BALL SPEED PREDICTORS IN SLIDE ATTACKS IN FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

The purpose of this study was to investigate ball speed predictors of slide attacks and provide direct parameters for their proper execution. Healthy collegiate female volleyball players (n = 8) were recruited. After a warm-up, 3 successful slide attacks per participant and their ball speed were recorded using an 8-camera motion capture system and a radar gun. COM approach speed, maximum angular velocity of pelvis and torso rotation in the arm cocking phase, and maximum angular velocity of torso rotation, shoulder IR, and elbow extension in the arm acceleration phase were calculated for the trial with the fastest ball speed. The multiple stepwise regression was not statistically significant (p = .098). The findings indicate that peak torso rotation angular velocity in the arm cocking phase and peak shoulder IR and peak elbow extension angular velocities in the arm acceleration phase may be important contributors to the ball speed in slides

THE RELEVANCE OF PEER FEEDBACK IN EFL CLASSES FOR TERTIARY LANGUAGE LEARNERS

This paper reports on a study conducted at at the University of Tetovo (UT), Northern Macedonia and USAMVBT “Regele Mihai I al Romaniei ” from Timisoara, Romania, analysing the effect of peer feedback in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning. The authors hypothesized that peer feedback was not percieved as a genuine strategy for learning languages, while it could be put forth as a useful strategy for improving not only language skills but also critical thinking, as well as empathy. Based on the participants ' responses, the students ' perceptions were anlyzed with an aim of encouraging them to become more confident learners, to improve their English language proficiency and to gain feedback skills. The study was conducted throughout the second semester of the academic year 2018-2019. Acknowledging convenience sampling, the 21 (n=21) subjects who participated in this study included 14 (n=14) students from the seventh semester of the UT, English Language and Literature Department and 12 (n=12) students from USAMVB “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Romania. The effects and perceptions of peer feedback were discussed from the students ' perspective and from our corroborated points of view. Data were collected using student questionnaires in which participants were asked to reflect back on their experience on peer feedback throughout their studies. Student responses were subjected to a modified content analysis to identify the main themes and topics. Semi-structured interviews with 12 students were undertaken to substantiate the essential findings of content analysis

Nitric oxide and proteoglycan biosynthesis by human articular chondrocytes in alginate culture

AbstractInterleukin-1α and β induced the production of large amounts of nitric oxide by normal, human articular chondrocytes in alginate culture; at the same time the biosynthesis of proteoglycan was strongly suppressed. In a dose-dependent manner, NG-monomethyl-l-arginine both inhibited nitric oxide formation and relieved the suppression of proteoglycan synthesis. However concentrations of NG-monomethyl-l-arginine which completely prevented nitric oxide production only partially restored proteoglycan biosynthesis, even at low doses of interleukin-1 where suppression of proteoglycan synthesis was modest. The organic donor of nitric oxide, S-nitrosyl-acetyl-d,l- penicillamine also inhibited proteoglycan biosynthesis, but not as extensively as interleukin-1. These data suggest that interleukin-1 suppresses synthesis of the cartilaginous matrix through more than one mechanism, at least one of which is dependent upon the production of nitric oxide

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNICATION IN THE EMERGING DIGITAL LANDSCAPES

This paper aims to examine language learning and communication modalities in the emerging digital educational spaces used by undergraduate students from Banat's University “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Romania, University of Tetovo, North Macedonia, and Lomza University in Poland during the academic year 2021-2022. Particularly, the use of digital platforms provided for online schooling during the pandemic is analysed based on feedback from students participating in online English classes. The purpose of the study is to reveal the specific modalities available for collaborative learning communities, as well as the challenges faced by both learners and educators and the viability of maintaining ecological multimodal dialogues. The paper explores how online classes are able to mobilize students in digital spaces to enable the development of language learning, as well as soft skills promoting communicative competence, while also maintaining the need for visibility within distance education. The analysis uses a multimethod approach, on the one hand theoretically grounded in ecolinguistics and ecosemiotics (evolving from semiosphere theory) by investigating digital practices and, on the other hand, experimental-based qualitative analysis examining the feedback collected from students through surveys conducted anonymously. Ultimately, the discussion aims at enhancing genuine interactive openness and plurivocal dialogue which valorizes identity formation, from a quality-based and ethical perspective

Oophorectomy Reduces Estradiol Levels and Long-Term Spontaneous Neurovascular Recovery in a Female Rat Model of Focal Ischemic Stroke

