Effect of the 'Crouch, Bind, Set' engagement routine on scrum performance in English Premiership Rugby

The effect of the new scrum engagement sequence introduced at the start of the 2013/2014 season on scrum performance has not been evaluated. This study compared scrum performance indicators pre- (2012/2013 season) and post-law change (2013/2014). Several performance indicators at the scrum were identified in 20 games from each season of the English domestic Premiership. These included the number of penalties, free kicks and resets awarded. A Mann Whitney U test showed a significant increase in the number of scrums per game, from 17.50 to 23.85 (p = 0.003, ES = 0.47). This was contributed to by a 112% increase in the number of reset scrums (p < 0.0005). Of the resets, there was a significant increase in the number of scrums reset due to collapsing, which is of concern for player welfare. However, resets for collapsing accounted for a similar proportion of the total resets pre and post law change at 52% and 53%, respectively, and may be due to the relative novelty of the technique and stringent law enforcement increasing resets. In contrast, there was a decrease in the number of early engagements from 1.65 to 0.40 per match following the law change which is likely beneficial for player welfare

A Bare Molecular Cloud at z~0.45

Several neutral species (MgI, SiI, CaI, FeI) have been detected in a weak MgII absorption line system (W_r(2796)~0.15 Angstroms) at z~0.45 along the sightline toward HE0001-2340. These observations require extreme physical conditions, as noted in D'Odorico (2007). We place further constraints on the properties of this system by running a wide grid of photoionization models, determining that the absorbing cloud that produces the neutral absorption is extremely dense (~100-1000/cm^3), cold (<100 K), and has significant molecular content (~72-94%). Structures of this size and temperature have been detected in Milky Way CO surveys, and have been predicted in hydrodynamic simulations of turbulent gas. In order to explain the observed line profiles in all neutral and singly ionized chemical transitions, the lines must suffer from unresolved saturation and/or the absorber must partially cover the broad emission line region of the background quasar. In addition to this highly unusual cloud, three other ordinary weak MgII clouds (within densities of ~0.005/cm^3 and temperatures of ~10000K) lie within 500 km/s along the same sightline. We suggest that the "bare molecular cloud", which appears to reside outside of a galaxy disk, may have had in situ star formation and may evolve into an ordinary weak MgII absorbing cloud.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, 4 tables, ApJ accepte

Airspace Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2): Accuracy Comparison of Various Landing Time Prediction Sources

This presentation describes on-going work to quantify accuracy of different sources of landing time predictions as actual arrival event approaches

Turning SWIM Data into Consistent Reports for Analysts and Users

ATD-2 relies on, and generates, huge amounts of data. However, this raw data needs to be collected and converted into useful information for operational analysis. In this presentation, we describe the efforts undertaken on the ATD-2 project to generate various reports to support project analysis and user needs

SIMPLIFIED MARKER SETS FOR THE CALCULATION OF CENTRE OF MASS LOCATION DURING BEND SPRINTING

Simplified marker sets for the calculation of whole body centre of mass (CoM) location and associated variables (velocity, touchdown distance and turn of CoM) used in the analysis of bend sprinting performance were examined. CoM related variables were compared between a whole-body (13 segment), lower limb and trunk and lower limb model. Both simplified models showed strong agreement with whole-body CoM (Intraclass correlation: 0.873 - 0.998). The lower limb and trunk model (LLT) was the most accurate representation of whole body calculations, with acceptably low differences in all variables examined. Therefore, the LLT model is recommended for future use

Age and diet shape the genetic architecture of body weight in diversity outbred mice.

Understanding how genetic variation shapes a complex trait relies on accurately quantifying both the additive genetic and genotype-environment interaction effects in an age-dependent manner. We used a linear mixed model to quantify diet-dependent genetic contributions to body weight measured through adulthood in diversity outbred female mice under five diets. We observed that heritability of body weight declined with age under all diets, except the 40% calorie restriction diet. We identified 14 loci with age-dependent associations and 19 loci with age- and diet-dependent associations, with many diet-dependent loci previously linked to neurological function and behavior in mice or humans. We found their allelic effects to be dynamic with respect to genomic background, age, and diet, identifying several loci where distinct alleles affect body weight at different ages. These results enable us to more fully understand and predict the effectiveness of dietary intervention on overall health throughout age in distinct genetic backgrounds

Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly debilitating, difficult to treat, has a high rate of recurrence, and negatively impacts the individual and society as a whole. One emerging potential treatment for MDD is n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs), also known as omega-3 oils, naturally found in fatty fish, some other seafood, and some nuts and seeds. Various lines of evidence suggest a role for n-3PUFAs in MDD, but the evidence is far from conclusive. Reviews and meta-analyses clearly demonstrate heterogeneity between studies. Investigations of heterogeneity suggest differential effects of n-3PUFAs, depending on severity of depressive symptoms, where no effects of n-3PUFAs are found in studies of individuals with mild depressive symptomology, but possible benefit may be suggested in studies of individuals with more severe depressive symptomology.OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (also known as omega-3 fatty acids) versus a comparator (e.g. placebo, anti-depressant treatment, standard care, no treatment, wait-list control) for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group's Specialised Registers (CCDANCTR) and International Trial Registries over all years to May 2015. We searched the database CINAHL over all years of records to September 2013.SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies in the review if they: were a randomised controlled trial; provided n-3PUFAs as an intervention; used a comparator; measured depressive symptomology as an outcome; and were conducted in adults with MDD. Primary outcomes were depressive symptomology (continuous data collected using a validated rating scale) and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptomology (dichotomous data on remission and response), quality of life, and failure to complete studies.DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane.MAIN RESULTS: We found 26 relevant studies: 25 studies involving a total of 1438 participants investigated the impact of n-3PUFA supplementation compared to placebo, and one study involving 40 participants investigated the impact of n-3PUFA supplementation compared to antidepressant treatment.For the placebo comparison, n-3PUFA supplementation results in a small to modest benefit for depressive symptomology, compared to placebo: standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.32 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.12 to -0.52; 25 studies, 1373 participants, very low quality evidence), but this effect is unlikely to be clinically meaningful (an SMD of 0.32 represents a difference between groups in scores on the HDRS (17-item) of approximately 2.2 points (95% CI 0.8 to 3.6)). The confidence intervals include both a possible clinically important effect and a possible negligible effect, and there is considerable heterogeneity between the studies. Although the numbers of individuals experiencing adverse events were similar in intervention and placebo groups (odds ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.62; 19 studies, 1207 participants; very low-quality evidence), the confidence intervals include a significant increase in adverse events with n-3PUFAs as well as a small possible decrease. Rates of remission and response, quality of life, and rates of failure to complete studies were also similar between groups, but confidence intervals are again wide.The evidence on which these results are based is very limited. All studies contributing to our analyses were of direct relevance to our research question, but we rated the quality of the evidence for all outcomes as low to very low. The number of studies and number of participants contributing to all analyses were low, and the majority of studies were small and judged to be at high risk of bias on several measures. Our analyses were also likely to be highly influenced by three large trials. Although we judge these trials to be at low risk of bias, they contribute 26.9% to 82% of data. Our effect size estimates are also imprecise. Funnel plot asymmetry and sensitivity analyses (using fixed-effect models, and only studies judged to be at low risk of selection bias, performance bias or attrition bias) also suggest a likely bias towards a positive finding for n-3PUFAs. There was substantial heterogeneity in analyses of our primary outcome of depressive symptomology. This heterogeneity was not explained by the presence or absence of comorbidities or by the presence or absence of adjunctive therapy.Only one study was available for the antidepressant comparison, involving 40 participants. This study found no differences between treatment with n-3PUFAs and treatment with antidepressants in depressive symptomology (mean difference (MD) -0.70 (95% CI -5.88 to 4.48)), rates of response to treatment or failure to complete. Adverse events were not reported in a manner suitable for analysis, and rates of depression remission and quality of life were not reported.AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: At present, we do not have sufficient high quality evidence to determine the effects of n-3PUFAs as a treatment for MDD. Our primary analyses suggest a small-to-modest, non-clinically beneficial effect of n-3PUFAs on depressive symptomology compared to placebo; however the estimate is imprecise, and we judged the quality of the evidence on which this result is based to be low/very low. Sensitivity analyses, funnel plot inspection and comparison of our results with those of large well-conducted trials also suggest that this effect estimate is likely to be biased towards a positive finding for n-3PUFAs, and that the true effect is likely to be smaller. Our data, however, also suggest similar rates of adverse events and numbers failing to complete trials in n-3PUFA and placebo groups, but again our estimates are very imprecise. The one study that directly compares n-3PUFAs and antidepressants in our review finds comparable benefit. More evidence, and more complete evidence, are required, particularly regarding both the potential positive and negative effects of n-3PUFAs for MDD.</p

