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The aim of this study was to determine the effect of isometric pull down exercise on muscle activity with shoulder elevation angles of 60°, 90°, and 120° and sagittal, scapular, and frontal movement planes, by electromyography (EMG) of the latissimus dorsi, inferior fibers of trapezius, and latissimus dorsi/inferior fibers of trapezius activity ratio. Fourteen men performed nine conditions of isometric pull down exercise (three conditions of shoulder elevation × three conditions of movement planes). Surface EMG was used to collect data from the latissimus dorsi and inferior fibers of trapezius during exercise. Two-way repeated analysis of variance with two within-subject factors (shoulder elevation angles and planes of movement) was used to determine the significance of the latissimus dorsi and inferior fibers of trapezius activity and latissimus dorsi/inferior fibers of trapezius activity ratio. The latissimus dorsi activity and ratio between the latissimus dorsi and the inferior fibers of trapezius were significantly decreased as shoulder elevation angle increased from 60° to 120°. The inferior fibers of trapezius activity was significantly increased with shoulder elevation angle. The EMG activity and the ratios were not affected by changes in movement planes. This study suggests that selective activation of the latissimus dorsi is accomplished with a low shoulder elevation angle, while the inferior fibers of the trapezius are activated with high shoulder elevation angles.

The aim of this study was to compare muscular activation during five different normalization techniques that induced maximal isometric contraction of the latissimus dorsi. Sixteen healthy men participated in the study. Each participant performed three repetitions each of five types of isometric exertion: (1) conventional shoulder extension in the prone position, (2) caudal shoulder depression in the prone position, (3) body lifting with shoulder depression in the seated position, (4) trunk bending to the right in the lateral decubitus position, and (5) downward bar pulling in the seated position. In most participants, maximal activation of the latissimus dorsi was observed during conventional shoulder extension in the prone position; the percentage of maximal voluntary contraction was significantly greater for this exercise than for all other normalization techniques except downward bar pulling in the seated position. Although differences in electrode placement among various electromyographic studies represent a limitation, normalization techniques for the latissimus dorsi are recommended to minimize error in assessing maximal muscular activation of the latissimus dorsi through the combined use of shoulder extension in the prone position and downward pulling.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to measure muscle activation during ascending and descending phases of the push-up exercise on both stable and unstable support surfaces.Participants:Fourteen asymptomatic male amateur badminton players. During push-up exercises on stable and unstable bases, muscle activation measurements were collected with phase divisions (ascending and descending phase).Methods:Electromyography (EMG) was utilized to measure activation of the upper trapezius (UT) and lower trapezius (LT), middle serratus anterior (MSA) and lower serratus anterior (LSA), pectoralis major (PM), and triceps brachii (TB) muscles.Results:An unstable support surface produced significantly greater activation of the UT, LT, LSA, and PM muscles than a stable support surface (p < 0.05). The MSA, LSA, TB, and PM muscles demonstrated greater activation during the ascending phase than the descending phase of the push-up exercise (p < 0.05).Conclusions:The unstable support surface appeared to produce relatively greater activation of the LSA than that of the MSA. The descending phase of the push-up did not demonstrate a higher level of activation for any of the muscles tested.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sustained computer keyboard typing on the human musculoskeletal system by assessing the pressure-pain threshold (PPT), scapular position and activation of the upper trapezius. Methods: Vertical and horizontal positional changes of the scapular were measured with a palpation meter before and after keyboard work, and the PPT was measured using a pressure algometer. Activation of the upper trapezius during 20 minutes of computer keyboard work was measured by electromyography, and four consecutive 5-minute segments were analyzed. Results: The vertical distance from the seventh cervical process to the acromion, and the horizontal distance from the inferior angle to the same level of the spinal process were significantly increased after keyboard typing work compared with before keyboard typing work (p

Activation of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and triceps brachii muscles was measured, while center of pressure excursion beneath the hands was simultaneously monitored, during the performance of a push-up exercise on both a stable and an unstable base of support. The activation levels of all muscles were significantly greater for the unstable support surface when compared to those for a stable support surface (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between activation of the serriatus anterior muscle and center of pressure excursion (r = -0.64, p < 0.05). Performance of the push-up exercise on an unstable support surface appears to elicit greater muscle activation than a standard push-up exercise performed on a stable support surface.

