bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential use of chickpeas in development of infant follow-on formula
Authors: Malunga Lovemore Nkhata , Bar-El Shimrit Dadon , Zinal Eli , Berkovich Zipi , Abbo Shahal , Reifen Ram
Published: January 2014

Background

Undernutrition during childhood is a common disorder in the developing countries, however most research has focussed much on its treatment rather than its prevention.

Objective

We investigated the potential of using chickpeas in infant follow-on formula production against the requirements of WHO/FAO on complementary foods and EU regulations on follow-on formula.

Methods

Chickpeas were germinated for 72 hours followed by boiling, drying and dehulling in order to minimise associated anti-nutrition factors. Saccharifying enzymes were used to hydrolyse starch to maltose and the resulting flours were analysed for their protein content and amino acid profile.

Results

The protein content (percentage) increased from 16.66 ± 0.35 and 20.24 ± 0.50 to 20.00 ± 0.15 and 21.98 ± 0.80 for the processed desi and kabuli cultivar compared to raw chickpeas, respectively (P < 0.05). There was insignificant change (P = 0.05) in amino acid profile following processing and the resulting flour was found to meet the amino acid requirements of WHO/FAO protein reference for 0–24 month’s children.

Conclusion

The designed chickpea based infant follow-on formula meets the WHO/FAO requirements on complementary foods and also the EU regulations on follow-on formula with minimal addition of oils, minerals and vitamins. It uses chickpea as a common source of carbohydrate and protein hence making it more economical and affordable for the developing countries without compromising the nutrition quality.
Clustered precursors in bone marrow sections predict early relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia within hematologic remission
Authors: Yu Yehua , Wu Zhentian , Zhang Jing , Zhai Yuanmei , Yuan Yinghua , Liu Sihong , Wang Hui , Shi Jun
Published: January 2014

Background

Bone marrow (BM) aspiration is largely used for relapse assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It remains unclear what roles that BM trephine biopsy plays on relapse assessment.

Methods

Bone marrow (BM) sections during complete remission (CR) from 60 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients were retrospectively analyzed. Computer image processing technology was performed for detection of the distance between precursors and endosteum, and density of precursors was also calculated under light microscopic image. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the immunophenotype of clustered precursors.

Results

Except for single and double precursors, there existed clustered precursors of 3-5 cells during CR. Here, we demonstrated that clustered precursors, but not single and double precursors, were useful in risk factor of relapse. Area under the receiving operator curve (ROC) was of 0.007 (CI 95%, from 0.572 to 0.851). Using a standard cut-off value of >4.0/mm2 for cluster density, early relapse was detected with a sensitivity of 51.5% and a specificity of 85.7%.

Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that clustered precursor is an independent risk factor for early relapse (Adjusted HR: 0.325, 95% CI: 0.156-0.679, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Cumulatively, clustered precursors in BM sections during CR may serve as an independent risk factor of early relapse and poor outcome for AML patients in cluster density > 4.0/mm2 in sections. Early aggressive interventions are needed to prevent hematologic relapse.
Schauder fixed-point theorem in semilinear spaces and its application to fractional differential equations with uncertainty
Authors: Khastan A , Nieto Juan J , Rodríguez-López R
Published: January 2014

We study the existence of solution for nonlinear fuzzy differential equations of fractional order involving the Riemann-Liouville derivative.
The phosphorylation of HIV-1 Gag by atypical protein kinase C facilitates viral infectivity by promoting Vpr incorporation into virions
Authors: Kudoh Ayumi , Takahama Shoukichi , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Ode Hirotaka , Yokoyama Masaru , Okayama Akiko , Ishikawa Akiyo , Miyakawa Kei , Matsunaga Satoko , Kimura Hirokazu , Sugiura Wataru , Sato Hironori , Hirano Hisashi , Ohno Shigeo , Yamamoto Naoki , Ryo Akihide
Published: January 2014

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag is the main structural protein that mediates the assembly and release of virus-like particles (VLPs) from an infected cell membrane. The Gag C-terminal p6 domain contains short sequence motifs that facilitate virus release from the plasma membrane and mediate incorporation of the viral Vpr protein. Gag p6 has also been found to be phosphorylated during HIV-1 infection and this event may affect virus replication. However, the kinase that directs the phosphorylation of Gag p6 toward virus replication remains to be identified. In our present study, we identified this kinase using a proteomic approach and further delineate its role in HIV-1 replication.

Results

A proteomic approach was designed to systematically identify human protein kinases that potently interact with HIV-1 Gag and successfully identified 22 candidates. Among this panel, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) was found to phosphorylate HIV-1 Gag p6. Subsequent LC-MS/MS and immunoblotting analysis with a phospho-specific antibody confirmed both in vitro and in vivo that aPKC phosphorylates HIV-1 Gag at Ser487. Computer-assisted structural modeling and a subsequent cell-based assay revealed that this phosphorylation event is necessary for the interaction between Gag and Vpr and results in the incorporation of Vpr into virions. Moreover, the inhibition of aPKC activity reduced the Vpr levels in virions and impaired HIV-1 infectivity of human primary macrophages.