Although epidemiological evidence suggests significant sex and gender-based differences in stroke risk and recovery, females have been widely under-represented in preclinical stroke research. The neurovascular sequelae of brain ischemia in females, in particular, are largely uncertain. We set out to address this gap by a multimodal in vivo study of neurovascular recovery from endothelin-1 model of cortical focal-stroke in sham vs. ovariectomized female rats. Three weeks post ischemic insult, sham operated females recapitulated the phenotype previously reported in male rats in this model, of normalized resting perfusion but sustained peri-lesional cerebrovascular hyperreactivity. In contrast, ovariectomized (Ovx) females showed reduced peri-lesional resting blood flow, and elevated cerebrovascular responsivity to hypercapnia in the peri-lesional and contra-lateral cortices. Electrophysiological recordings showed an attenuation of theta to low-gamma phase-amplitude coupling in the peri-lesional tissue of Ovx animals, despite relative preservation of neuronal power. Further, this chronic stage neuronal network dysfunction was inversely correlated with serum estradiol concentration. Our pioneering data demonstrate dramatic differences in spontaneous recovery in the neurovascular unit between Ovx and Sham females in the chronic stage of stroke, underscoring the importance of considering hormonal-dependent aspects of the ischemic sequelae in the development of novel therapeutic approaches and patient recruitment in clinical trials

Molecular Spiders in One Dimension

Molecular spiders are synthetic bio-molecular systems which have "legs" made of short single-stranded segments of DNA. Spiders move on a surface covered with single-stranded DNA segments complementary to legs. Different mappings are established between various models of spiders and simple exclusion processes. For spiders with simple gait and varying number of legs we compute the diffusion coefficient; when the hopping is biased we also compute their velocity.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figure

Increased Rates of Genomic Deletions Generated by Mutations in the Yeast Gene Encoding DNA Polymerase delta or by Decreases in the Cellular Levels of DNA Polymerase delta

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, POL3 encodes the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase δ. While yeast POL3 mutant strains that lack the proofreading exonuclease activity of the polymerase have a strong mutator phenotype, little is known regarding the role of other Pol3p domains in mutation avoidance. We identified a number of pol3 mutations in regions outside of the exonuclease domain that have a mutator phenotype, substantially elevating the frequency of deletions. These deletions appear to reflect an increased frequency of DNA polymerase slippage. In addition, we demonstrate that reduction in the level of wild-type DNA polymerase results in a similar mutator phenotype. Lowered levels of DNA polymerase also result in increased sensitivity to the DNA-damaging agent methyl methane sulfonate. We conclude that both the quantity and the quality of DNA polymerase δ is important in ensuring genome stability

Placenta previa percreta left in situ - management by delayed hysterectomy: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Placenta percreta is an obstetric emergency often associated with massive hemorrhage and emergency hysterectomy.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the case of a 30-year-old African woman, gravida 7, para 5, with placenta percreta managed by an alternative approach: the placenta was left <it>in situ</it>, methotrexate was administered, and a delayed hysterectomy was successfully performed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Further studies are needed to develop the most appropriate management option for the most severe cases of abnormal placentation. Delayed hysterectomy may be a reasonable strategy in the most severe cases.</p

Systematics and plastid genome evolution of the cryptically photosynthetic parasitic plant genus Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The genus <it>Cuscuta </it>L. (Convolvulaceae), commonly known as dodders, are epiphytic vines that invade the stems of their host with haustorial feeding structures at the points of contact. Although they lack expanded leaves, some species are noticeably chlorophyllous, especially as seedlings and in maturing fruits. Some species are reported as crop pests of worldwide distribution, whereas others are extremely rare and have local distributions and apparent niche specificity. A strong phylogenetic framework for this large genus is essential to understand the interesting ecological, morphological and molecular phenomena that occur within these parasites in an evolutionary context.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here we present a well-supported phylogeny of <it>Cuscuta </it>using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and plastid <it>rps2</it>, <it>rbcL </it>and <it>matK </it>from representatives across most of the taxonomic diversity of the genus. We use the phylogeny to interpret morphological and plastid genome evolution within the genus. At least three currently recognized taxonomic sections are not monophyletic and subgenus <it>Cuscuta </it>is unequivocally paraphyletic. Plastid genes are extremely variable with regards to evolutionary constraint, with <it>rbcL </it>exhibiting even higher levels of purifying selection in <it>Cuscuta </it>than photosynthetic relatives. Nuclear genome size is highly variable within <it>Cuscuta</it>, particularly within subgenus <it>Grammica</it>, and in some cases may indicate the existence of cryptic species in this large clade of morphologically similar species.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some morphological characters traditionally used to define major taxonomic splits within <it>Cuscuta </it>are homoplastic and are of limited use in defining true evolutionary groups. Chloroplast genome evolution seems to have evolved in a punctuated fashion, with episodes of loss involving suites of genes or tRNAs followed by stabilization of gene content in major clades. Nearly all species of <it>Cuscuta </it>retain some photosynthetic ability, most likely for nutrient apportionment to their seeds, while complete loss of photosynthesis and possible loss of the entire chloroplast genome is limited to a single small clade of outcrossing species found primarily in western South America.</p