Seasonal Training-Load Quantification in Elite English Premier League Soccer Players

Purpose: To quantify the seasonal training load completed by professional soccer players of the English Premier League. Methods: Thirty players were sampled (using GPS, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) during the daily training sessions of the 2011–12 preseason and in-season period. Preseason data were analyzed across 6 × 1-wk microcycles. In-season data were analyzed across 6 × 6-wk mesocycle blocks and 3 × 1-wk microcycles at start, midpoint, and end-time points. Data were also analyzed with respect to number of days before a match. Results: Typical daily training load (ie, total distance, high-speed distance, percent maximal heart rate [%HRmax], RPE load) did not differ during each week of the preseason phase. However, daily total distance covered was 1304 (95% CI 434–2174) m greater in the 1st mesocycle than in the 6th. %HRmax values were also greater (3.3%, 1.3–5.4%) in the 3rd mesocycle than in the first. Furthermore, training load was lower on the day before match (MD-1) than 2 (MD-2) to 5 (MD-5) d before a match, although no difference was apparent between these latter time points. Conclusions: The authors provide the 1st report of seasonal training load in elite soccer players and observed that periodization of training load was typically confined to MD-1 (regardless of mesocycle), whereas no differences were apparent during MD-2 to MD-5. Future studies should evaluate whether this loading and periodization are facilitative of optimal training adaptations and match-day performance

A quantum mechanical insight into SN2 reactions: Semiclassical initial value representation calculations of vibrational features of the Cl−^---CH3_3Cl pre-reaction complex with the VENUS suite of codes

The role of vibrational excitation of reactants in driving reactions involving polyatomic species has been often studied by means of classical or quasi-classical trajectory simulations. We propose a different approach based on investigation of vibrational features of the Cl$^-$--CH$_3$Cl pre-reaction complex for the Cl$^-$ + CH$_3$Cl SN$_2$ reaction. We present vibrational power spectra and frequency estimates for the title pre-reaction complex calculated at the level of classical, semiclassical, and second-order vibrational perturbation theory on a pre-existing analytical potential energy surface. The main goals of the paper are the study of anharmonic effects and understanding of vibrational couplings that permit energy transfer between the collisional kinetic energy and the internal vibrations of the reactants. We provide both classical and quantum pictures of intermode couplings and show that the SN2 mechanism is favored by the coupling of a C--Cl bend involving the Cl$^-$ projectile with the CH$_3$ rocking motion of the target molecule. We also illustrate how the routines needed for semiclassical vibrational spectroscopy simulations can be interfaced in a user-friendly way to pre-existing molecular dynamics software. In particular, we present an implementation of semiclassical spectroscopy into the VENUS suite of codes, thus providing a useful computational tool for users who are not experts of semiclassical dynamics

Versatile multiplexed super-resolution imaging of nanostructures by Quencher-Exchange-PAINT

This is the final version of the article. Available from Springer Verlag via the DOI in this record.The optical super-resolution technique DNA-PAINT (Point Accumulation Imaging in Nanoscale Topography) provides a flexible way to achieve imaging of nanoscale structures at ∼10-nanometer resolution. In DNA-PAINT, fluorescently labeled DNA “imager” strands bind transiently and with high specificity to complementary target “docking” strands anchored to the structure of interest. The localization of single binding events enables the assembly of a super-resolution image, and this approach effectively circumvents photobleaching. The solution exchange of imager strands is the basis of Exchange-PAINT, which enables multiplexed imaging that avoids chromatic aberrations. Fluid exchange during imaging typically requires specialized chambers or washes, which can disturb the sample. Additionally, diffusional washout of imager strands is slow in thick samples such as biological tissue slices. Here, we introduce Quencher-Exchange-PAINT—a new approach to Exchange-PAINT in regular open-top imaging chambers—which overcomes the comparatively slow imager strand switching via diffusional imager washout. Quencher-Exchange-PAINT uses “quencher” strands, i.e., oligonucleotides that prevent the imager from binding to the targets, to rapidly reduce unwanted single-stranded imager concentrations to negligible levels, decoupled from the absolute imager concentration. The quencher strands contain an effective dye quencher that reduces the fluorescence of quenched imager strands to negligible levels. We characterized Quencher-Exchange-PAINT when applied to synthetic, cellular, and thick tissue samples. Quencher-Exchange-PAINT opens the way for efficient multiplexed imaging of complex nanostructures, e.g., in thick tissues, without the need for washing steps. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]The work was supported by funding from the Human Frontier Science Program (No. 0027/2013) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the UK (No. EP/N008235/1)

Quantification of Seasonal Long Physical Load in Soccer Players With Different Starting Status From the English Premier League: Implications for Maintaining Squad Physical Fitness.

