Validity of a Smartphone App Using Artificial Intelligence for the Real-Time Measurement of Barbell Velocity in the Bench Press Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Balsalobre-Fernández, C, Xu, J, Jarvis, P, Thompson, S, Tannion, K, and Bishop, C. Validity of a smartphone app using artificial intelligence for the real-time measurement of barbell velocity in the bench press exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): e640-e645, 2023-The purpose of this study was to explore the validity and within-session reliability of the newly developed My Jump Lab application (app), which uses artificial intelligence techniques to monitor barbell velocity in real time. Twenty-seven sport science students performed 5 repetitions at 50 and 75% of their self-reported bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) during a single testing session, whereas barbell velocity was concurrently measured using the app (installed on an iPhone 12 Pro) and the GymAware linear position transducer (LPT). A very high correlation was observed between devices at each loading condition (50% 1RM: r = 0.90 [0.82-0.97]; 75% 1RM: r = 0.92 [0.86-0.98]). Results showed trivial differences between the app and LPT at both 50% 1RM (g = -0.06) and 75% 1RM (g = -0.12). Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias estimate of -0.010 m·s-1 and -0.026 m·s-1 for the 50 and 75% 1RM, respectively. Finally, similar levels of reliability, as revealed by the coefficient of variation, were observed for both devices (50% 1RM: LPT = 6.52%, app = 8.17%; 75% 1RM: LPT = 12.10%, app = 13.55%). Collectively, the findings of this study support the use of My Jump Lab for the measurement of real-time barbell velocity in the bench press exercise.

Development of High Throughput Microscope Mode Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

This paper describes the development and initial results from a secondary ion mass spectrometer coupled with microscope mode detection. Stigmatic ion microscope imaging enables us to decouple the primary ion (PI) beam focus from spatial resolution and is a promising route to attaining higher throughput for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Using a commercial C60+ PI beam source, we can defocus the PI beam to give uniform intensity across a 2.5 mm2 area. By coupling the beam with a position-sensitive spatial detector, we can achieve mass spectral imaging of positive and negative secondary ions (SIs), which we demonstrate using samples comprising metals and dyes. Our approach involves simultaneous desorption of ions across a large field of view, enabling mass spectral images to be recorded over an area of 2.5 mm2 in a matter of seconds. Our instrument can distinguish spatial features with a resolution of better than 20 µm, and has a mass resolution of >500 at 500 u. There is considerable scope to improve this, and through simulations we estimate the future performance of the instrument.

Kinetics and Kinematics of the Free-Weight Back Squat and Loaded Jump Squat.

ABSTRACT: Thompson, SW, Lake, JP, Rogerson, D, Ruddock, A, and Barnes, A. Kinetics and kinematics of the free-weight back squat and loaded jump squat. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 1-8, 2023-The aim of this study was to compare kinetics and kinematics of 2 lower-body free-weight exercises, calculated from concentric and propulsion subphases, across multiple loads. Sixteen strength-trained men performed back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests (visit 1), followed by 2 incremental back squat and jump squat protocols (visit 2) (loads = 0% and 30-60%, back squat 1RM). Concentric phase and propulsion phase force-time-displacement characteristics were derived from force plate data and compared using analysis of variance and Hedges' g effect sizes. Intrasession reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). All dependent variables met acceptable reliability (ICC >0.7; CV < 10%). Statistically significant 3-way interactions (load × phase × exercise) and 2-way main effects (phase × exercise) were observed for mean force, velocity (30-60% 1RM), power, work, displacement, and duration (0%, 30-50% 1RM) ( p < 0.05). A significant 2-way interaction (load × exercise) was observed for impulse ( p < 0.001). Jump squat velocity ( g = 0.94-3.80), impulse ( g = 1.98-3.21), power ( g = 0.84-2.93), and work ( g = 1.09-3.56) were significantly larger across concentric and propulsion phases, as well as mean propulsion force ( g = 0.30-1.06) performed over all loads ( p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed for mean concentric force. Statistically longer durations ( g = 0.38-1.54) and larger displacements ( g = 2.03-4.40) were evident for all loads and both subphases ( p < 0.05). Ballistic, lower-body exercise produces greater kinetic and kinematic outputs than nonballistic equivalents, irrespective of phase determination. Practitioners should therefore use ballistic methods when prescribing or testing lower-body exercises to maximize athlete's force-time-displacement characteristics.

A Novel Approach to 1RM Prediction Using the Load-Velocity Profile: A Comparison of Models.

The study aim was to compare different predictive models in one repetition maximum (1RM) estimation from load-velocity profile (LVP) data. Fourteen strength-trained men underwent initial 1RMs in the free-weight back squat, followed by two LVPs, over three sessions. Profiles were constructed via a combined method (jump squat (0 load, 30-60% 1RM) + back squat (70-100% 1RM)) or back squat only (0 load, 30-100% 1RM) in 10% increments. Quadratic and linear regression modeling was applied to the data to estimate 80% 1RM (kg) using 80% 1RM mean velocity identified in LVP one as the reference point, with load (kg), then extrapolated to predict 1RM. The 1RM prediction was based on LVP two data and analyzed via analysis of variance, effect size (g/ηp2), Pearson correlation coefficients (r), paired t-tests, standard error of the estimate (SEE), and limits of agreement (LOA). p < 0.05. All models reported systematic bias < 10 kg, r > 0.97, and SEE < 5 kg, however, all linear models were significantly different from measured 1RM (p = 0.015 <0.001). Significant differences were observed between quadratic and linear models for combined (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.90) and back squat (p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.35) methods. Significant differences were observed between exercises when applying linear modeling (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.67-0.80), but not quadratic (p = 0.632-0.929, ηp2 = 0.001-0.18). Quadratic modeling employing the combined method rendered the greatest predictive validity. Practitioners should therefore utilize this method when looking to predict daily 1RMs as a means of load autoregulation.

Smartphone and Tablet Software Apps to Collect Data in Sport and Exercise Settings: Cross-sectional International Survey.

BACKGROUND: Advances in smartphone technology have facilitated an increase in the number of commercially available smartphone and tablet apps that enable the collection of physiological and biomechanical variables typically monitored in sport and exercise settings. Currently, it is not fully understood whether individuals collect data using mobile devices and tablets, independent of additional hardware, in their practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the use of smartphone and tablet software apps to collect data by individuals working in various sport and exercise settings, such as sports coaching, strength and conditioning, and personal training. METHODS: A total of 335 practitioners completed an electronic questionnaire that surveyed their current training practices, with a focus on 2 areas: type of data collection and perceptions of reliability and validity regarding app use. An 18-item questionnaire, using a 5-point Likert scale, evaluated the perception of app use. RESULTS: A total of 204 respondents reported using apps to directly collect data, with most of them (196/335, 58.5%) collecting biomechanical data, and 41.2% (138/335) respondents reported using at least one evidence-based app. A binomial general linear model determined that evidence accessibility (ß=.35, 95% CI 0.04-0.67; P=.03) was significantly related to evidence-based app use. Age (ß=-.03, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.00; P=.03) had a significant negative effect on evidence-based app use. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that practitioners show a greater preference for using smartphones and tablet devices to collect biomechanical data such as sprint velocity and jump performance variables. When it is easier to access information on the quality of apps, practitioners are more likely to use evidence-based apps. App developers should seek independent research to validate their apps. In addition, app developers should seek to provide clear signposting to the scientific support of their software in alternative ways.

Pooled Versus Individualized Load-Velocity Profiling in the Free-Weight Back Squat and Power Clean.

PURPOSE: This study compared pooled against individualized load-velocity profiles (LVPs) in the free-weight back squat and power clean. METHODS: A total of 10 competitive weightlifters completed baseline 1-repetition maximum assessments in the back squat and power clean. Three incremental LVPs were completed, separated by 48 to 72 hours. Mean and peak velocity were measured via a linear-position transducer (GymAware). Linear and nonlinear (second-order polynomial) regression models were applied to all pooled and individualized LVP data. A combination of coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient, typical error of measurement, and limits of agreement assessed between-subject variability and within-subject reliability. Acceptable reliability was defined a priori as intraclass correlation coefficient > .7 and CV < 10%. RESULTS: Very high to practically perfect inverse relationships were evident in the back squat (r = .83-.96) and power clean (r = .83-.89) for both regression models; however, stronger correlations were observed in the individualized LVPs for both exercises (r = .85-.99). Between-subject variability was moderate to large across all relative loads in the back squat (CV = 8.2%-27.8%) but smaller in the power clean (CV = 4.6%-8.5%). The power clean met our criteria for acceptable reliability across all relative loads; however, the back squat revealed large CVs in loads ≥90% of 1-repetition maximum (13.1%-20.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Evidently, load-velocity characteristics are highly individualized, with acceptable levels of reliability observed in the power clean but not in the back squat (≥90% of 1-repetition maximum). If practitioners want to adopt load-velocity profiling as part of their testing and monitoring procedures, an individualized LVP should be utilized over pooled LVPs.

The Reliability and Validity of Current Technologies for Measuring Barbell Velocity in the Free-Weight Back Squat and Power Clean.

This study investigated the inter-day and intra-device reliability, and criterion validity of six devices for measuring barbell velocity in the free-weight back squat and power clean. In total, 10 competitive weightlifters completed an initial one repetition maximum (1RM) assessment followed by three load-velocity profiles (40-100% 1RM) in both exercises on four separate occasions. Mean and peak velocity was measured simultaneously on each device and compared to 3D motion capture for all repetitions. Reliability was assessed via coefficient of variation (CV) and typical error (TE). Least products regression (LPR) (R2) and limits of agreement (LOA) assessed the validity of the devices. The Gymaware was the most reliable for both exercises (CV < 10%; TE < 0.11 m·s-1, except 100% 1RM (mean velocity) and 90‒100% 1RM (peak velocity)), with MyLift and PUSH following a similar trend. Poorer reliability was observed for Beast Sensor and Bar Sensei (CV = 5.1%‒119.9%; TE = 0.08‒0.48 m·s-1). The Gymaware was the most valid device, with small systematic bias and no proportional or fixed bias evident across both exercises (R2 > 0.42-0.99 LOA = -0.03-0.03 m·s-1). Comparable validity data was observed for MyLift in the back squat. Both PUSH devices produced some fixed and proportional bias, with Beast Sensor and Bar Sensei being the least valid devices across both exercises (R2 > 0.00-0.96, LOA = -0.36‒0.46 m·s-1). Linear position transducers and smartphone applications could be used to obtain velocity-based data, with inertial measurement units demonstrating poorer reliability and validity.

Microscope imaging mass spectrometry with a reflectron.

A time-of-flight microscope imaging mass spectrometer incorporating a reflectron was used to image mass-resolved ions generated from a 270 µm diameter surface. Mass and spatial resolutions of 8100 ± 700 m/Δm and 18 µm ± 6 µm, respectively, were obtained simultaneously by using pulsed extraction differential acceleration ion optical focusing to create a pseudo-source plane for a single-stage gridless reflectron. The obtainable mass resolution was limited only by the response time of the position-sensitive detector and, according to simulations, could potentially reach 30 200 ± 2900 m/Δm. The spatial resolution can be further improved at the expense of the mass resolution to at least 6 µm by increasing the applied extraction field. An event-triggered fast imaging sensor was additionally used to record ion images for each time-of-flight peak resolved during an experimental cycle, demonstrating the high-throughput capability of the instrument.

Correction to: The Effectiveness of Two Methods of Prescribing Load on Maximal Strength Development: A Systematic Review.

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The Effectiveness of Two Methods of Prescribing Load on Maximal Strength Development: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Optimal prescription of resistance exercise load (kg) is essential for the development of maximal strength. Two methods are commonly used in practice with no clear consensus on the most effective approach for the improvement of maximal strength. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this review was to compare the effectiveness of percentage 1RM (% 1RM) and repetition maximum targets (RM) as load prescription methods for the development of maximal strength. METHODS: Electronic database searches of MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and CINAHL Complete were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion if a direct measure of maximal strength was used, a non-training control group was a comparator, the training intervention was > 4 weeks in duration and was replicable, and participants were defined as healthy and between the ages of 18-40. Methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Percentage change (%) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all strength-based training groups were calculated. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was reported from each study. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies comprising a total of 761 participants (585 males and 176 females) were found to meet the inclusion criteria. 12 studies were returned for % 1RM, with 10 for RM. All studies showed statistically significant improvements in maximal strength in the training groups (31.3 ± 21.9%; 95% CI 33.1-29.5%). The mean quality rating for all studies was 17.7 ± 2.3. Four studies achieved a good methodological rating, with the remainder classified as moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Both % 1RM and RM are effective tools for improving maximal strength. % 1RM appears to be a better prescriptive method than RM potentially due to a more sophisticated management of residual fatigue. However, large heterogeneity was present within this data. Lower body and multi-joint exercises appear to be more appropriate for developing maximal strength. Greater consensus is required in defining optimal training prescriptions, physiological adaptations, and training status.

2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.

The guidelines are an update and extension of the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines published in 2012. A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the dog's lifespan into five stages (puppy, young adult, mature adult, senior, and end of life) instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their dog's maturation and aging process and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, lifelong healthcare strategy. The guidelines provide the following recommendations for managing 10 health-related factors at each of the first four canine life stages: lifestyle effect on the patient's safety, zoonotic and human safety risk, behavior, nutrition, parasite control, vaccination, dental health, reproduction, breed-specific conditions, and a baseline diagnostic profile.

MIBI-TOF: A multiplexed imaging platform relates cellular phenotypes and tissue structure.

Understanding tissue structure and function requires tools that quantify the expression of multiple proteins while preserving spatial information. Here, we describe MIBI-TOF (multiplexed ion beam imaging by time of flight), an instrument that uses bright ion sources and orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry to image metal-tagged antibodies at subcellular resolution in clinical tissue sections. We demonstrate quantitative, full periodic table coverage across a five-log dynamic range, imaging 36 labeled antibodies simultaneously with histochemical stains and endogenous elements. We image fields of view up to 800 µm × 800 µm at resolutions down to 260 nm with sensitivities approaching single-molecule detection. We leverage these properties to interrogate intrapatient heterogeneity in tumor organization in triple-negative breast cancer, revealing regional variability in tumor cell phenotypes in contrast to a structured immune response. Given its versatility and sample back-compatibility, MIBI-TOF is positioned to leverage existing annotated, archival tissue cohorts to explore emerging questions in cancer, immunology, and neurobiology.

Comparison of the Effects of Velocity-Based Training Methods and Traditional 1RM-Percent-Based Training Prescription on Acute Kinetic and Kinematic Variables.

PURPOSE: To compare kinetic and kinematic data from 3 different velocity-based training sessions and a 1-repetition-maximum (1RM)-percent-based training (PBT) session using full-depth, free-weight back squats with maximal concentric effort. METHODS: Fifteen strength-trained men performed 4 randomized resistance-training sessions 96 h apart: PBT session involved 5 sets of 5 repetitions using 80% 1RM; load-velocity profile (LVP) session contained 5 sets of 5 repetitions with a load that could be adjusted to achieve a target velocity established from an individualized LVP equation at 80% 1RM; fixed sets 20% velocity loss threshold (FSVL20) session consisted of 5 sets at 80% 1RM, but sets were terminated once the mean velocity (MV) dropped below 20% of the threshold velocity or when 5 repetitions were completed per set; and variable sets 20% velocity loss threshold session comprised 25 repetitions in total, but participants performed as many repetitions in a set as possible until the 20% velocity loss threshold was exceeded. RESULTS: When averaged across all repetitions, MV and peak velocity (PV) were significantly (P < .05) faster during the LVP (MV effect size [ES] = 1.05; PV ES = 1.12) and FSVL20 (MV ES = 0.81; PV ES = 0.98) sessions compared with PBT. Mean time under tension (TUT) and concentric TUT were significantly less during the LVP sessions compared with PBT. The FSVL20 sessions had significantly less repetitions, total TUT, and concentric TUT than PBT. No significant differences were found for all other measurements between any of the sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Velocity-based training permits faster velocities and avoids additional unnecessary mechanical stress but maintains similar measures of force and power output compared with strength-oriented PBT in a single training session.

Radio Transmitter Implantation and Movement in the Wild Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus ).

Radiotelemetry transmitters have become critical to studies of wildlife ecology. However, little is known about how transmitter implantation surgery affects the mobility of some species, including the timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus . Tracking snake movement can provide insights into the effects of transmitter implantation. During 2007-11, 71 radio transmitters were surgically implanted intracoelomically in 47 timber rattlesnakes. Over 20 of these snakes underwent surgery at least twice in 5 yr to replace old transmitters. Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia with a local nerve block at the site of implantation, 20 cm cranial to the cloaca. Snakes were also administered postsurgical meloxicam and enrofloxacin every 24 h for three doses. Two to five days after surgery, snakes were released at their original locations and radiotracked regularly during the active seasons (April-October 2007-11). Average daily movement data (distance traveled) were compiled for each snake. Snakes undergoing transmitter surgery in a given year did not differ significantly in distance traveled compared to snakes that had transmitters but did not have surgery in that year. Distance traveled for each snake did not differ before or after surgery or between weeks 1 and 2 postsurgery, indicating that the transmitter implantation did not alter snake movement.

Combining powers of linkage and association mapping for precise dissection of QTL controlling resistance to gray leaf spot disease in maize (Zea mays L.).

BACKGROUND: Gray Leaf Spot (GLS causal agents Cercospora zeae-maydis and Cercospora zeina) is one of the most important foliar diseases of maize in all areas where the crop is being cultivated. Although in the USA the situation with GLS severity is not as critical as in sub-Saharan Africa or Brazil, the evidence of climate change, increasing corn monoculture as well as the narrow genetic base of North American resistant germplasm can turn the disease into a serious threat to US corn production. The development of GLS resistant cultivars is one way to control the disease. In this study we combined the high QTL detection power of genetic linkage mapping with the high resolution power of genome-wide association study (GWAS) to precisely dissect QTL controlling GLS resistance and identify closely linked molecular markers for robust marker-assisted selection and trait introgression. RESULTS: Using genetic linkage analysis with a small bi-parental mapping population, we identified four GLS resistance QTL on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, and 8, which were validated by GWAS. GWAS enabled us to dramatically increase the resolution within the confidence intervals of the above-mentioned QTL. Particularly, GWAS revealed that QTLGLSchr8, detected by genetic linkage mapping as a locus with major effect, was likely represented by two QTL with smaller effects. Conducted in parallel, GWAS of days-to-silking demonstrated the co-localization of flowering time QTL with GLS resistance QTL on chromosome 7 indicating that either QTLGLSchr7 is a flowering time QTL or it is a GLS resistance QTL that co-segregates with the latter. As a result, this genetic linkage - GWAS hybrid mapping system enabled us to identify one novel GLS resistance QTL (QTLGLSchr8a) and confirm with more refined positions four more previously mapped QTL (QTLGLSchr1, QTLGLSchr6, QTLGLSchr7, and QTLGLSchr8b). Through the novel Single Donor vs. Elite Panel method we were able to identify within QTL confidence intervals SNP markers that would be suitable for marker-assisted selection of gray leaf spot resistant genotypes containing the above-mentioned GLS resistance QTL. CONCLUSION: The application of a genetic linkage - GWAS hybrid mapping system enabled us to dramatically increase the resolution within the confidence interval of GLS resistance QTL by-passing labor- and time-intensive fine mapping. This method appears to have a great potential to accelerate the pace of QTL mapping projects. It is universal and can be used in the QTL mapping projects in any crops.

Locally rigid, vessel-based registration for laparoscopic liver surgery.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic liver resection has significant advantages over open surgery due to less patient trauma and faster recovery times, yet is difficult for most lesions due to the restricted field of view and lack of haptic feedback. Image guidance provides a potential solution but is challenging in a soft deforming organ such as the liver. In this paper, we therefore propose a laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) image guidance system and study the feasibility of a locally rigid registration for laparoscopic liver surgery. METHODS: We developed a real-time segmentation method to extract vessel centre points from calibrated, freehand, electromagnetically tracked, 2D LUS images. Using landmark-based initial registration and an optional iterative closest point (ICP) point-to-line registration, a vessel centre-line model extracted from preoperative computed tomography (CT) is registered to the ultrasound data during surgery. RESULTS: Using the locally rigid ICP method, the RMS residual error when registering to a phantom was 0.7 mm, and the mean target registration error (TRE) for two in vivo porcine studies was 3.58 and 2.99 mm, respectively. Using the locally rigid landmark-based registration method gave a mean TRE of 4.23 mm using vessel centre lines derived from CT scans taken with pneumoperitoneum and 6.57 mm without pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: In this paper we propose a practical image-guided surgery system based on locally rigid registration of a CT-derived model to vascular structures located with LUS. In a physical phantom and during porcine laparoscopic liver resection, we demonstrate accuracy of target location commensurate with surgical requirements. We conclude that locally rigid registration could be sufficient for practically useful image guidance in the near future.

The NifTK software platform for image-guided interventions: platform overview and NiftyLink messaging.

PURPOSE: To perform research in image-guided interventions, researchers need a wide variety of software components, and assembling these components into a flexible and reliable system can be a challenging task. In this paper, the NifTK software platform is presented. A key focus has been high-performance streaming of stereo laparoscopic video data, ultrasound data and tracking data simultaneously. METHODS: A new messaging library called NiftyLink is introduced that uses the OpenIGTLink protocol and provides the user with easy-to-use asynchronous two-way messaging, high reliability and comprehensive error reporting. A small suite of applications called NiftyGuide has been developed, containing lightweight applications for grabbing data, currently from position trackers and ultrasound scanners. These applications use NiftyLink to stream data into NiftyIGI, which is a workstation-based application, built on top of MITK, for visualisation and user interaction. Design decisions, performance characteristics and initial applications are described in detail. NiftyLink was tested for latency when transmitting images, tracking data, and interleaved imaging and tracking data. RESULTS: NiftyLink can transmit tracking data at 1,024 frames per second (fps) with latency of 0.31 milliseconds, and 512 KB images with latency of 6.06 milliseconds at 32 fps. NiftyIGI was tested, receiving stereo high-definition laparoscopic video at 30 fps, tracking data from 4 rigid bodies at 20-30 fps and ultrasound data at 20 fps with rendering refresh rates between 2 and 20 Hz with no loss of user interaction. CONCLUSION: These packages form part of the NifTK platform and have proven to be successful in a variety of image-guided surgery projects. Code and documentation for the NifTK platform are available from http://www.niftk.org . NiftyLink is provided open-source under a BSD license and available from http://github.com/NifTK/NiftyLink . The code for this paper is tagged IJCARS-2014.