Conclusion

Our current results indicate for the first time that HIV-1 Gag phosphorylation on Ser487 is mediated by aPKC and that this kinase may regulate the incorporation of Vpr into HIV-1 virions and thereby supports virus infectivity. Furthermore, aPKC inhibition efficiently suppresses HIV-1 infectivity in macrophages. aPKC may therefore be an intriguing therapeutic target for HIV-1 infection.
Interface evaluation of experimental dental adhesives with nanostructured hydroxyapatite incorporation
Authors: Provenzi Camila , Leitune Vicente CB , Collares Fabricio M , Trommer Rafael , Bergmann Carlos P , Samuel Susana MW
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesive interface with dentin of an experimental adhesive resin with nanostructured hydroxyapatite addition. The organic phase of the adhesive resin was produced by mixing 50 wt.% Bis-GMA, 25 wt.% TEGDMA and 25 wt.% HEMA. CQ and EDAB were added at 1 mol% to all groups, according to the monomer moles. HAnano was added at the following two concentrations: 0 and 2 wt%. One commercial adhesive system was used as control. Nine lower incisor bovine teeth were used to produce interfaces of adhesive resin and dentin. Tooth slices were analysed using the following micro-Raman parameters: a 100 mW diode laser with 785 nm wavelength and spectral resolution of ~ 3–5 cm-1. One-dimensional mapping was performed over a 150 μm line across the adhesive-dentine interface at 1 μm intervals using a computerized XYZ stage. These areas covered the composite resin, adhesive layer, hybrid layer, partially demineralised and un-affected dentine and were visualised and focused at x500 magnification. Raman analysis showed the penetration of experimental and commercial adhesive systems into dentin. HAnano was observed into the hybrid layer. Based on results of the present study, is possible to observe resin and nanostructured hydroxyapatite penetration at the hybrid layer.
Vitamin D deficiency in patients with Behcet’s disease
Authors: Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Ansari Narges , Paragomi Pedram , Akhlaghi Maassoumeh , Ghanavat Majid , Davatchi Fereydoun
Published: January 2014

Background

Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune, recurrent and multisystem disease. Vitamin D has immunomodulator role in immune system. So that vitamin D deficiency was reported in some autoimmune diseases. Behcet’s disease as a Silk Road disease is common in Iran. The aim of this study was to detect the serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D in Behcet’s patients and control group.

Methods

In this case–control study, 112 Behcet’s patients as cases group and 112 healthy individuals as controls group were enrolled. Any subject on vitamin D supplement, steroid, and immunosuppressors during the last 6 months were excluded. The serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D was measured in the two groups by ELISA method. The findings were compared via SPSS software.

Results

About 57% and 17% of Behcet’s patients had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in controls than cases group (P < 0.001). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in controls (P < 0.001). Age and sex did not have any confounding effect on the results. There was no significant relationship between disease duration, disease activity, Pathergy test, HLA-B5, and HLA-B51 with vitamin D level in Behcet’s patients.

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency is common among Behcet’s patients. However, our results revealed vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in healthy controls in comparison with Behcet’s cases.
Assessment of osteopontin in early breast cancer: correlative study in a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Bramwell Vivien HC , Tuck Alan B , Chapman Judith-Anne W , Anborgh Pieter H , Postenka Carl O , Al-Katib Waleed , Shepherd Lois E , Han Lei , Wilson Carolyn F , Pritchard Kathleen I , Pollak Michael N , Chambers Ann F
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Osteopontin (OPN) is a malignancy-associated glycoprotein that contributes functionally to tumor aggressiveness. In metastatic breast cancer, we previously demonstrated that elevated OPN in primary tumor and blood was associated with poor prognosis.

Methods

We measured OPN in plasma by ELISA, and in tumors by immunohistochemistry, in 624 (94%) and 462 (69%), respectively, of 667 postmenopausal women with hormone responsive early breast cancer treated by surgery followed by adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen +/− octreotide in a randomized trial (NCIC CTG MA.14; National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group Mammary.14).

Results

Plasma OPN was measured in 2,540 samples; 688 at baseline and 1,852 collected during follow-up. Mean baseline plasma OPN was 46 ng/ml (range 22.6 to 290) which did not differ from normal levels. Mean percentage OPN tumor cell positivity was 33.9 (95% CI: 30.2 to 37.9). There was no correlation between plasma and tumor OPN values. In multivariate analysis, neither was associated with event-free survival (EFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), bone RFS or non-bone RFS. An exploratory analysis in patients with recurrence showed higher mean OPN plasma levels 60.7 ng/ml (23.9 to 543) in the recurrence period compared with baseline levels.

Conclusions

The hypothesis that OPN tumor expression would have independent prognostic value in early breast cancer was not supported by multivariate analysis of this study population. Plasma OPN levels in women with hormone responsive early breast cancer in the MA.14 trial were not elevated and there was no evidence for prognostic value of plasma OPN in this defined group of patients. However, our finding of elevated mean OPN plasma level around the time of recurrence warrants further study.

Trial registration

NCT00002864, http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00002864
PIPE-CLIP: a comprehensive online tool for CLIP-seq data analysis
Authors: Chen Beibei , Yun Jonghyun , Kim Min Soo , Mendell Joshua T , Xie Yang
Published: January 2014

CLIP-seq is widely used to study genome-wide interactions between RNA-binding proteins and RNAs. However, there are few tools available to analyze CLIP-seq data, thus creating a bottleneck to the implementation of this methodology. Here, we present PIPE-CLIP, a Galaxy framework-based comprehensive online pipeline for reliable analysis of data generated by three types of CLIP-seq protocol: HITS-CLIP, PAR-CLIP and iCLIP. PIPE-CLIP provides both data processing and statistical analysis to determine candidate cross-linking regions, which are comparable to those regions identified from the original studies or using existing computational tools. PIPE-CLIP is available at http://pipeclip.qbrc.org/.
Concomitant Cisplatin Plus Radiotherapy and High–Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone for Stage IIIB Epidermoid Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zuliani Antonio Carlos , Barros Esteves Sergio Carlos , Teixeira Luiz Carlos , Teixeira Júlio César , de Souza Gustavo Antonio , Sarian Luis Otávio
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The benefits of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for cervical cancer compared with radiation (RT) alone seem to diminish in later-stage disease. However, these modalities have not been directly compared for disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) of women with stage IIIB cervical cancer.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing DFI and OS of 147 women with stage IIIB squamous cervical cancer who received either cisplatin plus RT (CRT) or RT alone (72 patients in the CRT group and 75 patients in the RT-only group).

Results

The CRT group had significantly better DFI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.93; P = .02). However, patients in the CRT group did not have significantly better OS than those in the RT-only group (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.17; P = .16). Toxicity was graded according to criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. The organs affected (excluding hematologic effects) did not differ significantly between groups. Also, late toxicity events and organs affected were not significantly disproportionate between the study groups.

Conclusion

For stage IIIB cervical cancer, the addition of cisplatin offers a small but significant benefit in DFI, with acceptable toxicity.
Networking System Employing near Infrared Spectroscopy for Sugarcane Payment in Japan
Authors: Taira Eizo , Ueno Masami , Furukawa Noboru , Tasaki Atsuya , Komaki Yuzo , Nagai Jun-Ichi , Saengprachatanarug Khwantri
Published: January 2014

A cane quality evaluation system using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for determining payments to growers was developed and introduced to raw sugar mills in southern Japan. The evaluation system consists of a cutter grinder for sample preparation, an NIR instrument and a networking system. We investigated a calibration model for the determination of sugar index [Pol in cane, (PIC)] for shredded cane samples using a modified partial least squares regression with and without a repeatability file. The accuracy of the model developed using the repeatability file was adequate [root-mean square error of prediction, ( RMSEP) = 0.30%] and the pooled standard error ( P-SE) between master and eight slave instruments was 0.14%. In contrast, calibration models without a repeat ability file incurred large P-SE and pooled bias ( P-bias) values, although the RMSEP values were very similar to the repeatability file model in cases using the first derivative and standard normal variate (SNV) spectral pre-treatment. The evaluation system was installed in 17 raw sugar mills on 13 islands involved in sugarcane cultivation in southern Japan. The system is presently used to measure the PIC value of cane samples that are supplied by farmers to mills. All data obtained are collected and compiled into a central facility via the Internet. The NIR networking system for sugarcane has been implemented in all raw sugar factories in Japan as an official method for determining cane prices.
Identification of Fragmented Bones and Their State of Preservation Using near Infrared Hyperspectral Image Analysis
Authors: Linderholm Johan , Pierna Juan Antonio Fernández , Vincke Damien , Dardenne Pierre , Baeten Vincent
Published: January 2014

This preliminary work comprises examples where near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging has been applied to identify animal bone material in complex sieved soil–sediment matrices from an archaeological excavation at a Stone Age site in northern Scandinavia. NIR hyperspectral image analysis has been performed, as a fast and non-destructive technique, on whole bone and tooth samples, as well as on soil from the excavation containing fragmented skeletal material in order to identify fragmented bones, to provide information about the skeletal material's chemistry–mineralogy within the site and the different layers as well as studying the possibility of describing their different state of preservation.
Near and Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Quantification of Botrytis Bunch Rot in White Wine Grapes
Authors: Hill G.N. , Evans K.J. , Beresford R.M. , Dambergs R.G.
Published: January 2014

Botrytis bunch rot (BBR), one of the most important diseases of wine grapes, is usually quantified in the vineyard by visual estimation of percentage disease severity on individual grape bunches. This method is prone to assessor error and there is a need for a more objective quantification method that is cost-effective and practical. Near infrared (NIR; 800–2690 nm) and mid-infrared (mid-IR; 2510–25, 770 nm) spectroscopy were investigated as alternatives to visual estimation. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis of the NIR and mid-IR spectra from near-ripe grape bunches from Tasmanian vineyards was used to generate prediction models from both raw data and data pre-processed using the Savitzky–Golay derivative. The entire spectral range for each spectral region was analysed first, after which specific spectral ranges were analysed based on their influence on the initial PLS analysis. The spectral range of 1260–1370 nm with Savitzky–Golay smoothing and first derivative pre-processing produced the PLS model with the highest predictive ability in the NIR spectral region, with a ratio of standard error of prediction to standard deviation ( RPD) of 2.2. The spectral range of 8760–9520 nm with Savitzky–Golay smoothing and first derivative pre-processing produced the PLS model with the highest predictive ability in the mid-IR spectral region, with a RPD of 1.7. Both methods demonstrated the potential for spectroscopic quantification of BBR. However, further calibration is required to increase the accuracy of these models, particularly at low BBR severities, if they are to be considered suitable for use in the vineyard.
Qualitative and Quantitative Pharmaceutical Analysis with a Novel Hand-Held Miniature near Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Alcalà Manel , Blanco Marcelo , Moyano Daniel , Broad Neville W. , O'Brien Nada , Friedrich Don , Pfeifer Frank , Siesler Heinz W.
Published: January 2014

Although miniaturisation of vibrational spectrometers began approximately a decade ago, only within the last couple of years have real hand-held Raman, infrared and near infrared (NIR) scanning spectrometers became commercially available. On the customer end the development of portable instrumentation was driven by the request for more flexibility of on-site measurements and on the manufacturer side it was supported by the potential and advantages of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) production and the implementation of new technologies. With reference to NIR spectroscopy the expectations for a real hand-held system (<100 g) have been recently realised by a pocket-sized spectrometer with a linear variable filter technology (LVF) as monochromator principle and the additional benefit of significantly reduced costs compared to other portable systems. For a real breakthrough and impact of this instrument, however, it had to be demonstrated that competitive analytical results can be achieved. In this respect, the present communication has put to test the performance of this micro-NIR system with reference to selected qualitative and quantitative pharmaceutical applications.
Near Infrared Monitoring of Untreated and Chemically Delignified Wood
Authors: Jiang Wei , Via Brian K. , Han Guangting , Wang Qun , Liu Shaoyang
Published: January 2014

Delignification pretreatments were applied on southern pine ( Pinus spp.) to obtain low lignin content samples, and then near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was coupled with partial least squares regression (PLS-R) to monitor the lignin content in both delignified and untreated wood. Extractives removal and particle size reduction was also applied to further improve calibration equations. The PLS-R results showed that NIR was a useful tool for monitoring the wood during delignification with an R2 = 0.99 and a residual predictive deviation ( RPD) = 14.34. Furthermore, the lignin content range was expanded by combining untreated with delignified wood samples. It was found that calibrations could be combined to monitor simultaneously delignified and raw biomass. NIR was found to be sensitive to changes in woody biomass during delignification while particle size reduction coincided to play a significant role. Extractives removal prior to NIR scanning provided minimal improvement and does not appear to be necessary for monitoring wood before or during delignification.
Natural Gas Pricing Mechanism Reform and its Impacts on Future Energy Options in China
Authors: Gao Mingye , Wang Zhen , Wu Qianyu , Yang Yang
Published: January 2014

Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. In recent years, its demand in China has been increasing at a rapid pace, but its pricing mechanism is still based on the planned economy system and is not keeping up pace with that of its consumption. Therefore, reforming the existing pricing system is of great significance. This paper first reviews the evolution of the pricing mechanism of natural gas in China, and then examines with model predictions the feasibility of a nationwide implementation of the reform programs currently carried out in Guangdong and Guangxi and its possible impacts. The results show that the reform can: (a) benefit Chinese natural gas producers and importers by increasing their profits, (b) increase the production of natural gas and accelerate the development of the industry, (c) reduce the use of natural gas in the chemical industry and optimize the energy consumption structure in China, (d) change the current energy portfolio in China and achieve the goal of sustainable development, and (e) help Chinese companies enhance their ability of adapting to high prices and promote their international competitiveness.
Long-Term Impacts of Carbon Tax and Feed-in Tariff Policies on China's Generating Portfolio and Carbon Emissions: A Multi-Agent-Based Analysis
Authors: Chen Lin-Ju , Zhu Lei , Fan Ying , Cai Sheng-Hua
Published: January 2014

