Versatile Players Research Articles

A basketball paradox: exploring NBA team defensive efficiency in a positionless game

Abstract In the last decade, the offensive and defensive philosophies employed by teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) have changed substantially. As a result, most players can no longer be classified into only one of the five traditional positions (PG, SG, SF, PF, C) and instead spend a percentage of their playing time at multiple positions, making positional data compositional. Further, given the desirability for versatile players, an argument can be made that traditional positions themselves are archaic. Using data from the 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19 seasons, I explore how Bayesian hierarchical models can be used to estimate team defensive strength in three ways. First, only considering players classified by their majority traditional position. Second, by using compositional traditional positional data. Third, using compositional data from modern positions (archetypes) defined by fuzzy k-means clustering. I find that the fuzzy k-means approach leads to a modest improvement in both the root mean squared error and median 95 % posterior predictive interval width for the test data, and, more importantly, identifies 11 modern archetypes that, when combined, are correlated with team win total and adjusted team defensive rating. The modern archetype compositions can be used by stakeholders to better understand team defensive strength.

Football Game and Tactical Training

Versatile players are an essential part of modern football, which no longer allows us to talk about attacking or defensive players but rather players with complex talents who can manage any circumstance the game demands. The results of the study demonstrate how important it is for teachers to be involved in helping students learn the best teaching techniques in order for them to become proficient soccer players. To advance game models in the areas of technical procedures and tactical behavior that enhance the activity of those involved in the field and provide them with a good opportunity to analyze a football game, this article need to compare the differences that manifest themselves in the organization of the teams.

From core to peripheral: A network analysis of lineup types in NBA playoff teams

This study aims to identify the types of lineups based on their topological structure within a lineup network and to explore the relationship between lineup types and team standings during 10 NBA playoff seasons from 2012-2013 season to 2021-2022 season. A total of 15,699 lineups from 1,655 playoff games were collected to construct lineup networks. Three roles of the lineup, called core, connector and peripheral lineups, were found through community detection and unsupervised clustering of within-community degree, participation coefficient, and playing time. The percentage presence of connector lineups showed a positive correlation with the number of playoff wins (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), while peripheral lineups demonstrated a negative correlation (r = −0.33, p < 0.001). Additionally, the study found that connector lineups were more frequently reused than peripheral lineups (H = −14.90, p < 0.001) and that stronger teams exhibited lower conserved rates of all kinds of lineups. The collective performance was found to be more dependent on connector lineups (H = 926.42, p < 0.001) than peripheral lineups (H = 3342.63, p < 0.001). This study is the first to provide insights into the global lineup roles within season-scale lineup structures, offering generalizable suggestions for optimizing rotations. These suggestions advocate for the inclusion of more connector lineups and versatile players, and a reduction in the reuse rate of lineups, especially those classified as peripheral.

Proteomic profile of tissue-derived extracellular vesicles from benign odontogenic lesions

BackgroundBenign odontogenic lesions (BOLs) can cause severe jaw bone defects and compromise the quality of life of patients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are well-established and versatile players in mediating pathophysiological events. EVs in the interstitial space (tissue-derived EVs or Ti-EVs) possess higher specificity and sensitivity in disease-related biomarker discovery. However, the role of Ti-EV-loaded proteins in mediating the development of BOLs has remained untapped. Herein, we aim to explore the contribution of Ti-EV-loaded proteins to the development of BOLs. MethodsSamples were obtained from 3 with dental follicle, 3 with dentigerous cyst (DC), 7 with odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and 3 patients with ameloblastoma (AM). Tissue-derived EVs were then extracted, purified, and validated using ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy, and western blotting. Proteins from Ti-EVs were analyzed using LC-ESI tandem mass spectroscopy and differentially expressed proteins were screened, which was then validated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. ResultsThe protein profile of Ti-EVs in each group was mapped by LC-MS analysis. The top 10 abundant proteins in BOL-derived Ti-EVs were COL6A3, COL6A1, ALB, HIST1H4A, HBB, ACTB, HIST1H2BD, ANXA2, COL6A2 and FBN1. Additionally, unique proteins in the Ti-EVs from various lesions were identified. Moreover, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) showed higher expressions in Ti-EVs derived from OKC and AM, which were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. ConclusionsTi-EVs containing FAK and MyD88 might be related to the development of OKC and AM, which can be potential therapeutic targets.