We report a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based fluorescence quenching system via metal coordination for the simple assay of protease activity. Carboxy AuNPs (5 nm in core diameter) functioned as both quenchers and metal chelators without requiring further modification with multidentate ligands; therefore, they were strongly associated with the hexahistidine regions of dye-tethered peptides in the presence of Ni(II) ions, leading to notable fluorescence quenching over the varying molar ratios of dye to AuNP. Upon the addition of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), the fluorescent intensity was efficiently recovered in one-pot mixture especially at 10:1–100:1 molar ratios of dye to AuNP. Consequently, the dequenching degree was dependent on the MMP-7 concentration in a hyperbolic manner, ranging from as low as 10 to 1,000 ng mL−1. In this regard, we anticipate that the developed system will give us a general way to construct nanoparticle–dye conjugates and will find applications in the analyses of many other proteases mediating significant biological processes with low background and high sensitivity.

Background aims Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offer tremendous potential for therapeutic applications for inflammatory diseases. However, tissue-derived MSCs, such as bone marrow–derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), have considerable donor variations and limited expandability. It was recently demonstrated that MSCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) have less pro-tumor potential and greater expandability of homogenous cell population. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of iPSC-MSCs in a murine model of chemical and mechanical injury to the cornea and compared the effects with those of BM-MSCs. Methods To create an injury, ethanol was applied to the corneal surface in mice, and the corneal epithelium was removed with a blade. Immediately after injury, mice received an intravenous injection of (i) iPSC-MSCs, (ii) BM-MSCs or (iii) vehicle. Clinical, histological and molecular assays were performed in the cornea to evaluate inflammation. Results We found that corneal opacity was significantly reduced by iPSC-MSCs or BM-MSCs. Histological examination revealed that the swelling and inflammatory infiltration in the cornea were markedly decreased in mice treated with iPSC-MSCs or BM-MSCs. Corneal levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were lower in iPSC-MSC- and BM-MSC-treated mice, compared with vehicle-treated controls. In contrast, iPSC-MSCs with a knockdown of the TNF-α stimulating gene (TSG)-6 did not suppress the levels of inflammatory cytokines and failed to reduce corneal opacity. Conclusions Together these data demonstrate that iPSC-MSCs exert therapeutic effects in the cornea by reducing inflammation in part through the expression of TSG-6, and the effects are similar to those seen with BM-MSCs.

Purpose To compare the therapeutic effects of topical tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated gene/protein-6 (TSG-6) with those of cyclosporine and prednisolone eye drops in NOD.B10.H2 mice, a model for inflammation-mediated dry eye. Methods The 12-week-old NOD.B10.H2 mice were topically administered recombinant TSG-6 (0.1%) 4 times a day, 0.05% cyclosporine (Restasis) twice a day, or 1% prednisolone (Pred Forte) 4 times a day for 1 week. Aqueous tear production was measured by phenol red thread test, and corneal epithelial damage was observed with lissamine green and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Conjunctival goblet cell number was evaluated with periodic acid-Schiff staining. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in the ocular surface (cornea and conjunctiva) and intraorbital gland. The dose-dependent effects of topical TSG-6 (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1%) were tested. Results Tear production and goblet cell density were significantly increased in all groups receiving TSG-6, cyclosporine, and prednisolone. Corneal epithelial staining was markedly reduced by TSG-6 and cyclosporine but not by prednisolone. In prednisolone-treated eyes, corneal epithelial thickness was decreased, and apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells was increased. The levels of interferon gamma and TNF-α in the ocular surface and intraorbital gland were significantly repressed by TSG-6 and cyclosporine, and prednisolone treatment significantly reduced the level of interferon gamma. The effects of TSG-6 on the ocular surface and tear production were dose dependent. Conclusions Topical TSG-6 was as effective in inflammation-mediated dry eye as cyclosporine eye drops. Topical prednisolone suppressed inflammation but induced apoptosis in the corneal epithelium.

Effect of EMG-based Feedback on Posture Correction during Computer Operation: Se-yeon PARK, et al. Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Inje University, Republic of Korea—Objective: The aim of this study was to inves- tigate the effects of an EMG-based feedback device on the human musculoskeletal system by assessing the kinematics of the lumbar and cervical regions during computer operation. Methods: Using an EMG device, measurements were collected under four conditions: with feedback from the upper trapezius muscle, from the L4-erector spinae muscles and from both and with- out feedback (control). During periods of 15 min of computer operation, kinematic data were collected using the Zebris motion analysis system to investigate 14 university employees. Results: Feedback assessment effectively reduced the kinematic changes in the sagit- tal plane compared with the control (p

