Interlaboratory EQA programmes realized in 2017 by Centre for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine

In 2017, the Center for Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine conducted, in accordance with the adopted annual schedule, 28 editions of interlaboratory tests as part of the general program and the central program. The general program included tests in the field of clinical chemistry, acid-base balance parameters and ISE electrolytes, hematology, coagulology and immunochemistry (basic, extended and cardiac markers). In the common chemical program, four editions of tests were carried out, evaluating 8 different control materials. The remaining programs were carried out with the frequency of 2 editions a year and evaluated only 4 different control materials, with the exception of the acid-base balance program and ISE electrolytes (6 control materials per year). General program tests were available to all MLD who performed routine testing of analytes within the scope of individual testing programs (over 1,500 medical diagnostic laboratories), and chemical tests under the central program, implemented for over 40 years, concerned about 250 selected laboratories. In all completed editions of the tests, a slight increase in the odometer of results assessed as correct according to the adopted assessment criteria was observed. In 2017, participants of the programs were provided with a new certificate format with annual regularity assessments and for the first time in a general program in the field of clinical chemistry, quality certificates were issued in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 15 December 2017.

Dynamic Sensorimotor Interactions in Locomotion

Locomotion results from intricate dynamic interactions between a central program and feedback mechanisms. The central program relies fundamentally on a genetically determined spinal circuitry (central pattern generator) capable of generating the basic locomotor pattern and on various descending pathways that can trigger, stop, and steer locomotion. The feedback originates from muscles and skin afferents as well as from special senses (vision, audition, vestibular) and dynamically adapts the locomotor pattern to the requirements of the environment. The dynamic interactions are ensured by modulating transmission in locomotor pathways in a state- and phase-dependent manner. For instance, proprioceptive inputs from extensors can, during stance, adjust the timing and amplitude of muscle activities of the limbs to the speed of locomotion but be silenced during the opposite phase of the cycle. Similarly, skin afferents participate predominantly in the correction of limb and foot placement during stance on uneven terrain, but skin stimuli can evoke different types of responses depending on when they occur within the step cycle. Similarly, stimulation of descending pathways may affect the locomotor pattern in only certain phases of the step cycle. Section ii reviews dynamic sensorimotor interactions mainly through spinal pathways. Section iii describes how similar sensory inputs from the spinal or supraspinal levels can modify locomotion through descending pathways. The sensorimotor interactions occur obviously at several levels of the nervous system. Section iv summarizes presynaptic, interneuronal, and motoneuronal mechanisms that are common at these various levels. Together these mechanisms contribute to the continuous dynamic adjustment of sensorimotor interactions, ensuring that the central program and feedback mechanisms are congruous during locomotion.

A Survey of Spectral Features in ISO SWS Spectra of AGNs

Various AGNs, starburst galaxies, and ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) are observed as part of the ISO-SWS central program of mid-infrared spectroscopy on bright galactic nuclei. Prototypical template sources are scanned over the full spectral range of SWS (2.5–45µm) in order to get a complete census of spectral features in this wavelength domain. As an example we present the spectrum of the Seyfert 2 galaxy Circinus. The application of results from this survey to the study of the nature and evolution of other galaxies can be demonstrated by an analysis of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy Arp 220.

Providing Continuity for Part-Time Graduate Students

Enrollment of part-time students is on the rise, and this is especially true for planning programs in regional universities which offer the Master's as a terminal degree. This change in student tenure requires rethinking of the delivery of educational services and the manner in which faculty respond to this changing environment. A series of program adaptations are presented, including the time schedule, course content, exiting requirements, advising, faculty productivity, and interpersonal relationships. But the need to provide continuity for the part-time student may be the central program issue.

Evidence for pattern generator control of the effects of spindle afferent input during rhythmical jaw movements

The following recordings were made during spontaneous rhythmic jaw movements in the anesthetized guinea pig: jaw movement in the vertical plane, electromyograms from the digastric muscle (a jaw opener), and intracellular recordings from motoneurons and spindle afferent fibers of the jaw-closer muscles.The rapid jaw-opening phase of these rhythmic movements is characterized by a marked increase in activity in the spindle afferent fibers of the jaw-closer muscles and a coincident pronounced hyperpolarization of the membranes of the jaw-closer motoneurons.It is proposed that the excitatory spindle afferent input evoked by passive stretch of the jaw-closer muscles resulting from a centrally programmed contraction of the jaw-opener muscles impinges upon closer motoneurons that have been hyperpolarized as part of the central program. The hyperpolarization inhibits the motoneurons and nullifies the effect of the spindle afferent input thereby assuring relaxation of the closer muscles and an unimpeded rapid jaw-opening movement.