bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Kinematic Control During the Backward Gait and Knee Proprioception: Insights from Lesions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Viggiano Davide , Corona Katia , Cerciello Simone , Vasso Michele , Schiavone-Panni Alfredo 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
An already existing large volume of work on kinematics documents a reduction of step length during unusual gaits, such as backward walking. This is mainly explained in terms of modifications of some biomechanical properties. In the present study, we propose that the proprioceptive information from the knee may be involved in this change of motor strategy. Specifically, we show that a non-automated condition such as backward walking can elicit different motor strategies in subjects with reduced proprioceptive feedback after anterior cruciate ligament lesion (ACL). For this purpose, the kinematic parameters during forward and backward walking in subjects with ACL deficit were compared to two control groups: a group with intact ACL and a group with surgically reconstructed ACL. The knee proprioception was tested measuring the threshold for detection of passive knee motion. Subjects were asked to walk on a level treadmill at five different velocities (1-5km/h) in forward and backward direction, thereby calculating the cadence and step length. Results showed that forward walking parameters were largely unaffected in subjects with ACL damage. However, they failed to reduce step length during backward walking, a correction that was normally observed in all control subjects and in subjects with normal proprioceptive feedback after ACL reconstruction. The main result of the present study is that knee proprioception is an important signal used by the brain to reduce step length during the backward gait. This can have a significant impact on clinical evaluation and rehabilitation.
Effects of Strength Training Combined with Specific Plyometric exercises on body composition, vertical jump height and lower limb strength development in elite male handball players: a case study
Authors: Carvalho Alberto , Mourão Paulo , Abade Eduardo 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of a strength training program combined with specific plyometric exercises on body composition, vertical jump (VJ) height and strength development of lower limbs in elite male handball players. A 12-week program with combined strength and specific plyometric exercises was carried out for 7 weeks. Twelve elite male handball players (age: 21.6 ± 1.73) competing in the Portuguese Major League participated in the study. Besides the anthropometric measurements, several standardized jump tests were applied to assess VJ performance together with the strength development of the lower limbs in an isokinetic setting. No significant changes were found in body circumferences and diameters. Body fat content and fat mass decreased by 16.4 and 15.7% respectively, while lean body mass increased by 2.1%. Despite small significance, there was in fact an increase in squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and 40 consecutive jumps after the training period (6.1, 3.8 and 6.8%, respectively). After the applied protocol, peak torque increased in lower limb extension and flexion in the majority of the movements assessed at 90°s-1. Consequently, it is possible to conclude that combining general strength-training with plyometric exercises can not only increase lower limb strength and improve VJ performance but also reduce body fat content.
Effects of Match Location, Match Status and Quality of Opposition on Regaining Possession in UEFA Champions League
Authors: Almeida Carlos Humberto , Ferreira António Paulo , Volossovitch Anna 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the independent and interactive effects of match location, match status, and quality of opposition on regaining possession, analysed by the type and zone of ball recovery, in matches played in the 2011-2012 UEFA Champions League. Twenty-eight matches of the knockout phase were evaluated post-event using a computerized notational analysis system. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the effects of the previously mentioned situational variables on ball recovery type and zone. Match status and quality of opposition main effects were observed for both dependent variables, while main effects of match location were only evident for ball recovery zone. Additionally, the interactions Match location * Quality of opposition and Match status * Quality of opposition were significant for both type and zone of ball recovery. Better teams employed more proactive defensive strategies, since, even when winning, they tried to sustain their defensive success on actions that aimed to gain the ball from the opponents. Results emphasized the tendency for home and losing teams to defend in more advanced pitch zones. Better-ranked teams were also more effective than worse-ranked teams in applying defensive pressure in more advanced pitch positions. The findings of the study suggest that the defensive strategies used by better teams imply more intense and organized collective processes in order to recover the ball directly from the opposing team. Furthermore, defending away from own goal and near the opponent's one seems to be associated with success in elite soccer.