No studies have examined the effects of an unstable surface on push-up and push-up plus exercises in terms of the two parts of the serratus anterior muscle. We hypothesized that the lower part of the serratus anterior would have greater activity with an unstable surface, which requires stabilizing the scapular position. The present study was performed to investigate the intramuscular differences between parts of the serratus anterior muscle during push-up and push-up plus exercises. Twelve healthy subjects were included in the study. The upper and lower parts of the serratus anterior and upper and lower parts of the trapezius were investigated by surface EMG during four types of exercise. Repeated one-way ANOVA was used for statistical analyses. Maintaining the push-up plus phase caused significant increases in EMG activity of the upper serratus anterior compared with the push-up ascending phase on both of stable and unstable bases (P

A high prevalence and incidence of neck and shoulder pain is present in the working population, especially sedentary workers. Recent findings have indicated that the flexion-relaxation (FR) ratio in the cervical erector spinae (CES) muscles might be a significant criteria of neuromuscular impairment and function. Additionally, the active cervical range of motion (ROM) is frequently used for discriminating between individuals with pain and those who are asymptomatic. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between the active cervical ROM and the FR ratio in a sample of regular visual display terminal (VDT) workers. In total, 20 asymptomatic male VDT workers were recruited. Active cervical ROM was measured by a cervical ROM (CROM) instrument. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to collect myoelectrical signals from the CES muscles, and the FR ratio was calculated for statistical analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to quantify the linear relationship between the active cervical ROM and the FR ratio. The values obtained for the FR ratio in the right CES muscles correlated significantly with the active cervical ROM measured in flexion (r=0.73, p

Objectives Scapular winging and tipping are types of abnormal scapular kinematics, which is caused by not only the entrapment of peripheral nerve, but also imbalance of the scapulothoracic musculatures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of muscular imbalance in the middle and lower parts of the serratus anterior and upper trapezius in people with scapular winging and tipping. Methods Twenty male participants (age, 23.0 ± 1.92 y) were placed into symptomatic group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Participants completed two individual trials of a push-up plus, and a diagonal shoulder elevation, while electromyography (EMG) recorded muscle activity of the low and middle serratus anterior and upper trapezius. The root mean squared EMG values for three muscles were normalized using maximum voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC). The value was calculated using modified isolation equation for comparing activation of middle and lower serratus anterior (%isolation). Results During a diagonal shoulder elevation, the % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) data showed that the symptomatic participants had significantly greater activation of the middle serratus anterior compared to the control group (P = 0.01). During a diagonal shoulder elevation, the symptomatic participants had not only significantly increased %isolation of the middle serratus anterior, but also significantly decreased for the lower serratus anterior compare with the control group (p = 0.00). Conclusion Present result indicated that different muscle activation between middle and lower serratus anterior could represent in group with scapular dyskinesis, and need for selective activation of the lower serratus anterior in patients with scapular winging and tipping.

Apoptosis, which is anti-inflammatory, and necrosis, which is pro-inflammatory, represent the extremes of the cell death spectrum. Cell death is complex and both apoptosis and necrosis can be observed in the same cells or tissues. Here, we introduce a novel combined mode of cellular demise – caspase-dependent regulated necrosis. Most importantly, it is mainly characterized with release of marked amount of oligo- or poly-nucleosomes and their attached damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and initiated by caspase activation. Caspase-activated DNase has dual roles in nucleosomal release as it can degrade extracellularly released chromatin into poly- or oligo-nucleosomes although it prohibits release of nucleosomes. In addition, osmotically triggered water movement following Cl− influx and subsequent Na+ influx appears to be the major driving force for nucleosomal and DAMPs release. Finally, Ca2+-activated cysteine protease, calpain, is an another essential factor in nucleosomal and DAMPs release because of complete reversion to apoptotic morphology from necrotic one and blockade of nucleosomal and DAMPs release by its inhibition.

Background The etiology of the neck and back discomfort are highly associated with abnormal static posture such as forward head posture and flexed relaxed posture; such postures are regarded as the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Although, various ergonomic chairs and devices have been developed for computer workers, there are few reports of software that can alert users to their posture or work hours. Objective Purpose of the present study was to investigate the difference of kinematics of the neck and trunk segments as well as muscular activation between condition with and without posture related auditory cueing. Methods Twelve male computer workers were recruited in this study. A posture related auditory cueing (PAC) program used a media file that generated postural correction cue at intervals of 300 seconds. Surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of the erector spine and upper trapezius. Kinematic data were obtained using an ultrasonic three dimensional movement analysis system. Results The results showed that the means of trunk flexion and forward head angle were significantly reduced with PAC. The muscular activity of the erector spine and upper trapezius was significantly higher with the PAC and significantly lower without the PAC. Conclusions Our findings suggested that the software providing PACs is an ergonomic device with positive effects for preventing habitual poor posture and potential for widespread practical usage.

