BACKGROUND: Adolescent athletes, particularly in team sports, exhibit high risk of non-contact injuries due to the open environment and risk-associated movements. Both biomechanical risk factors and suboptimal neurocognitive function have been linked to such injuries. The association particularly between attentional control and injury-related biomechanics remains unexplored in young athletes. METHODS: Fifty female volleyball players aged 7-15 years participated. Attentional control was assessed using the Eriksen Flanker test (congruent, incongruent reaction times (RT) and interference effect). Biomechanical measures included the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), single-leg dynamic balance (center of pressure [CoP] movement), leg stiffness during submaximal hopping, and reactive strength index (RSI) during drop jumps. Spearman's rank correlation and partial Spearman's rank correlation (controlling for age) were used. RESULTS: When controlling for age, a moderate positive correlation was observed between the Flanker interference effect and CoP movement in the antero-posterior direction of the non-dominant leg (rs = 0.40, r 2 = 0.16). When age was not accounted for, additional moderate negative correlations were observed between congruent and incongruent reaction times and leg stiffness, as well as with RSI. CONCLUSION: While response inhibition was positively associated with dynamic balance, other biomechanical measures, seemed to follow a more age-dependent developmental trajectory. Among injury-related biomechanical risks, only dynamic balance can thus be considered more related to neurocognitive function. Sport practitioners are advised to consider coupling dynamic stability exercises with neurocognitive evaluations for more holistic prevention of injuries in young athletes.

• Klíčová slova
• Flanker test, LESS, biomechanical risk factors, dynamic balance, reaction time, reactive strength, response inhibition, stiffness,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Transient absorption (TA) is the most widespread method to follow ultrafast dynamics in molecules and materials. The related method of TA anisotropy (TAA) reports on the ultrafast reorientation dynamics of transition dipole moments, reporting on phenomena ranging from electronic dephasing to orientational diffusion. While these are fundamental aspects complementary to TA, TAA is generally less widely used. The main reason is that TAA signals are usually not measured directly but are retrieved from two consecutive TA measurements with parallel (R‖) and perpendicular (R⊥) polarization of pump and probe pulses. This means that even minor systematic errors in these measurements lead to drastic changes in the TAA signal. In this work, the authors demonstrate alternating shot-to-shot detection of R‖ and R⊥, minimizing systematic errors due to laser fluctuations. The employed broadband detection lets us discuss effects dependent on detection wavelength in the ultrafast anisotropy decay of 2,3-naphthalocyanine, a system previously scrutinized by David Jonas and co-workers. In particular, we compare timescales of population relaxation and decoherence and support the proposals for isotropic type of relaxation in square symmetric molecules.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Quarrying is often perceived as less damaging than large-scale mining, as it typically involves smaller-scale operations and poses fewer environmental risks. Consequently, many regions apply less stringent regulations to quarrying, resulting in reduced data collection and fewer incentives for companies to invest in related research. This regulatory leniency often neglects the social dimensions of quarrying, including its effects on local communities, land use, and cultural landscapes. Our study aims to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of community-company relationships surrounding quarries and the contextual environment influencing these relationships. We do so by exploring four communities in two quarrying locations in the Czech Republic. Our research is based on qualitative interviews with 20 participants from eight different stakeholder groups, complemented by document analyses and field observations. The analysis focuses on exploring the context and the dynamics of community-company relationships and future visions and concerns. We identify four major groups of factors that are influential on community-company relationships: a) Communication and engagement; b) Community, trust, and NIMBYism; c) Context complexity; and d) Mine size and remoteness. Our results highlight the local governing body as a key player in communication and engagement. Misinformation, often arising from knowledge gaps, misunderstandings, errors, and transparency issues, emerged as a major factor undermining effective three-party communication. We demonstrate that effective, transparent communication is essential for building strong community-company relationships and addressing future concerns surrounding quarries. This study underscores the need for proactive, transparent, and context-sensitive approaches to foster sustainable relationships in quarrying areas.

