Determination of change of direction deficit thresholds across a spectrum of angles in basketball players.

Change of direction deficit (CODD) offers valuable insights into a player's balance between linear and multidirectional speed. However, there are still no established reference values for CODD. The objectives of this study were to determine CODD thresholds for various change of direction angles in basketball players according to gender and analyse the relationships between CODD and execution time in speed tests. One hundred and thirty basketball players (46% female; age: 23.7 ± 5.29 years; height: 189.1 ± 11.1 cm; body mass: 84.3 ± 15.7 kg) undertook 10-m linear and change of direction speed test at 45º, 90º and 180º. A k-means cluster analysis was conducted to standardise CODD thresholds and a one-way analysis of variance to identify the differences between clusters. The results revealed angulation-specific CODD thresholds, ranging from 3% to 8%, 17% to 25% and 43% to 51% for 45º, 90º and 180º cutting angles, respectively for the pooled sample. Furthermore, differences inter-clusters (p < 0.05) were observed for execution time at all cutting angles for both genders. Therefore, strength and conditioning coaches are encouraged to assess CODD as a highly valid variable for evaluating change of direction performance and to use current CODD thresholds to tailor training programmes according to each athlete's needs.

Late embryo mortality in Holstein cows inseminated with Holstein or Limousine frozen semen.

The objective of this study was to compare the late embryo mortality (LEM) rate (losses approximately between 32 and 53 days of gestation) and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) and progesterone (P4) concentrations on day 32 post AI in Holstein cows bred with either Holstein or Limousine semen. A sample size of 1082 cows per group diagnosed pregnant between 28- and 35-days post breeding was calculated. The study consisted of evaluating LEM (%) in a cohort of Holstein cows bred with Holstein semen (HO × HO) or Limousine semen (HO × LM), to compare pregnancy loss from 28 to 35 days post breeding to 50-57 days post breeding. A logistic regression model to compare embryo losses was developed considering as main explanatory variable the cohort (HO × HO embryo vs. HO × LM embryo), correcting by lactation number, breeding season, days to breeding and AI technician. HO × HO embryos had greater LEM (15.16%) than HO × LM embryos (9.79%). Cows bred in summertime had higher LEM (15.23%) than cows bred in no-summertime (9.88%). There were no differences among AI technicians. Within summertime there was no difference in LEM (%) between groups within each lactation number; yet, within no-summertime, LEM (%) was higher in HO × HO than HO × LM within each lactation number. Pregnancy SPB optical densities were significantly greater in the HO × HO than in the HO × LM (p = .023) group; yet, the concentration of P4 was not different between groups (p > .05).

Vertical Versus Horizontal Training for Improving the Change of Direction Speed in Adult Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Barrera-Domínguez, FJ, Martínez-García, D, Jerez-Mayorga, D, Chirosa-Ríos, LJ, Almagro, BJ, and Molina-López, J. Vertical versus horizontal training for improving the change of direction speed in adult basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The ability to perform changes of direction (COD) is a complex skill that involves the application of multiple force-orientations, and its execution at maximum speed is crucial in basketball players. The present study aimed to synthesize findings from previous interventions classified according to force-orientation (vertical, horizontal, or mixed) and determine their magnitude of the effect on COD performance in basketball players. A systematic review of the literature was performed in several databases (Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed) following the PRISMA statement and reviewed the quality of the included papers according to the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines Assessment. Sixteen articles with a total of 21 reports were included to analyze the role of force-orientations in COD performance. For the meta-analysis, the standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the chronic changes induced by training and performed an effect size (ES) analysis with a random-effects model. The results showed that all force-orientations generated improvements in COD performance (ES = -0.47 [95% CI -0.57, -0.36], Z = 8.74 [p < 0.01]). It was a mixed force-orientation that produced the greatest changes (ES = -0.91 [95% CI -1.27, -0.55], Z = 4.96 [p < 0.01]), followed by vertical training (ES = -0.45 [95% CI -0.70, -0.20], Z = 3.51 [p < 0.01]). Horizontal training was the least studied and showed the smallest change (ES = -0.10 [95% CI -0.14, -0.07], Z = 5,71 [p < 0.01]). This meta-analysis demonstrates that mixed vertical and horizontally oriented training may be the most optimal because it offers a greater variety of multidirectional stimuli that better prepares the athlete to deal with complex COD in real-game situations.

Absence of Quantum-Confined Stark Effect in GaN Quantum Disks Embedded in (Al,Ga)N Nanowires Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy.

Several of the key issues of planar (Al,Ga)N-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes could potentially be overcome by utilizing nanowire heterostructures, exhibiting high structural perfection, and improved light extraction. Here, we study the spontaneous emission of GaN/(Al,Ga)N nanowire ensembles grown on Si(111) by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The nanowires contain single GaN quantum disks embedded in long (Al,Ga)N nanowire segments essential for efficient light extraction. These quantum disks are found to exhibit intense light emission at unexpectedly high energies, namely, significantly above the GaN bandgap, and almost independent of the disk thickness. An in-depth investigation of the actual structure and composition of the nanowires reveals a spontaneously formed Al gradient both along and across the nanowire, resulting in a complex core/shell structure with an Al-deficient core and an Al-rich shell with continuously varying Al content along the entire length of the (Al,Ga)N segment. This compositional change along the nanowire growth axis induces a polarization doping of the shell that results in a degenerate electron gas in the disk, thus screening the built-in electric fields. The high carrier density not only results in the unexpectedly high transition energies but also in radiative lifetimes depending only weakly on temperature, leading to a comparatively high internal quantum efficiency of the GaN quantum disks up to room temperature.

Reduced circulating levels of sTWEAK are associated with NAFLD and may affect hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation.

CONTEXT: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and is strongly associated with obesity, dyslipidaemia and altered glucose regulation. Previous data demonstrated that low circulating levels of tumour necrosis factor weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) were associated with obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance, all traits associated with an increased risk of NALFD. Circulating sTWEAK levels are expected to be reduced in the presence of NAFLD. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the relationship between NAFLD and circulating sTWEAK levels in obese patients, and to evaluate the effect of sTWEAK on hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation.Design setting and patients:This is an observational case-control study performed in n=112 severely obese patients evaluated for NAFLD by abdominal ultrasound and n=32 non-obese patients without steatosis. Serum sTWEAK concentrations were measured by ELISA. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of NAFLD. We analysed TWEAK and Fn14 protein expression in liver biopsies by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. An immortalized primary human hepatocyte cell line (HHL) was used to evaluate the effect of sTWEAK on triglyceride accumulation. RESULTS: We observed a reduction in serum circulating sTWEAK concentrations with the presence of liver steatosis. On multivariable analysis, lower sTWEAK concentrations were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD (odds ratio (OR)=0.023; 95% confidence interval: 0.001-0.579; P<0.022). In human hepatocytes, sTWEAK administration reduced fat accumulation as demonstrated by the reduction in palmitic acid-induced accumulation of triglyceride and the decreased expression of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and perilipin 1 and 2 (PLIN1 and PLIN2) genes. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased sTWEAK concentrations are independently associated with the presence of NAFLD. This is concordant with the observation that TWEAK reduces lipid accumulation in human liver cells.

L2,3-edges absorption spectra of a 2D complex system: a theoretical modelling.

L2,3-edges absorption spectra of FePc (I) and FePc(η2-O2) (II) on Ag(110) have been modelled using the DFT/ROCIS method. Despite disregarding the presence of the substrate, the agreement between experiment and theory is remarkable. Moreover, theoretical results confirm the fraction of II (70%) present on the surface, thus allowing a thorough assignment of each experimental spectral feature. Ground state (GS) theoretical outcomes pertaining to I and II provide an intimate understanding of the electron transfer pathway ruling the I-based catalytic oxygen reduction reaction. DFT/ROCIS outcomes indicate that the lower excitation energy (EE) side of the I/IIL3 intensity distributions mainly includes states having the GS number of unpaired electrons (two in I and six in II), whereas states with higher/lower spin multiplicity contribute to the I/IIL3 higher EE side. The occurrence of states involving metal to ligand charge transfer transitions implying low lying empty π* ligand-based orbitals on the I/IIL3 higher EE sides have been confirmed.

High-resolution imaging of remanent state and magnetization reversal of superdomain structures in high-density cobalt antidot arrays.

Remanent state and magnetization reversal processes of a series of cobalt antidot arrays with a fixed hole diameter (d ≈ 55 nm) and an array periodicity (p) ranging between 95 and 524 nm were studied by in situ Lorentz microscopy (LM) as a function of the magnetic field. At remanence, defocused LM images showed the periodicity dependence of the magnetic states inside the lattice. A remarkable transition was observed in the type of domain structures as a function of p: for the large periodicities (p > 300 nm), conventional 90° and 180° domain walls were formed, whereas in small-period antidot arrays (p â‰¦ 160 nm) magnetic superdomain walls (SDWs) were nucleated to separate regions with different average magnetization direction, the so-called magnetic superdomains. In the SDW regime, a low-frequency Fourier filtering method was implemented to allow a quantitative analysis of the LM images by the transport of intensity equation method. In situ LM experiments under applied magnetic fields were performed to study the reversal magnetization process in a particular array (p = 160 nm), and clear differences were observed as a function of the magnetic field orientation. The switching process under magnetic fields parallel to the horizontal antidot rows occurs in two stages: the system first nucleates and propagates horizontal SDWs, parallel to the field. Then, at higher magnetic fields, vertical SDWs, perpendicular to the field, appear before saturation. When the magnetic field is applied at 45° with respect to the antidot rows, both horizontal and vertical SDWs are nucleated and propagated simultaneously. All the experiments were successfully correlated with micromagnetic simulations. The current study sheds new light on the magnetization reversal processes of antidot arrays and opens new possibilities of exploiting the potential of high-resolution in situ LM and new data analysis procedures to probe magnetization processes in nanomagnetism, particularly in periodic arrays of nanomagnets.

Epidemiological description of cystic ovarian disease in argentine dairy herds: risk factors and effects on the reproductive performance of lactating cows.

To describe the epidemiology of cystic ovarian disease (COD), to find possible risk factors associated with the incidence of cysts and to analyse the impact of COD on the reproductive performance of dairy cows, databases from 22 dairy herds from the main dairy region in Argentina were retrospectively evaluated throughout a 3-year period (2009-2011). A total of 248 COD cases over 9156 parturitions were recorded, resulting in a cumulative incidence rate of 2.7%. Cystic ovarian disease incidence density was lower during the first 100 days post-partum (DPP) than during later stages of lactation. Seasonality had a significant influence on the disease presentation with higher incidence rates during winter and spring. Cows with a previous diagnosis of clinical mastitis showed 2.72 times more chances of developing ovarian cysts. Cystic cows had longer calving to first service and calving to conception intervals and lower conception rate than controls.

The Influence of Functional Movement and Strength upon Linear and Change of Direction Speed in Male and Female Basketball Players.

The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between functional movement and strength variables upon linear speed (Ls) and change of direction (COD) based on gender. It also aimed to identify the determinants of performance of Ls and COD according to gender. Fifty basketball players (54% female) completed the assessment in which the weight-bearing dorsiflexion test, the Y-balance test, the unilateral countermovement jump, the unilateral drop jump, the unilateral triple hop test, Ls and CODs were performed. Speed variables were divided according to time execution into "low-performance" and "high-performance" to establish a comparison between performance groups. Strength variables significantly influenced speed tests' performance in both genders (p < 0.05). For males, the greater the Ls, the higher the change of direction deficit (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a long and vertical stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) was the most influential physical ability for speed performance in females (45-65% variance explained; p < 0.001), while in males, a short and horizontal SSC played a significant role (30-61% variance explained; p < 0.022). These results suggest that gender should be considered in programming strength training to improve speed, as each gender will benefit most from the application of different force-orientations and different SSC. Also, the faster the male players were in Ls, the less efficient they were in the COD performance. This is why for men, it would be recommended to perform eccentric exercises along with deceleration and technique drills to improve COD speed.

N-aryl piperazine metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 positive allosteric modulators possess efficacy in preclinical models of NMDA hypofunction and cognitive enhancement.

Impaired transmission through glutamatergic circuits has been postulated to play a role in the underlying pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Furthermore, inhibition of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDAR) induces a syndrome that recapitulates many of the symptoms observed in patients with schizophrenia. Selective activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of symptoms associated with schizophrenia through facilitation of transmission through central glutamatergic circuits. Here, we describe the characterization of two novel N-aryl piperazine mGlu5 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs): 2-(4-(2-(benzyloxy)acetyl)piperazin-1-yl)benzonitrile (VU0364289) and 1-(4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-((4-fluorobenzyl)oxy)ethanone (DPFE). VU0364289 and DPFE induced robust leftward shifts in the glutamate concentration-response curves for Ca(2+) mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 phosphorylation. Both PAMs displayed micromolar affinity for the common mGlu5 allosteric binding site and high selectivity for mGlu5. VU0364289 and DPFE possessed suitable pharmacokinetic properties for dosing in vivo and produced robust dose-related effects in reversing amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, a preclinical model predictive of antipsychotic-like activity. In addition, DPFE enhanced acquisition of contextual fear conditioning in rats and reversed behavioral deficits in a mouse model of NMDAR hypofunction. In contrast, DPFE had no effect on reversing apomorphine-induced disruptions of prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex. These mGlu5 PAMs also increased monoamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, enhanced performance in a hippocampal-mediated memory task, and elicited changes in electroencephalogram dynamics commensurate with procognitive effects. Collectively, these data support and extend the role for the development of novel mGlu5 PAMs for the treatment of psychosis and cognitive deficits observed in individuals with schizophrenia.

SiO2 coating effects in the magnetic anisotropy of Fe3-xO4 nanoparticles suitable for bio-applications.

We present radio frequency transverse susceptibility (TS) measurements on oleic acid-coated and SiO2-coated Fe3-xO4 magnetite nanoparticles. The effects of the type of coating on the interparticle interactions and magnetic anisotropy are evaluated for two different particle sizes in powder samples. On the one hand, SiO2 coating reduces the interparticle interactions as compared to oleic acid coating, the reduction being more effective for 5 nm than for 14 nm diameter particles. On the other hand, the magnetic anisotropy field at low temperature is lower than 1 kOe in all cases and independent of the coating used. Our results are relevant concerning applications in biomedicine, since the SiO2 coating renders 5 and 14 nm hydrophilic particles with very limited agglomeration, low anisotropy, and superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. The TS technique also allows us to discriminate the influence on the anisotropy field of interparticle interactions from that of the thermal fluctuations.

The role of motivation and emotions in physical education: understanding academic achievement and the intention to be physically active.

Introduction: This study aims to understand how emotions and motivation influence the academic achievement of physical education (PE) students and their future intention to practice physical activity (PA). Despite the influence on student's behaviors and the reciprocal associations between motivation and emotion, the number of studies addressing both constructs at the same level is very limited. Methods: A structural equation model was used with 799 students aged 11-17 years (M = 13.16; SD = 1.17). Results and discussion: The results showed that the teacher support of the basic psychological needs (BPN) predicted students' BPN satisfaction, which in turn predicted their autonomous motivation and positive emotions, and negatively predicted their negative emotions. Finally, autonomous motivation predicted students' intention to be physically active, whereas academic achievement was predicted by both autonomous motivation and emotions. We conclude that to better understand the consequences of PE classes, it is necessary to consider both constructs.

Effect of individualised strength and plyometric training on the physical performance of basketball players.

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of eight weeks of individualised force-velocity imbalance (F-Vimb) training on physical performance in basketball players and to analyse the differences in physical performance between two periods of time (four to eight weeks) with this training. Thirty male players (age, 22.8 ± 5.68 years; height, 1.87 ± 0.07 m; body mass, 86.3 ± 11.1 kg) were divided into an intervention group (INT, n = 15), who performed an individualised training based on individual F-Vimb; and a control group (CON, n = 15), who underwent a non-individualised training programme; both groups performed two days/week of intervention and the same pre-season basketball training. At baseline, at four weeks, and at eight weeks of intervention, an assessment was performed including countermovement-jumps, unilateral drop jumps, triple hop test, force-velocity profile, sprint and change of direction (COD). At four weeks, the INT showed improvements in sprint and vertical jumping actions (≥3.76%, ES ≥0.44, p ≤ 0.02). At eight weeks, the INT continued to improve vertical jumping actions (p < 0.05) and showed improvements in horizontal jumping (6.80%, ES = 0.45, p < 0.01) and COD (≥2.99%, ES ≥0.96, p < 0.01). A significant reduction in F-Vimb was observed for INT (ES = 0.77, p = 0.01). In contrast, none of these changes were observed in CON. Thus, an individualised F-Vimb training intervention improved physical performance after eight weeks, with changes in sprint and vertical jump after first four weeks. Basketball coaches should optimise the force-velocity profile and improve the performance in sport-related actions as jumping and changing direction.

An individualised F-Vimb training programme improved sport-specific actions after eight weeks in basketball athletes.Improvements were specific to the orientation worked on, with vertical jumping and sprint actions being the most sensitive to change after just four weeks of individualised F-Vimb intervention.In complex actions such as COD, it would be recommended to optimise the F-V profile, emphasising a vertical force-orientation for at least 8 weeks.

Strong paramagnetism of gold nanoparticles deposited on a Sulfolobus acidocaldarius S layer.

Magnetic properties of Au nanoparticles deposited on an archaeal S layer are reported. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometries demonstrate that the particles are strongly paramagnetic, without any indication of magnetic blocking down to 16 mK. The average magnetic moment per particle is M(part)=2.36(7) µ(B). This contribution originates at the particle's Au 5d band, in which an increased number of holes with respect to the bulk value is observed. The magnetic moment per Au atom is 25 times larger than any measured in other Au nanoparticles or any other configurations up to date.

Fabrication and magnetic characterization of cobalt antidot arrays: effect of the surrounding continuous film.

We have performed an experimental study on the influence of a ferromagnetic continuous film in the magnetization reversal processes in discrete submicrometric antidot arrays fabricated on it. In order to compare the magnetic properties, two sets of antidot arrays have been fabricated over a cobalt thin film: embedded in the continuous film, and isolated by a trench surrounding the array. X-ray photoemission electron microscopy images of the virgin state show the same magnetic domain distribution in both sets of samples, finding no evidence of any effect of the surrounding film. This result is supported by the hysteresis loops measured with magneto-optical Kerr effect, as isolated and non-isolated arrays present almost coincident loops. A huge increase of the coercivity of the film is achieved, and the expected dependence on the geometrical parameters of the array is found, connecting the previous studies on the micro- and nanometric scales.

Predicting Perceived Sport Performance via Self-Determination Theory.

Sport performance depends in part on psychological factors. Self-determination theory emphasizes that the satisfisfaction of basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation may be linked to positive behavioral results and positive perceptions of performance. Our main objective in this study was to analyze the predictive power of such variables as perceived autonomy support, the satisfaction of psychological needs, and autonomous motivation on perceived sport performance. We recruited 447 young Portuguese athletes/participants (340 males, 107 females; Mage = 15.72 years, SD = 1.8). We had participants complete Portuguese sport versions of the Perceived Autonomy Support Exercise Climate Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale, the Behavior Regulation Sport Questionnaire and the Perceived Performance in Sport Questionnaire. A gender invariant structural equation model showed that the coach's autonomy support significantly predicted the satisfaction of psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The satisfaction of these three psychological needs predicted autonomous motivation. Satisfying the need for competence positively predicted perceived sport performance, but autonomous motivation was not significantly related to perceived performance.

Analysis of the Different Scenarios of Coach's Anger on the Performance of Youth Basketball Teams.

In spite of the negative effects of anger, coaches are often seen becoming angry during games. This is especially worrying in U18 categories. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the influence that the coach's anger has on the performance of a basketball team in competition. For this, an ad hoc observation tool was designed, in which 587 moments of anger from the coaching staff (64 coaches) were recorded in the 24 semi-final and final matches of the Spanish Autonomous Region Team Championships in 2019 and 2020 in the infantil (M = 14 years old) and cadete (M = 16 years old) categories. The results show that, in response to most incidents of coach anger, the performance of the team did not change. Significant differences were identified in some scenarios, with low- or medium-intensity anger targeted at the defence, where the team performance improved. However, anger towards the referee in the last quarter with scores level had a negative influence on the team's performance.

Evolution of Fe magnetic order in NdFexGa 1- xO3.

The evolution of the crystal structure and magnetic properties with Fe content in NdFe(x)Ga(1 - x)O(3) has been studied by magnetization, ac-susceptibility, x-ray and neutron scattering techniques for x ≥ 0.2 in order to determine the phase diagram of the series. X-ray diffraction shows that the crystallographic structure of NdFe(x)Ga(1 - x)O(3) can be described in the space group Pbnm for all x values. Both the magnetic ordering and spin reorientation temperatures of the Fe magnetic sublattice decrease with iron concentration due to the presence of magnetic vacancies occupied by Ga. The long-range Fe magnetic ordering disappears for x ≤ 0.3, while ac-susceptibility measurements evidence the presence of short-range Fe ordered clusters and superspin-glass-like effects for x well below the percolation threshold. The magnetic structure of the compounds, including the spin reorientation temperature range, is determined by high-resolution neutron diffraction analysis. Although the presence of finite magnetic clusters for x values close to percolation is evidenced, the study of a percolation quantum phase transition in this series is hindered by the presence of Nd magnetic moments and a sizeable distribution of composition Δx around the nominal value.

Complementarity between microhistological analysis and PCR-capillary electrophoresis in diet analysis of goats and cattle using faecal samples.

An evaluation is made of the complementarity between two non-invasive techniques, cuticle microhistological analysis (CMA) and PCR-capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CE) DNA-based analysis, for the determination of herbivore diet composition from faecal samples. Cuticle microhistological analysis is based on the different microanatomical characteristics of the epidermal fragments remaining in the faeces. The PCR-CE technique combines PCR amplification of a trnL(UAA) genomic DNA region with amplicon length determination by CE, with this length being characteristic for each species or taxon. A total of 37 fresh stool samples were analyzed, including 16 from feral goats (Capra hircus) from the Tramuntana mountain range (Mallorca, Baleares) and 11 from Bruna dels Pirineus cattle breed (Bos taurus) from the surrounding Montserrat mountain range (Barcelona, Spain). All the animals were in a free grazing Mediterranean pine habitat, dominated by Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis). The results showed that both techniques detected a similar number of plant components in the faeces of goats and cows. In the case of goats, a positive correlation was obtained between the percentage of samples in which a particular taxon is detected by CMA and the percentage of samples in which that taxon is detected by PCR-CE. This correlation was not observed in the case of cows. It is concluded that PCR-CE is a fast and reliable method to detect the different plant components in the faeces of herbivores. However, it cannot be considered as an alternative to CMA, but as a complementary method, since both techniques can detect some taxa that are not detected by the other technique. In addition, CMA detected the presence of the different taxa in a greater number of samples, and at the same time, it enables quantitative data to be obtained for plant diet composition. The species of herbivore also seems to influence the results obtained by PCR-CE, so more studies are required to address this aspect.