Internal and external load profiles of male basketball players during training

Traditionally in basketball, five specific positions have been distinguished, often due to the anthropometric characteristics of the players. In recent years, different research has emerged that tries to break with this paradigm, giving rise to different classifications of players based on other characteristics that are more closely related to the actual game of basketball. The aim of this research was to determine the load profiles of players according to internal and external load values. An observational design was used, in which 12 professional players from the Spanish Men’s First Division Basketball (ACB league) team participated, obtaining data from all the training sessions carried out over two microcycles. All players were equipped with WIMUPRO™ inertial devices, using a UWB system for the players’ positioning in indoor spaces. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed to group the variables and determine the profiles. The results showed four different player profiles: versatile, explosive, dynamic, and fast players. Within these load profiles are included players from the five specific positions according to the traditional basketball classification, possessing distinct anthropometric characteristics among themselves. These results allow strength and conditioning coaches to train players physically in a more efficient way, using small-sided games in mid court, or games in full court more adequately, and achieving greater specificity and applicability in their exercises and tasks.

Director, Sportsman, Auteur: Henri Decoin and the Art of Self-Reflexivity in Filmmaking

Abstract: This article revisits the multifaceted contribution of Henri Decoin to French cinema's rich history through the lens of sport and auteurism. Decoin, who began his career as a professional swimmer in the 1910s, turned to sports journalism during the 1920s before switching his focus to filmmaking until the mid-1960s. Despite an extensive cinematic oeuvre, film scholars are yet to conduct a systematic examination of his influence as a director. By taking a closer look at the recurring sporting motifs and symbolism present in his work, we argue that Decoin not only ought to be seen as a genuine auteur, but also as one of French cinema's most versatile players.

Tumour-associated macrophages: versatile players in the tumour microenvironment.

Tumour-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are one of the pivotal components of the tumour microenvironment. Their roles in the cancer immunity are complicated, both pro-tumour and anti-cancer activities are reported, including not only angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immunosuppression, drug resistance but also phagocytosis and tumour regression. Interestingly, TAMs are highly dynamic and versatile in solid tumours. They show anti-cancer or pro-tumour activities, and interplay between the tumour microenvironment and cancer stem cells and under specific conditions. In addition to the classic M1/M2 phenotypes, a number of novel dedifferentiation phenomena of TAMs are discovered due to the advanced single-cell technology, e.g., macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) and macrophage-neuron transition (MNT). More importantly, emerging information demonstrated the potential of TAMs on cancer immunotherapy, suggesting by the therapeutic efficiency of the checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor engineered cells based on macrophages. Here, we summarized the latest discoveries of TAMs from basic and translational research and discussed their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential for solid cancers.

Recent Developments in Management Accounting

The aim of this study is to investigate recent developments in management accounting, which was accomplished through the use of the library technique. The research revealed that various factors, such as increased competition, technological advancements, and changes in organizational structure, have played a role in influencing developments in management accounting. Looking forward, the field of management accounting is expected to be shaped by trends like big data analytics, integrated reporting, automation, sustainability considerations, scenario planning, real-time reporting, and a focus on ethics and governance. Our findings indicate that management accounting has made significant progress and has become a distinct area of expertise. Its evolution has been marked by continuous innovation and adaptability to meet the ever-changing demands of the business landscape. To thrive in this dynamic environment, we recommend that management accountants be versatile team players, capable of addressing a wide range of options and challenges that organizations encounter.

A deep dive into the use of local positioning system in professional handball: Automatic detection of players' orientation, position and game phases to analyse specific physical demands.