• Klíčová slova
• Community relations, Corporate social responsibility, Engagement, Environmental management, Extractive industries, Sustainable development, Trust,
• MeSH
• hornictví * MeSH
• komunikace MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

The EEG theta band displays distinct roles in resting and task states. Low resting theta and transient increases in frontal-midline (fm) theta power during tasks are associated with better cognitive control, such as error monitoring. ADHD can disrupt this balance, resulting in high resting theta linked to drowsiness and low fm-theta activity associated with reduced cognitive abilities. Theta/beta ratio (TBR) neurofeedback aims to normalize resting state activity by downregulating theta, which could potentially unfavorably affect task-related fm-theta. This study examines the TBR neurofeedback's impact on both resting and fm-theta activity, hypothesizing that remission depends on these effects. We analyzed data from a multi-center, double-blind randomized controlled trial with 142 children with ADHD and high TBR (ICAN study). Participants were randomized into experimental or sham NF groups. EEG measurements were taken at rest and during an Oddball task before and after neurofeedback, assessing global electrodes for resting theta and fm electrodes during error dynamics. Post-intervention changes were calculated as differences, and ANOVAs were conducted on GROUP, REMISSION, and CONDITION variables. Final analysis included fewer participants for all analyses. Resting state analysis showed no significant effects on global or fm-theta after TBR neurofeedback. Error dynamics analysis was inconclusive for global and fm-theta in both remitters and non-remitters. Results suggest that the current TBR neurofeedback protocol did not reduce aberrant resting state theta, and emphasize the need for refined protocols targeting specific theta-band networks to reduce resting-state theta without affecting fm-theta related to cognitive control.

• Klíčová slova
• Children with ADHD, Error-related dynamics, Fm-theta, ICAN study, Task-related and resting state theta, Theta–beta ratio neurofeedback,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Detailed knowledge of human B-cell development is crucial for the proper interpretation of inborn errors of immunity and malignant diseases. It is of interest to understand the kinetics of protein expression changes during development, but also to properly interpret the major and possibly alternative developmental trajectories. We have investigated human samples from healthy individuals with the aim of describing all B-cell developmental trajectories. We validated a 30-parameter mass cytometry panel and demonstrated the utility of "vaevictis" visualization of B-cell developmental stages. We used the trajectory inference tool "tviblindi" to exhaustively describe all trajectories leading to all developmental ends discovered in the data. Focusing on Natural Effector B cells, we demonstrated the dynamics of expression of nuclear factors (PAX-5, TdT, Ki-67, Bcl-2), cytokine and chemokine receptors (CD127, CXCR4, CXCR5) in relation to the canonical B-cell developmental stage markers. We observed branching of the memory development, where follicular memory formation was marked by CD73 expression. Lastly, we performed an analysis of two example cases of abnormal B-cell development caused by mutations in RAG-1 and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome gene in patients with primary immunodeficiency. In conclusion, we developed, validated, and presented a comprehensive set of tools for the investigation of B-cell development in the bone marrow compartment.

• Klíčová slova
• B‐cell development, CD73, Mass cytometry, RAG‐1, Trajectory inference, WAS,
• MeSH
• algoritmy * MeSH
• B-lymfocyty * imunologie   MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace * imunologie   genetika   MeSH
• homeodoménové proteiny * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• homeodoménové proteiny * MeSH
• RAG-1 protein MeSH Prohlížeč

This research introduces a new technique to control constrained nonlinear systems, named Lyapunov-based neural network model predictive control using a metaheuristic optimization approach. This controller utilizes a feedforward neural network model as a prediction model and employs the driving training based optimization algorithm to resolve the related constrained optimization problem. The proposed controller relies on the simplicity and accuracy of the feedforward neural network model and the convergence speed of the driving training based optimization algorithm. The closed-loop stability of the developed controller is ensured by including the Lyapunov function as a constraint in the cost function. The efficiency of the suggested controller is illustrated by controlling the angular speed of three-phase squirrel cage induction motor. The reached results are contrasted to those of other methods, specifically the fuzzy logic controller optimized by teaching learning-based optimization algorithm, the optimized PID with particle swarm optimization algorithm, the neural network model predictive controller based on particle swarm optimization algorithm, and the neural network model predictive controller using driving training based optimization algorithm. This comparative study showcase that the suggested controller provides good accuracy, quickness and robustness due to the obtained values of the mean absolute error, mean square error root mean square error, enhancement percentage, and computing time in the different simulation cases, and it can be efficiently utilized to control constrained nonlinear systems with fast dynamics.

