Effects of foam rolling on vastus intermedius and lateralis microvascular blood flow.

INTRODUCTION: Foam Rolling (FR) as a technique of self-massage has become a widely used intervention in clinical and sports practice. It is assumed that FR leads to an increased intramuscular microvascular blood flow (MBF), and therefore is commonly recommended as a warm-up or regeneration method. However, no data validate the effects of FR on MBF. This study aimed to assess whether FR increases intramuscular MBF using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS: Ten healthy athletes performed a standardized FR intervention applied to the lateral thigh (3 sets: 45 s FR, 20 s rest). Intramuscular perfusion was determined by CEUS under resting conditions (t0), immediately (t1), and 30 min (t2) after the intervention. Peak enhancement (PE), wash-in rate (WiR), and wash-in perfusion index (WiPI) were evaluated as quantitative perfusion parameters in vastus lateralis (VL) and intermedius (VI) muscle separately via regions of interest mapping. RESULTS: Immediately after the intervention (t1), perfusion parameters showed a non-significant decrease in VL (p = 0.3; PE: -32.1%, WiPI: -29.6%, WiR: -50.4%) and VI (p = 0.4; PE: -10.3%, WiPI: -6.4%, WiR: -35.6%). A non-significant decrease was found at t2 in VL (p = 0.2; PE: -34%, WiPI -33.9%, WiR -61.2%) and VI (p = 0.2; PE -17.6%, WiPI -13.8%, WiR -43.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The common assumption of intramuscular MBF improvement due to FR could not be confirmed for up to 30 min after the intervention. If an increase in intramuscular metabolism or MBF is intended, we recommend that alternative methods (i.e., traditional warm-up) should be preferred.

High-yield magnetic recoil neutron spectrometer on the National Ignition Facility for operation up to 60 MJ.

Recent progress at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), with neutron yields of order 1 × 1017, places new constraints on diagnostics used to characterize implosion performance. The Magnetic Recoil neutron Spectrometer (MRS), which is routinely used to measure yield, ion temperature (Tion), and down-scatter ratio (dsr), has been adapted to allow measurements of dsr up to 5 × 1017, and yield and Tion up to 2 × 1018 in the near term with new data processing techniques and conversion foil solutions. This paper presents a solution for extending MRS operation up to a yield of 2 × 1019 (60 MJ) by moving the spectrometer outside of the NIF shield wall. This will not only enhance the upper yield limit by 10× but also improve signal-to-background by 5×.

Thermal decoupling of deuterium and tritium during the inertial confinement fusion shock-convergence phase.

A series of thin glass-shell shock-driven DT gas-filled capsule implosions was conducted at the OMEGA laser facility. These experiments generate conditions relevant to the central plasma during the shock-convergence phase of ablatively driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions. The spectral temperatures inferred from the DTn and DDn spectra are most consistent with a two-ion-temperature plasma, where the initial apparent temperature ratio, T_{T}/T_{D}, is 1.5. This is an experimental confirmation of the long-standing conjecture that plasma shocks couple energy directly proportional to the species mass in multi-ion plasmas. The apparent temperature ratio trend with equilibration time matches expected thermal equilibration described by hydrodynamic theory. This indicates that deuterium and tritium ions have different energy distributions for the time period surrounding shock convergence in ignition-relevant ICF implosions.

Using millimeter-sized carbon-deuterium foils for high-precision deuterium-tritium neutron spectrum measurements in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion at the OMEGA laser facility.

Millimeter-sized CD foils fielded close (order mm) to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions have been proposed as a game-changer for improving energy resolution and allowing time-resolution in neutron spectrum measurements using the magnetic recoil technique. This paper presents results from initial experiments testing this concept for direct drive ICF at the OMEGA Laser Facility. While the foils are shown to produce reasonable signals, inferred spectral broadening is seen to be high (∼5 keV) and signal levels are low (by ∼20%) compared to expectation. Before this type of foil is used for precision experiments, the foil mount must be improved, oxygen uptake in the foils must be better characterized, and impact of uncontrolled foil motion prior to detection must be investigated.