Using agent-based modelling, this paper established an adaptive simulation model of China's wholesale electricity market with endogenous investment decisions and technical progress. The model took into account the heterogeneities of power generators, including emission reduction attitudes and risk appetites. Using this model, we simulated how carbon tax and feed-in tariff (FIT) policies will affect each single generator in terms of market behaviours (price bidding and investment) to explore the evolution of power generating portfolio and emissions differently in the time horizon 2010–2050. The validity of the model was tested according to China's electricity market data. We found that FIT for wind power and solar power will crowd out the investment in gas power and nuclear power, rather than replacing coal power. Compared to FIT, carbon tax is a more effective tool for emission abatement and incentivize multiple low carbon generating technologies. And optimal rate of carbon tax should be no more than 250 CNY/t CO2.
Comparing Designers' Behavior in Responding to Unexpected Discoveries in Parametric Design Environments and Geometry Modeling Environments
Authors: Yu Rongrong , Gu Ning , Lee Ju Hyun
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a protocol study which compares designers' behaviors when unexpected discoveries appear in a parametric design environment (PDE) and a traditional geometry modeling environment (GME). From the view of design situatedness, designers tend to adapt and respond to the design situation as it continuously changes during the design process. The hypothesis is that when unexpected discoveries appear, these changing design situations can significantly affect designers' cognitive activities. In this study, we are interested in exploring designers' behaviors in responding to these unexpected discoveries in PDEs, and further, to compare those behaviors in GMEs. An experiment was conducted in which five designers completed two similar design tasks respectively in a PDE and a GME. Applying the research method of protocol analysis, designers' behaviors in response to unexpected discoveries in these two design environments are compared and discussed.
Making Ripples: Rethinking Pedagogy in the Digital Age
Authors: Paranandi Murali
Published: January 2014

This essay presents a pedagogical model for beginning design that introduces digital fabrication methods through an integrated learning framework. Ripples - a wall sculpture made collectively by all second year architecture and interior design students as a joint project between studio, graphics and shop—exemplifies design practice as a collective activity. In this example, solutions emerge out of interactions among multiple stakeholders through iterative experimentation and optimization. The goal of this essay is to provoke a rethinking of the status-quo pedagogical practices in order to incorporate digital fabrication within existing curricular structures as a core skill for beginning design students, rather than merely as a technology course elected by a few students. Conclusions suggest the relevance to broader contexts of lessons learned from this modest experiment.
John R. Wooden, Stephen R. Covey and Servant Leadership
Authors: Jenkins Simon
Published: January 2014

The aim of this stimulus article is to examine the notion of servant leadership with respect to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, and to compare his coaching philosophy which is expressed in his Pyramid of Success to the philosophy of management and self-help guru Stephen Covey as indicated in his best-selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and related works. Both Wooden's Pyramid of Success and Covey's Seven Habits can be understood in terms of virtue ethics. Wooden has been regarded as a servant leader and Covey has promoted the notion of servant leadership. Drawing on autobiographical and biographical work on Wooden, it is argued that Wooden may be better thought of as a paternalistic leader rather than a servant leader.
Sport Attainment and Proprioception
Authors: Han Jia , Anson Judith , Waddington Gordon , Adams Roger
Published: January 2014

Proprioceptive ability specific to the movement challenges of a sport was hypothesised to relate to both years of sport-specific training and the competition level that a sport performer has reached. To test this hypothesis, proprioceptive sensitivity on an ankle movement discrimination test was obtained for one hundred athletes at different competition levels, and twenty non-sport-specific, healthy controls. All athletes were without significant injuries during the prior 6 months, preferred to use their right foot, had a minimum of two years sport-specific training (mean 8.7 years), and were actively competing in football, swimming, badminton, sports dancing and aerobic gymnastics. Test scores were higher for athletes than controls (p < 0.005) but not significantly different between sports groups. Within combined sports groups, ankle proprioception scores were significantly correlated with sport competition level attained (rho = 0.45, p < 0.001), but not with years of sport-specific training. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ankle proprioception score (p = 0.001) and years of training (p = 0.009) were the two significant predictors in an equation that could successfully classify 80% of the athletes as top-level or lower, highlighting the importance of good ankle proprioception in athlete success. Ankle movement proprioception testing may be useful in talent identification, particularly in sports with a higher level of lower limb demand, and may assist in the identification of athletes who require specifically targeted training to improve their ankle proprioceptive abilities to values associated with the highest-level competitors.
Brief Hypnotic Intervention Increases Throwing Accuracy
Authors: Jalene Sharon , Wulf Gabriele
Published: January 2014