• Klíčová slova
• Constraints, DTBO, Lyapunov function, Metaheuristic, Model predictive control, Neural network, Nonlinear system, Squirrel cage induction motor,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

As a link between a stable genome and a dynamic environment, epigenetics is a promising tool for mapping age-related changes in human DNA. Methylated cytosine changes at specific loci are generally less studied in sperm DNA than in somatic cell DNA. Age-related methylation changes can be connected to various reproductive health problems and multiple disorders in offspring. In addition, they can be helpful in forensic fields, where testing of specific loci in semen samples found at sexual assault crime scenes can predict a perpetrator's age and narrow down the police investigation. This review focuses on age-related methylation changes in sperm. It covers the biological role of methylation, methylation testing techniques and the implications of methylation changes in forensics and clinical practice.

DNA methylation is a biological process that can change the activity of a gene without changing its sequence. We do not know much about DNA methylation in sperm and what changes methylation undergoes during the lifespan. These changes can, however, be important both for health and solving crimes. Presperm cells renew themselves, which gives rise to new sperm cells, from youth to death, accumulating cell divisions prone to error. This is why sperm cells are affected by age more than nondividing eggs. Methylation is specific in different tissues of the body. The ratio between number of sperm cells, white blood cells, and other cell types is highly variable and hardly predicted, which may distort the results. Clinical studies have shown that older fathers have worse reproductive health. Their children can develop metabolic, neurological and behavioral disorders. This also applies to younger men whose DNA methylation pattern is similar to that of older men. Methylation changes allow us to build a model capable of predicting the age of an unknown person with a mean error of about 5 years. This can be helpful for police investigators in cases of sexual assault, when biological material is found but there is no match in the police database.

• Klíčová slova
• age prediction, epigenome, forensic phenotyping, methylation, semen, sperm,
• MeSH
• DNA metabolismus   MeSH
• epigeneze genetická MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metylace DNA * MeSH
• sperma * MeSH
• spermie metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA MeSH

Forest models are instrumental for understanding and projecting the impact of climate change on forests. A considerable number of forest models have been developed in the last decades. However, few systematic and comprehensive model comparisons have been performed in Europe that combine an evaluation of modelled carbon and water fluxes and forest structure. We evaluate 13 widely used, state-of-the-art, stand-scale forest models against field measurements of forest structure and eddy-covariance data of carbon and water fluxes over multiple decades across an environmental gradient at nine typical European forest stands. We test the models' performance in three dimensions: accuracy of local predictions (agreement of modelled and observed annual data), realism of environmental responses (agreement of modelled and observed responses of daily gross primary productivity to temperature, radiation and vapour pressure deficit) and general applicability (proportion of European tree species covered). We find that multiple models are available that excel according to our three dimensions of model performance. For the accuracy of local predictions, variables related to forest structure have lower random and systematic errors than annual carbon and water flux variables. Moreover, the multi-model ensemble mean provided overall more realistic daily productivity responses to environmental drivers across all sites than any single individual model. The general applicability of the models is high, as almost all models are currently able to cover Europe's common tree species. We show that forest models complement each other in their response to environmental drivers and that there are several cases in which individual models outperform the model ensemble. Our framework provides a first step to capturing essential differences between forest models that go beyond the most commonly used accuracy of predictions. Overall, this study provides a point of reference for future model work aimed at predicting climate impacts and supporting climate mitigation and adaptation measures in forests.