The Examination of Different Tests for the Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Eggbeater Kicks
Authors: Stirn Igor , Strmecki Jernej , Strojnik Vojko 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The eggbeater kick presents an important basic technical skill in water polo. The aim of this study was to examine some different tests in order to recommend the best ones for the evaluation of the eggbeater kick. Twenty eight young male water polo players performed one test (squat jump) on land and ten tests in water: tethered swimming with legs only, using alternating and simultaneous eggbeater kicks, jumps out of water from basic and vertical (arms vertically above the head) position, water start and swimming two meters and swimming horizontally with legs only five meters with a flying start. The differences between tests were checked by executing dependent t-tests, while Pearson"s correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the correlation between different parameters. Results showed that when performing alternate eggbeater kicks greater average forces were produced by the water polo players when compared to consecutive simultaneous eggbeater kicks. However, a short time maximal acceleration of the body in the vertical and horizontal plane was greater when the single simultaneous kick was performed. It was determined that horizontal swimming using legs only and a squat jump were less useful for the evaluation of the eggbeater kick. Therefore, the recommendation was to measure the average force of successive alternating eggbeater kicks, the height of the jump out of the water from the basic position and the water start and swim over a distance of 2 meters.
The Pleiotropic Effects of Atorvastatin on Stable Angina Patients: Evidence by Analysis of High-Density Lipoprotein Size and Subclasses, and Plasma mRNA / Plejotropni Efekti Atorvastatina Kod Pacijenata Sa Stabilnom Anginom: Dokazi Dobijeni Analizom Veličine I Raspodele Subfrakcija Lipoproteina Velike Gustine I Plazmatske mRna
Authors: Mirjanić-Azarić Bosa , Jelić-Ivanović Zorana , Zeljković Aleksandra , Vekić Jelena , Jürgens Günther , Milivojac Tatjana , Avram Sanja , Ćorić Jozo , Marc Janja , Černe Darko 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackground: High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have atheroprotective biological properties: antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and they have the efflux capacity of cellular cholesterol. Plasma mRNA analysis can be used to investigate statin pleiotropy in vivo as a new analytical tool for non-invasive assessment of gene expression in vascular beds. The aim of this study was to assess the pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin in stable angina patients with highrisk values (group A) as compared with patients who had borderline and desirable HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) values (group B).Methods: The atorvastatin therapy (20 mg/day) was given to forty-three patients with stable angina for 10 weeks. We investigated three statin pleiotropy-targeted genes: intercellular adhesion molecule-1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 and cathepsin S and assessed by gel electrophoresis gradient the effects of atorvastatin on HDL size and subclasses.Results: In group A, after therapy, HDL-C concentration was significantly increased but not in group B. Atorvastatin lowered plasma chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA levels in both groups, but did not change the plasma cathepsin S mRNA levels. In group A only, baseline total bilirubin showed negative cor relations with the genes of cathepsin S (r=-0.506; p=0.023) and significantly increased after therapy.Conclusion: HDL-C and bilirubin can be promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Analysis of cell-free mRNA in plasma might become a useful tool for estimating statin pleiotropy
Dormancy breaking and seed germination of the annual weeds Thlaspi arvense, Descurainia sophia and Malcolmia africana (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Karimmojeni Hassan , Taab Alireza , Rashidi Behzad , Bazrafshan Amir Hossein 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In Iran, Descurainia sophia, Malcolmia africana, and Thlaspi arvense are abundantly found as importunate weeds in winter cereal. Understanding the timing of seed germination under natural conditions is crucial for learning how to manage these annual weeds. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soil burial, dry storage, cold stratification, KNO3, GA3, and scarification on the seed dormancy and germination of these three species. Species had significantly different responses to the treatment. In D. sophia, seeds buried at a depth of 10 cm for 60 days (55%), and seeds dry stored at 20°C for 180 days (45%) showed the highest level of germination. In M. africana, the germination percentage reached 95% when seeds buried at a depth of 1 cm were soaked in a GA3 concentration of 150 ppm. T. arvense had the lowest level of germination compared to the other species. The highest percentage of T. arvense germination was obtained in seeds treated with 150 ppm GA3. Potassium nitrate partly increased germinability in seeds of M. africana, which initially were less dormant than those of T. arvense and D. sophia.
