yan Li-li , Wang Qiu-an
Published: February 2018

Sixteen flavonoid triazolyl glycosides 4–19 were synthesized in good yields via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions of terminal alkynes of flavonoids 1–3 with acetylated sugar azides followed by deacetylation with sodium methoxide in anhydrous methanol. The antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds against three human cancer cell lines (Hela, HCC1954 and SK-OV-3) in vitro was evaluated. Flavonoids 1, 2 and flavonoid triazolyl glycosides 7, 12, 17 exhibit potent antiproliferative activity against these cancer cell lines.
The effect of high voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment on bonding interphase characteristics among different wood sections of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.)
Authors: He Qian , Zhan Tianyi , Zhang Haiyang , Ju Zehui , Dai Chunping , Lu Xiaoning
Published: February 2018

High voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment has been investigated as an optimization method for enhancing the bonding performance of wood via increasing its polarization degree and improvement of the penetration of phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive. As the wood surfaces from cross cut (C), radial cut (R) and tangential cut (T) behave differently, five cut combinations formed the samples to be tested, namely C-C, R-R, R-T, T-T (always parallel to grain) and T-T⊥, where the grains were perpendicular to each other. The gluing and HVEF treatments were performed simultaneously. The sample surfaces were characterized by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, dynamic contact angle (CAdyn) measurements, X-ray densitometry, fluorescence microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and measurements of compression shear bonding strength (CSBS). An increased surface energy led to decreased CAdynS in the following order: cross section<tangential section<radial section. Obviously, the triggered free electrons of the HVEF treatments changed the wood surfaces. The penetration depth of PF into wood cell decreased significantly and the maximal density increased after the HVEF treatment. The lower CAdyns also contributed to the better reaction of the wood surface with the PF resin. The CSBS of the five sample combinations was enhanced owing to a better performance of adhesive aggregation, which was increased by 18% (C-C), 24% (T-T), 26% (T-T⊥), 31% (R-T) and 42% (R-R), respectively. Pore size and pore size distribution contributed a lot to the bonding properties of HVEF-treated wood sections.
Aromatase in normal and diseased liver
Authors: Murakami Keigo , Hata Shuko , Miki Yasuhiro , Sasano Hironobu
Published: February 2018

Background

A potential correlation between sex hormones, such as androgens and estrogens, and the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been proposed. However, its details, in particular, aromatase status in diseased human liver has remained largely unknown.

Materials and methods

We immunolocalized aromatase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) type 1 and 17β-HSD type 2 in a total of 155 cases, consisting of normal liver (n = 10), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (n = 18), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (n = 6), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (n = 13), biliary atresia (n = 18), alcoholic hepatitis (n = 11), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n = 31), HCV sustained virologic response (HCV-SVR) (n = 10), hepatitis B virus (HBV) (n = 20), HBV sustained virologic response (HBV-SVR) (n = 8) and infants (n = 10).

Results

Immunoreactivity scores of aromatase in HBV (59.5 ± 30.9), HBV-SVR (68.1 ± 33.5) and infants (100.5 ± 36.6) were significantly higher than those in normal liver (26.0 ± 17.1). Scores of 17β-HSD type 1 in any etiology other than HBV (116.3 ± 23.7) and infants (120.0 ± 28.5) were significantly lower than those in normal liver (122.5 ± 8.6). Scores of 17β-HSD type 2 in NASH (74.4 ± 36.6) were significantly lower than those in normal liver (128.0 ± 29.7).

Conclusion

High immunoreactivity scores of aromatase and 17β-HSD type 1 in the patients with HBV suggest a correlation between HBV infection and in situ estrogen synthesis in hepatocytes.
Design and implementation of a platform for the citizen science project migraine radar
Authors: Wogenstein Florian , Gaul Charly , Kropp Peter , Scheidt Jörg , Siebenhaar Yannic , Drescher Johannes
Published: February 2018

In this paper we introduce the design and technical implementation of the citizen science project Migraine Radar. The goal of the project is to establish a large collection of migraine attack data in order to explore the trigger factors of migraine attacks. A main focus is the investigation of the influence of environmental factors like weather or changes in the geomagnetic activity on the frequency of migraine attacks.

After registering with the project, participants report their migraine attack data using a web app or one of the smartphone apps implemented for Android and iOS. As a benefit, the system serves as a personal headache calendar and participants have access to statistics and individualized reports about their attacks.

For scientific analysis the data are pre-processed and provided to the researchers in an anonymized way.
Mobile learning in environmental citizen science: An initial survey of current practice in Germany
Authors: Sturm Ulrike , Moormann Alexandra , Faber Astrid
Published: February 2018

Citizen science is a growing approach in science and the opportunities of new technologies and learning are considered more and more. We give an overview of the current practice of mobile learning in Germany by conducting an explorative survey among environmental citizen science projects using mobile apps. This study supports the idea that education is relevant in citizen science, and apps affect the learning experience of participants. However, several obstacles were identified that need to be considered, to be able to fully exploit the benefits of mobile learning in citizen science.
Not-so-distant reading: A dynamic network approach to literature
Authors: Luczak-Roesch Markus , Grener Adam , Fenton Emma
Published: February 2018

In this article we report about our efforts to develop and evaluate computational support tools for literary studies. We present a novel method and tool that allows interactive visual analytics of character occurrences in Victorian novels, and has been handed to humanities scholars and students for work with a number of novels from different authors. Our user study reveals insights about Victorian novels that are valuable for scholars in the digital humanities field, and informs UI as well as UX designers about how these domain experts interact with tools that leverage network science.
Fuzzy Adaptive Genetic Algorithm for Improving the Solution of Industrial Optimization Problems
Authors: Vannucci Marco , Colla Valentina , Dettori Stefano , Iannino Vincenzo
Published: February 2018

In the industrial and manufacturing fields, many problems require tuning of the parameters of complex models by means of exploitation of empirical data. In some cases, the use of analytical methods for the determination of such parameters is not applicable; thus, heuristic methods are employed. One of the main disadvantages of these approaches is the risk of converging to “suboptimal” solutions. In this article, the use of a novel type of genetic algorithm is proposed to overcome this drawback. This approach exploits a fuzzy inference system that controls the search strategies of genetic algorithm on the basis of the real-time status of the optimization process. In this article, this method is tested on classical optimization problems and on three industrial applications that put into evidence the improvement of the capability of avoiding the local minima and the acceleration of the search process.
Estimating the duration of professional tennis matches for varying formats
Authors: Kovalchik Stephanie Ann , Ingram Martin
Published: February 2018

The duration of matches has been a common concern in professional tennis. Governing bodies have recently begun to introduce new match formats, like Fast4, to curb match lengths yet the impact of these formats on the professional game remains poorly understood. In this paper, we develop a shot-level Monte Carlo match simulation approach for estimating the duration, points played, and upset probability given a specific match format. Our model is built on validated models of the in-play and between-play time of matches using Hawk-eye tracking data and publicly available shot-level tennis statistics. When we applied our models to a variety of match formats with serve characteristics representative of current elite players, we found that Fast4 formats had an expected duration of 60 minutes, best of 3 averaged 90 minutes, and best of 5 averaged 120 minutes. Our results also showed that longer matches favor the better player and make match outcomes more predictable. Fast4 formats had a typical upset frequency of 20% compared to 13% for best of 3 matches and 10% for best of 5 matches. The modeling approach we have developed can be a useful resource for tennis governing bodies in assessing the impact of new match formats.
Space use and movement of jaguar (Panthera onca) in western Paraguay
Authors: McBride Roy T. , Thompson Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2018

Home range and core area size were estimated for jaguar (Panthera onca) in western Paraguay in the Dry Chaco, Humid Chaco and Pantanal using an autocorrelated kernel density estimator. Mean home range size was 818 km2 (95% confidence interval: 425–1981) in the Dry Chaco and 237 km2 (95% confidence interval: 90–427) in the Humid Chaco/Pantanal. Core areas, defined as the home range area where use was equal to expected use, was consistent across sexes and systems represented on average by the 59% home range isopleth (range: 56–64%). Males had a higher probability of larger home ranges and more directional and greater daily movements than females collectively and within systems. The large home ranges in the Dry Chaco are attributable to the relatively low productivity of that semi-arid ecosystem and high heterogeneity in resource distribution while larger than expected home ranges in the Humid Chaco/Pantanal compared to home range estimates from the Brazilian Pantanal may be due to differences in geomorphology and hydrological cycle. The large home ranges of jaguars in western Paraguay and a low proportional area of protected areas in the region demonstrate the importance of private ranchland for the long-term conservation of the species.
Oscillation of first order linear differential equations with several non-monotone delays
Authors: Attia E.R. , Benekas V. , El-Morshedy H.A. , Stavroulakis I.P.
Published: February 2018