• Klíčová slova
• eddy-covariance, gap model, model ensemble, model evaluation, process-based modeling, terrestrial carbon dynamics,
• MeSH
• klimatické změny * MeSH
• koloběh uhlíku * MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• uhlík MeSH
• voda MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• uhlík MeSH
• voda MeSH

Nowadays, advanced computational chemistry methods offer various strategies for revealing prospective hit structures in drug development essentially through accurate binding free energy predictions. After the era of molecular docking and quantitative structure-activity relationships, much interest has been lately oriented to perturbed molecular dynamic approaches like replica exchange with solute tempering and free energy perturbation (REST/FEP) and the potential of the mean force with adaptive biasing and accelerated weight histograms (PMF/AWH). Both of these receptor-based techniques can exploit exascale CPU&GPU supercomputers to achieve high throughput performance. In this fundamental study, we have compared the predictive power of a panel of supercomputerized molecular modelling methods to distinguish the major binding modes and the corresponding binding free energies of a promising tacrine related potential antialzheimerics in human acetylcholinesterase. The binding free energies were estimated using flexible molecular docking, molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/GBSA/PBSA), transmutation REST/FEP with 12 x 5 ns/λ windows, annihilation FEP with 20 x 5 ns/λ steps, PMF with weight histogram analysis method (WHAM) and 40 x 5 ns samples, and PMF/AWH with 10 x 100 ns replicas. Confrontation of the classical approaches such as canonical molecular dynamics and molecular docking with alchemical calculations and steered molecular dynamics enabled us to show how large errors in ΔG predictions can be expected if these in silico methods are employed in the elucidation of a common case of enzyme inhibition.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

• Klíčová slova
• Alzheimer’s disease, Molecular modelling, acetylcholinesterase, binding free energy, tacrine,
• MeSH
• acetylcholinesterasa * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• simulace molekulární dynamiky MeSH
• simulace molekulového dockingu MeSH
• takrin * farmakologie   MeSH
• termodynamika MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• acetylcholinesterasa * MeSH
• takrin * MeSH

Currently, prefabricated panel structures are typical products made of polymeric composite materials. The integrity of the composite panels, their structure and accuracy of making a contour are largely associated with the manifestation of residual technological stresses. The above phenomena and associated stress-strain behaviour inevitably occur in the process of moulding of the composite products. However, their value, nature, time of occurrence and dynamics of growth can be fully controlled and regulated. The paper deals with the study of the effect of moulding pressure on the quality of a composite product. A dependence is presented that allows us to determine the time for the degassing of the polymeric composite material package at the given temperature and pressure to obtain a monolithic and nonporous structure. It is shown that the peak of the maximum volatile-matter yield for the considered binder types lies in the temperature range where the degree of curing does not exceed 10%; that is, the viscosity values do not prevent the removal of volatile fractions. The effect of moulding pressure on the values of the volume content of the reinforcing material has been studied, and the dependence of the required thickness of the absorbent layer on the parameters of the package of polymer composite material and pressure has been obtained. The dependence of the required thickness of absorbent layer on the parameters of the package of polymeric composite material and pressure has been obtained. The mathematical model developed by us provides an opportunity to predict the stress-strain behaviour of a composite structure at any time during the moulding process. The model is closely related to chemo-viscous and thermal models. It allowed us to synthetize a method for choosing the rational parameters of the moulding process (temperature, pressure, and time), materials of additional layers and equipment. The experiments proved the presence of several defects, such as de-lamination of edges, waviness, swelling and poor adhesion of upper layers in the specimen of the composite panel cooled stepwise in the absence of the vacuum pressure. The surface quality of the specimen of the panel cooled stepwise under vacuum pressure was significantly better, and no visible defects were observed. The obtained theoretical values of deflections, considering the change in physic-mechanical characteristics that depend on the temperature and rheonomic properties of the material, showed an error that did not exceed 7%, compared to the experimental data. Our results can be applied at the enterprises engaged in designing and manufacturing panel structures of polymeric composite materials.

• Klíčová slova
• equipment, process parameters, temperature differential, thermoelasticity,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH