Repeated high-intensity exercise modulates Ca(2+) sensitivity of human skeletal muscle fibers.

The effects of short-term high-intensity exercise on single fiber contractile function in humans are unknown. Therefore, the purposes of this study were: (a) to access the acute effects of repeated high-intensity exercise on human single muscle fiber contractile function; and (b) to examine whether contractile function was affected by alterations in the redox balance. Eleven elite cross-country skiers performed four maximal bouts of 1300 m treadmill skiing with 45 min recovery. Contractile function of chemically skinned single fibers from triceps brachii was examined before the first and following the fourth sprint with respect to Ca(2+) sensitivity and maximal Ca(2+) -activated force. To investigate the oxidative effects of exercise on single fiber contractile function, a subset of fibers was incubated with dithiothreitol (DTT) before analysis. Ca(2+) sensitivity was enhanced by exercise in both MHC I (17%, P < 0.05) and MHC II (15%, P < 0.05) fibers. This potentiation was not present after incubation of fibers with DTT. Specific force of both MHC I and MHC II fibers was unaffected by exercise. In conclusion, repeated high-intensity exercise increased Ca(2+) sensitivity in both MHC I and MHC II fibers. This effect was not observed in a reducing environment indicative of an exercise-induced oxidation of the human contractile apparatus.

Dynamic nozzles for drop generators.

In this paper, a novel mechanism allowing greater control over the formation of droplets is presented. This is achieved via the use of a dynamic nozzle of adjustable diameter. It is demonstrated that, by using such a nozzle, it is possible to greatly modify the formation and breakup of the ligament behind the main drop, leading to an overall reduction in the number of satellite droplets. Furthermore, by adjusting the delay between the beginning of the forming of the drop and the start of the nozzle constriction, a greater control over both the number of satellites and the size of the main drop can be achieved. It is also shown that only a minimal reduction of the nozzle's effective diameter is required in order to exploit the positive effects of the technique presented here. This opens the possibility of incorporating the technique into current droplet generator systems, e.g., via the use of piezoelectric driven nozzles or other micro-mechanical actuation technology.

The effect of incline on sprint and bounding performance in cross-country skiers.

AIM: Aim of the present study was to investigate performance and kinematics of cross-country skiers during sprint running and bounding on different inclines, in relationship to maximal strength, power and skiing performance. METHODS: On day one, the maximal strength of 14 elite skiers was tested using a mid-thigh isometric pull and maximal relative leg power determined using squat and countermovement jumps. Day two involved 15-m maximal sprints and 5-step bounding at 0º, 7.5° and 15º inclines. From video recordings sprint, step, contact and flight times; step length and frequency; total number of sprint steps and average bounding velocity were determined. Skiing performance was assessed using International Ski Federation (FIS) points from the preceding season and compared to strength, power, bounding and sprint performance, and kinematics. RESULTS: On steeper inclines sprint time was higher and bounding distance shorter (both P<0.001), and step frequency during sprinting and bounding, reduced and increased respectively (P<0.001). Isometric maximal strength correlated strongly with bounding distance on the two steeper inclines (r=0.76 and 0.83). Squat and countermovement jump heights correlated moderately with sprint performance at both 7° and 15°, and bounding performance on all three inclines (r=0.55-0.65). The distance bounded uphill correlated moderately with FIS points (r=-0.55 and -0.67). CONCLUSION: Incline influenced sprinting and bounding performance and kinematics. Maximal leg power is important for both sprinting and bounding uphill, while maximal strength is important for the latter. The skiers with better FIS rankings bounded farther on steeper inclines, suggesting that this capacity is beneficial for cross-country skiing performance.