Mechanomyographic and electromyographic amplitude and frequency responses from the superficial quadriceps femoris muscles during maximal,eccentric isokinetic muscle actions

The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of gender and muscle (vastus lateralis = VL, rectus femoris = RF, and vastus medialis = VM) on the velocity-related patterns for peak torque (PT), mean power output (MP), mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude, electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, MMG mean power frequency (MPF), and EMG MPF during maximal, eccentric isokinetic muscle actions. Thirteen females (mean +/- SD age = 21 +/- 1 years) and eleven males (mean +/- SD age = 21 +/- 2 years) volunteered for this investigation. PT and MP were measured on a calibrated Cybex 6000 dynamometer at randomly ordered velocities of 60, 120, and 180 degrees.s-1, while MMG and EMG signals were recorded simultaneously from the VL, RF, and VM muscles. The results indicated no gender-related differences for the patterns of PT, MP, MMG amplitude, EMG amplitude, MMG MPF, or EMG MPF. Furthermore, no muscle-related differences were found for the patterns of MMG amplitude, EMG amplitude, or MMG MPF. The normalized values for MP and MMG amplitude increased from 60 to 180 degrees.s-1 (60 degrees.s-1 < 120 degrees.s-1 < 180 degrees.s-1). PT and EMG MPF remained unchanged across velocity, while EMG amplitude remained unchanged from 60 to 120 degrees.s-1, but decreased (approximately 10%) from 120 to 180 degrees.s-1. The findings indicated a close association between the patterns for MP and MMG amplitude, and a similarity between the patterns for PT, EMG amplitude, and EMG MPF across velocity. Therefore, the present findings suggested that motor unit recruitment (EMG amplitude), firing rate (MMG MPF), and muscle fiber action potential conduction velocity (EMG MPF) exhibited velocity-related patterns that were similar to PT production, while MMG amplitude was more closely associated with MP.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis> Ats1p interacts with Nap1p,a cytoplasmic protein that controls bud morphogenesis

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATS1 (-tubulin suppressor 1) was originally identified as a high-copy suppressor of class two -tubulin mutations and was proposed to have a regulatory role in coordinating the microtubule state with the cell cycle. Here, we show that Ats1p interacts with Nap1p, a cytoplasmic protein that regulates the activity of the Cdc28p/Clb2p complex. Loss of Nap1p results in a delayed switch from polar to isotropic bud growth. The delayed switch results in elongated buds. Nap1p and Ats1p interact in two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Both nap1 and ats1 cells have a Clb2p-dependent elongated bud morphology. Deletion of ATS1 partially suppresses the elongated bud morphology and benomyl resistance of nap1 mutants. Our results suggest Ats1p might regulate coordination of the microtubule state with the cell cycle through an interaction with Nap1p.Communicated by S. Hohmann     

Crosslinked chitosan: its physical properties and the effects of matrix stiffness on chondrocyte cell morphology and proliferation

Chitosan [beta(1-4)-2 amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose], the natural polyaminosaccharide derived from N-deacetylation of chitin [beta(1-4)-2 acetamide-2-deoxy-D-glucose], has been shown to possess attractive biological and cell interactive properties. Recently chitosan and chitosan analogs have also been shown to support the growth and continued function of chondrocytes. In the present study, chitosan substrates are crosslinked with a functional diepoxide (1,4 butanediol diglycidyl ether) to alter its mechanical property, and the viability and proliferation of the canine articular chondrocytes seeded on the crosslinked surface are further assayed. Of interest is the impact of substrate stiffness on the growth and proliferation of articular canine chondrocytes. Crosslinked scaffolds were also subjected to degradation by chitosanase to examine the impact of crosslinking on enzyme-assisted degradation. The hydrophilicity and compression modulus of the crosslinked surfaces were measured via contact-angle measurements and compression tests, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent staining were used to observe the proliferation and morphology of chondrocyte cells on noncrosslinked and crosslinked surfaces. The crosslinked chitosan was found to be nontoxic to chondrocytes and more hydrophilic. Its compression modulus and stiffness increased, which may improve the scaffold resistance to wear and in vivo shrinkage once implanted. The increased stiffness also seemed to serve as an additional mechanical stimulus to promote chondrocyte growth and proliferation. The cell morphology on crosslinked scaffolds seen by SEM and fluorescent stain was the typical chondrocytic rounded shape. The method proposed provides a nontoxic way to increase the mechanical strength of the chitosan scaffolds.     

Olfactory control of aggression in lactating female housemice.

Wild female lactating mice were tested for aggression toward strange wild male mice doused with either the test female's own urine (Owns), the urine of other wild females (Novels), or water (Controls). Treatment effects were assessed against an aggression index comprised of 5 different behaviors shown to be related by a factor analysis. Females aggressed more toward Novel-scented opponents than toward either Owns or Controls, the latter 2 conditions failing to differ statistically. It was concluded that an olfactorily-mediated mechanism controls the recognition of intruders by aggressive lactating housemice.     