Analisis Efisiensi Pemasaran Kubis di Kabupaten Magetan (Studi Kasus di Kecamatan Plaosan)

: The research aims to (1) determine the amount of costs, profits and marketing margins in each marketing channel of cabbage, (2) marketing channels of cabbage most economically efficient, (3) the level of integration between the cabbage market Pasar Sayur- Magetan Regency and Pasar Besar - Ngawi regency. The basic method of this research is descriptive analysis method with survey techniques. Research sites in the subdistrict of Plaosan because it is the area\u27s largest cabbage producer in Magetan regency. The data used are primary and secondary data. Data analysis included descriptive analysis of marketing channels, costs and marketing margins and market integration. The results showed that there are three marketing channels cabbage in Magetan regency which marketing channels I : cabbage farmers à collecting traders à large traders à retailers à consumers, marketing channels II : cabbage farmers à large traders à retailers à consumers, marketing channels III : cabbage farmers à retailers à consumers. Marketing margin percentage in the marketing channels I 51.43%, channel II 42.86% and channel III 28.57%. Farmer\u27s share value at marketing channel I 48.57%, channel II 55.71%, and channel 69.95%. Cabbage marketing channels which are economically the most efficient marketing channel III with the lowest marketing margin percentage and the highest value of the farmer\u27s share. The integration between the cabbage market Pasar Sayur- Magetan Regency and Pasar Besar - Ngawi regency was low with IMC value of 3.4 &gt; 1

Genome-wide transcript and protein analysis highlights the role of protein homeostasis in the aging mouse heart.

Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of aging in the human heart is challenging because of confounding factors, such as diet and medications, as well as limited access to tissues from healthy aging individuals. The laboratory mouse provides an ideal model to study aging in healthy individuals in a controlled environment. However, previous mouse studies have examined only a narrow range of the genetic variation that shapes individual differences during aging. Here, we analyze transcriptome and proteome data from 185 genetically diverse male and female mice at ages 6, 12, and 18 mo to characterize molecular changes that occur in the aging heart. Transcripts and proteins reveal activation of pathways related to exocytosis and cellular transport with age, whereas processes involved in protein folding decrease with age. Additional changes are apparent only in the protein data including reduced fatty acid oxidation and increased autophagy. For proteins that form complexes, we see a decline in correlation between their component subunits with age, suggesting age-related loss of stoichiometry. The most affected complexes are themselves involved in protein homeostasis, which potentially contributes to a cycle of progressive breakdown in protein quality control with age. Our findings highlight the important role of post-transcriptional regulation in aging. In addition, we identify genetic loci that modulate age-related changes in protein homeostasis, suggesting that genetic variation can alter the molecular aging process

The Foot of \u3cem\u3eHomo naledi\u3c/em\u3e

Modern humans are characterized by a highly specialized foot that reflects our obligate bipedalism. Our understanding of hominin foot evolution is, although, hindered by a paucity of well-associated remains. Here we describe the foot of Homo naledi from Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa, using 107 pedal elements, including one nearly-complete adult foot. The H. naledi foot is predominantly modern human-like in morphology and inferred function, with an adducted hallux, an elongated tarsus, and derived ankle and calcaneocuboid joints. In combination, these features indicate a foot well adapted for striding bipedalism. However, the H. naledi foot differs from modern humans in having more curved proximal pedal phalanges, and features suggestive of a reduced medial longitudinal arch. Within the context of primitive features found elsewhere in the skeleton, these findings suggest a unique locomotor repertoire for H. naledi, thus providing further evidence of locomotor diversity within both the hominin clade and the genus Homo