Objectives: This study investigated changes in craniocervical and trunk flexion angles and gluteal pressure on both sides during visual display terminal (VDT) work with continuous cross-legged sitting. Methods: The gluteal pressures of ten VDT workers, who were recruited from laboratories, were measured using a Teckscan system and videotaped using a single video camera to capture the craniocervical and trunk flexion angles during VDT work at 30 s, 10, 20 and 30 min. Results: The craniocervical angle was significantly increased at 10 and 20 min compared with the initial angle (p

The prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is high with computer workers, and poor sitting posture can be considered a factor contributing to low back discomfort. In the clinical literature, maintaining a neutral spinal curvature has been considered an optimal sitting posture. This study investigated the flexion and lateral flexion of trunk movements and trunk muscle activity during computer work with and without a posture-sensing air seat device (PSASD). By sensing a certain amount of increased pressure over the baseline, posture-related visual feedback was given to participants through the PSASD. Eleven regular computer workers participated in this study. PSASD had the function of alerting the subject to their poor posture by using visual feedback. Subjects performed 20 min of computer work with and without a PSASD. Surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of the erector spine and internal abdominal oblique. Kinematic data were obtained using an electrogoniometer. The results showed that the mean of trunk flexion and lateral flexion was significantly reduced with PSASD. The activity of the erector spine and internal oblique was significantly higher with the PSASD than without. Our findings indicated that the PSASD helps to prevent habitual poor posture by maintaining an erect sitting posture during prolonged computer work.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sustained computer work on cervical flexion, especially the upper cervical region. [Subjects] We recruited 11 sedentary workers who used a computer for at least 4 hours a day. [Methods] Total range of cervical flexion, upper cervical flexion, and their ratio were measured before and after 1 hour of computer work. [Results] The total range of cervical flexion was not significantly different between pre-and post-measurement. However, upper cervical flexion, and the ratio between the upper cervical flexion and total cervical flexion significantly decreased after 1 hour of computer work, compared to pre-measurement. [Conclusion] Sustained computer work affects the range of cervical flexion, especially in the upper cervical region.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a tight waist belt on the human musculoskeletal system by assessing sagittal pelvic kinematic data during the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver. [Subjects] Twelve asymptomatic males were recruited and three belt conditions were used during the STS. Sagittal kinematic data of pelvic motion were collected using a 3D motion-capture device [Results] The changes of the anterior pelvic tilt during the STS were significantly greater in the tight waist-belt condition than in the no-belt condition. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that wearing a tight waist belt increases anterior pelvic motion.

Development of effective cyclization reactions for the synthesis of carbocycles and heterocycles has been the subject of extensive study because of their relevance to medicines and other functional materials. Among the numerous methods available, the transition metal-promoted cyclization reaction has become one of the most popular. Although considerable efforts are still being devoted to the development of more efficient and practical catalytic systems, identification of true catalysts or utilization of new catalyst precursors is also important since all the key catalytic properties are inherently dependent upon the real catalytic species. Moreover, these studies may lead to development of new catalytic systems. Recently, we have found generation of an anionic rhodium species, [Rh(COD)Cl2] −, from the reaction of dimeric [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with dppe. 4 Thus, reaction between [Rh(COD)Cl]2 and dppe (1 equiv per Rh atom) in THF gave a yellow precipitate, and subsequent heating of the yellow solid above 120 C led to isolation of the well-known orange solid, [Rh(dppe)Cl]2. By the way, the exact composition of the yellow precipitate, a synthetic intermediate for [Rh(dppe)Cl]2, had not been reported until we recently solved its molecular structure by an X-ray crystallographic analysis (Figure 1). Thus, it was revealed that the intermediate yellow solid before heating was an ionic complex of [Rh(dppe)2] cation and [Rh(COD)Cl2] anion. Synthesis of the ionic complex would be attributed to a disproportionation reaction of the starting rhodium dimer. According to the literatures, the first report of this anion with a cation other than the present [Rh(dppe)2] cation appeared in 1957, but its crystal structure was solved thirty years later. While we studied chemistry of [Rh(dppe)2][Rh(COD)Cl2] (1), we realized this anion could be used as a catalyst precursor in many catalytic reactions. Herein, we report that [4+2] cycloaddition reactions with catalysts from a [Rh(COD)Cl2] anion precursor. The anionic rhodium species was prepared not only by the reaction of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with dppe but also by the reaction of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with PPNCl [PPN = bis(triphenylphosphoranyliene)ammonium] to study catalytic activity of Rh anion precursor. In order to confirm usefulness of the [Rh(COD)Cl2] anion as a catalyst precursor, catalytic intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of a dienyne was investigated as shown in Table 1. Both the complex 1 and an initially in-situ generated species from a reaction of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with dppe were inactive as catalyst precursors in the intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition reaction (entries 1 and 2). However, addition