PURPOSE: To quantify the accumulative training and match load during an annual season in English Premier League soccer players classified as starters (n=8, started ≥60% of games), fringe players (n=7, started 30-60% of games) and non-starters (n=4, started 25.2 km/h (11.2 ± 4.2, v 2.9 ± 1.2 km; ES=2.3) than non-starters. Additionally, starters also completed more sprinting (P<0.01. ES=2.0) than fringe players who accumulated 4.5 ± 1.8 km. Such differences in total high-intensity physical work done were reflective of differences in actual game time between playing groups as opposed to differences in high-intensity loading patterns during training sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike total seasonal volume of training (i.e. total distance and duration), seasonal high-intensity loading patterns are dependent on players' match starting status thereby having potential implications for training programme design

Study of aerobic granular sludge stability in a continuous-flow membrane bioreactor

A granular continuous-flow membrane bioreactor with a novel hydrodynamic configuration was developed to evaluate the stability of aerobic granular sludge (AGS). Under continuous-flow operation (Period I), AGS rapidly lost their structural integrity resulting in loose and fluffy microbial aggregates in which filamentous bacteria were dominant. The intermittent feeding (Period II) allowed obtaining the succession of feast and famine conditions that favored the increase in AGS stability. Although no further breakage occurred, the formation of new granules was very limited, owing to the absence of the hydraulic selection pressure. These results noted the necessity to ensure, on the one hand the succession of feast/famine conditions, and on the other, the hydraulic selection pressure that allows flocculent sludge washout. This preliminary study shows that the proposed configuration could meet the first aspect; in contrast, biomass selection needs to be improved

Evaluation of radiative transfer schemes for mesoscale model data assimilation: a case study

International audienceThe assimilation of Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) data into the Mesoscale Model 5 (MM5) allows for improving the weather forecast. However the results suggested an update the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE) within the three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) algorithm which is tailored for non rainy conditions only. To this purpose, a new RTE algorithm is tested, in order to account for radiometric response in rainy regions. The new brightness temperatures (TB) are estimated by using hydrometeor profiles from the MM5 mesoscale model, running with two different microphysical parameterizations. The goodness of the results is assessed by comparing the new TB with those of the original RTE algorithm in the 3DVAR code and the SSM/I observed data. The results confirm a better reliability of the new RTE compared to the old one

Daily Distribution of Macronutrient Intakes of Professional Soccer Players From the English Premier League.

The daily distribution of macronutrient intake can modulate aspects of training adaptations, performance and recovery. We therefore assessed the daily distribution of macronutrient intake (as assessed using food diaries supported by the remote food photographic method and 24 h recalls) of professional soccer players (n=6) of the English Premier League during a 7-day period consisting of two match days and five training days. On match days, average carbohydrate (CHO) content of the pre-match (0.05) though such intakes were lower than contemporary guidelines considered optimal for pre-match CHO intake and post-match recovery. On training days, we observed a skewed and hierarchical approach (Plunch (0.6 g.kg(-1))>breakfast (0.3 g.kg(-1))>evening snacks (0.1 g.kg(-1)). We conclude players may benefit from consuming greater amounts of CHO in both the pre-match and post-match meals so as to increase CHO availability and maximize rates of muscle glycogen re-synthesis, respectively. Furthermore, attention should also be given to ensuring even daily distribution of protein intake so as to potentially promote components of training adaptation

Evaluation of radiative transfer schemes for mesoscale model data assimilation: a case study

The assimilation of Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) data into the Mesoscale Model 5 (MM5) allows for improving the weather forecast. However the results suggested an update the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE) within the three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) algorithm which is tailored for non rainy conditions only. To this purpose, a new RTE algorithm is tested, in order to account for radiometric response in rainy regions. The new brightness temperatures (<i>T_B</i>) are estimated by using hydrometeor profiles from the MM5 mesoscale model, running with two different microphysical parameterizations. The goodness of the results is assessed by comparing the new <i>T_B</i> with those of the original RTE algorithm in the 3DVAR code and the SSM/I observed data. The results confirm a better reliability of the new RTE compared to the old one

Crossover between Equilibrium and Shear-controlled Dynamics in Sheared Liquids

We present a numerical simulation study of a simple monatomic Lennard-Jones liquid under shear flow, as a function of both temperature and shear rate. By investigating different observables we find that i) It exists a line in the (temperature-shear) plane that sharply marks the boarder between an ``equilibrium'' and a ``shear-controlled'' region for both the dynamic and the thermodynamic quantities; and ii) Along this line the structural relaxation time, is proportional to the inverse shear rate, i.e. to the typical time-scale introduced by the shear flow. Above the line the liquid dynamics is unaffected by the shear flow, while below it both temperature and shear rate control the particle motion.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figure