Influence of the number of trials and the exercise to rest ratio in repeated sprint ability, with changes of direction and orientation

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there were different trends in physical fatigue observed in 3 different sets, of 7 trials each, in repeated sprint training, performed in 3 different modes: straight sprinting over 30 m, shuttle sprinting over 15 + 15 m, and sprinting over 30 m with changes of direction. Recovery time among trials in the sets was administered according to the 1:5 exercise to rest ratio. The sets were performed on 3 different days, with at least 48 hours between each set. The study involved 17 trained male soccer players (height, 177.33 +/- 6.21 cm; body mass, 71.63 +/- 9.58 kg; body mass index, 23 +/- 2.39 kg<bold>m(</bold>-2); age, 21.94 +/- 3.58 years). To compare the different values of the time recorded, an index of fatigue was used. Significant differences among trials within each set (repeated measures analysis of variance; p < 0.05) and between the sets (factorial analysis of variance; p < 0.001) were found. Significant correlations between each test and countermovement jump and stiffness values recorded pre exercise were found (p < 0.05). Significant differences between countermovement jump and stiffness values recorded pre and post exercise were also found (p < 0.05). This study suggests that training sessions aimed at increasing the capacity of repeated sprint ability in nonlinear and multidirectional sprints (shuttle and change of direction), which might imply a different number of trials within the set or different exercise to rest ratios from the ones usually adopted for straight sprinting, to induce similar trends of fatigue. As practical applications, the estimated numbers of necessary trials in the different sets and the possible exercise to rest ratios, resulting from mathematical modeling, are provided for each investigated sprinting mode

The mir-133a, tpm4 and tap63γ role in myocyte differentiation microfilament remodelling and colon cancer progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the regulation of a number of physiologi-cal functions. miR-133a and other muscular miRs (myomiRs) play a key role in muscle cell growth and in some type of cancers. Here, we show that miR133a is upregulated in individuals that under-take physical exercise. We used a skeletal muscle differentiation model to dissect miR-133a’s role and to identify new targets, identifying Tropomyosin-4 (TPM4). This protein is expressed during muscle differentiation, but importantly it is an essential component of microfilament cytoskeleton and stress fibres formation. The microfilament scaffold remodelling is an essential step in cell transformation and tumour progression. Using the muscle system, we obtained valuable information about the microfilament proteins, and the knowledge on these molecular players can be transferred to the cytoskeleton rearrangement observed in cancer cells. Further investigations showed a role of TPM4 in cancer physiology, specifically, we found that miR-133a downregulation leads to TPM4 upregulation in colon carcinoma (CRC), and this correlates with a lower patient survival. At molecular level, we demonstrated in myocyte differentiation that TPM4 is positively regulated by the TA isoform of the p63 transcription factor. In muscles, miR-133a generates a myogenic stimulus, reduc-ing the differentiation by downregulating TPM4. In this system, miR-133a counteracts the differen-tiative TAp63 activity. Interestingly, in CRC cell lines and in patient biopsies, miR-133a is able to regulate TPM4 activity, while TAp63 is not active. The downregulation of the miR leads to TPM4 overexpression, this modifies the architecture of the cell cytoskeleton contributing to increase the invasiveness of the tumour and associating with a poor prognosis. These results add data to the interesting question about the link between physical activity, muscle physiology and protection against colorectal cancer. The two phenomena have in common the cytoskeleton remodelling, due to the TPM4 activity, that is involved in stress fibres formation

Quick setup of unit test for accelerator controls system

Testing a single hardware unit of an accelerator control system often requires the setup of a program with graphical user interface. Developing a dedicated application for a specific hardware unit test could be time consuming and the application may become obsolete after the unit tests. This paper documents a methodology for quick design and setup of an interface focused on performing unit tests of accelerator equipment with minimum programming work. The method has three components. The first is a generic accelerator device object (ADO) manager which can be used to setup, store, and log testing controls parameters for any unit testing system. The second involves the design of a TAPE (Tool for Automated Procedure Execution) sequence file that specifies and implements all te testing and control logic. The sting third is the design of a PET (parameter editing tool) page that provides the unit tester with all the necessary control parameters required for testing. This approach has been used for testing the horizontal plane of the Stochastic Cooling Motion Control System at RHIC

Cybersecurity and User Accountability in the C-Ad Control System

A heightened awareness of cybersecurity has led to a review of the procedures that ensure user accountability for actions performed on the computers of the Collider-Accelerator Department (C-AD) Control System. Control system consoles are shared by multiple users in control rooms throughout the C-AD complex. A significant challenge has been the establishment of procedures that securely control and monitor access to these shared consoles without impeding accelerator operations. This paper provides an overview of C-AD cybersecurity strategies with an emphasis on recent enhancements in user authentication and tracking methods

Weekly schedule of vinorelbine in pretreated breast cancer patients

Purpose: In this phase II study, we explored tolerability and activity of vinorelbine administered according to a dose-dense weekly schedule with hematopoietic growth factor support in pretreated, advanced breast cancer patients. Patients and methods: From January 1994 to March 1996, 40 patients with metastatic breast cancer, pretreated with at least one prior anthracycline-containing regimen, were entered into the study. Patient characteristics: median age 53 years (range 32-70); ECOG performance status 0-1: 34 patients, 2: 6 patients; dominant visceral metastatic disease: 15 patients, dominant non-visceral: 25; anthracycline-refractory/resistant: 2 patients, sensitive: 38 patients. Six patients were treated as first-line therapy for metastatic disease and 34 in second- or subsequent lines. All patients received vinorelbine at the dose of 25 mg/m2/week as a short intravenous infusion, together with routine antiemetic medication. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (Lenograstim) at the dose of 150 microg/m2 subcutaneously on day 3 was included in the treatment schedule. Results: The median number of treatment weeks was 23 (range: 4-24), with a delivered dose-intensity (DDI) of 23.8 mg/m2/week (range: 18.7-25, 95.2% of projected dose-intensity). Toxicity was mild, with non-complicated neutropenia being the main toxicity observed (grade 3-4 in 25% of the patients but only 2% of treatment weeks). Overall response rate was 52.5%, with complete responses in 12.5% of patients. Median duration of the response and median time to progression were 10 and 9 months, respectively. Median overall survival was 19 months. Conclusion: Dose-dense weekly vinorelbine is safe and effective with minimal toxicity in pretreated advanced breast cancer patients

ATR Commissioning Software Task Force Report

The Beam Injection Test Software Task Force was Charged with Studying software needed for the ATR Test, seen as a stepping stone or template for the larger scope for the full RHIC control system. This report outlines our avenues of exploration so far, present the current analysis and implementation work in progress, and gives recommendation for the future on the ATR and longer time scales

Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that enables simultaneous stimulation of all the main muscle groups with a specific impulse intensity for each electrode. The corresponding time-efficiency and joint-friendliness of WB-EMS may be particularly attractive for people unable or unmotivated to conduct (intense) conventional training protocols. However, due to the enormous metabolic and musculoskeletal impact of WB-EMS, particular attention must be paid to the application of this technology. In the past, several scientific and newspaper articles reported severe adverse effects of WB-EMS. To increase the safety of commercial non-medical WB-EMS application, recommendations "for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation" were launched in 2016. However, new developments and trends require an update of these recommendations to incorporate more international expertise with demonstrated experience in the application of WB-EMS. The new version of these consensus-based recommendations has been structured into 1) "general aspects of WB-EMS", 2) "preparation for training", recommendations for the 3) "WB-EMS application" itself and 4) "safety aspects during and after training". Key topics particularly addressed are 1) consistent and close supervision of WB-EMS application, 2) mandatory qualification of WB-EMS trainers, 3) anamnesis and corresponding consideration of contraindications prior to WB-EMS, 4) the participant's proper preparation for the session, 5) careful preparation of the WB-EMS novice, 6) appropriate regeneration periods between WB-EMS sessions and 7) continuous interaction between trainer and participant at a close physical distance. In summary, we are convinced that the present guideline will contribute to greater safety and effectiveness in the area of non-medical commercial WB-EMS application