bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological and Performance Responses to a Training Camp in the Heat in Professional Australian Football Players
Authors: Racinais Sebastien , Buchheit Martin , Bilsborough Johann , Bourdon Pitre C. , Cordy Justin , Coutts Aaron J. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:To examine the physiological and performance responses to a heat-acclimatization camp in highly trained professional team-sport athletes.Methods:Eighteen male Australian Rules Football players trained for 2 wk in hot ambient conditions (31–33°C, humidity 34–50%). Players performed a laboratory-based heat-response test (24-min walk + 24 min seated; 44°C), a YoYo Intermittent Recovery Level 2 Test (YoYoIR2; indoor, temperate environment, 23°C) and standardized training drills (STD; outdoor, hot environment, 32°C) at the beginning and end of the camp.Results:The heat-response test showed partial heat acclimatization (eg, a decrease in skin temperature, heart rate, and sweat sodium concentration, P < .05). In addition, plasma volume (PV, CO rebreathing, +2.68 [0.83; 4.53] mL/kg) and distance covered during both the YoYoIR2 (+311 [260; 361] m) and the STD (+45.6 [13.9; 77.4] m) increased postcamp (P < .01). None of the performance changes showed clear correlations with PV changes (r < .24), but the improvements in running STD distance in hot environment were correlated with changes in hematocrit during the heat-response test (r = –.52, 90%CI [–.77; –.12]). There was no clear correlation between the performance improvements in temperate and hot ambient conditions (r < .26).Conclusion:Running performance in both hot and temperate environments was improved after a football training camp in hot ambient conditions that stimulated heat acclimatization. However, physiological and performance responses were highly individual, and the absence of correlations between physical-performance improvements in hot and temperate environments suggests that their physiological basis might differ.
Variability in Power Output During Cycling in International Olympic-Distance Triathlon
Authors: Etxebarria Naroa , D’Auria Shaun , Anson Judith M. , Pyne David B. , Ferguson Richard A. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:The patterns of power output in the ~1-h cycle section of Olympic-distance triathlon races are not well documented. Here the authors establish a typical cycling-race profile derived from several International Triathlon Union elite-level draftinglegal triathlon races.Methods:The authors collated 12 different race power profiles from elite male triathletes (N = 5, age 25 ± 5 y, body mass 65.5 ± 5.6 kg; mean ± SD) during 7 international races. Power output was recorded using SRM cranks and analyzed with proprietary software.Results:The mean power output was 252 ± 33 W, or 3.9 ± 0.5 W/kg in relative terms, with a coefficient of variation of 71% ± 13%. Normalized power (power output an athlete could sustain if intensity were maintained constant without any variability) for the entire cycle section was 291 ± 29 W, or 40 ± 13 W higher than the actual mean power output. There were 34 ± 14 peaks of power output above 600 W and ~18% time spent at >100% of maximal aerobic power.Conclusion:Cycling during Olympic-distance triathlon, characterized by frequent and large power variations including repeat supramaximal efforts, equates to a higher workload than cycling at constant power.
The Back Squat and the Power Clean: Elicitation of Different Degrees of Potentiation
Authors: Seitz Laurent B. , Trajano Gabriel S. , Haff G. Gregory 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:To compare the acute effects of back squats and power cleans on sprint performance.Methods:Thirteen elite junior rugby league players performed 20-m linear sprints before and 7 min after 2 different conditioning activities or 1 control condition. The conditioning activities included 1 set of 3 back squats or power cleans at 90% 1-repetition maximum. A 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare preconditioning and postconditioning changes in sprint performance.Results:Both the back-squat and power-clean conditioning activities demonstrated a potentiation effect as indicated by improved sprint time (back squat: P = .001, ES = –0.66; power cleans: P = .001, ES = –0.92), velocity (back squat: P = .001, ES = 0.63; power cleans: P = .001, ES = 0.84), and average acceleration over 20 m (back squat: P = .001, ES = 0.70; power cleans: P = .001, ES = 1.00). No potentiation effect was observed after the control condition. Overall, the power clean induced a greater improvement in sprint time (P = .042, ES = 0.83), velocity (P = .047, ES = 1.17), and average acceleration (P = .05, ES = 0.87) than the back squat.Conclusions:Back-squat and power-clean conditioning activities both induced improvements in sprint performance when included as part of a potentiation protocol. However, the magnitude of improvement was greater after the power cleans. From a practical perspective, strength and conditioning coaches should consider using power cleans rather than back squats to maximize the performance effects of potentiation complexes targeting the development of sprint performance.
Determinants of Performance in a New Test of Planned Agility for Young Elite Basketball Players
Authors: Delextrat Anne , Grosgeorge Bernard , Bieuzen Francois 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:To investigate the reliability and determinants of performance in a new test of planned agility in elite junior basketball players.Methods:Seventeen female (15.1 ± 0.4 y, 176.9 ± 11.2 cm, 65.7 ± 10.9 kg) and 42 male (14.9 ± 0.4 y, 193.7 ± 8.1 cm, 79.0 ± 12.0 kg) elite junior basketball players performed 5 fitness tests presented in a random order, including a 20-m sprint, a planned-agility test, a triple bilateral horizontal countermovement jump, and 2 triple unilateral horizontal countermovement jumps (with each leg separately). The novelty of the planned-agility test is that it included both offensive and defensive movements. The determinants of planned agility were assessed by a stepwise-regression analysis, and the reliability of the new test was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the typical error of measurement.Results:The main results show good reliability of the new test of planned agility. In addition, the determinants of planned-agility performance were different between genders, with sprint performance explaining 74.8% of the variance for girls, while unilateral jump performance and body mass were the most important for boys, accounting for 24.0% and 8.9% of the variance, respectively, in planned agility.Conclusions:These results highlight a gender effect on the determinants of planned-agility performance in young elite basketball players and suggest that straight-line sprint and unilateral horizontal tests must be implemented to test elite junior players.
Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Ecuadorian Adolescents: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Van Royen Kathleen , Verstraeten Roosmarijn , Andrade Susana , Ochoa-Avilés Angélica , Donoso Silvana , Maes Lea , Kolsteren Patrick 
Published: June 2014