Very long-term outcome in resected and non-resected patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with medial temporal lobe sclerosis: A multiple case-study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the very long-term (i.e., ≥15 years) seizure, cognitive and psycho-social outcomes in resected patients (RP) with TLE compared to control patients not having undergone epilepsy surgery. METHODS: We applied a multiple case-study design including three non-resected patients (NRP) who were compared to a group of six RP. The latter were matched to the NRP according to clinical-demographic data. Outcome measures were various seizure, cognitive, and psycho-social variables. RESULTS: Patients were 56-72 years old. Seizure and AED outcome was more favourable among RP. RP reported better self-perceived overall health but higher subjective memory complaints. Upon formal neuropsychological testing, RP presented with lower verbal memory scores. Very long-term memory decline was evident in left-sided RP with good baseline memory scores, while RP with lower baseline performance, right-sided RP and NRP remained stable. Seizure-freedom had remarkable effects on the relationship between objective and subjective outcome: seizure-free patients, in general, subjectively reported the best psychosocial and cognitive outcome - irrespective of neuropsychological test results. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests positive effects of TLE surgery in the very long-term course of ≥15 years postoperatively. Long-term seizure-freedom appears to have the strongest impact on patients' subjectively perceived psycho-social and cognitive outcome and may even outweigh actual memory disturbances and/or decline. Overall, our data do not support the assumption of a generally accelerated cognitive decline in patients with TLE.

Plantar pressure changes in hindfoot relief devices of different designs.

BACKGROUND: It is frequently observed that overloading the foot can impair bone and soft tissue healing and can lead to harmful sequelae (i.e. ulcers, stress reactions) in context of pre-existing tissue disabilities. In terms of offloading, hindfoot relief devices are commonly applied as a non-operative treatment as well as after various surgical procedures for hindfoot disorders. Despite their common use, there is a paucity of data comparing different orthotic devices with respect to changes in plantar pressure distributions. The aim of this study was to investigate plantar loadings in hindfoot relief devices of different designs. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy participants (13 women, 12 men; (mean ± SD) age 37 ± 14 years; BMI 23 ± 4 kg/m2) were recruited. Plantar pressure distributions were collected using i.) a neutral shoe, ii.) a hindfoot relief shoe (HRS) and iii.) a hindfoot relief orthosis (HRO). Peak pressure values were measured via dynamic pedobarography during walking and were analysed from four different plantar regions: the hindfoot, midfoot, metatarsal I-V and forefoot. As a reference standard, the normal walk using neutral shoes served as the condition for full weight-bearing. RESULTS: Concerning the hindfoot, using the HRS as well as the HRO resulted in significant decreases in plantar pressures compared to baseline values that were obtained with the neutral shoe (- 52% for the HRS and - 52% for the HRO, p < 0.001). Significant increases in peak pressures were found in the midfoot region for both devices (HRS: 32%, p = 0.002; HRO: 47%, p < 0.001). For the metatarsal region, peak pressures were found to decrease significantly (HRS: - 52%, p < 0.001; HRO: -17%, p = 0.034). With respect to the forefoot, a significant reduction in peak pressures using the HRS (- 41%, p < 0.001) was detected, whereas the HRO did not lead to significant changes (- 4%, p = 0.691). CONCLUSIONS: Both the HRO and HRS significantly reduced plantar hindfoot pressure, corresponding to a relative decrease of nearly 50% of the baseline. Nevertheless, the adjacent midfoot zone displayed a significant increase in plantar pressure values for both devices. Supported by these findings, physicians should cautiously consider a substantial increase in midfoot loading, especially in patients affected by additional midfoot injuries or accompanying impairments of tissue healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series.

Diffusion-dominated mixing in moderate convergence implosions.

