Genetics of muscle strength and power: Polygenic profile similarity limits skeletal muscle performance

Abstract

Environmental and genetic factors influence muscle function, resulting in large variations in phenotype between individuals. Multiple genetic variants (polygenic in nature) are thought to influence exercise-related phenotypes, yet how the relevant polymorphisms combine to influence muscular strength in individuals and populations is unclear. In this analysis, 22 genetic polymorphisms were identified in the literature that have been associated with muscular strength and power phenotypes. Using typical genotype frequencies, the probability of any given individual possessing an “optimal” polygenic profile was calculated as 0.0003% for the world population. Future identification of additional polymorphisms associated with muscular strength phenotypes would most likely reduce that probability even further. To examine the genetic potential for muscular strength within a human population, a “total genotype score” was generated for each individual within a hypothetical population of one million. The population expressed high similarity in polygenic profile with no individual differing by more than seven genotypes from a typical profile. Therefore, skeletal muscle strength potential within humans appears to be limited by polygenic profile similarity. Future research should aim to replicate more genotype–phenotype associations for muscular strength, because only five common genetic polymorphisms identified to date have positive replicated findings.     

The application of networks in basic computer science and information science research

A list of important criteria for research projects in computer network technology and the application of networking to basic computer and information science research is presented. Ten specific research areas deserving of support are identified. Brief snapshots of each of these research areas are given.     

On exploiting propagation delays for passive target localization using bearings-only measurements

For many cases, target localization accuracy can significantly improve by accounting for the propagation delay between the target source and the sensors. This paper considers when it is advantageous to compensate for the propagation delay for the case of a network of nodes where each node consists of an array of sensors. Each node calculates a direction of arrival (DOA) from the raw data, and these DOAs are combined to localize the target. First, we consider the case when no prior data are given and the localization occurs using DOA measurements from a single snapshot. Such localization methods are necessary to initiate a target track. Finally, we investigate the case where an extended Kalman filter is used to aggregate measurements over multiple snapshots.     

Attending to Diversity Representation Among Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Master’s Programs: A Pilot Study

Extant research has neglected to explore the diversity representation of counselor education programs. This pilot study sought to examine the extent to which CACREP-accredited master’s-level programs attend to the representation of people of color, individuals with dis/abilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), and transgender persons within admissions, enrollment, and graduation data. The findings indicated little consistency in the maintenance of students’ demographic characteristics among participating programs. The authors contend that counseling programs need to critically analyze their policies and procedures to ensure a responsive milieu for students from diverse backgrounds. Implications for the counseling field are presented.     

罗恩·阿泰斯特 心灵捕手

我是罗恩·阿泰斯特。 我生活在另一个世界里。你看不到的是,我可以钻进你的脑子里窥视你的思想,就像在赛场上做到的那样。     

Prevention of Substance Abuse: Can Museums Make a Difference?

After declining during the 1980s, use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is again rising in junior and senior high schools nationwide. A field-trip program developed at the Hall of Health (HOH) in Berkeley, California, attempts to reverse or lessen this trend by communicating in a museum setting the dangers of drugs and addiction. Pre-visit and post-visit surveys collected from 823 students in fifth through eighth grade showed the HOH program had an immediate, significant impact on statements of intent to use alcohol, tobacco, diet pills, downers, and inhalants as well as illegal drugs in high school. Two weeks after the field trip in a follow-up study of 172 students, those who initially intended to experiment with drugs still showed a significant reduction in their original intent (as indicated in their pre-visit survey) to use 12 of 15 drugs. The program may serve as a model for museums desirous of reversing the trend toward drug use by young people.