The present study examined whether motor skill learning could be enhanced through a hypnotic intervention. The task involved throwing a tennis ball overhand at a target. Participants were assigned to either a hypnosis or control group. Both groups first completed a pre-test of 20 throws. Prior to the second block of 20 throws (post-test), the hypnosis group received a 10-minute hypnotic intervention. The theme of the hypnosis session was to focus on the target while throwing. Participants were aroused from the hypnotic state prior to the throwing task. The control group was asked to relax in the same environment for the same length of time. Control group participants were told that focusing on the target had been shown to increase accuracy. On the post-test, as well as on a retention test (20 throws), conducted 5–8 days after the post-test, the hypnosis group showed an increase in throwing accuracy relative to the pre-test and more effective performance than the control group whose performance was similar to that on the pre-test. These findings show that hypnosis can have a positive impact on motor learning. Potential mechanisms for this effect are discussed.
Training Profiles and Motivation of Male and Female Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Rumpf Michael C. , Schneider Alexandra S. , Schneider Christian , Mayer H. Michael
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate training profiles and motivation of male and female youth soccer players in different age groups and levels of play. A total of 1075 youth soccer players (U15-U19) from the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) in Germany completed a survey which investigated the total hours of training per week, and hours of training spent in endurance, sprint, technical/tactical, strength and other training and warm-up and cool-down procedures. Significant differences (p<0.05) between male high- and low-level players were seen in the amount of hours in sprint, technical/tactical and strength training. These differences were also found on motivation of the players. The total amount of training increased significantly with age in female players, but the only difference between high- and low-level players was in the amount of endurance training in the U19-group and game-related motivation in the U17-group. This study provides guidelines for training load and content in youth soccer players by gender, age and skill levels.
Developmental Contexts and Features of Elite Academy Football Players: Coach and Player Perspectives
Authors: Morley David , Morgan Gareth , McKenna Jim , Nicholls Adam R.
Published: January 2014

Player profiling can reap many benefits; through reflective coach-athlete dialogue that produces a profile the athlete has a raised awareness of their own development, while the coach has an opportunity to understand the athlete's viewpoint. In this study, we explored how coaches and players perceived the development features of an elite academy footballer and the contexts in which these features are revealed, in order to develop a player profile to be used for mentoring players. Using a Delphi polling technique, coaches and players experienced a number of ‘rounds’ of expressing their opinions regarding player development contexts and features, ultimately reduced into a consensus. Players and coaches had differing priorities on the key contexts of player development. These contexts, when they reflect the consensus between players and coaches were heavily dominated by ability within the game and training. Personal, social, school, and lifestyle contexts featured less prominently. Although ‘discipline’ was frequently mentioned as an important player development feature, coaches and players disagreed on the importance of ‘training’.
Determining Best Practice in Performance Monitoring and Evaluation of Sport Coaches: Lessons from the Traditional Business Environment
Authors: O'Boyle Ian
Published: January 2014

This article undertakes a review of traditional performance management appraisals against 360-degree feedback applied to the sport coaching setting. The role of the coach is central to the overall performance of any team or athlete and how this performance is managed and evaluated may have significant impacts on overall sporting success. The benefits and challenges of both traditional performance appraisals and 360-degree feedback are outlined within this review and it is argued that although at potentially greater time cost to an organisation, 360-degree feedback for coaches is a superior method of managing and evaluating coaching performance therefore potentially facilitating high levels of sustainable long-term sporting success.
Coach John Wooden's Pyramid of Success: A Comparison to the Sport Psychology Literature
Authors: Perez Deanna , Van Horn Stefanee , Otten Mark P.
Published: January 2014

Coach John Wooden defined success as “peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” He elaborated on this definition by creating the Pyramid of Success, a diagram of 15 attitudes and values demonstrating how an athlete can achieve success. The connections between the blocks of the Pyramid have yet to be studied empirically, and/or explicitly linked to existing research in psychology literature. The current theoretical study reviews these connections in an attempt to find support for Wooden's definition of success. Past research related to the remainder of the links between the Pyramid's building blocks is explored, in large part suggesting support for Coach Wooden's theory.
The Determinants of Economic Growth in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic During the Years 1995-2010
Authors: Baran Katarzyna Anna
Published: January 2014

