Motor Unit Discharges from Multi-Kernel Deconvolution of Single Channel Surface Electromyogram

Surface electromyogram (EMG) finds many applications in the non-invasive characterization of muscles. Extracting information on the control of motor units (MU) is difficult when using single channels, e.g., due to the low selectivity and large phase cancellations of MU action potentials (MUAPs). In this paper, we propose a new method to face this problem in the case of a single differential channel. The signal is approximated as a sum of convolutions of different kernels (adapted to the signal) and firing patterns, whose sum is the estimation of the cumulative MU firings. Three simulators were used for testing: muscles of parallel fibres with either two innervation zones (IZs, thus, with MUAPs of different phases) or one IZ and a model with fibres inclined with respect to the skin. Simulations were prepared for different fat thicknesses, distributions of conduction velocity, maximal firing rates, synchronizations of MU discharges, and variability of the inter-spike interval. The performances were measured in terms of cross-correlations of the estimated and simulated cumulative MU firings in the range of 0–50 Hz and compared with those of a state-of-the-art single-kernel algorithm. The median cross-correlations for multi-kernel/single-kernel approaches were 92.2%/82.4%, 98.1%/97.6%, and 95.0%/91.0% for the models with two IZs, one IZ (parallel fibres), and inclined fibres, respectively (all statistically significant differences, which were larger when the MUAP shapes were of greater difference).

Cellular and Subcellular Localisation of Kv4-Associated KChIP Proteins in the Rat Cerebellum

The K+ channel interacting proteins (KChIPs) are a family of cytosolic proteins that interact with Kv4 channels, leading to higher current density, modulation of channel inactivation and faster recovery from inactivation. Using immunohistochemical techniques at the light and electron microscopic level combined with quantitative analysis, we investigated the cellular and subcellular localisation of KChIP3 and KChIP4 to compare their distribution patterns with those for Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in the cerebellar cortex. Immunohistochemistry at the light microscopic level demonstrated that KChIP3, KChIP4, Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 proteins were widely expressed in the cerebellum, with mostly overlapping patterns. Immunoelectron microscopic techniques showed that KChIP3, KChIP4, Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 shared virtually the same somato-dendritic domains of Purkinje cells and granule cells. Application of quantitative approaches showed that KChIP3 and KChIP4 were mainly membrane-associated, but also present at cytoplasmic sites close to the plasma membrane, in dendritic spines and shafts of Purkinje cells (PCs) and dendrites of granule cells (GCs). Similarly, immunoparticles for Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 were observed along the plasma membrane and at intracellular sites in the same neuron populations. In addition to the preferential postsynaptic distribution, KChIPs and Kv4 were also distributed presynaptically in parallel fibres and mossy fibres. Immunoparticles for KChIP3, KChIP4 and Kv4.3 were detected in parallel fibres, and KChIP3, KChIP4, Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 were found in parallel fibres, indicating that composition of KChIP and Kv4 seems to be input-dependent. Together, our findings unravelled previously uncharacterised KChIP and Kv4 subcellular localisation patterns in neurons, revealed that KChIP have additional Kv4-unrelated functions in the cerebellum and support the formation of macromolecular complexes between KChIP3 and KChIP4 with heterotetrameric Kv4.2/Kv4.3 channels.

Mathematical Modelling of Mechanical Properties of Textiles Subjected to Tension

Mathematical modelling of textiles subjected to one-directional tensile forces is presented. The models include the straightening of fibres at the beginning, accompanied by the compression of neighbouring fibres, and finally the elongation of the material of fibres when the straightening stops growing. As the result of fibres stretching, the transverse compressive forces hold all the fibres together and are responsible for maintaining the friction forces. Two models are proposed: the rhombus, representing perpendicular fibres, and the helix, representing parallel fibres. The final equations describing both models are found to be the same. Calculations demonstrating the behaviour of the model under dynamic loading were performed. The results are illustrated graphically and discussed.

A unique exceptionally well-preserved pterosaur skull from the Crato Formation of Brazil

The posterior part of a skull from a tapejarid pterosaur was studied for the exceptional preservation of its soft-tissues. The specimen comes from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation of northeastern Brazil. It shows a peculiar soft sagittal crest that gives new information about the anatomy and the diversity of tapejarids. The specimen lies on five limestone slabs. The bony part comprised the posterior part of the skull, with the braincase and one complex of three dorsally oriented and associated bony crests. The crest consists of a huge and elongated parietal crest, a trabecular frontal crest, and an occipital spine. The specimen preserves the posterior parts of the nasoantorbital fenestra and orbit. The soft cranial crest is characterized by a multilinear dorsal crest with almost parallel fibres, which curve posteriorly. Pigment organelles – melanosomes – were observed in the crest as well as ‘hair-like’ fibres (pycnofibres). They present diverse shapes and sizes, suggesting diverse colorations for the soft tissues. The new tapejarid shares certain features with the tapejarids Tupandactylus imperator and “Huaxiapterus” benxiensis, which include an elongated parieto-occipital crest. Nonetheless, it differs from Tupandactylus imperator and Ingridia navigans by the following characteristics: absence of a suprapremaxillary spine, very dorsally oriented posterior crests, as well as a specific morphology for the soft crest. Our specimen can therefore be assigned to a new taxon of Tapejaridae, a group previously reported from the Crato Formation.