High-Z material mixed into the fuel degrades inertial fusion implosions and can prevent ignition. Mix is often assumed to be dominated by hydrodynamic instabilities, but we report Omega data, using shells with ∼150nm deuterated layers to gain unprecedented resolution, which give strong evidence that the dominant mix mechanism is diffusion for these moderate temperature (≲6 keV) and convergence (∼12) implosions. Small-scale instability-driven or turbulent mix is negligible.

Nanoscale analysis of the oxidation state and surface termination of praseodymium oxide ultrathin films on ruthenium(0001).

The complex structure and morphology of ultrathin praseodymia films deposited on a ruthenium(0001) single crystal substrate by reactive molecular beam epitaxy is analyzed by intensity-voltage low-energy electron microscopy in combination with theoretical calculations within an ab initio scattering theory. A rich coexistence of various nanoscale crystalline surface structures is identified for the as-grown samples, notably comprising two distinct oxygen-terminated hexagonal Pr2O3(0001) surface phases as well as a cubic Pr2O3(111) and a fluorite PrO2(111) surface component. Furthermore, scattering theory reveals a striking similarity between the electron reflectivity spectra of praseodymia and ceria due to very efficient screening of the nuclear charge by the extra 4f electron in the former case.

Systematic Fuel Cavity Asymmetries in Directly Driven Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosions.

We present narrow-band self-emission x-ray images from a titanium tracer layer placed at the fuel-shell interface in 60-laser-beam implosion experiments at the OMEGA facility. The images are acquired during deceleration with inferred convergences of ∼9-14. Novel here is that a systematically observed asymmetry of the emission is linked, using full sphere 3D implosion modeling, to performance-limiting low mode asymmetry of the drive.

High-resolution measurements of the DT neutron spectrum using new CD foils in the Magnetic Recoil neutron Spectrometer (MRS) on the National Ignition Facility.

The Magnetic Recoil neutron Spectrometer (MRS) on the National Ignition Facility measures the DT neutron spectrum from cryogenically layered inertial confinement fusion implosions. Yield, areal density, apparent ion temperature, and directional fluid flow are inferred from the MRS data. This paper describes recent advances in MRS measurements of the primary peak using new, thinner, reduced-area deuterated plastic (CD) conversion foils. The new foils allow operation of MRS at yields 2 orders of magnitude higher than previously possible, at a resolution down to ∼200 keV FWHM.

Measurement of Hydrodynamic Growth near Peak Velocity in an Inertial Confinement Fusion Capsule Implosion using a Self-Radiography Technique.

First measurements of hydrodynamic growth near peak implosion velocity in an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosion at the National Ignition Facility were obtained using a self-radiographing technique and a preimposed Legendre mode 40, λ=140 µm, sinusoidal perturbation. These are the first measurements of the total growth at the most unstable mode from acceleration Rayleigh-Taylor achieved in any ICF experiment to date, showing growth of the areal density perturbation of ∼7000×. Measurements were made at convergences of ∼5 to ∼10× at both the waist and pole of the capsule, demonstrating simultaneous measurements of the growth factors from both lines of sight. The areal density growth factors are an order of magnitude larger than prior experimental measurements and differed by ∼2× between the waist and the pole, showing asymmetry in the measured growth factors. These new measurements significantly advance our ability to diagnose perturbations detrimental to ICF implosions, uniquely intersecting the change from an accelerating to decelerating shell, with multiple simultaneous angular views.

Match Running Performance and Success Across a Season in German Bundesliga Soccer Teams.