Background:Physical inactivity levels are increasingly prevalent among Ecuadorian adolescents. School-based interventions can be potentially effective in promoting physical activity but must be informed by cultural-specific factors.Methods:Twelve focus groups were carried out with adolescents (n = 80) in rural and urban Ecuador to identify factors influencing physical activity. In addition, 4 focus group discussions with parents (n = 32) and 4 with school staff (n = 32) were conducted. Individual and environmental factors were questioned using the ‘Attitude, Social influences and Self-efficacy’ model and the socioecological model as theoretical frameworks.Results:Factors influencing physical activity varied between groups. In the rural area farming and norms for girls impeded leisure-time physical activity, whereas urban groups emphasized traffic and crime concerns. Groups from a low socioeconomic status more frequently mentioned a fear of injuries and financial constraints. Several factors were common for all groups including preferences for sedentary activities, poor knowledge, time constraints and laziness, as well as a lack of opportunities at home and school, unsupportive parental rules and lack of role models.Conclusion:A conceptual framework including the identified factors emerged to inform the design of a cultural-sensitive school-based intervention to improve physical activity among Ecuadorian adolescents. Future interventions should be tailored to each setting.
Kinesio Taping and Jump Performance in Elite Female Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Schiffer Thorsten , Möllinger Anne , Sperlich Billy , Memmert Daniel 
Published: June 2014

Context:The application of kinesio tape (KT) to lower-extremity muscles as an ergogenic aid to improve muscle-strength-related parameters such as jumping is controversial.Objective:To test the hypothesis that the application of KT enhances the jumping performance of healthy uninjured elite female track and field athletes.Design:A double 1-legged jump test was performed before and after the application of blue K-Active tape without traction on the maximally stretched gastrocnemius, hamstrings, rectus femoris, and iliopsoas muscles according to the generally accepted technique.Participants:18 German elite female track and field athletes (age 21 ± 2 y, height 172 ± 4 cm, body mass 62 ± 5 kg, active time in their sport 13 ± 4 y).Results:Factorial analysis of variance with repeated measures (ANOVA, Bonferroni) revealed no significant differences in jumping performance between the tests (P > .05, d = 0.26).Conclusions:These findings suggest that the application of KT has no influence on jumping performance in healthy, uninjured female elite athletes. The authors do not recommend the use of KT for the purpose of improving jump performance.
Utilizing Three-Dimensional Printing Technology to Assess the Feasibility of High-Fidelity Synthetic Ventricular Septal Defect Models for Simulation in Medical Education
Authors: Costello John P. , Olivieri Laura J. , Krieger Axel , Thabit Omar , Marshall M. Blair , Yoo Shi-Joon , Kim Peter C. , Jonas Richard A. , Nath Dilip S. 
Published: June 2014