A truncated FatB resulting from a single nucleotide insertion is responsible for reducing saturated fatty acids in maize seed oil.

KEY MESSAGE: We identified a G-nucleotide insertion in a maize FatB responsible for reducing saturated fatty acids through QTL mapping and map-based cloning and developed an allele-specific DNA marker for molecular breeding. Vegetable oils with reduced saturated fatty acids have signficant health benefits. SRS72NE, a Dow AgroSciences proprietory maize inbred line, was found to contain signficantly reduced levels of palmitic acid and total saturated fatty acids in seed oil when compared to other common inbreds. Using F2 and F3 populations derived from a cross between SRS72NE and a normal inbred SLN74, we have demonstrated that the reduced saturated fatty acid phenotype in SRS72NE is controlled by a single QTL on chromosome 9 that explains 79.1 % of palmitic acid and 79.6 % total saturated fatty acid variations. The QTL was mapped to an interval of 105 kb that contains one single gene, a type B fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase (ZmFatB; GRMZM5G829544). ZmFatB alleles from SRS72NE and common inbreds were cloned and sequenced. SRS72NE fatb allele contains a single nucleotide (G) insertion in the 6th exon, which creates a premature stop codon 22 base pairs down stream. As a result, ZmFatB protein from SRS72NE is predicted to contain eight altered and 90 deleted amino acids at its C-terminus. Because the affected region is part of the conserved acyl-ACP thioesterase catalytic domain, the truncated ZmFatB in SRS72NE is likely non-functional. We also show that fatb RNA level in SRS72NE is reduced by 4.4-fold when compared to the normal allele SNL74. A high throughput DNA assay capable of differentiating the normal and reduced saturate fatty acid alleles has been developed and can be used for accelerated molecular breeding.

Toward detection and localization of instruments in minimally invasive surgery.

Methods for detecting and localizing surgical instruments in laparoscopic images are an important element of advanced robotic and computer-assisted interventions. Robotic joint encoders and sensors integrated or mounted on the instrument can provide information about the tool's position, but this often has inaccuracy when transferred to the surgeon's point of view. Vision sensors are currently a promising approach for determining the position of instruments in the coordinate frame of the surgical camera. In this study, we propose a vision algorithm for localizing the instrument's pose in 3-D leaving only rotation in the axis of the tool's shaft as an ambiguity. We propose a probabilistic supervised classification method to detect pixels in laparoscopic images that belong to surgical tools. We then use the classifier output to initialize an energy minimization algorithm for estimating the pose of a prior 3-D model of the instrument within a level set framework. We show that the proposed method is robust against noise using simulated data and we perform quantitative validation of the algorithm compared to ground truth obtained using an optical tracker. Finally, we demonstrate the practical application of the technique on in vivo data from minimally invasive surgery with traditional laparoscopic and robotic instruments.

Effects of ultracentrifugation on plasma biochemical values of prefledged wild peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in northeastern Illinois.

Centrifugation is performed on whole blood samples to obtain serum or plasma for biochemical analysis. Although blood samples centrifuged in a microhematocrit tube may maximize recovery of plasma from small-volume samples, plasma biochemical values from such samples have been implicated as causing erroneous results. To compare blood biochemical values obtained by microhematocrit centrifugation and centrifugation with a commercial tilt-rotor machine, blood samples were collected from peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eyases aged 32-40 days (n=51). The samples were separated into 2 equal aliquots with 1 aliquot centrifuged in a tilt-rotor machine and the other aliquot ultracentrifuged in microhematocrit tubes. Separated plasma from both processes was sent to a commercial veterinary reference laboratory for routine clinical biochemical analysis. No significant differences were found in the biochemical results of the paired samples by the 2 centrifugation methods. These results show that the centrifugation method has no effect on the plasma quality for biochemical analysis in young peregrine falcons.