Supramaximal cycle tests do not detect seasonal progression in performance in groups of elite speed skaters.

Seven female and eight male elite junior skaters performed cycle ergometer tests at four different times during the 1987/1988 season. The tests consisted of a Wingate-type 30-s sprint test and a 2.5-min supramaximal test. The subjects were tested in February, May and September 1987 and in January 1988. Maximal oxygen consumption was measured during the 2.5-min test. With the exception of the maximal oxygen consumption of the women in May which was about 6% lower than in the other three tests, no seasonal changes in the test results could be observed--this, in spite of a distinct increase in training volume (from 10 to more than 20 h.week-1) and training intensity in the course of the season. When the test data were compared to those of elite senior skaters, it appeared that the junior skaters showed the same values for mean power output during the sprint test [14.2 (SD 0.4) W.kg-1 for the men and 12.6 (SD 0.5) W.kg-1 for the women] and maximal oxygen consumption [63.1 (SD 2.8) ml.kg-1.min-1 for the men and 55.3 (SD 3.5) ml.kg-1.min-1 for the women, respectively] as found for senior skaters. It seemed, therefore, that the effects of training in these skaters had already levelled off in the period before they participated in this investigation. In contrast to previous studies, no relationship could be shown between the test results and skating performance. This was most likely due to the homogenous character of the groups (mean standard deviations in power and oxygen consumption were only 5%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of Visual Feedback-Induced Variability on Motor Learning of Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion

BackgroundIt has been suggested that a higher intra-individual variability benefits the motor learning of wheelchair propulsion. The present study evaluated whether feedback-induced variability on wheelchair propulsion technique variables would also enhance the motor learning process. Learning was operationalized as an improvement in mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique, which are thought to be closely related during the learning process.Methods17 Participants received visual feedback-based practice (feedback group) and 15 participants received regular practice (natural learning group). Both groups received equal practice dose of 80 min, over 3 weeks, at 0.24 W/kg at a treadmill speed of 1.11 m/s. To compare both groups the pre- and post-test were performed without feedback. The feedback group received real-time visual feedback on seven propulsion variables with instruction to manipulate the presented variable to achieve the highest possible variability (1^st 4-min block) and optimize it in the prescribed direction (2^nd 4-min block). To increase motor exploration the participants were unaware of the exact variable they received feedback on. Energy consumption and the propulsion technique variables with their respective coefficient of variation were calculated to evaluate the amount of intra-individual variability.ResultsThe feedback group, which practiced with higher intra-individual variability, improved the propulsion technique between pre- and post-test to the same extent as the natural learning group. Mechanical efficiency improved between pre- and post-test in the natural learning group but remained unchanged in the feedback group.ConclusionThese results suggest that feedback-induced variability inhibited the improvement in mechanical efficiency. Moreover, since both groups improved propulsion technique but only the natural learning group improved mechanical efficiency, it can be concluded that the improvement in mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique do not always appear simultaneously during the motor learning process. Their relationship is most likely modified by other factors such as the amount of the intra-individual variability.     

Bothriocephalus scorpii (Müller) (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) in turbot Scophthalmus maximus (L.) and brill S. rhombus (L.) from the southern North Sea

Turbot (11–70 cm long) and brill (21–70 cm long) were collected in the summer of 1968 north of the Brown Bank, Texel Hole and were infected by Bothriocephalus scorpii. Infections occurred even in the first year of life of the fish. In turbot, with increasing length, the average weight of tapeworm rose from 0–6 to 14-9 g/flsh. Brill were less commonly infected and then only slightly. The intermediate host of the tapeworm seems to be Gobius species, upon which juvenile turbot and brill prey most.     

A simple method for preparing thin (10 microM) histological sections of undecalcified plastic embedded bone with implants

A simple method for preparing undecalcified thin sections of bone with implants has been developed. After exposing a surface of bone and implant in a plastic block by sawing thick sections, the surface is stained prior to making a thin section. A glass coverslip is affixed with a thin layer of cement to the stained surface to stabilize the tissue and implant during sectioning. A mixture of glycerine and water is used as a coolant and lubricant. The orientation in situ is preserved allowing demonstration of bone architecture and cells, and the tissue-implant interface.     

Positive colloidal thorium dioxide as an electron microscopical contrasting agent for glycosaminoglycans,compared with ruthenium red and positive colloidal iron

Summary In electron microscopy Thorotrast has been used as a specific contrasting agent for acid glycosaminoglycans. Because of its high atomic number, thorium (Z=90) gives good contrast in the electron microscope, but at present it is less frequently used for this purpose. We prepared a positive colloidal solution of ThO₂ without stabilizers to compare its properties with those of ruthenium red and positive colloidal iron for contrasting fetal mouse epiphyseal cartilage. The results indicate that colloidal ThO₂, which is easy to prepare in any laboratory, gives better results than ruthenium red and colloidal iron do in this kind of cartilage. Furthermore, as judged from data in the literature and obtained in our laboratory, it penetrates this tissue better than Thorotrast does, probably because of the absence of stabilizers.     

Synthesis of novel paclitaxel prodrugs designed for bioreductive activation in hypoxic tumour tissue.

The syntheses and preliminary evaluation of the first potential bioreductive paclitaxel prodrugs are described. These prodrugs were designed as potential candidates in more selective chemotherapy by targeting hypoxic tumour tissue. Aromatic nitro and azide groups were used as the bioreductive trigger. Generation of paclitaxel occurs after reduction and subsequent 1,6-elimination or 1,8-elimination. All prodrugs are stable in buffer and indeed give paclitaxel after chemical reduction of the aromatic nitro or azide functionality. In aerobic cytotoxicity assays several prodrugs exhibit diminished cytotoxicity. These compounds are interesting candidates for further biological evaluation.     

M-MuLV-induced leukemogenesis: Integration and structure of recombinant proviruses in tumors

M-MuLV-specific DNA probes were used to establish the state of integration and amplification of recombinant proviral sequences in Moloney virus-induced tumors of Balb/Mo, Balb/c and 129 mice. The somatically acquired viral sequences contain both authentic M-MuLV genomes and recombinants of M-MuLV with endogenous viral sequences. All reintegrated genomes carry long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences at both termini of their genome. In the preleukemic stage a large population of cells exhibiting a random distribution of reintegrated M-MuLV genomes are seen, but during outgrowth of the tumor, selection of cells occurs leaving one or a few clonal descendants in the outgrown tumor. In this latter stage recombinant genomes can be detected. Although these recombinants constitute a heterogeneous group of proviruses, characteristic molecular markers are conserved among many individual proviral recombinants, lending credence to the notion that a certain recombinant structure is a prerequisite for the onset of neoplasia. The structure of these recombinants shows close structural similarities to the previously described mink cell focus-inducing (MCF)-type viruses.