Background: The current educational approach for teaching congenital heart disease (CHD) anatomy to students involves instructional tools and techniques that have significant limitations. This study sought to assess the feasibility of utilizing present-day three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to create high-fidelity synthetic heart models with ventricular septal defect (VSD) lesions and applying these models to a novel, simulation-based educational curriculum for premedical and medical students. Methods: Archived, de-identified magnetic resonance images of five common VSD subtypes were obtained. These cardiac images were then segmented and built into 3D computer-aided design models using Mimics Innovation Suite software. An Objet500 Connex 3D printer was subsequently utilized to print a high-fidelity heart model for each VSD subtype. Next, a simulation-based educational curriculum using these heart models was developed and implemented in the instruction of 29 premedical and medical students. Assessment of this curriculum was undertaken with Likert-type questionnaires. Results: High-fidelity VSD models were successfully created utilizing magnetic resonance imaging data and 3D printing. Following instruction with these high-fidelity models, all students reported significant improvement in knowledge acquisition ( P < .0001), knowledge reporting ( P < .0001), and structural conceptualization ( P < .0001) of VSDs. Conclusions: It is feasible to use present-day 3D printing technology to create high-fidelity heart models with complex intracardiac defects. Furthermore, this tool forms the foundation for an innovative, simulation-based educational approach to teach students about CHD and creates a novel opportunity to stimulate their interest in this field.
A Novel Technique for Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect
Authors: Douglas William I. , Doshi Unnati 
Published: June 2014

Background: Two-patch, single-patch, and modified single-patch repairs are accepted techniques for repair of complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defects. We propose a novel, alternative technique: the central patch technique. Methods: For the central patch technique, the superior and inferior bridging leaflets are attached with simple sutures to the right and left of their coaptation point. Both bridging leaflets are incised along a line above the ventricular crest, similar to a traditional single-patch technique. An oval pericardial patch is sewn to the central defect created in the AV valve tissue. Interrupted, horizontal mattress sutures are placed along the ventricular crest, through the midline of the central patch and through the edge of the atrial septal defect (ASD) patch. Tying the sutures simultaneously closes the ventricular septal defect (VSD) and secures the ASD patch to the ventricular crest. Repair of the left AV valve and ASD closure are performed in the routine fashion. Results: Five patients underwent the central patch technique repair of complete AV canal defect. Weight was 4.8 to 6.3 kg; age was four to eight months. Cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial times averaged 137 minutes and 109 minutes, respectively. No patient had more than mild left AV valve regurgitation or trivial residual VSD at completion of repair. No patient developed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Conclusion: The central patch technique is applicable to all forms of complete AV canal defect. Subjectively, it offers technical advantages compared to standard techniques and may result in a shorter learning curve for junior congenital heart surgeons. Results are preliminary but are consistent with standard techniques.
On the sum of the two largest Laplacian eigenvalues of trees
Authors: Guan Mei , Zhai Mingqing , Wu Yongfeng 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
For

S
(
T
)

, the sum of the two largest Laplacian eigenvalues of a tree T, an upper bound is obtained. Moreover, among all trees with

n
≥
4

vertices, the unique tree which attains the maximal value of

S
(
T
)

is determined.