The objective of this study is to automate and analyse the quantification of external load during an elite men's handball match. This study was carried out using data from a local positioning system and inertial measurement units. The literature review leads us to assume that physical demands are different depending on position, player specialty and phases of the game. In order to do this analysis, raw data was used from professional competitors of a Spanish club during National and European competition matches. First, a game phase algorithm was designed to automate phase recognition. Then, a descriptive evaluation of the means and standard deviation was performed with the following variables: total distance, total time, total Accel'Rate, the percentages of distance and time per speed and displacement direction. A Kruskal Wallis test was applied to normalized distance and normalized Accel'Rate. Defensive play showed the highest values on covered distance (930.6 ± 395.0 m). However, normalized distance showed significant differences (p<0.05) across all phases with defensive play (558.8 ± 53.9 m/10min) lower than offensive play (870.3 ± 145.7 m/10min), offensive transition (1671.3 ± 242.0 m/10min) or defensive transition (1604.5 ± 242.0 m/10min). Regarding position, wing players covered the most distance (2925.8 ± 998.8 m) at the second highest intensity (911.4 ± 63.3 m/10min) after offensive back players (1105.0 ± 84.9 m/10min). Significant difference in normalized requirements were found between each playing position: goalkeepers, wings, versatile backs, versatile line players, offensive backs and defensive backs (p<0.05), so a separation between offensive or defensive specialists is plausible and necessary. In conclusion, as physical demands differ for each game phase, activity profile among players is modulated by their playing position and their specialty (offense, defense or none). This study may help to create individual training programs according to precise on-court demands.

Plant serine/arginine-rich proteins: versatile players in RNA processing.

Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins participate in RNA processing by interacting with precursor mRNAs or other splicing factors to maintain plant growth and stress responses. Alternative splicing is an important mechanism involved in mRNA processing and regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, which is the main reason for the diversity of genes and proteins. The process of alternative splicing requires the participation of many specific splicing factors. The SR protein family is a splicing factor in eukaryotes. The vast majority of SR proteins' existence is an essential survival factor. Through its RS domain and other unique domains, SR proteins can interact with specific sequences of precursor mRNA or other splicing factors and cooperate to complete the correct selection of splicing sites or promote the formation of spliceosomes. They play essential roles in the composition and alternative splicing of precursor mRNAs, providing pivotal functions to maintain growth and stress responses in animals and plants. Although SR proteins have been identified in plants for three decades, their evolutionary trajectory, molecular function, and regulatory network remain largely unknown compared to their animal counterparts. This article reviews the current understanding of this gene family in eukaryotes and proposes potential key research priorities for future functional studies.

The role and mechanism of gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty in the prevention and treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), an emerging global health issue, is one of the most severe microvascular complications derived from diabetes and a primary pathology contributing to end-stage renal disease. The currently available treatment provides only symptomatic relief and has failed to delay the progression of DKD into chronic kidney disease. Recently, multiple studies have proposed a strong link between intestinal dysbiosis and the occurrence of DKD. The gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) capable of regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and energy metabolism have been considered versatile players in the prevention and treatment of DKD. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the intervention of the gut microbiota-kidney axis in the development of DKD still remains to be explored. This review provides insight into the contributory role of gut microbiota-derived SCFAs in DKD.

Genomic remnants of ancestral methanogenesis and hydrogenotrophy in Archaea drive anaerobic carbon cycling.

Anaerobic methane metabolism is among the hallmarks of Archaea, originating very early in their evolution. Here, we show that the ancestor of methane metabolizers was an autotrophic CO2-reducing hydrogenotrophic methanogen that possessed the two main complexes, methyl-CoM reductase (Mcr) and tetrahydromethanopterin-CoM methyltransferase (Mtr), the anaplerotic hydrogenases Eha and Ehb, and a set of other genes collectively called "methanogenesis markers" but could not oxidize alkanes. Overturning recent inferences, we demonstrate that methyl-dependent hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis has emerged multiple times independently, either due to a loss of Mtr while Mcr is inherited vertically or from an ancient lateral acquisition of Mcr. Even if Mcr is lost, Mtr, Eha, Ehb, and the markers can persist, resulting in mixotrophic metabolisms centered around the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Through their methanogenesis remnants, Thorarchaeia and two newly reconstructed order-level lineages in Archaeoglobi and Bathyarchaeia act as metabolically versatile players in carbon cycling of anoxic environments across the globe.