The work function of an Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film can be increased via B+ ion implantation from 3.92 eV up to 4.22 eV. The ion implantation has been carried out with the ion dose of 1 × 1016 cm−2 and ion energy of 5 keV. The resistance of the B+ implanted AZO films has been a bit raised, while their transmittance is slightly lowered, compared to those of un-implanted AZO films. These behaviors can be explained by the doping profile and the resultant band diagram. It is concluded that the coupling between the B+ ions and oxygen vacancies would be the main reason for an increase in the work function and a change in the other properties. We also address that the work function is more effectively alterable if the defect density of the top transparent conducting oxide layer can be controlled.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends of research in music therapy through the analysis of studies from 1997 to 2005, and to make some directions for the future development of music therapy research in Korea. In this study, a total of 488 theses including master's and doctoral degrees, were analyzed by researchers' degree, publication resources, client population, research methods, and research objectives. The results of this study were listed as follows. First, the target theses were categorized as follows; 5 doctoral and 483 master's theses. In other respect, 276 were theses from music therapy programs and 212 were those from other programs. Second, regarding client population, 228 theses were about client with disabilities, 190 with non-disabilities, 29 with medical patients, and 41 others. Third, research methods of each thesis were categorized as 411 quantitative studies, 64 literature studies, 2 qualitative studies, and 11 quantitative-qualitative mixed studies. Fourth, in the target number of research, the field of emotion was the highest with 35%.

Development of effective cyclization reactions for the synthesis of carbocycles and heterocycles has been the subject of extensive study because of their relevance to medicines and other functional materials. Among the numerous methods available, the transition metal-promoted cyclization reaction has become one of the most popular. Although considerable efforts are still being devoted to the development of more efficient and practical catalytic systems, identification of true catalysts or utilization of new catalyst precursors is also important since all the key catalytic properties are inherently dependent upon the real catalytic species. Moreover, these studies may lead to development of new catalytic systems. Recently, we have found generation of an anionic rhodium species, [Rh(COD)Cl2] −, from the reaction of dimeric [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with dppe. 4 Thus, reaction between [Rh(COD)Cl]2 and dppe (1 equiv per Rh atom) in THF gave a yellow precipitate, and subsequent heating of the yellow solid above 120 C led to isolation of the well-known orange solid, [Rh(dppe)Cl]2. By the way, the exact composition of the yellow precipitate, a synthetic intermediate for [Rh(dppe)Cl]2, had not been reported until we recently solved its molecular structure by an X-ray crystallographic analysis (Figure 1). Thus, it was revealed that the intermediate yellow solid before heating was an ionic complex of [Rh(dppe)2] cation and [Rh(COD)Cl2] anion. Synthesis of the ionic complex would be attributed to a disproportionation reaction of the starting rhodium dimer. According to the literatures, the first report of this anion with a cation other than the present [Rh(dppe)2] cation appeared in 1957, but its crystal structure was solved thirty years later. While we studied chemistry of [Rh(dppe)2][Rh(COD)Cl2] (1), we realized this anion could be used as a catalyst precursor in many catalytic reactions. Herein, we report that [4+2] cycloaddition reactions with catalysts from a [Rh(COD)Cl2] anion precursor. The anionic rhodium species was prepared not only by the reaction of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with dppe but also by the reaction of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with PPNCl [PPN = bis(triphenylphosphoranyliene)ammonium] to study catalytic activity of Rh anion precursor. In order to confirm usefulness of the [Rh(COD)Cl2] anion as a catalyst precursor, catalytic intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of a dienyne was investigated as shown in Table 1. Both the complex 1 and an initially in-situ generated species from a reaction of [Rh(COD)Cl]2 with dppe were inactive as catalyst precursors in the intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition reaction (entries 1 and 2). However, addition