The aim of the study was to quantify the association between match running performance and success across a season in soccer teams competing within a European top league. We analyzed the match running performance data of all soccer teams from the German Bundesliga across the season 2012/13 (306 matches). The following match running performance data were used: total distance covered as well as number of running activities>18.0 km/h and > 22.7 km/h. Depending on the team's ball possession status, all match running performance data were also analyzed as those with and without ball possession. The success across the season was defined as the final competition points accumulated. The match running performance alone was not significantly correlated with the final points accumulated (best r=0.24; p=0.34). In contrast, positive-significant correlations were observed for the match running performance with ball possession (best r=0.77; p<0.01). However, of these latter correlations, only the total distance covered with ball possession was a significant predictor (p<0.01) and accounted for 60% of the variance (R(2)=0.60) in the final points accumulated. It is concluded that it is not the match running performance alone that is important for achieving success in German Bundesliga soccer teams, but rather its relation to technical/tactical skills with respect to ball possession.

[Reliability of Selected Parameters of Cycling Ergospirometry from the PowerCube-Ergo Respiratory Gas Analyser]. / Reliabilität ausgewählter Parameter der Fahrradergospirometrie anhand des PowerCube-Ergo-Atemgasanalysators.

This study aimed to investigate the reliability of 1) the key parameters of cycling ergospirometry (maximum power output [Pmax] and oxygen uptake [V̇O2peak], ventilatory thresholds 1 [VT 1] and 2 [VT 2], and cycling efficiency [CE] and gross efficiency [GE]), 2) the commonly used parameters to quantify exhaustion (maximum heart rate [HFmax], respiratory quotient [RQmax], blood lactate concentration [BLAmax], and ratings of perceived exhaustion [RPEmax]), and 3) the kinetics of exercise induced gas exchange measurements (oxygen uptake [V̇O2], carbon dioxide output [V̇CO2], and minute ventilation [V̇E]) using the PowerCube-Ergo metabolic system in consideration of international statistical recommendations. 12 women and 12 men (28 ±â€Š4 years; 23.2 ±â€Š2.4 kg/m(2)) performed two cycling tests (20 watt/min) separated by one week. The reliability was calculated based on differences in means (t test and effect sizes), retest correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), and within-subject variation (standard error of measurement [SEM]). Of the key parameters of cycling ergospirometry, an excellent reliability (ICC ≥ 0.969; p = 0.000) and high accuracy (%SEM ≤ 4.6) were found for Pmax, V̇O2peak, and VT 1. Of the most commonly used parameters to quantify exhaustion, an excellent reliability (ICC = 0.922; p = 0.000) and high accuracy (%SEM = 1.0) existed only for HFmax. The gas exchange measurements (V̇O2, V̇CO2 und V̇E) of the PowerCube-Ergo were all excellently reliable (ICC ≥ 0,991; p = 0.000) and the accuracy of V̇O2 (SEM = 0.10 l/min) and V̇E (SEM = 3.13 l/min) fulfilled the quality guidance of exercise physiology laboratories. For future studies and practical purposes, the results are vital for the decision as to whether a difference between two tests represents a true intervention effect or just a measurement error and for the estimation of required sample sizes.

Relationship between core strength and key variables of performance in elite rink hockey players.

AIM: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a significant relationship exists between the level of core strength-endurance and key variables of endurance, strength, power, speed, and agility performance in male elite rink hockey players. METHODS: Ten male elite rink hockey players of the German national team were tested for 1) time to exhaustion, maximum oxygen uptake, and running economy, 2) one repetition maximum bench press and half squat, 3) counter movement jump height, 4) 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m speed, and 5) 22 m agility. The rink hockey players were also tested for 6) ventral, lateral-left, lateral-right, and dorsal core strength-endurance using concentric-eccentric muscle tests. RESULTS: The level of total and ventral core strength-endurance was very largely correlated with maximum oxygen uptake (r=0.74 and r=0.71, both P<0.05). Additionally, there was a large correlation between the level of ventral core strength-endurance and time to exhaustion (r=0.66, P<0.05). No further significant relationships were observed (best r=0.60, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings from this study suggest that the level of core strength-endurance is largely to very largely correlated with key variables of endurance performance, but not significantly with strength, power, speed, or agility indicators in male elite rink hockey players. These findings should be noted by coaches and scientists when testing physical fitness or planning strength and conditioning programs for male elite rink hockey players.