MSC:05C50.
A note on the almost sure central limit theorem for the product of some partial sums
Authors: Chen Yang , Tan Zhongquan , Wang Kaiyong 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Let

(

X
n

)

be a sequence of i.i.d., positive, square integrable random variables with

E
(

X
1

)
=
μ
>
0

,

Var
(

X
1

)
=

σ
2

. Denote by

S

n
,
k

=

∑

i
=
1

n

X
i

−

X
k

and by

γ
=
σ
/
μ

the coefficient of variation. Our goal is to show the unbounded, measurable functions g, which satisfy the almost sure central limit theorem, i.e.,

lim

N
→
∞

1

log
N

∑

n
=
1

N

1
n

g

(

(

∏

k
=
1

n

S

n
,
k

(
n
−
1
)

n

μ
n

)

1

γ

n

)

=

∫
0
∞

g
(
x
)

d
F
(
x
)

a.s.
,

where

F
(
⋅
)

is the distribution function of the random variable

e
N

and "Equation missing" is a standard normal random variable.

MSC:60F15, 60F05.
Variability in CRP, regulatory T cells and effector T cells over time in gynaecological cancer patients: a study of potential oscillatory behaviour and correlations
Authors: Madondo Mutsa T , Tuyaerts Sandra , Turnbull Brit B , Vanderstraeten Anke , Kohrt Holbrook , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Amant Frederic , Quinn Michael , Plebanski Magdalena 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
The inflammatory marker, C reactive protein has been proposed to also be a biomarker for adaptive immune responses in cancer patients with a possible application in time based chemotherapy. Fluxes in serum CRP levels were suggested to be indicative of a cyclical process in which, immune activation is followed by auto-regulating immune suppression. The applicability of CRP as a biomarker for regulatory or effector T cells was therefore investigated in a cohort of patients with gynaecological malignancies.

Methods
Peripheral blood samples were obtained from a cohort of patients at 7 time points over a period of 12 days. Serum and mononuclear cells were isolated and CRP levels in serum were detected using ELISA while regulatory and effector T cell frequencies were assessed using flow cytometry. To test periodicity, periodogram analysis of data was employed while Pearson correlation and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to determine correlations.

Results
The statistical analysis used showed no evidence of periodic oscillation in either serum CRP concentrations or Teff and Treg frequencies. Furthermore, there was no apparent correlation between serum CRP concentrations and the corresponding frequencies of Tregs or Teffs. Relative to healthy individuals, the disease state in the patients neither significantly affected the mean frequency of Tregs nor the mean coefficient of variation within the Treg population over time. However, both Teff mean frequency and mean coefficient of variation were significantly reduced in patients.

Conclusion
Using our methods we were unable to detect CRP oscillations that could be used as a consistent serial biomarker for time based chemotherapy.
Roles of ASIC3, TRPV1, and NaV1.8 in the Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain in a Mouse Model of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Chen Wei-Nan , Lee Cheng-Han , Lin Shing-Hong , Wong Chia-Wen , Sun Wei-Hsin , Wood John N , Chen Chin-Cheng 
Published: June 2014

Background: Tissue acidosis is effective in causing chronic muscle pain. However, how muscle nociceptors contribute to the transition from acute to chronic pain is largely unknown. Results: Here we showed that a single intramuscular acid injection induced a priming effect on muscle nociceptors of mice. The primed muscle nociceptors were plastic and permitted the development of long-lasting chronic hyperalgesia induced by a second acid insult. The plastic changes of muscle nociceptors were modality-specific and required the activation of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (***ASIC3) or transient receptor potential cation channel V1 (TRPV1). Activation of ASIC3 was associated with increased activity of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels but not protein kinase Cε (PKCε) in isolectin B4 (IB4)-negative muscle nociceptors. In contrast, increased activity of TTX-resistant voltage-gated sodium channels with ASIC3 or TRPV1 activation in NaV1.8-positive muscle nociceptors was required for the development of chronic hyperalgesia. Accordingly, compared to wild type mice, NaV1.8-null mice showed briefer acid-induced hyperalgesia (5 days vs. >27 days). Conclusion: ASIC3 activation may manifest a new type of nociceptor priming in IB4-negative muscle nociceptors. The activation of ASIC3 and TRPV1 as well as enhanced NaV1.8 activity are essential for the development of long-lasting hyperalgesia in acid-induced, chronic, widespread muscle pain.
Asymmetric c-Fos Expression in the Ventral Orbital Cortex is Associated with Impaired Reversal Learning in a Right-Sided Neuropathy
Authors: Leite-Almeida Hugo , Guimarães Marco Rafael , Cerqueira João José , Ribeiro-Costa Nuno , Anjos-Martins Helena , Sousa Nuno , Almeida Armando 
Published: June 2014

