Effects of Music Enrichment on Individually Housed Male New Zealand White Rabbits

The beneficial effect of music has been demonstrated in many species. Although commercially available music CDs intended for use with rabbits are available, these enrichments have not been critically evaluated to determine whether they reduce distress. In this study, we used an aging colony of male rabbits to evaluate how the provision of music enrichment affected the wellbeing of the colony. After 6 mo of music enrichment, the rabbits in the colony demonstrated a significant decrease in fecal cortisol, suggesting that their stress was reduced. Six months after removal of the music enrichment, the rabbits demonstrated a significant increase in fecal cortisol and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, suggesting that they werestressed. These findings suggest that music enrichment with a commercially available music discs for rabbits can be used toimprove the wellbeing of animals used in biomedical research

Selectivity and specificity: pros and cons in sensing

Sensing using specific and selective receptors provides two very different but complementary strategies. This Sensor Issues article will discuss the merits and challenges of specific sensors, and selective sensors based on synthetic arrays. We will examine where each has been successfully applied to a sensing challenge, and then look at how a combined approach could take elements of both to provide new sensor platforms

Tay-Sachs and its Prevalence in the Ashkenazi Jewish, French-Canadian, and Louisiana Cajun Population

The purpose of my study is to examine the molecular evolution of the HEXA gene and its implications to Tay-Sachs disease. Also, this study intends to compare and contrast the mutations that occur within the various populations at high-risk of developing this disease. My central concept is population genetics in which populations are compared among each other to identify patterns or possible causes of a particular phenomenon. Numerous research studies have been conducted to study specific popul ations for Tay-Sachs, such as the Ashkenazi Jewish population and the Indian communit y. In my study, I intend to compare and contrast the mutations occurring within these p opulations to possibly identify genetic relationships among the populations

Comparison of ventilatory measures and 20 km time trial performance

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(4): 640-648, 2017. Performance threshold measures are used to predict cycling performance. Previous research has focused on long time trials (≥ 40 km) using power at ventilatory threshold and respiratory threshold to estimate time trial performance. As intensity greatly differs during shorter time trails applying findings from longer time trials may not be appropriate. The use of heart rate measures to determine 20 km time trial performance has yet to be examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of heart rate measures at ventilatory threshold (VE/VO2 Plotted and VT determined by software) and respiratory threshold (RER of 0.95, 1.00, and 1.05) to predict 20 km time trial performance. Eighteen cyclists completed a VO2max protocol and two 20 km time trials. Average heart rates from 20 km time trials were compared with heart rates from performance threshold measures (VT plotted, VT software, and an RER at 0.95, 1.00, and 1.05) using repeated measures ANOVA. Significance was set a priori at P ≤ 0.05. The only measure not found to be significantly different in relation to time trial performance was HR at an RER of 1.00 (166.61±12.70 bpm vs. 165.89 ± 9.56 bpm, p = .671). VT plotting and VT determined by software were found to underestimate time trial performance by 3% and 8% respectively. From these findings it is recommended to use heart rate at a RER of 1.00 in order to determine 20 km time trial intensity

Nanoparticles in explosives detection – the state-of-the-art and future directions

No abstract available

Array-based “chemical nose” sensing in diagnostics and drug discovery

Array‐based sensor ‘chemical nose/tongue’ platforms are inspired by the mammalian olfactory system. Multiple sensor elements in these devices selectively interact with target analytes, producing a distinct pattern of response and enabling analyte identification. This approach offers unique opportunities relative to ‘traditional’ highly specific sensor elements such as antibodies. Array‐based sensors excel at distinguishing small changes in complex mixtures, and this capability is being leveraged for chemical biology studies and clinical pathology, enabled by a diverse toolkit of new molecular, bioconjugate and nanomaterial technologies. Innovation in the design and analysis of arrays provides a robust set of tools for advancing biomedical goals, including precision medicine

Detection of explosive markers using zeolite modified gas sensors

Detection of hidden explosive devices is a key priority for security and defence personnel around the globe. Electronic noses, based on metal oxide semiconductors (MOS), are a promising technology for creating inexpensive, portable and sensitive devices for such a purpose. An array of seven MOS gas sensors was fabricated by screen printing, based on WO3 and In2O3 inks. The sensors were tested against six gases, including four explosive markers: nitromethane, DMNB (2,3-dimetheyl-2,3-dinitrobutane), 2-ethylhexanol and ammonia. The gases were successfully detected with good sensitivity and selectivity from the array. Sensitivity was improved by overlaying or admixing the oxides with two zeolites, H-ZSM-5 and TS-1, and each showed improved responses to –NO2 and –OH moieties respectively. Admixtures in particular showed promise, with excellent sensitivity and good stability to humidity. Machine learning techniques were applied to a subset of the data and could accurately classify the gases detected, even when confounding factors were introduced

A Comparison of Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Single-leg Jump Take-offs and Double-leg Jump Take-offs in Indoor Collegiate Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) exist between single-leg take-off approaches (SL) and double-leg take-off approaches (DL) and if sex or positional differences existed in vGRFs in SL- or DL-style approaches. It was hypothesized that DL jumps would generate greater vGRFs, males would generate greater vGRFs in both styles, and middle blockers would have higher SL vGRFs while pin hitters would have higher DL vGRFs. Nine collegiate volleyball players (4 female; 5 male) (age: 20.44 ± 1.42 years; height: 186.02 ± 6.44 cm; body mass: 78.21 ± 10.63kg; body fat: 11.66 ±5.62%) were tested. An AMTI force plate collected vGRFs with three recorded trials per approach style per subject with randomization of jump-style order. The level of significance was set at p\u3c 0.05. No significant differences were found between vGRFs and position or SL and DL vGRFs. Males had significantly higher vGRFs overall compared to females (p=0.007). Male SL vGRFs were significantly larger than females (p=0.017). DL, relative SL, and relative DL vGRFs were not significantly different between genders. Height, mass, and body fat percentage had at least moderate correlations to combined vGRFs, and height moderately correlated to DL vGRFs. These results suggest that both takeoffs have similar enough force load to be interchangeable. Strength coaches may use both styles to train their athletes and improve neural integration. Positional jump loads during practice or games may be tracked interchangeably in style regarding the take-off phase