Different endurance characteristics of female and male german soccer players.

The aims of the present study were to assess gender differences regarding lactate threshold and intermittent shuttle run performance in female and male soccer players as well as to investigate the relationships between both endurance characteristics in both genders. Fourteen female (1(st) division) and thirteen male (4(th) division) soccer players completed an incremental test (IT) to determine running velocities at 2 and 4 mmol · l(-1) blood lactate (v2 and v4) and maximum velocity (vmax) as well as an interval shuttle run test (ISRT) to determine running distance. Based on v2 and v4 and their percentages in relation to vmax, three intensity zones were calculated: a low lactate zone (v4). Female soccer players have a lower v4 (8.2%), vmax (11.3%) and ISRT distance (31.6%). No gender difference was found in v2. In contrast to males, ISRT distance correlates with vmax as well as with v2 and v4 in female soccer players. The intensity zones v4 differ between genders. The present study revealed that gender differences increase when the running performance is intermittent including change of directions. In both genders, different relationships between lactate threshold and intermittent shuttle run performance exist. During incremental testing, the running performances of female and male players reflect different distributions of aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. The revealed gender differences should be considered for soccer endurance training.

[Adaptive mechanisms and behavioural recommendations: playing football in heat, cold and high altitude conditions]. / Hitze, Kälte und Höhenexposition im Fußball: Adaptive Mechanismen und Verhaltensstrategien in variierenden Umweltbedingungen.

Football is played worldwide and players often have to cope with hot and cold temperatures as well as high altitude conditions. The upcoming and past world championships in Brazil, Qatar and South Africa illustrate the necessity for behavioural strategies and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. When playing football in the heat or cold, special clothing, hydration and nutritional and acclimatisation strategies are vital for high-level performance. When playing at high altitude, the reduced oxygen partial pressure impairs endurance performance and alters the technical and tactical requirements. Special high-altitude adaptation and preparation strategies are essential for football teams based at sea-level in order to perform well and compete successfully. Therefore, the aim of the underlying review is: 1) to highlight the difficulties and needs of football teams competing in extreme environmental conditions, 2) to summarise the thermoregulatory, physiological, neuronal and psychological mechanism, and 3) to provide recommendations for coping with extreme environmental conditions in order to perform at a high level when playing football in the heat, cold and at high altitude.

Long-term outcome of lesional posterior cortical epilepsy surgery in adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term seizure outcome and to find predictors of outcome after epilepsy surgery in lesional posterior cortical epilepsies (PCEs). METHODS: The operative outcome in 80 consecutive adult patients with lesional PCEs who underwent resective surgery for intractable partial epilepsy between 1991 and 2006 was retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The probability of remaining in Engel Class I was 66.3% (95% CI 60 to 72) at 6 months, 52.5% (95% CI 47 to 57) at 2 years, 52.9% (CI 45 to 59) at 5 years and 47.1% (CI 42 to 52) at 10 years. Factors predicting poor outcome were the presence of a somatosensory aura, extraregional spikes, incomplete resection, interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) in EEG 6 months and 2 years postsurgery, history of generalised tonic-clonic seizure (GT-CS) and the presence of focal cortical dysplasia in the resected specimen. Factors predicting good outcome were childhood onset of epilepsy, short epilepsy duration, ipsilateral spikes, visual aura, presence of well-circumscribed lesion in preoperative MRI and a pathologically defined tumour. In the multivariate analysis, predictors were different in the long and short term as follows: incomplete resection as proven by postoperative MRI (hazard ratio (HR) 2.059 (CI 1.19 to 3.67)) predicts seizure relapse in short-term follow-up. The presence of IED in the EEG performed 6 months after surgery (HR 2.3 (CI 1.128 to 4.734)) predicts seizure relapse in the long-term fellow-up. However, the absence of a history of GT-CS independently predicts seizure remission in short- and long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in PCEs proved to be effective in short- and long-term follow-up. Lesional posterior cortical epilepsy may be a progressive process in a substantial number of cases.

The importance of bioavailability of dietary iron in relation to the expected effect from iron fortification.

BACKGROUND: The most common method of combating iron deficiency is iron fortification, especially in developing countries. However, few studies have shown a significant effect on iron status following iron fortification of low bioavailability diets. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how iron fortification and dietary modifications affect iron absorption and rates of changes in iron stores. METHODS: Research has made it possible to predict both iron absorption and the effects of iron fortification and diet modifications on iron stores using recently developed algorithms. Iron absorption and rate of change in iron stores were calculated from nine diets representing a broad range of iron bioavailability and iron contents. The calculations were related to the main target group for iron fortification, that is, women of reproductive age having empty stores but normal haemoglobin concentrations. RESULTS: As the only measure, iron fortification has practically no effect on iron status if the original diet has low bioavailability. However, after dietary modifications such a diet shows a positive effect on iron stores. The combined action of fortification (6 mg/day) and modest bioavailability changes in a low bioavailability diet results approximately in 40 and 70% greater increases in iron stores than through iron fortification or dietary modification alone. CONCLUSIONS: It is difficult to achieve good effects on iron status from iron fortification as the only measure if the diet has low bioavailability. Both dietary modifications as well as iron fortification are required to improve effectively the iron status of a population.

Capturing the onset of the common cold and its effects on iron absorption.

Hypoferremia is a well-known response to infections and inflammatory disorders. It seems to be managed by the key mediator of iron kinetics, hepcidin. There are several studies on induced-acute phase reactions. However, to our best knowledge there are no previous published reports on the outbreak of a common cold and its initial effect on iron kinetics. The objective of this case report is to describe such an observation. From an apparently healthy state in the morning we observed, in a 28-year-old male, every hour for 6 h the outbreak of a common cold and the modulations in the levels of serum iron (S-Fe) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Despite a 100 mg oral iron loading there was a substantial reduction in S-Fe, which seemed to precede the IL-6 peak. Interestingly, this observed succession is in conflict with the proposed infection chain of order in which IL-6 stimulates hepcidin induction.

Aminoterminal B-type pro-natriuretic peptide as a marker of recovery after high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with ischemic heart disease and severe impaired left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND: Aminoterminal B-type pro-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a reliable indicator of heart failure severity. Levels of NT-proBNP are markedly increased in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and severely impaired left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of NT-proBNP levels after high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with regard to recovery potential. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2004, 121 patients with CAD and severely impaired LV function, who were undergoing CABG, were investigated. Their mean age was 64 +/- 11 years. All patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III/IV status; LV ejection fraction (EF) was 20 +/- 6%. All survivors underwent follow-up (59 +/- 34 months) spiroergometric, electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic assessment and were tested for routine blood controls and NT-proBNP levels (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). RESULTS: The survival rate after 8 years was 70%. All survivors received follow-up assessment. Among survivors the median NT-proBNP level at follow-up was 896 (521 to 1,687) pg/ml. The maximum oxygen uptake was 14.6 +/- 4.9 ml/min/kg, and EF increased to 42% at follow-up among all survivors. On dichotomizing survivors into two groups with NT-proBNP levels above and below the median, the post-operative body mass index was significantly higher in the high NT-proBNP group (p = 0.036). EF (p = 0.028) and NYHA classification (p < 0.05) improved significantly in both groups, with a tendency toward higher EF in the low NT-proBNP group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing a high-risk CABG procedure have a survival rate comparable to heart transplantation patients and show a potential for clinical and myocardial recovery. NT-proBNP use a useful marker for recovery after a high-risk CABG procedure, with significant correlation with clinical parameters.