Position Premium in Major League Soccer

Abstract: This research estimates the effect of specific player position on salary in Major League Soccer. We expand a mincer-style wage equation with indicators for precise roles as defined by the Football Manager™ simulation. Our salary data covers 1,174 salaries for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. We match this to 17 positions and consider generalist and specialist functions in wage determination. Estimating ordinary least squares and quantile regressions, we find that defensive salary penalties are incurred only by specific peripheral defensive and wing back positions. Premia exist for versatile, attacking midfield players. We show that multi-positional players—those that play in multiple positional zones—earn a premium. The findings bring nuance to any specialist-generalist debate as versatile defensive players incur a penalty whereas versatile attacking midfield players earn a premium. Practically, the results speak to player unions, intermediaries advising players on their developmental needs, and franchises who must optimize salary budgets.

Long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of heart failure: A literature review.

Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular disorder and a major cause of mortality and morbidity in older people. The mechanisms underlying HF are still not fully understood, restricting novel therapeutic target discovery and drug development. Besides, few drugs have been shown to improve the survival of HF patients. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as a critical regulator of cardiac physiological and pathological processes, regarded as a new target of treatment for HF. lncRNAs are versatile players in the pathogenesis of HF. They can interact with chromatin, protein, RNA, or DNA, thereby modulating chromatin accessibility, gene expressions, and signaling transduction. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on how lncRNAs involve in HF and categorized them into four aspects based on their biological functions, namely, cardiomyocyte contractility, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis. Along with the extensive laboratory data, RNA-based therapeutics achieved great advances in recent years. These indicate that targeting lncRNAs in the treatment of HF may provide new strategies and address the unmet clinical needs.

Polymers as Versatile Players in the Stabilization, Capping, and Design of Inorganic Nanostructures.

The integration of simple components to generate sophisticated hybrid materials with fine-tuned properties represents a significant scientific challenge. Herein, we present recent advances in the use of polymers to control the synthesis and properties of three of the most relevant inorganic nanoparticles, namely, quantum dots (QDs), magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and noble metal nanoparticles (NMNPs). We show relevant examples of how polymeric structures synthesized by techniques such as ATRP, RAFT, and living cationic polymerization are used to aid in the synthesis and stabilization of the nanostructures to generate nanocomposites with outstanding capabilities. Special emphasis is placed on describing how some of the exceptional physicochemical properties of polymers are used as nanoreactors to facilitate the synthesis of the nanostructure by providing an adequate chemical environment. Additionally, we also describe how polymers are utilized to protect the integrity of the nanostructure from chemical degradation. The integration of polymeric structures and the nanostructures has a strong impact on the dispersion and morphology of the latter and, consequently, endow them with novel and promising features. The advances described here, particularly the use of polymers to modulate and provide new properties to nanoparticles, exemplify the great versatility of polymers and how these may expand the capabilities of inorganic nanostructures that can be used to generate novel and sophisticated hybrid materials.

The mRNA-binding proteome of a critical phase transition during Arabidopsis seed germination.

Summary Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination is marked by extensive translational control at two critical phase transitions. The first transition refers to the start of hydration, the hydration translational shift. The second shift, the germination translational shift (GTS) is the phase between testa rupture and radicle protrusion at which the seed makes the all or nothing decision to germinate.The mechanism behind the translational regulation at these phase transitions is unknown. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are versatile players in the post‐transcriptional control of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and as such candidates for regulating translation during seed germination.Here, we report the mRNA binding protein repertoire of seeds during the GTS. Thirty seed specific RBPs and 22 dynamic RBPs were identified during the GTS, like the putative RBP Vacuolar ATPase subunit A and RBP HSP101. Several stress granule markers were identified in this study, which suggests that seeds are prepared to quickly adapt the translation of specific mRNAs in response to changes in environmental conditions during the GTS.Taken together this study provides a detailed insight into the world of RBPs during seed germination and their possible regulatory role during this developmentally regulated process.