Background: Recently we showed that unilateral peripheral neuropathic lesions impacted differentially on rat's emotional/cognitive behavior depending on its left/right location; importantly, this observation recapitulates clinical reports. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region morphofunctionally affected in chronic pain conditions, is involved in the modulation of both emotion and executive function and displays functional lateralization. To test whether the PFC is involved in the lateralization bias associated with left/right pain, c-fos expression in medial and orbital areas was analyzed in rats with an unilateral spared nerve injury neuropathy installed in the left or in the right side after performing an attentional set-shifting, a strongly PFC-dependent task. Results: SNI-R animals required more trials to successfully terminate the reversal steps of the attentional set-shifting task. A generalized increase of c-fos density in medial and orbital PFC (mPFC/OFC), irrespectively of the hemisphere, was observed in both SNI-L and SNI-R. However, individual laterality indexes revealed that contrary to controls and SNI-L, SNI-R animals presented a leftward shift in c-fos density in the ventral OFC (VO). None of these effects were observed in the neighboring primary motor area. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that chronic neuropathic pain is associated with a bilateral mPFC and OFC hyperactivation. We hypothesize that the impaired performance of SNI-R animals is associated with a left/right activity inversion in the VO, whose functional integrity is critical for reversal learning.
Antityphoid and radical scavenging properties of the methanol extracts and compounds from the aerial part of Paullinia pinnata
Authors: Lunga Paul Keilah , Tamokou Jean de Dieu , Fodouop Simeon PC , Kuiate Jules-Roger , Tchoumboue Joseph , Gatsing Donatien 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Paullinia pinnata Linn (Sapindaceae) is a medicinal plant, locally used in the West Region of Cameroon for the treatment of typhoid fever. This work was designed to evaluate the antityphoid and antioxidant activities of the extracts and compounds of P. pinnata.
The methanol extracts of the leaves and stems were tested for antityphoid and antioxidant activities. Compounds were isolated, and their structures elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data in conjuction with literature data and tested for the same activities. The leaf extract was also tested in vivo for its antityphoid potential in a Salmonella typhimurium-induced typhoid fever model in Wistar rats.
Seven known compounds: methylinositol (1), β-sitosterol (2), friedelin (3), 3β-(β-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)stigmast-5-ene (4), (3β)-3-O-(2′-Acetamido-2′-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl) oleanolic acid (5), (3β,16α- hydroxy)-3-O-(2′-Acetamido-2′-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl) echinocystic acid (6) and (3β,)-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″-3′)-2′-acetamido-2′-deoxy-β-D-galactopyranosyl]oleanolic acid (7) were isolated. Compounds 5 and 1 showed the highest antibacterial (MIC = 0.781-1.562 μg/ml) and DPPH radical scavenging (RSa50 = 19.27 ± 4.43 μg/ml) activities respectively. The maximum extract dose (446.00 mg/kg bw) had comparable activity with ciprofloxacin (7.14 mg/kg bw) and oxytetracycline (5 mg/kg bw). The extract induced significant dose-dependent increase of WBCs and lymphocytes.
These results support the ethnomedicinal use of P. pinnata and its isolated Compounds could be useful in the standardization of antityphoid phytomedicine from it.
Does the design of correspondence studies influence the measurement of discrimination?
Authors: Carlsson Magnus , Fumarco Luca , Rooth Dan-Olof 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Correspondence studies can identify the extent of discrimination in hiring as typically defined by the law, which includes discrimination against ethnic minorities and females. However, as Heckman and Siegelman (1993) show, if employers act upon a group difference in the variance of unobserved variables, this measure of discrimination may not be very informative. This issue has essentially been ignored in the empirical literature until the recent methodological development by Neumark (2012). We apply Neumark’s method to a number of already published correspondence studies. We find the Heckman and Siegelman critique relevant for empirical work and give suggestions on how future correspondence studies may address this critique.

JEL classification

J71