Consider the first-order linear differential equation with several retarded arguments

x

′

(
t
)
+

∑

k
=
1

n

p

k

(
t
)
x
(

τ

k

(
t
)
)
=
0
,

t
≥

t

0

,

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle x^{\prime }(t)+\sum\limits_{k=1}^{n}p_{k}(t)x(\tau _{k}(t))=0,\;\;\;t\geq t_{0},
\end{array} $$

where the functions pk
, τk
∈ C([t
0, ∞), ℝ+), τk
(t) < t for t ≥ t
0 and lim
t→∞
τk
(t) = ∞, for every k = 1, 2, …, n. Oscillation conditions which essentially improve known results in the literature are established. An example illustrating the results is given.
Random walk on spheres method for solving anisotropic drift-diffusion problems
Authors: Shalimova Irina , Sabelfeld Karl K.
Published: February 2018

We suggest a random walk on spheres based stochastic simulation algorithm for solving drift-diffusion-reaction problems with anisotropic diffusion. The diffusion coefficients and the velocity vector vary in space, and the size of the walking spheres is adapted
to the local variation of these functions. The method is mesh free and extremely efficient for calculation of fluxes to boundaries and the concentration of the absorbed particles inside the domain.
Applications to cathodoluminescence (CL) and electron beam induced current (EBIC) methods for
the analysis of dislocations and other defects in semiconductors are discussed.
Optical activity in chiral stacks of 2D semiconductors
Authors: Poshakinskiy Alexander V. , Kazanov Dmitrii R. , Shubina Tatiana V. , Tarasenko Sergey A.
Published: February 2018

We show that the stacks of two-dimensional semiconductor crystals with the chiral packing exhibit optical activity and circular dichroism. We develop a microscopic theory of these phenomena in the spectral range of exciton transitions that takes into account the spin-dependent hopping of excitons between the layers in the stack and the interlayer coupling of excitons via electromagnetic field. For the stacks of realistic two-dimensional semiconductors such as transition metal dichalcogenides, we calculate the rotation and ellipticity angles of radiation transmitted through such structures. The angles are resonantly enhanced at the frequencies of both bright and dark exciton modes in the stack. We also study the photoluminescence of chiral stacks and show that it is circularly polarized.
Experimental realization of a CMOS-compatible optical directed priority encoder using cascaded micro-ring resonators
Authors: Xiao Huifu , Li Dezhao , Liu Zilong , Han Xu , Chen Wenping , Zhao Ting , Tian Yonghui , Yang Jianhong
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an integrated optical device that can implement the logical function of priority encoding from a 4-bit electrical signal to a 2-bit optical signal. For the proof of concept, the thermo-optic modulation scheme is adopted to tune each micro-ring resonator (MRR). A monochromatic light with the working wavelength is coupled into the input port of the device through a lensed fiber, and the four input electrical logic signals regarded as pending encode signals are applied to the micro-heaters above four MRRs to control the working states of the optical switches. The encoding results are directed to the output ports in the form of light. At last, the logical function of priority encoding with an operation speed of 10 Kbps is demonstrated successfully.
Crystal structure of diaqua-bis[N-phenyl-2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetamide-κ3-N,O,O′]-nitrato(κ2
O,O′)-cerium(III) dinitrate - acetone (1/2), C40H44N7O17Ce
Authors: Wu Hao , Li Hai-Yan , Wu Wei-Na
Published: February 2018

C40H44N7O17Ce, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 28.5754(11) Å, b = 9.2819(3) Å, c = 20.2035(8) Å, β = 123.576(2)°, V = 4464.6(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0321, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0844, T = 296(2) K.
Oὐ γὰρ ἴσον Κύκλωπι μελίσδεο: Intertextuality, Metalepsis, and Eulogistic Strategies inEB58–63
Authors: Di Nino Margherita Maria
Published: February 2018

From the second half of the last century onwards, the term ‘metalepsis’ has been in common use in the field of narratology, and has gradually found a place in literary criticism more broadly, to denote the transgression of diegetic boundaries, whether by the narrator or the narratee. The present article provides a thorough analysis of the metaleptic depiction of Bion provided by his anonymous eulogist at lines 58–63 of theEpitaph for Bion. This passage describes Galatea’s reaction to Bion’s demise, with the result that the dead poet, who sang of the Cyclops in fr. 16, himself assumes Polyphemus-like traits. However, the parallelism between the poet and his character proves to be imperfect, because the text hints at a past liaison, and describes Galatea’s newly acquired status as a shepherdess, thus presenting Bion as a successful lover, and, more importantly, one who has been successful precisely where the Cyclops failed. The key to reading this ‘antagonistic’ portrayal of Bion is provided by analysis of the hidden web of intertextual connections that lies beneath this passage (Theoc.Idd. 6, 11, Bion frr. 3, 16), which brings to the fore its strong poetological meaning, revealing it to be a poetic tribute through which the anonymous poet celebrates Bion’s achievements as both a bucolic and an amatory poet.
Quadruple multi-wavelength conversion for access network scalability based on cross-phase modulation in an SOA-MZI
Authors: Ab-Rahman Mohammad Syuhaimi , Swedan Abdulhameed Almabrok
Published: February 2018