Four Additional Questions for the Preparation Hypothesis

Archives of Sexual Behavior -     

Effects of Sex,Race, and Education on the Timing of Coming Out among Lesbian,Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the U.S.

Sexual identity formation or “coming out” as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) involves a complex process including both private realization and public disclosure. Private realization refers to the process through which an individual becomes aware of their LGB identity, whereas public disclosure reflects when an individual discloses their identity to another person. Sex, race, and class affect the timing of these processes across the life course. While extant research has identified the bivariate nature of these processes, we took a multivariate approach to understand the timing of these sexual identity milestones from a life-course perspective. Using data from the Pew Research Center’s 2013 Survey of LGBT Adults (n?=?1136), we considered how the timing of private realization and public disclosure of LGB identity is a sexed, racialized, and classed experience. The sample consisted of lesbians (n?=?270), gay males (n?=?396), bisexual females (n?=?342), and bisexual males (n?=?127). Results indicated that females uniformly realized and disclosed their identities at later stages in the life course, whereas individuals with at least some college education came out during their prime college-age years. We also found variation in timing between private realization and public disclosure for Black respondents, but not other racial groups. These findings provide insight into how organizations can develop specific programs that allow LGB individuals to safely explore their sexuality and provide support over the life course.

     

Red cell antigen stability in K3EDTA

Commercial blood grouping reagents are not approved for testing EDTA anticoagulated blood specimens that are more than 48 hours old. Many studies on the stability of blood group antigens in other anticoagulants have been reported, but none are available for EDTA. This study was undertaken to assess whether current commercially available blood grouping reagents give acceptable reactions with red cell antigens when the cells are stored for mended periods in EDTA We defined acceptable reaction strength to be 2+ (score 8). As expected, the A, B, and D reactions were very stable with red cells stored for 60 days. All antigens except Lea exhibited 2+ (score 8) or greater reactions at day 14, and at day 2 1 only the Lea, Fyb, and e antigens were less than 2+. On day 60, twelve of twenty-one antigens tested still exhibited 2+ or greater reactions. This study shows that antigen reactivity for red cells collected and stored in EDTA is at least equal to that for clotted specimens These red cells can be used for reliable antigen typing for at least 14 days, and even longer for most antigens.     

“It's just more personal”: Using multiple methods of qualitative data collection to facilitate participation in research focusing on sensitive subjects

BackgroundOften researchers use only one interview method within a single study. However, it is increasingly common for a variety of interview methods to be employed within a project. Providing choice to participants may facilitate recruitment, particularly when research focuses on a sensitive subject.AimThis paper aims to explore participants’ reasons for their choice of interview method in qualitative research focusing on a sensitive subject.MethodsQualitative data was collected from 12 participants regarding their choice of interview method (face-to-face, Skype, telephone or email) in a wider study investigating parents’ experiences following their child’s burn-injury. Interview data was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to analyse responses.ResultsParticipants most frequently chose to take part in an interview by telephone (n = 5), followed by email (n = 4), then Skype (n = 2), and face-to-face (n = 1). Four themes emerged suggesting that participants’ decisions to participate via a particular method were determined by personal convenience, their belief in their ability to be open with the researcher despite potential upset caused by the topic, their ability to get a “feel” for the researcher, and concern about giving adequate depth in responses.ConclusionsFlexibility regarding the ways in which participants can take part in qualitative research may improve participant access to research, recruitment, and response-rate. Although, the depth and quantity of data gathered using different methods can vary. It is important that researchers consider the procedures and appropriateness of using different methods of interviewing and what impact such methods might have upon themselves and their participants.     

The effect of the emotional intelligence education programme on quality of life in haemodialysis patients

AimThis study investigated the effect of the emotional intelligence education programme on quality of life of haemodialysis patients.BackgroundNurses need knowledge development regarding the impact of educational strategies on patients' quality of life suffering from chronic diseases.MethodsA pragmatic quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted with 47 haemodialysis patients attending a university hospital in an urban area of Iran. The patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 23) and control (n = 24) groups. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the Cyberia-Shrink Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form were used to gather data. The intervention group attended an educational programme on emotional intelligence that consisted of six-group discussion sessions. To ensure the continuity of learning and to measure the subsequent expected behavioural changes, the patients filled out the data collection tools six and 12 weeks after the completion of the education programme.ResultsThe mean score of quality of life in the intervention group was 39.94 ± 15.88 in pre-test, 44.87 ± 16.04 six weeks and 52.47 ± 16.07 at the 12 weeks after the intervention (p = 0.032).ConclusionThe consideration of emotional intelligence educational strategies by nurses requires its incorporation into pre-qualifying nursing degrees and professional development programmes. Nurse managers need to lead nurses for applying emotional intelligence in daily practice with the aim of providing an holistic patient care.