Peri-endothelial cells, the versatile players in the alternating circular events of vascular growth and differentiation, a switch guided by lycat and cloche, fine tuning angiogenic responsiveness beyond linear hypoxia stimulation

Peri-endothelial cells, the versatile players in the alternating circular events of vascular growth and differentiation, a switch guided by lycat and cloche, fine tuning angiogenic responsiveness beyond linear hypoxia stimulation

Dendritic Cells: Versatile Players in Renal Transplantation.

Dendritic cells (DCs) induce and regulate adaptive immunity through migrating and maturing in the kidney. In this procedure, they can adopt different phenotypes—rejection-associated DCs promote acute or chronic injury renal grafts while tolerogenic DCs suppress the overwhelmed inflammation preventing damage to renal functionality. All the subsets interact with effector T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) stimulated by the ischemia–reperfusion procedure, although the classification corresponding to different effects remains controversial. Thus, in this review, we discuss the origin, maturation, and pathological effects of DCs in the kidney. Then we summarize the roles of divergent DCs in renal transplantation: taking both positive and negative stages in ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI), switching phenotypes to induce acute or chronic rejection, and orchestrating surface markers for allograft tolerance via alterations in metabolism. In conclusion, we prospect that multidimensional transcriptomic analysis will revolute researches on renal transplantation by addressing the elusive mononuclear phagocyte classification and providing a holistic view of DC ontogeny and subpopulations.

MiR-128 regulates epilepsy sensitivity in mice by suppressing SNAP-25 and SYT1 expression in the hippocampus

Epilepsy is accompanied by abnormal neurotransmission, and microRNAs, as versatile players in the modulation of gene expression, are important in epilepsy pathology. Here, we found that miR-128 expression was elevated in the acute seizure phase and decreased during the recurrent seizure phase after status epilepticus in mice. Both SNAP-25 and SYT1 are regulated by miR-128 in vitro and in vivo. Overexpressing miR-128 in cultured neurons decreased neurotransmitter released by suppressing SNAP-25 and SYT1 expression. Anti-miR-128 injection before kainic acid (KA) injection increased the sensitivity of mice to KA-induced seizures, while overexpressing miR-128 at the latent and recurrent phases had a neuroprotective effect in KA-induced seizures. Our study shows for the first time that miR-128, a key regulator of neurotransmission, plays an important role in epilepsy pathology and that miR-128 might be a potential candidate molecular target for epilepsy therapy.

IgA and FcαRI: Versatile Players in Homeostasis, Infection, and Autoimmunity.

Mucosal surfaces constitute the frontiers of the body and are the biggest barriers of our body for the outside world. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant antibody class present at these sites. It passively contributes to mucosal homeostasis via immune exclusion maintaining a tight balance between tolerating commensals and providing protection against pathogens. Once pathogens have succeeded in invading the epithelial barriers, IgA has an active role in host-pathogen defense by activating myeloid cells through divers receptors, including its Fc receptor, FcαRI (CD89). To evade elimination, several pathogens secrete proteins that interfere with either IgA neutralization or FcαRI-mediated immune responses, emphasizing the importance of IgA-FcαRI interactions in preventing infection. Depending on the IgA form, either anti- or pro-inflammatory responses can be induced. Moreover, the presence of excessive IgA immune complexes can result in continuous FcαRI-mediated activation of myeloid cells, potentially leading to severe tissue damage. On the one hand, enhancing pathogen-specific mucosal and systemic IgA by vaccination may increase protective immunity against infectious diseases. On the other hand, interfering with the IgA-FcαRI axis by monovalent targeting or blocking FcαRI may resolve IgA-induced inflammation and tissue damage. This review describes the multifaceted role of FcαRI as immune regulator between anti- and pro-inflammatory responses of IgA, and addresses potential novel therapeutic strategies that target FcαRI in disease.