The emergence of new services and data exchange applications has increased the demand for bandwidth among individuals and commercial business users at the access area. Thus, vendors of optical access networks should achieve a high-capacity system. This study demonstrates the performance of an integrated configuration of one to four multi-wavelength conversions at 10 Gb/s based on cross-phase modulation using semiconductor optical amplifier integrated with Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The Opti System simulation tool is used to simulate and demonstrate one to four wavelength conversions using one modulated wavelength and four probes of continuous wave sources. The wavelength converter processes are confirmed through investigation of the input and output characteristics, optical signal-to-noise ratio, conversion efficiency, and extinction ratio of new modulated channels after separation by demultiplexing. The outcomes of the proposed system using single channel indicate that the capacity can increase from 10 Gb/s to 50 Gb/s with a maximum number of access points increasing from 64 to 320 (each point with 156.25 Mb/s bandwidth). The splitting ratio of 1:16 provides each client with 625 Mb/s for the total number of 80 users. The Q-factor and bit error rate curves are investigated to confirm and validate the modified scheme and prove the system performance of the full topology of 25 km with 1/64 splitter. The outcomes are within the acceptable range to provide the system scalability.
Industrial uses and applications of ionic liquids
Authors: Gutowski Keith E.
Published: February 2018

Ionic liquids are salts that melt at low temperatures (usually defined as less than 100 °C) and have a number of interesting properties that make them useful for industrial applications. Typical ionic liquid properties include high thermal stabilities, negligible vapor pressures, wide liquidus ranges, broad electrochemical windows, and unique solvation properties. Furthermore, the potential combinations of cations and anions provide nearly unlimited chemical tunability. This article will describe the diverse industrial uses of ionic liquids and how their unique properties are leveraged, with examples ranging from chemical processing to consumer packaged goods.
Missing Rich Offenders: Traffic Accidents and the Impartiality of Justice
Authors: Kurmangaliyeva Madina
Published: February 2018

This paper estimates the effect that wealth and power have on criminal justice outcomes by exploiting the random matching of drivers to pedestrians in traffic accidents. If justice is impartial, we should observe the same share of rich offenders both for poor and rich victims, conditional on location and time. Rich victims act as a control group to estimate the proportion ofmissingrich offenders whose victims are less powerful. I use this estimation approach on data from Russia, and find that its justice system is not impartial. The same approach can be applied not only to other countries but also to other characteristics that should be irrelevant to judicial outcomes in an impartial legal system, such as race and gender.
Thermal insulation of silica aerogel/PMMA composites with amino-capped polydivinylsiloxane phase interfaces
Authors: Li Hongyan , Song Limeng , Sun Cong , Li Ruyi , Fu Yongqiang , Zhang Hongjie , Yang Aiwu , Liu Hongli
Published: February 2018

Contradictions of strength and thermal insulation of silica aerogel (SA) are of wide concern. In this research, the mesoporous structure of SA was grafted with the polymers to increase the strength of SA and decrease the thermal conductivity of composites. The composites were characterized and analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), multi-assay gel permeation chromatography (GPC), a microcomputer control electronic universal testing machine and so on. The results indicated that amino-capped polydivinylsiloxane (AP) was successfully grafted on the SA surface and polymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to form an AP high thermal insulation phase interface between the SA phase and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) phase. The SA-AP/PMMA composite with a covalent bonding high thermal insulation phase interface had better mechanical properties and compressive strength than those of SA/PMMA. The obtained composite was an excellent thermal insulation material with lower thermal conductivity [0.045 W/(m·K)].
Exercise does not produce hypoalgesia when performed immediately after a painful stimulus
Authors: Gajsar Hannah , Nahrwold Katharina , Titze Christina , Hasenbring Monika I. , Vaegter Henrik B.
Published: February 2018

Background and aims:

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) are assumed to reflect descending pain inhibition. Potential interactions between EIH and CPM may be important in the therapy of chronic pain, as reduced CPM and increased pain after exercise are frequently observed. This study compared the EIH response after CPM was activated using a cold pressor task with the EIH response after a control condition.

Methods:

Thirty-one participants (age: 27.7±9.8; 15 female) completed two sessions: a cold pressor task (CPT) session, i.e. testing EIH with preceding CPM activation induced using a 2 min CPT at approximately 2°C, and a control session, i.e. testing EIH after a control condition (2 min of quiet rest). EIH was induced using a 15 min bicycling exercise at a target heart rate corresponding to 75% VO2 max. Repeated measures ANOVAs on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at the hand, back and leg were used to determine the effects of exercise after the cold pressor test and control condition. Furthermore, correlations between CPM and EIH, in the CPT session as well as control session, were calculated at each assessment site.

Results:

A significant time x condition interaction (F(1, 30)=43.61, p<0.001, partial η2=0.59), with Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc t-tests showed that PPTs increased after exercise in the control session (p<0.001), but not in the CPT session (p=0.125). Furthermore, there was a small positive correlation of EIH in the control session and CPM at the hand (r=0.37, p=0.043). There was a moderate negative correlation of EIH in the CPT session and CPM at the hand (r=−0.50, p=0.004), and smaller negative correlations at the back (r=−0.37, p=0.036) and at the leg (r=−0.35, p=0.054).

Conclusions:

Attenuated EIH after the CPM activation in comparison to a control condition suggests that EIH and CPM may share underlying pain inhibitory mechanisms on a systemic level. This assumption is further supported by the finding of small to moderate significant correlations between EIH and CPM at the hand. The attenuated EIH response furthermore suggests that these mechanisms are exhaustible, i.e. that its effects decline after a certain amount of inhibition.

Implications:

In patients with chronic pain, assessing the current capacity of the descending pain inhibitory system – as indicated by the CPM response – may aid to make better predictions about how patients will respond to exercise with respect to acute pain reduction.
Verschiedenheit religiöser Ansätze
Authors: Rötting Martin
Published: February 2018

Die spirituelle Identität ist in Bewegung: sowohl die Konzepte, um sie zu fassen, als auch die Inhalte, auf die sie sich bezieht. Plausibilitätsstrukturen und Weltsichten verschiedener Religionen, die sich im Zuge von Globalisierungs- und Migrationsprozessen begegnen, führen dazu, dass auch die Vorstellungen, Traditionen und Rituale im Umgang mit Tod und Sterben plural geworden sind. Dieser Artikel möchte zunächst diese Ausgangslage näher betrachten (1), um dann daraus Konsequenzen für die Genese spiritueller Identität (2) ziehen zu können. Hierzu kann auf die Ergebnisse einer größeren Studie zurückgegriffen werden. Die daraus gezogenen Konsequenzen werden an konkreten Prozessen des Interreligiösen Lernens (3) exemplarisch dargestellt. Abschließend können, ausgehend von den Einsichten zur spirituellen Identität und notwendigen interreligiösen Lernprozessen, die im Umgang mit den Themen Tod und Sterben anstehenden Herausforderungen und Konsequenzen (4) für die pastoraltheologische Arbeit der Religionen aufgezeigt werden.
Voting in Nigeria: Determinants of Turnout in the 2015 Presidential Election
Authors: Nwankwo Cletus Famous , Okafor Uchenna Paulinus
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the determinants of voter turnout in the 2015 election in Nigeria. Variables drawn from political participation models were tested on the likelihood that they influence turnout. The paper finds that political trust and home ownership had a significant impact on participation more than other factors. However, it did not underestimate the influence socio-economic variables can have on voter turnout especially how they can sway the effect of political trust on individuals’ decision to turnout.
Zur Rückführung eines disziplinierten Frequenznormals auf gesetzliche Einheiten
Authors: Piester Dirk
Published: February 2018

Die Rückführung eines als Frequenznormal betriebenen disziplinierten Oszillators (DO) auf gesetzliche Einheiten im Rahmen von Akkreditierungen nach DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 wird beschrieben. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der für die Rückführung wichtigen Anbindung von in Kalibrierlaboren betriebenen DOs über die Zeitsignale von GPS, Galileo oder des Langwellensenders DCF77 an die Referenzzeitskala der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (PTB) und in einem weiteren Schritt an die koordinierte Weltzeit UTC. Die Anwendung der in diesem Zusammenhang relevanten Informationen aus dem PTB Time Service Bulletin wird detailliert beschrieben. Weiterhin werden exemplarisch Betriebseigenschaften zweier GPS-disziplinierter Oszillatoren untersucht. Die für den Anwender in Kalibrierlaboren wichtigen auftretenden Unsicherheitsbeiträge aus den in diesem Aufsatz behandelten Aspekten werden diskutiert und angegeben. Die größten Beiträge stammen dabei typischerweise von der Instabilität der verwendeten Oszillatoren.
Sex Differences in Y-Balance Performance in Elite Figure Skaters
Authors: Slater Lindsay V. , Vriner Melissa , Schuyten Kristen , Zapalo Peter , Hart Joseph M.
Published: February 2018

Slater, LV, Vriner, M, Schuyten, K, Zapalo, P, and Hart, JM. Sex differences in Y-balance performance in elite figure skaters. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1416–1421, 2020—Asymmetrical dynamic balance compared with normative populations have been associated with increased risk of injury in athletes; however, it is unclear if the current data are similar to balance performance in figure skaters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare performance on the Y-balance test between sexes and disciplines in elite figure skaters. Thirty-two senior level figure skaters from 3 different disciplines (singles, dance, and pairs) completed the Y-balance test on the take-off and landing leg. Absolute differences between limbs (cm), normalized differences between limbs (% leg length), and composite scores (CSs; % leg length) were calculated for all skaters. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to identify differences in performance based on discipline and sex. Females had a greater absolute difference between limbs (mean difference = −3.62 cm) and a greater normalized difference between limbs on the posterolateral (PL) reach compared with males (mean difference = −4.26% leg length). Ice dancers had larger CSs on the take-off leg compared with pair skaters (mean difference = 6.42%). These results suggest that male and female figure skaters demonstrate differences in dynamic balance in the PL direction, with female skaters exhibiting decreased reach on the landing leg, which may suggest asymmetrical hip strength in female figure skaters and increase risk of lower extremity injury in the landing leg. Sport performance professionals should consider these sex differences when designing strength programs for elite figure skaters.
A Biomechanical Analysis of the Effects of Bouncing the Barbell in the Conventional Deadlift
Authors: Krajewski Kellen T. , LeFavi Robert G. , Riemann Bryan L.
Published: February 2018

Krajewski, K, LeFavi, R, and Riemann, B. A biomechanical analysis of the effects of bouncing the barbell in the conventional deadlift. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S70–S77, 2019—The purpose of this study is to analyze biomechanical differences between the bounce and pause styles of deadlifting. Twenty physically active males performed deadlifts at their 75% one-repetition maximum testing using both pause and bounce techniques in a within-subjects randomized study design. The average peak height the barbell attained from the 3 bounce style repetitions was used to compute a compatible phase for analysis of the pause style repetitions. Net joint moment impulse (NJMI), work, average vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), vGRF impulse, and phase time were computed for 2 phases, liftoff to peak barbell height and the entire ascent. Additionally, the ankle, knee, hip, and trunk angles at the location of peak barbell bounce height were computed. During the liftoff to peak barbell height phase, although each of the joints demonstrated significantly less NJMI and work during the bounce style, the hip joint was impacted the most. The average vGRF was greater for the bounce; however, the vGRF impulse was greater for the pause. The NJMI results for the ascent phase were similar to the liftoff to peak barbell height phase, whereas work was significantly less for the bounce condition compared with the pause condition across all 3 joints. Strength and conditioning specialists using the deadlift should be aware that the bounce technique does not allow the athlete to develop maximal force production in the early portion of the lift. Further analyses should focus on joint angles and potential vulnerability to injury when the barbell momentum generated from the bounce is lost.
Improved Performance in Master Runners Competing in the European Championships Between 1978 and 2014
Authors: Schneider Anaïs L. , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Knechtle Beat
Published: February 2018

Schneider, AL, Nikolaidis, PT, and Knechtle, B. Improved performance in master runners competing in the European championships between 1978 and 2014. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2559–2569, 2019—The performance trends in elite runners have been well investigated, but we have no knowledge about performance trends and the difference between the sexes in elderly runners competing at a high level in varying distances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of these age groups. Data from 17 European Championships held between 1978 and 2014 were analyzed for various race distances (i.e., 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,500, 5,000, 10,000 m, and marathon). Running speed for the top 8 female and male finalists for each age group (35–99 years, split into 5-year gaps) and each race distance were included. A 2-way analysis of variance compared the effects of sex, race distance, age group and calendar year on speed. Subsequent comparisons between race distances, age groups, or calendar years were performed using a post hoc Bonferroni’s test. Our analysis shows that men were faster than women in all distances, and the difference between the sexes was greater in the shorter distances. Speed was higher for shorter distances than for longer distances. Younger participants were faster than older ones, and the effect of age group was the largest for the 200 m. There was a minor effect of calendar year on speed in the 100, 20, 1,500, 10,000 m and marathon, and a minor calendar year × sex interaction on running speed was shown for the 200 m. For athletes and coaches, the current study demonstrates that both male and female athletes improved their running performance over time and that the sex gap may have reached its limit.
Using a Load-Velocity Relationship to Predict One repetition maximum in Free-Weight Exercise: A Comparison of the Different Methods
Authors: Hughes Liam J. , Banyard Harry G. , Dempsey Alasdair R. , Scott Brendan R.
Published: February 2018

Hughes, LJ, Banyard, HG, Dempsey, AR, and Scott, BR. Using a load-velocity relationship to predict one repetition maximum in free-weight exercise: a comparison of the different methods. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2409–2419, 2019—The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of predicting 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in trained individuals using a load-velocity relationship. Twenty strength-trained men (age: 24.3 ± 2.9 years, height: 180.1 ± 5.9 cm, and body mass: 84.2 ± 10.5 kg) were recruited and visited the laboratory on 3 occasions. The load-velocity relationship was developed using the mean concentric velocity of repetitions performed at loads between 20 and 90% 1RM. Predicted 1RM was calculated using 3 different methods discussed in existing research: minimal velocity threshold 1RM (1RMMVT), load at zero velocity 1RM (1RMLD0), and force-velocity 1RM methods (1RMFV). The reliability of 1RM predictions was examined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). 1RMMVT demonstrated the highest reliability (ICC = 0.92–0.96, CV = 3.6–5.0%), followed by 1RMLD0 (ICC = 0.78–0.82, CV = 8.2–8.6%) and 1RMFV (ICC = −0.28 to 0.00, CV = N/A). Both 1RMMVT and 1RMLD0 were very strongly correlated with measured 1RM (r = 0.91–0.95). The only method which was not significantly different to measured 1RM was the 1RMLD0 method. However, when analyzed on an individual basis (using Bland-Altman plots), all methods exhibited a high degree of variability. Overall, the results suggest that the 1RMMVT and 1RMLD0 predicted 1RM values could be used to monitor strength progress in trained individuals without the need for maximal testing. However, given the significant differences between 1RMMVT and measured 1RM, and the high variability associated with individual predictions performed using each method, they cannot be used interchangeably; therefore, it is recommended that predicted 1RM is not used to prescribe training loads as has been previously suggested.
Frequency Speed of Kick Test Performance Comparison Between Female Taekwondo Athletes of Different Competitive Levels
Authors: Santos Jonatas Ferreira da Silva , Franchini Emerson
Published: February 2018

Santos, JFS and Franchini, E. Frequency speed of kick test performance comparison between female taekwondo athletes of different competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2934–2938, 2018—Construct validity is a desirable characteristic in any performance test to differentiate athletes. However, no taekwondo-specific test was investigated with this purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare female taekwondo athletes grouped in different competitive levels. Forty-two female taekwondo athletes divided into International/National (median [interquartile range]; n = 21, age: 20 [18–25] years; body mass: 60 [53–72] kg; height: 164 [161–170] cm; and practice time: 8 [5–13] years) and State/Regional group (median [interquartile range]; n = 21; age: 18 [17–25] years; body mass: 57 [52–63] kg; height: 165 [160–172] cm; and practice time: 5 [2–8] years) volunteered to participate in this study. The female taekwondo athletes performed frequency speed of kick test (FSKT) with 10 seconds (FSKT10s) and intermittent 90 seconds (FSKTmult) during the competitive period. Differences between international/national and state/regional group were observed, with superiority to international/national group, for FSKT10s (U = 114.5, p = 0.007, ESr (effect size) = −0.42 [small]), FSKT1 (U = 127.0, p = 0.016, ESr = −0.37 [small]), FSKT2 (U = 108.5, p = 0.004, ESr = −0.45 [small]), FSKT3 (U = 127.0, p = 0.015, ESr = −0.37 [small]), and FSKTtotal (U = 124.0, p = 0.015, ESr = −0.38 [small]). Based on the results of this study, the FSKT seems to be a good tool to discriminate performance of female taekwondo athletes and could be used by coaches and athletes in their evaluation routines.
Effect of Barbell Load on Vertical Jump Landing Force-Time Characteristics
Authors: Lake Jason P. , Mundy Peter D. , Comfort Paul , McMahon John J. , Suchomel Timothy J. , Carden Patrick
Published: February 2018

Lake, JP, Mundy, PD, Comfort, P, McMahon, JJ, Suchomel, TJ, and Carden, P. Effect of barbell load on vertical jump landing force-time characteristics. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 25–32, 2021—The aim of this study was to quantify the effect that barbell load has on the jump height and force-time characteristics of the countermovement jump (CMJ). Fifteen strength-trained men (mean ± SD: age 23 ± 2 years, mass 84.9 ± 8.1 kg, and height 1.80 ± 0.05 m) performed 3 CMJs with no additional load, and with barbell loads of 25, 50, 75, and 100% of body mass on 2 force plates recording at 1,000 Hz. Propulsion and landing force-time characteristics were obtained from force-time data and compared using analysis of variance and effect sizes. Jump height decreased significantly as load increased (26–71%, d = 1.80–6.87). During propulsion, impulse increased with load up to 75% of body mass (6–9%, d = 0.71–1.08), mean net force decreased (10–43%, d = 0.50–2.45), and time increased (13–50%, d = 0.70–2.57). During landing, impulse increased as load increased up to 75% of body mass (5 to 12%, d = 0.54–1.01), mean net force decreased (13–38%, d = 0.41–1.24), and time increased (20–47%, d = 0.65–1.47). Adding barbell load to CMJ significantly decreases CMJ height. Furthermore, CMJ with additional barbell load increases landing phase impulse. However, while mean net force decreases as barbell load increases, landing time increases so that jumpers are exposed to mechanical load for longer. Practitioners should exercise caution when implementing loaded CMJ to assess their athletes.
The Match Heart Rate and Running Profile of Elite Under-21 Hurlers During Competitive Match-Play
Authors: Young Damien , Mourot Laurent , Beato Marco , Coratella Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

Young, D, Mourot, L, Beato, M, and Coratella, G. The match heart rate and running profile of elite under-21 hurlers during competitive match-play. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2925–2933, 2018—The aims of the current study were to examine the physical and physiological demands of elite under-21 male hurling match-play across halves of play and between positions. Global positioning systems (10 Hz) and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to collect data from 95 players during 10 games. Total distance (TD), relative speed, high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance, total sprints, and mean length of sprint was 6,688 ± 942 m, 112 ± 16 m·min−1, 661 ± 203 m, 274 ± 111 m, 18 ± 8 m, and 16 ± 5 m, respectively. Players' mean HR (HRmean) and peak HR (HRpeak) was 165 ± 9 b·min−1 and 190 ± 7 b·min−1, respectively. Decrements in TD (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 0.81), HSR (p < 0.05, ES = 0.69), and HRmean (p < 0.05, ES = 0.80) were found between halves. Full backs covered significantly less TD than half backs (p < 0.05, ES = −1.24), midfielders (p < 0.05, ES = −1.39), and half forwards (p < 0.05, ES = −1.85). Half forwards covered a greater TD than full forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 0.94), greater HSR than full backs (p < 0.05, ES = 1.13), and greater sprint distance than half backs (p < 0.05, ES = 1.41). Between-half decreases were evident in TD, HSR, and HRmean, with no significant positional differences observed in TD, HSR, number of sprints, length of sprint, HRpeak, and HRmean between half backs, midfielders, and half forwards. The current findings provide data that coaches should consider to customize training program design for under-21 hurlers.
A Genomic Reference Panel for Drosophila serrata
Authors: Reddiex Adam J , Allen Scott L , Chenoweth Stephen F
Published: February 2018

Here we describe a collection of re-sequenced inbred lines of Drosophila serrata, sampled from a natural population situated deep within the species endemic distribution in Brisbane, Australia. D. serrata is a member of the speciose montium group whose members inhabit much of south east Asia and has been well studied for aspects of climatic adaptation, sexual selection, sexual dimorphism, and mate recognition. We sequenced 110 lines that were inbred via 17-20 generations of full-sib mating at an average coverage of 23.5x with paired-end Illumina reads. 15,228,692 biallelic SNPs passed quality control after being called using the Joint Genotyper for Inbred Lines (JGIL). Inbreeding was highly effective and the average levels of residual heterozygosity (0.86%) were well below theoretical expectations. As expected, linkage disequilibrium decayed rapidly, with r2 dropping below 0.1 within 100 base pairs. With the exception of four closely related pairs of lines which may have been due to technical errors, there was no statistical support for population substructure. Consistent with other endemic populations of other Drosophila species, preliminary population genetic analyses revealed high nucleotide diversity and, on average, negative Tajima’s D values. A preliminary GWAS was performed on a cuticular hydrocarbon trait, 2-Me-C28 revealing 4 SNPs passing Bonferroni significance residing in or near genes. One gene Cht9 may be involved in the transport of CHCs from the site of production (oenocytes) to the cuticle. Our panel will facilitate broader population genomic and quantitative genetic studies of this species and serve as an important complement to existing D. melanogaster panels that can be used to test for the conservation of genetic architectures across the Drosophila genus.