The main goal of the research is to obtain a comprehensive examination of the economic growth determinants in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic (CEEC-4) since 1995. For this purpose, two methodological approaches have been applied: the Solow growth accounting and the non-parametric approach. At the beginning of the analysis, in order to obtain a general overview of the sources of economic growth in the former transition countries of Central Eastern Europe, the Solow growth accounting has been conducted. It decomposes the growth rate of output into contributions from changes in the quantity of the physical capital stock, the amount of labour input and some other unexplained factor commonly interpreted as reflecting technological progress and called the “Solow residual” or “Total Factor Productivity (TFP)”. The hypothesis that technological progress together with strong capital accumulation were the dominant factors behind the economic growth and convergence process in the Central Eastern European countries before the crisis is tested. As the Solow growth accounting does not reveal the driving forces behind the technological progress and, thus, a large part of the growth decomposition remains unexplained in the transition economies, the non-parametric approach has been employed to shed more light on the ultimate sources of economic growth in the CEEC-4. The non-parametric (production-frontier) method enables the further decomposition of changes in total factor productivity into changes in the efficiency of production and technological changes. Furthermore, it allows accounting for human capital accumulation, since improvements in quality of labour are also reflected in TFP growth.
The Transformation of the Health Care Structure – Opportunity of Growth
Authors: Held Barbel
Published: January 2014

The healthcare industry is a growth driver. However, the health system is facing a crisis, affected by the financial development in Europe. An almost completely regulated market is just as little use, as a largely deregulated market such as in the U.S.A. Both lead to gaps in the sustainable and comprehensive patient care. Based on the German Healthcare System, an analysis is performed. Currently, the German health care system is in a transformation process. Traditional forms of health care services provision and the existing governance system are coming to their limits. The current health care system no longer meets the requirements for ensuring accessible and affordable health care services. As new players on the German hospital market, commercial hospital groups have emerged. To get more informed on the effects at the regional level, a scenario analysis was performed. A trend scenario which shows a clear trend toward a substantial increase of regional imbalances was developed. On one hand, there are highly profitable regions with excellent medical service provision by commercial hospital groups, and on the other hand, there are peripheral regions with a second-rate medicine, which are left to the public sector. The paper derives first ideas about a new structure of the healthcare system for ensuring accessible and affordable health care services for the citizens. The paper shows first ideas about the transformation of healthcare as an opportunity for growth.
Growth Versus No-growth: The Contractive Evolution of R&D Policies in Spain and Andalusia
Authors: Bielawska Magdalena , Calderon Vazquez Francisco J.
Published: January 2014

The current economic crisis and the building-based economy collapse make the innovation approach and the change to knowledge-based economy fundamental to trace the future growth and development. This paper revises the R&D policy in Spain and Andalusia in the last 10 years with the evolution of the main indicators during the period 2001-2011.
Is There any Demand For the Workers Aged 50+ in Poland?
Authors: Richert-Kaźmierska Anita
Published: January 2014

The process of ageing affects all the European Union Member States, including Poland. According to forecasts by the Central Statistical Office, in 2035, the population of Poland will decrease in relation to 2010 by more than 2 million, and the share of people aged 50+ in the total population will increase from 34.8% to 46.6% (Prognoza ludności 2009). In the context of current and projected demographic changes, a discussion is taking place and actions are taken to – on the one hand – extend the period of Poles' economic activity and – one the other hand – implement age management systems in enterprises, enabling the efficient exploitation of the potential of workers aged 50+.  The paper considers the problem of the situation of people aged 50+ in the Polish labour market. The main objective is to find out whether in Poland there is a need for the work performed by people aged 50+. The employers' views on workers 50+ and the possibilities and conditions of employment of this group are presented. The paper uses and confronts statistics related to the labour market (BAEL) and the results of quantitative and qualitative research carried out by selected Polish research centres within the framework of projects co-financed from EU funds.
Advisees' Expectations for Support as Moderator Between Advisor Behavior and Advisee Perceptions of Advisor Behavior
Authors: Fullick Julia M. , Smith-Jentsch Kimberly A. , Kendall Dana L.
Published: January 2014

We tested relationships between students' expectations of psychosocial and career support through a peer advising program, the frequency of advisor behaviors consistent with these types of support (coded from transcripts), and advisee perceptions after receiving such support. Participants were 179 advisor–advisee dyads at a large southeastern university. Results demonstrated that advisees' expectations of psychosocial support were positively related to their perceptions of having received such support but not to the frequency of relevant advisor behaviors. Advisee expectations for career support did not predict advisor behavior. However, such expectations strengthened the relationship between the frequency of relevant advisor behaviors and advisees' perceptions of the career support received. These results underscore the importance of aligning advisor–advisee expectations and behaviors.
Adaptive Behavior and Problem Behavior in Young Children With Williams Syndrome
Authors: Hahn Laura J. , Fidler Deborah J. , Hepburn Susan L.
Published: January 2014

The present study compares the adaptive behavior profile of 18 young children with Williams syndrome (WS) and a developmentally matched group of 19 children with developmental disabilities and examines the relationship between adaptive behavior and problem behaviors in WS. Parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scales—Interview edition and the Developmental Behavior Checklist—Primary Caregiver version (WS only). Children with WS had higher adaptive communication scores than children with other developmental disabilities. Children with WS demonstrated relative strengths in adaptive communication and socialization, coupled with relative weaknesses in daily living. Adaptive communication and socialization were negatively associated with problem behaviors in social relating in WS.
Art, imagination, Chronos and crisis
Authors: Kalmanowitz Debra
Published: January 2014

