In Pursuit of Chinese Music

<正>They already spent half a lifetime researching and promoting Chinese traditional music, and continue to do so today: Frank Kouwenhoven, a Dutch journalist, m...     

Injuries produced by contact with electric circuits

This paper discusses the results of a series of experimental investigations that have been conducted at The Johns Hopkins University on the effects of electric shock. Rats and dogs were used as the experimental animals. They were completely anesthetized before the experiments. Studies of the effects produced by electric current upon the nervous system and upon the heart are reported. Three types of circuits were used in the work, namely, direct current, alternating current, and the discharge of an impulse generator.In the first series of experiments, the effect of voltage was studied and it was found that low voltage alternating current circuits are much more deadly than direct current circuits of the same voltage. At voltages of 1,000 and higher the reverse is the case. In this work, the importance of the size of the animal as related to the injury was definitely established, larger animals being able to withstand a greater current than those small in size.The resistance offered by a body in an electrical circuit was determined. The resistance is made up of two parts—the contact resistance, and the ohmic resistance of the body proper. The resistances offered at the contacts are of the nature of a voltage drop and are largely independent of the current flowing. The importance of contact resistances in industrial accidents is emphasized.In a second series of experiments the effect of the current path through the     

Toward a more reflective teaching practice: Revisiting excellence in teaching

Excellence in teaching has always been a demanding and absorbing concern in institutions of higher learning. Earlier studies, which are numerous, have often dealt with the measurement of teacher qualities but have largely failed to explain the phenomenon of excellence in practice. This study focused on the outstanding professional teachers’ candid revelations of their subjective experiences of becoming and being excellent in their craft. Findings of the study indicated that love is the touchstone of excellence in teaching: that is, loving the students, loving knowledge and loving the teaching process.     

Fluid and electrolyte balance in elite male football (soccer) players training in a cool environment

There are few data in the published literature on sweat loss and drinking behaviour in athletes training in a cool environment. Sweat loss and fluid intake were measured in 17 first-team members of an elite soccer team training for 90 min in a cool (5°C, 81% relative humidity) environment. Sweat loss was assessed from the change in body mass after correction for the volume of fluid consumed. Sweat electrolyte content was measured from absorbent patches applied at four skin sites. Mean (?± s) sweat loss during training was 1.69?±?0.45 l (range 1.06?-?2.65 l). Mean fluid intake during training was 423?±?215 ml (44?-?951 ml). There was no apparent relationship between the amount of sweat lost and the volume of fluid consumed during training (r ² = 0.013, P = 0.665). Mean sweat sodium concentration was 42.5?±?13.0 mmol?·?l^?1 and mean sweat potassium concentration was 4.2?±?1.0 mmol?·?l^?1. Total salt (NaCl) loss during training was 4.3?±?1.8 g. The sweat loss data are similar to those recorded in elite players undergoing a similar training session in warm environments, but the volume of fluid ingested is less.     

Curative role of pantothenic acid in brain damage of gamma irradiated rats

Radiation induced brain damage is associated with impairment of mitochondrial functions, variations in the level of neurotransmitters, and oxidative stress. Mitochondrial function is closely linked to the level of neurotransmitters since the precursors are supplied by the Kreb’s cycle intermediates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pantothenic acid, an essential component in the synthesis of Coenzyme A (CoA), on the activity of the Krebs cycle enzymes, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH); the level of aspartic, glutamic and GABA; the activity of transaminases, and oxidative stress, in the cerebrum of γ-irradiated rats. Pantothenic acid (26 mg/Kg) was orally administered to the rats, 2 h after irradiation and during the following 5 days. Animals were sacrificed the 7th day post-irradiation. The exposure of male albino rats to γ-rays (5 Gy) has triggered oxidative stress notified by a significant elevation in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, associated to a significant decrease in the content of phospholipids, and the antioxidant compound glutathione (GSH). The activity of IDH, α-KGDH, and SDH, has significantly decreased, while the level of aspartic, glutamic and GABA has significantly increased. In parallel to these changes, the activity of alanine and aspartate transaminase has significantly increased, compared to their values in the control rats. Pantothenic acid treatment, has significantly attenuated oxidative stress; enhanced the activity of IDH, α-KGDH, and SDH; minimized the increase in the level of amino acids and the activity of transaminases, compared to their values in the cerebrum of irradiated rats. In conclusion, pantothenic acid could improve the level of neurotransmitters amino acids, which depends on the enzymatic activities of Krebs cycle and linked to oxidative stress.     

Validity and reliability of tests determining performance-related components of wheelchair basketball

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of wheelchair basketball field tests. Nineteen wheelchair basketball players performed 10 test items twice to determine the reliability. The validity of the tests was assessed by relating the scores to the players' classification and competition standard, and rating of coach and player. Six field tests' test-retest showed good reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.80-0.97), while the pass-for-accuracy, free throws, lay-up and spot shot showed weak to moderate reliability (ICC = 0.26-0.67). Most tests showed moderate to good validity (r > 0.60). The results suggest that wheelchair basketball field tests are reliable and valid with the exception of the shooting and passing items, which should be interpreted carefully.