Evaluation of metaperception of goal orientation and moral functioning in soccer spectators

La violencia en el fútbol es un grave problema social. Algunas de sus manifestaciones están relacionadas con el espectáculo deportivo y su tratamiento en los medios de comunicación. La finalidad de este estudio ha sido analizar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas en español que miden la meta-percepción de orientación de meta y el funcionamiento moral en espectadores de fútbol. Los participantes fueron estudiantes universitarios (N = 616) que completaron cuestionarios valorando el tiempo dedicado al consumo de programas deportivos sobre fútbol, la meta-percepción de orientación de meta y el funcionamiento moral. Las escalas definitivas mostraron una adecuada validez de constructo, validez convergente y validez concurrente. Estos resultados indican que las nuevas escalas poseen adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, lo que permite una evaluación válida y fiable que mejore el entendimiento de los procesos que operan en los espectadores de deportes como el fútbolSoccer violence is a serious social problem. Some of its manifestations are related to competitive sport and its treatment by the mass media. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of two Spanish scales which measure the metaperception of goal orientation and moral functioning in soccer spectators. Participants (N = 616) reported the time spent viewing soccer sport programming, and rated metaperception of goal orientation and moral functioning. The scales exhibited adequate construct, convergent and concurrent validity. These results indicate that the new scales have adequate psychometric properties, allowing a valid and reliable assessment in order to explain the processes that take place in sport spectators like soccer viewer

The accuracy of the motor imagery and the ball reception in children

Estudios recientes observaron que las imágenes motrices se desarrollan de forma entrelazada con el desarrollo de las habilidades motrices en niños. La finalidad de este estudio es analizar en qué medida la imagen motriz de los elementos necesarios para resolver un problema motor (la recepción de un balón), se relaciona con los niveles de habilidad en niños (3 - 9 años). La muestra estuvo formada por 215 participantes (87 chicos y 118 chicas), (M = 5,94, DT = 1,47). Se ha utilizado una metodología mixta: dibujos, indicaciones gestuales, verbalización del pensamiento y una prueba práctica de recepción de balón. El MANOVA reveló diferencias significativas en las capacidades meta-cognitivas y motrices en función de las etapas de desarrollo. Un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales reveló que las capacidades meta-cognitivas median la relación entre las etapas de desarrollo y la habilidad de recepción de móviles. Se discuten sus repercusiones en el aprendizaje motorRecent studies have found that motor imaginery is developed linked to the development of motor skills in children. The purpose of this study is to analyze how the motor imaginery of the principal elements to solve a motor problem (ball reception) relates to the motor skill levels in children (3-9 years). The sample consisted of 215 participants (87 boys and 118 girls), (M = 5.94, SD = 1.47).We used a mixed methodology: drawings, gestural prompts, verbalization of thought and a practical test of ball reception. The MANOVA revealed significant differences in the meta-cognitive abilities and motor function of the developmental stages. A structural equation analysis revealed that meta-cognitive abilities mediate the relationship between the stages of development and the ability in the reception of moving objects. Their implications in motor learning are discusse

Analysis of cell cycle position in mammalian cells

The regulation of cell proliferation is central to tissue morphogenesis during the development of multicellular organisms. Furthermore, loss of control of cell proliferation underlies the pathology of diseases like cancer. As such there is great need to be able to investigate cell proliferation and quantitate the proportion of cells in each phase of the cell cycle. It is also of vital importance to indistinguishably identify cells that are replicating their DNA within a larger population. Since a cell′s decision to proliferate is made in the G1 phase immediately before initiating DNA synthesis and progressing through the rest of the cell cycle, detection of DNA synthesis at this stage allows for an unambiguous determination of the status of growth regulation in cell culture experiments. DNA content in cells can be readily quantitated by flow cytometry of cells stained with propidium iodide, a fluorescent DNA intercalating dye. Similarly, active DNA synthesis can be quantitated by culturing cells in the presence of radioactive thymidine, harvesting the cells, and measuring the incorporation of radioactivity into an acid insoluble fraction. We have considerable expertise with cell cycle analysis and recommend a different approach. We Investigate cell proliferation using bromodeoxyuridine/fluorodeoxyuridine (abbreviated simply as BrdU) staining that detects the incorporation of these thymine analogs into recently synthesized DNA. Labeling and staining cells with BrdU, combined with total DNA staining by propidium iodide and analysis by flow cytometry1 offers the most accurate measure of cells in the various stages of the cell cycle. It is our preferred method because it combines the detection of active DNA synthesis, through antibody based staining of BrdU, with total DNA content from propidium iodide. This allows for the clear separation of cells in G1 from early S phase, or late S phase from G2/M. Furthermore, this approach can be utilized to investigate the effects of many different cell stimuli and pharmacologic agents on the regulation of progression through these different cell cycle phases. In this report we describe methods for labeling and staining cultured cells, as well as their analysis by flow cytometry. We also include experimental examples of how this method can be used to measure the effects of growth inhibiting signals from cytokines such as TGF-β1, and proliferative inhibitors such as the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, p27KIP1. We also include an alternate protocol that allows for the analysis of cell cycle position in a sub-population of cells within a larger culture5. In this case, we demonstrate how to detect a cell cycle arrest in cells transfected with the retinoblastoma gene even when greatly outnumbered by untransfected cells in the same culture. These examples illustrate the many ways that DNA staining and flow cytometry can be utilized and adapted to investigate fundamental questions of mammalian cell cycle control. © 2012 Creative Commons Attribution License

25-Hydroxy vitamin-D, obesity, and associated variables as predictors of breast cancer risk and tamoxifen benefit in NSABP-P1.

Observational studies suggest that host factors are associated with breast cancer risk. The influence of obesity, vitamin-D status, insulin resistance, inflammation, and elevated adipocytokines in women at high risk of breast cancer is unknown. The NSABP-P1 trial population was used for a nested case-control study. Cases were drawn from those who developed invasive breast cancer and controls selected from unaffected participants (≤4 per case) matched for age, race, 5 year Gail score, and geographic location of clinical center as a surrogate for latitude. Fasting serum banked at trial enrolment was assayed for 25-hydroxy vitamin-D (25OHD), insulin, leptin (adipocytokine), and C-reactive protein (CRP, marker of inflammation). Logistic regression was used to test for associations between study variables and the risk of invasive breast cancer. Two hundred and thirty-one cases were matched with 856 controls. Mean age was 54, and 49% were premenopausal. There were negative correlations for 25OHD with body mass index (BMI), insulin, CRP, and leptin. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) was associated with higher breast cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] 1.45, p = 0.02) and tamoxifen treatment was associated with lower risk (OR = 0.44, p < 0.001). Suboptimal 25OHD (<72 nmol/l) did not influence breast cancer risk (OR = 1.06, p = 0.76). When evaluated as continuous variables, 25OHD, insulin, CRP, and leptin levels were not associated with breast cancer risk (all p > 0.34). In this high risk population, higher BMI was associated with a greater breast cancer risk. Serum levels of 25OHD, insulin, CRP, and leptin were not independent predictors of either breast cancer risk or tamoxifen benefit

3x2 Achievement Goals, Friendship and Affectivity in Physical Education: Age-Gender Differences

Se persiguen tres objetivos: (a) analizar las diferencias relativas a la edad y sexo en las metas de logro 3x2, metas de amistad, y afectividad en Educación Física, (b) estudiar las relaciones entre esas variables, y (c) explorar el valor predictivo de las metas de logro 3x2 y amistad sobre la afectividad. La muestra estuvo formada por 1610 alumnos (855 varones y 755 mujeres) de 10 a 17 años. Se realizaron MANOVAS, análisis univariados (Scheffé), y regresiones lineales. Los resultados mostraron un descenso significativo de las metas de logro (excepto aproximación-otro), metas de amistad y afecto positivo debido al desarrollo. Los varones puntuaron más alto las metas de aproximación-tarea, aproximación-otro, y evitación-otro. Las metas de aproximación-tarea y aproximación-amistad fueron los principales predictores positivos del afecto positivo. La franja de 13 a 14 años muestra una gran sensibilidad a los tres estándares de competencia de logro, competencia social e inestabilidad afectivaThe objectives of the study are three: (a) to analyze the differences related to age and sex in the 3x2 achievement goals, the friendship goals, and the affectivity in Physical Education, (b) to study the relationships between these variables, and c) to explore the predictive value of the 3x2 achievement goals and friendship on affectivity. The sample consisted of 1610 students (855 males and 755 females), aged between 10 and 17 years. MANOVAS, univariate analyzes (Scheffé), and linear regressions were performed. The results showed a significant decrease in achievement goals (except other-approach), friendship goals, and positive affect due to development. Males scored higher on task-approach, other-approach, and other-avoidance goals than women. Task-approach and friendship-approach were the main positive predictors of positive affect. The range of 13 to 14 years shows a great sensitivity to the three competences of achievement, social competence, and affective instabilit

Vallerand´s model in Asturian adolescents: Implementation and development

Se examinó la secuencia del modelo de Vallerand (1997) en el contexto de la educación física: Los factores sociales influyen en los mediadores psicológicas, que a su vez predicen los tipos de motivación, que dan lugar a determinadas consecuencias. Tomando como base el Modelo de Vallerand y el estudio empírico de Ntoumanis (2001), este trabajo se propuso comprobar el modelo completo en todas sus secuencias con una muestra de estudiantes adolescentes asturianos (N=507) de una franja de edad más amplia (12-17 años), incluyendo como factor social una subdimensión distinta al trabajo original (papel importante) e introduciendo dos nuevas consecuencias motivacionales (diversión y grado de presión percibida). Se administraron versiones españolas de diversos cuestionarios: PMCSQ-2, BPNES, PLOC, IMI (diversión, esfuerzo percibido y presión percibida) y consecuencias motivacionales (aburrimiento e intención de práctica). El análisis factorial confirmatorio reveló que los datos se ajustaban bien al modelo, y que las tres necesidades psicológicas mediaban entre el clima de tarea y la motivación intrínseca. Ésta predijo positivamente la diversión, el esfuerzo e intención de práctica, y negativamente, el aburrimiento. La competencia percibida resultó el predictor más fuerte, influyendo positivamente en la motivación más autónoma y, negativamente, en la más controlada. La desmotivación predijo positivamente el aburrimiento y la presión y, negativamente, el esfuerzoThe complete sequence of Vallerand’s model (1997) was examined in the context of physical education: Social factors influence the psychological mediators, which in turn predicted motivation types, which lead to certain consequences. Based on the Vallerand´s Model and Ntoumanis (2001) empirical study, this investigation was undertaken to test the full model in all sequences with a sample of Asturian adolescents students (N = 507) of a wider age range (12 -17 years), including as a social factor a distinct sub-dimension to the original work (relevant role) and introducing two new motivational consequences (fun and degree of perceived pressure). The Spanish validated version of these questionnaires was used: PMCSQ-2, BPNES, PLOC, three subscales of IMI (enjoyment, effort, and competence) and other motivational outcomes such as boredom and future sport participation. Results from the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the data fit the model proposed, and the three psychological needs mediated between the task climate and the intrinsic motivation. This positively predicted enjoyment, effort and future sport participation, and negatively boredom. Competence was the stronger predictor, positively influencing the most autonomous types of motivation, and negatively the more controlled ones. Amotivation positively predicted boredom and pressure, and negatively, effortEste estudio se ha realizado en el marco del proyecto de I+D+I número DEP2012- 31997, subvencionado por el Ministerio de Economía y Competitivida

High frequency mechanical excitation of a silicon nanostring with piezoelectric aluminum nitride layers

A strong trend for quantum based technologies and applications follows the avenue of combining different platforms to exploit their complementary technological and functional advantages. Micro and nano-mechanical devices are particularly suitable for hybrid integration due to the easiness of fabrication at multi-scales and their pervasive coupling with electrons and photons. Here, we report on a nanomechanical technological platform where a silicon chip is combined with an aluminum nitride layer. Exploiting the AlN piezoelectricity, Surface Acoustic Waves are injected in the Si layer where the material has been localy patterned and etched to form a suspended nanostring. Characterizing the nanostring vertical displacement induced by the SAW, we found an external excitation peak efficiency in excess of 500 pm/V at 1 GHz mechanical frequency. Exploiting the long term expertise in silicon photonic and electronic devices as well as the SAW robustness and versatility, our technological platform represents a strong candidate for hybrid quantum systems

Surface acoustic wave-induced electroluminescence intensity oscillation in planar light-emitting devices

Electroluminescence emission from surface acoustic wave-driven light-emitting diodes (SAWLEDs) is studied by means of time-resolved techniques. We show that the intensity of the SAW-induced electroluminescence is modulated at the SAW frequency (~1 GHz), demonstrating electron injection into the p-type region synchronous with the SAW wavefronts.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Nuclear Track Detectors. Searches for Exotic Particles

We used Nuclear Track Detectors (NTD) CR39 and Makrofol for many purposes: i) Exposures at the SPS and at lower energy accelerator heavy ion beams for calibration purposes and for fragmentation studies. ii) Searches for GUT and Intermediate Mass Magnetic Monopoles (IMM), nuclearites, Q-balls and strangelets in the cosmic radiation. The MACRO experiment in the Gran Sasso underground lab, with ~1000 m^2 of CR39 detectors (plus scintillators and streamer tubes), established an upper limit for superheavy GUT poles at the level of 1.4x10^-16 cm^-2 s^-1 sr^-1 for 4x10^-5 <beta<1. The SLIM experiment at the high altitude Chacaltaya lab (5230 m a.s.l.), using 427 m^2 of CR39 detectors exposed for 4.22 y, gave an upper limit for IMMs of ~1.3x10^-15 cm^-2 s^-1 sr^-1. The experiments yielded interesting upper limits also on the fluxes of the other mentioned exotic particles. iii) Environmental studies, radiation monitoring, neutron dosimetry.Comment: Talk given at "New Trends In High-Energy Physics" (experiment, phenomenology, theory) Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine, September 27-October 4, 200