This article explores how and where the arts and imagination fit into a time of crisis. It explores the centrality of time and timing in this context and draws on some case material and pertinent theory.
Materiales para el estudio de la Edad del Bronce en el Valle Medio del Vinalopó (Alicante)
Authors: Navarro Mederos Juan Francisco
Published: January 2014

Se presenta un grupo de poblados del Bronce en el Valle Medio del Vinalopó, provincia de Alicante, y los materiales procedentes de ellos y conservados en colecciones privadas. Su conocimiento permite incluir esta comarca en la cultura del Bronce Valenciano —aunque manteniendo una cierta personalidad— y aventurar hipótesis sobre la dinámica de la Edad del Bronce a lo largo de la cuenca del Vinalopó, sus contactos exteriores, las fronteras con el mundo argárico e intentar ordenarlos cronológicamente en base a un esquema propuesto para la globalidad del Bronce Valenciano.
Iberia y Etruria: notas para una revisión de las relaciones
Authors: Llobregat Conesa Enrique A.
Published: January 2014

Algunos recientes hallazgos de objetos de posible origen etrusco: un ánfora, un jarro de bronce, encontrados en el litoral meridional valenciano, son el punto de arranque para una revisión de la bibliografía y de las opiniones sobre las relaciones entre Etruria e Iberia, un repaso a los hallazgos hispánicos de carácter etrusco, y una hipótesis sobre paralelismo e influencias en el campo de la plástica mayor y de la arquitectura.
El componente tipológico griego en el ambiente cerámico de Peña Negra II (675-650 A.C.)
Authors: González Prats Alfredo
Published: January 2014

En el presente artículo se valora el hallazgo de unas formas cerámicas de inspiración griega procedentes de la segunda fase de habitación del Sector VII del yacimiento de Peña Negra, con el fin de ilustrar la presencia de una componente tipológica de carácter griego en el contexto general de cerámicas de tipología fenicia. A su vez, relacionando estos vasos con otros aparecidos en el Sector IA, cabe la posibilidad de un encuadre cronológico de la llegada de la componente estilística helénica, que situamos entre 600 y 550 a. de C., caracterizando la segunda etapa orientalizante de Peña Negra II.
Precisiones para la clasificación de la cerámica Ibérica
Authors: Ramos Fernández Rafael
Published: January 2014

La estratigrafía existente en el yacimiento de La Alcudia de Elche (Alicante) avala la clasificación por épocas de sus materiales cerámicos en cuanto a que son componentes de sucesivos niveles arqueológicos. Con ello se evidencia que los diferentes tipos de cerámica ibérica pintada responden, en sus conjuntos, a una determinada secuencia temporal que se desarrolló a lo largo de cuatro etapas.
Aspectos técnicos de la pintura mural romana
Authors: Abad Casal Lorenzo
Published: January 2014

Se estudian diversos aspectos técnicos de la pintura mural romana: composición de los morteros, sistemas de unión entre las diversas capas, trazados previos, técnica pictórica y técnicas de conservación y restauración. Todo ello se plasma en una serie de gráficas que ilustran las técnicas romanas y su evolución a través de los siglos.
¿Turbuletas o turdetanos, en la guerra de Sagunto?
Authors: Uroz Sáez José
Published: January 2014

Las causas de la segunda guerra púnica han producido una extensa bibliografía desde la Antigüedad y, sin embargo, no ha sido suficientemente aclarado un hecho importante en la conquista de Sagunto, cual es la utilización por Aníbal, en provecho propio, de un viejo contencioso entre la ciudad edetana y la vecina de los turbuletas, como señalan las fuentes.
Positron emission tomography (PET) in oncology: current applications and future perspectives
Authors: Trofimiuk-Müldner Małgorzata , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja
Published: January 2014

Positron emission tomography (PET), particularly dual-modality imaging systems (PET/CT or PET/MRI), has evolved from being a research tool into a valuable clinical modality, particularly in the field of oncology. Currently, most of the PET/CT examinations are done with FDG when assessing glucose metabolism in tumors. FDG PET or PET/CT has been proven to be a valuable method in staging, restaging, therapy response assessment, early recurrence detection, and in unknown primary focus localization. However, PET/CT has its limitations, leading to both false-positive and false-negative results. Proper design and/or choice of an alternative tracer may overcome those problems as well as give better insight into tumor biology and result in more thorough assessment and effective therapeutic approach in patients with cancer.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel 2-thienyl substituted heterocycles
Authors: Youssef Mohamed Salah K. , Abeed Ahmed Abdou O.
Published: January 2014

A series of 2-thienyl substituted derivatives of thiazoles, oxazoles and spiro(indole-azole) were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, NMR and mass spectral data.