Reliability and Accuracy of Batak Lite Tests Used for Assessing Coordination Motor Abilities in Wrestlers
Authors: Gierczuk Dariusz , Bujak Zbigniew 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Introduction
. The aim of this work was to assess selected validity criteria of motor tasks included in Batak Lite. The tasks are used to control coordination motor abilities in athletes of different sports.
Material and methods
. Twenty male Greco-Roman wrestlers from the sports school SMS in Radom were included in the study. They were 17-18 years of age and their training experience was 4-7.5 years long. The validity of motor tasks was determined on the basis of two criteria, i.e. reliability and diagnostic accuracy. To define the reliability of the tests, the research was carried out twice with an interval of 5-7-days (test-retest). Diagnostic accuracy of selected indices was determined with the help of three main criteria. The analysis included 6 motor tasks performed with the use of Batak Lite.
Results
. Tests I, II, IV and V are characterised by reliability coefficients higher than 0.50 and, regardless of the assumed accuracy criterion, by coefficients higher than 0.30. Thus, they meet the validity requirements within the assessed criteria. The highest accuracy coefficients were observed in motor tests assessing quick reaction (r = 0.46-0.63), simple reaction including sensory (r = 0.61-0.78), motor (r = 0.33-0.46) and complex (r = 0.34-0.49) reactions as well as spatio-temporal orientation (r = 0.33-0.49) and movement coupling (r = 0.34-0.49).
Conclusions
. Four Batak Lite tests displayed sufficient reliability and diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, they can be implemented in the training process of wrestlers. The strongest correlation was noted between Batak Lite tests and motor tests that assessed quick reaction, spatio-temporal orientation and movement coupling.
The Current Condition and Possibilities of Development of Festival Tourism in the Lublin Region
Authors: Pioš Katarzyna , Skoczylas Karolina , BrzeziñSka-Wójcik Teresa 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Introduction
. The number, range, and diversity of events with a character of festivals have been growing in the Lublin Region over the last several years. The events are organised by various entities and institutions. Information about them is largely dispersed. No study has been conducted so far determining the spatial distribution of festivals at the regional scale, and analysing their offer in the context of possibilities of development of festival tourism. Therefore, a study in the scope was undertaken with consideration of the cultural conditionings of some of the events.
Material and methods
. In periods from July to December 2010 and from September to December 2013, secondary information was analysed (statistics, records, and scientific studies), and original material was collected (field inventory, interview, and diagnostic survey) regarding the current condition of festival tourism in the Lublin Region.
Results
. The collected data on festival tourism offers suggest that the number of festivals in the Lublin Region has been continuously increasing from year to year. According to the obtained data, festivals with a duration of 3 and 5 days are dominant. The majority of festivals are held in summer months, usually on weekends. Music and interdisciplinary festivals with international, national, and regional range are prevalent. Some of them already have a history of 47 years. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the festivals subject to the inventory suggests that the majority of them are organised in the largest cities of the region, namely Lublin, Zamośæ, and Kazimierz Dolny.