A unique exceptionally well-preserved pterosaur skull from the Crato Formation of Brazil

The posterior part of a skull from a tapejarid pterosaur was studied for the exceptional preservation of its soft-tissues. The specimen comes from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation of northeastern Brazil. It shows a peculiar soft sagittal crest that gives new information about the anatomy and the diversity of tapejarids. The specimen lies on five limestone slabs. The bony part comprised the posterior part of the skull, with the braincase and one complex of three dorsally oriented and associated bony crests. The crest consists of a huge and elongated parietal crest, a trabecular frontal crest, and an occipital spine. The specimen preserves the posterior parts of the nasoantorbital fenestra and orbit. The soft cranial crest is characterized by a multilinear dorsal crest with almost parallel fibres, which curve posteriorly. Pigment organelles – melanosomes – were observed in the crest as well as ‘hair-like’ fibres (pycnofibres). They present diverse shapes and sizes, suggesting diverse colorations for the soft tissues. The new tapejarid shares certain features with the tapejarids Tupandactylus imperator and “Huaxiapterus” benxiensis, which include an elongated parieto-occipital crest. Nonetheless, it differs from Tupandactylus imperator and Ingridia navigans by the following characteristics: absence of a suprapremaxillary spine, very dorsally oriented posterior crests, as well as a specific morphology for the soft crest. Our specimen can therefore be assigned to a new taxon of Tapejaridae, a group previously reported from the Crato Formation.

Coordination number for random distribution of parallel fibres

This paper presents the results of computer simulations carried out to determine coordination numbers for a system of parallel cylindrical fibres distributed at random in a circular matrix according to twodimensional pattern created by random sequential addition scheme. Two different methods to calculate coordination number were utilized and compared. The first method was based on integration of pair distribution function. The second method was the modified sequential analysis. The calculations following from ensemble average approach revealed that these two methods give very close results for the same neighbourhood area irrespective of the wide range of radii used for calculation.

Petroduric and 'petrosepiolitic' horizons in soils of Namaqualand, South Africa .

Indurated, light-coloured 'sepiocrete' horizons have been found in Namaqualand Calcisols and Durisols. These horizons resembled calcrete but were non- to only mildly calcareous, resisted slaking in acid and alkali, and often broke with a conchoidal fracture. The presence of elevated quantities of sepiolite in the bulk-soil was confirmed by XRD analysis. The degree of induration in some these horizons suggested cementation by silica, and so in this paper the slaking properties, bulk chemistry, mineralogy and micromorphology of these horizons are compared with the typical silica-cemented, reddish-brown petroduric/duripan (dorbank) encountered in the region. 'Sepiocrete' horizons are chemically, mineralogically and morphologically distinct from the petrocalcic and petroduric horizons with which they are commonly associated. Micromorphology of the petroduric horizons revealed prominent illuviation in the form of oriented clay parallel to grains and crescent coatings on voids, a red matrix due to iron oxides, and translucent, isotropic amorphous silica coatings on grains and voids. In the 'sepiocrete' horizons, sepiolite appeared as a matrix of interlocking, sub-parallel fibres while the amorphous material was localised. The amorphous material was silica-rich with prominent aluminium and lesser magnesium; light brown under plane polarised light; not completely isotropic and had a lower birefringence than the sepiolite. The calcite was usually micritic, but also appeared as loose granules and as elongate crystals in a sepiolite matrix. The presence of the laminar Si-Al -rich areas on the sections suggested at the least localised duric properties and so mutual reinforcement of sepiolite and silica is possible. However, the 'sepiocrete' horizons did not meet the slaking requirements of the petroduric (dorbank) horizons and are distinct in appearance to the typical petroduric horizons in the region. They contained more MgO than the region’s typical petroduric, and too little SiO₂ to be silcrete. While the '-crete' terminology provides a useful expression of the cemented nature of the horizon, in order to fit existing soil classification and description schemes the terms 'sepiolitic' and 'petrosepiolitic' (in the same sense as 'calcic' and 'petrocalcic') are proposed and defined. The term 'sepiolitic' would be useful in the adjectival form in petrocalcic or petroduric horizons where sepiolite is significant but not the primary cement. The genesis of the 'petrosepiolitic' horizons is likely to be essentially similar to that of petrocalcic and petroduric horizons, except for chemical differences in the matrix solutions from which secondary minerals were precipitated, dictated by the pH and evaporative evolution of the soil solution.

Analysis of the study of the cerebellar pinceau by Korn and Axelrad

The axon initial segment of each cerebellar Purkinje cell is ensheathed by basket cell axons in a structure called the pinceau, which is largely devoid of chemical synapses and gap junctions. These facts and ultrastructural similarities with the axon cap of the teleost Mauthner cell led to the conjecture that the pinceau mediates ephaptic (via the extracellular field) inhibition. Korn and Axelrad published a study in 1980 in which they reported confirmation of this conjecture. We have analysed their results and show that most are likely to be explained by an artefactual signal arising from the massive stimulation of parallel fibres they employed. We reproduce their experiments and confirm that all of their results are consistent with this artefact. Their data therefore provide no evidence regarding the operation of the pinceau.