Conclusions
. Due to the very diverse offer of festivals, and the manner of their promotion, they play an important role in the promotion of the Lublin Region. The offer, spatial distribution, and dynamics in the scope of organisation of festivals provide good perspectives for the development of festival tourism in the Lublin Region.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Are Involved in Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency–Induced Endothelial Cell Dysfunctions
Authors: Zhao Ting , Ding Xinchun , Du Hong , Yan Cong 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The underlying mechanisms that lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency causes infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in multiple organs and subsequent inflammation remain incompletely understood. Endothelial cells (ECs), lining the inner layer of blood vessels, constitute barriers regulating leukocytes transmigration to the site of inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that ECs are dysfunctional in LAL-deficient (lal−/−) mice. We found that Ly6G+ cells transmigrated more efficiently across lal−/− ECs than wild-type (lal+/+) ECs, which were associated with increased levels of PECAM-1 and MCP-1 in lal−/− ECs. In addition, lal−/− ECs showed enhanced migration and proliferation, decreased apoptosis, but impaired tube formation and angiogenesis. lal−/− ECs also suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro. Interestingly, lal−/− Ly6G+ cells promoted in vivo angiogenesis (including a tumor model), EC tube formation, and proliferation. Finally, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was activated in lal−/− ECs, and inhibition of mTOR reversed EC dysfunctions, including decreasing Ly6G+ cell transmigration, delaying migration, and relieving suppression of T cell proliferation, which was mediated by decreasing production of reactive oxygen species. Our results indicate that LAL regulates EC functions through interaction with MDSCs and modulation of the mTOR pathway, which may provide a mechanistic basis for targeting MDSCs or mTOR to rejuvenate EC functions in LAL deficiency–related diseases.
ACGME Duty Hour Revisions and Self-Reported Intern ICU Sleep Schedules
Authors: Allen-Dicker Joshua , Herzig Shoshana J. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Tess Anjala 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty hour standards restrict continuous duty for postgraduate year (PGY)–1 residents to 16 hours.

Objective
We aimed to assess the relationship between a duty hour–compliant schedule and resident sleep.

Methods
To comply with 2011 duty hour limits, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center restructured its intensive care unit call model for internal medicine PGY-1 residents from a traditional shift model to an overlapping shorter-duration shift model with preserved educational periods. Before and after schedule changes, we used daily surveys of PGY-1 residents to collect self-reported data on quantity and quality of sleep and quality of education.

Results
A total of 1162 surveys were sent to 43 interns before scheduling changes, and 1305 were sent to 41 interns after the changes. Response rate was 31.2% (362 of 1161) before and 22.2% (290 of 1305) after. Before changes, 57.7% (209 of 362) reported receiving 6 hours or more of sleep in a 24-hour period compared to 72.4% (210 of 290) after the changes (adjusted relative risk, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.15–1.53), with an adjusted difference of 0.83 hours of sleep per 24 hours (95% CI, 0.28–1.38). After the intervention, on a 5-point Likert scale, residents reported higher quality of sleep (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.01–2.60) and greater satisfaction with their education (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.40–4.81).

Conclusions
Following conversion to a duty hour–compliant model with preserved didactic time, PGY-1 residents reported minor increases in quantity and quality of sleep per 24-hour period, and increased satisfaction with the educational experience.
Consumption Practices: A Virtue Ethics Approach
Authors: Garcia-Ruiz Pablo , Rodriguez-Lluesma Carlos 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT:Ethical research on consumption has focused mainly on the obligations, principles and values guiding consumers' actions and reasons for action. In doing so, it has concerned itself mostly with such bounded contexts as voluntary simplifiers, anti-consumption movements or so-called ‘ethical consumers,’ thereby fostering an artificial opposition between ethical and non-ethical consumption. This paper proposes virtue ethics as a more apt conceptual framework for the ethical analysis of consumption because it takes into account the developmental dynamic triggered by engagement in consumption practices. We build on MacIntyre's goods-virtues-practices-institutions framework and Beabout's concept of a domain-relative practice and argue that when engaging in consumption activities, agents may pursue goods internal to practices, further their individual life narratives and contribute to the good of their communities, thus developing virtues that perfect themselves both as consumers and as ethical agents.
Amphiphilic Janus Gold Nanoparticles Prepared by Interface‐Directed Self‐Assembly: Synthesis and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Liu Guannan , Tian Jia , Zhang Xu , Zhao Hanying 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMaterials with Janus structures are attractive for wide applications in materials science. Although extensive efforts in the synthesis of Janus particles have been reported, the synthesis of sub‐10 nm Janus nanoparticles is still challenging. Herein, the synthesis of Janus gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based on interface‐directed self‐assembly is reported. Polystyrene (PS) colloidal particles with AuNPs on the surface were prepared by interface‐directed self‐assembly, and the colloidal particles were used as templates for the synthesis of Janus AuNPs. To prepare colloidal particles, thiol‐terminated polystyrene (PS‐SH) was dissolved in toluene and citrate‐stabilized AuNPs were dispersed in aqueous solution. Upon mixing the two solutions, PS‐SH chains were grafted to the surface of AuNPs and amphiphilic AuNPs were formed at the liquid–liquid interface. PS colloidal particles decorated with AuNPs on the surfaces were prepared by adding the emulsion to excess methanol. On the surface, AuNPs were partially embedded in the colloidal particles. The outer regions of the AuNPs were exposed to the solution and were functionalized through the grafting of atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator. Poly[2‐(dimethamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) on AuNPs were prepared by surface‐initiated ATRP. After centrifugation and dissolving the colloidal particles in tetrahydrofuran (THF), Janus AuNPs with PS and PDMAEMA on two hemispheres were obtained. In acidic pH, Janus AuNPs are amphiphilic and are able to emulsify oil droplets in water; in basic pH, the Janus AuNPs are hydrophobic. In mixtures of THF/methanol at a volume ratio of 1:5, the Janus AuNPs self‐assemble into bilayer structures with collapsed PS in the interiors and solvated PDMAEMA at the exteriors of the structures.
Chemical Modification of a Synthetic Small Molecule Boosts Its Biological Efficacy against Pluripotency Genes in Mouse Fibroblasts
Authors: Saha Abhijit , Pandian Ganesh N. , Sato Shinsuke , Taniguchi Junichi , Kawamoto Yusuke , Hashiya Kaori , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA synthetic transcriptional activator encompassing both sequence‐specific pyrrole–imidazole polyamides (PIPs) and an epigenetic activator (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) was recently shown to induce the endogenous expression of core pluripotency genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Microarray data analysis suggested Oct‐3/4 as the probable target pathway of the activator. However, the expression levels in MEFs treated with the activator were relatively lower than those in mouse embryonic stem cells. Herein, we report studies carried out to improve the efficacy of the activator and show that the biological activity was significantly (p<0.05) improved against the core pluripotency genes after the incorporation of an isophthalic acid (IPA) at the C terminus. The resultant IPA conjugate dramatically induced Oct‐3/4 and demonstrated a new chemical strategy for developing PIP conjugates as next‐generation genetic switches.
A Tailored Catalyst for the Sustainable Conversion of Glycerol to Acrolein: Mechanistic Aspect of Sequential Dehydration
Authors: Yun Danim , Kim Tae Yong , Park Dae Sung , Yun Yang Sik , Han Jeong Woo , Yi Jongheop 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDeveloping a catalyst to resolve deactivation caused from coke is a primary challenge in the dehydration of glycerol to acrolein. An open‐macropore‐structured and Brønsted‐acidic catalyst (Marigold‐like silica functionalized with sulfonic acid groups, MS‐FS) was synthesized for the stable and selective production of acrolein from glycerol. A high acrolein yield of 73 % was achieved and maintained for 50 h in the presence of the MS‐FS catalyst. The hierarchical structure of the catalyst with macropores was found to have an important effect on the stability of the catalyst because coke polymerization and pore blocking caused by coke deposition were inhibited. In addition, the behavior of 3‐hydroxypropionaldehyde (3‐HPA) during the sequential dehydration was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations because 3‐HPA conversion is one of the main causes for coke formation. We found that the easily reproducible Brønsted acid sites in MS‐FS permit the selective and stable production of acrolein. This is because the reactive intermediate (3‐HPA) is readily adsorbed on the regenerated acid sites, which is essential for the selective production of acrolein during the sequential dehydration. The regeneration ability of the acid sites is related not only to the selective production of acrolein but also to the retardation of catalyst deactivation by suppressing the formation of coke precursors originating from 3‐HPA degradation.