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J van Velzen

Publications and source records attributed to J van Velzen.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of gaze direction on crossmodal modulation of visual ERPS by endogenous tactile spatial attention.

Recent evidence indicates that the spatial direction of endogenous covert spatial attention in one sensory modality can crossmodally influence early processing of stimuli in a different modality. However, spatial locations are initially coded according to different frames of reference for different modalities (e.g., body-centered for touch versus retinocentric vision) and postural changes (e.g., gaze shifts) will realign these. Here, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate how the direction of endogenous tactile attention affects sensory-specific visual ERP components. Critically, by manipulating direction of gaze, we were able to test whether any crossmodal effects depend on visual and tactile projections to a common hemisphere, on common locations in external space, or on some combination of the two. We found that both P1 and N1 visual components were modulated according to the direction of endogenous tactile attention. While the P1 crossmodal effect followed purely hemispheric constraints, the attentional modulation of N1 appeared to combine both anatomical and external spatial constraints.

Adult↗

Molecular evidence for an extinct parent of the tetraploid species Microseris acuminata and M. campestris (Asteraceae, Lactuceae).

To determine the origin of the tetraploid annuals Microseris campestris and M. acuminata, chloroplast RFLP, RAPD and ITS sequence variability among nine populations of the two polyploids and 14 populations of the diploid annuals M. elegans and M. douglasii have been surveyed. Previously described variable chloroplast restriction sites infer M. douglasii as the possible maternal parent of both tetraploid species. However, the chloroplast genome typical for M. douglasii has now also been found in some plants of M. elegans. RAPD analysis revealed 172 polymorphic DNA markers that defined all four species as genetically distinct groups, but demonstrated closer associations between M. douglasii and M. acuminata, and between M. elegans and M. campestris. Sequencing of the ITS-1 and ITS-2 region yielded 73 phylogenetically informative sites. Thirty basepair mutations separated the annual Microseris species from the outgroup, Uropappus lindleyi. The putative interspecific allotetraploid M. campestris contained only one type ITS sequence that, on the basis of eight synapomorphic substitutions was derived from M. elegans. The single ITS of M. acuminata shares six common sites with M. douglasii. Surprisingly, six sites were synapomorphic for the two tetraploids, M. campestris and M. acuminata, suggesting recombination within the ITS of both species with that of a common, now extinct, parental taxon, possibly the donor of the M. douglasii type chloroplasts found in both tetraploids. These results confirm the interpretation of M. campestris as derived from M. douglasii (extinct population) and M. elegans, and resolve the unknown origin of M. acuminata as an intraspecific hybrid between two very distinct populations of M. douglasii, one of them the same extinct M. douglasii form that contributes to M. campestris.

Base Sequence↗

Bicycle ergometry and speed skating performance.

A comparison between maximal power output during cycling and skating was made, and correlates of skating performance with bicycle performance and skating technique were investigated. Twenty-five well-trained speed skaters performed two bicycle tests and a 500-m and 1500-m ice skating race. The power (P) during skating is calculated from ice and air friction losses: at 500 m P500 = 344 +/- 60 W and at 1500 m P1500 = 283 +/- 65 W. Stroke frequency and pre-extension knee angle as principle determining factors of P were determined. The two bicycle tests (of 30" and 2'30" duration, maximal performance) yield P30C = 875 +/- 86 W and P2.30C = 420 +/- 52 W with VO2max = 4.76 +/- 0.45 l/min. The highest correlate of P500 as well as of P1500 appeared to be P30C, respectively, r = 0.78 and r = 0.85. Correlation coefficients between the power during skating and P2.30C or VO2max have a value of about 0.6. If the stroke frequency and P30C are correlated with the power during skating, then high multiple correlation coefficients are obtained: at 500 m R = 0.85 and at 1500 m R = 0.90. The correlation of P30C suggests that the interindividual differences of skating performance at 500-m and 1500-m distances can be attributed substantially to differences in anaerobic power. Yet, the predictive value of the bicycle test for speed skating performance is low. The difference observed between maximal power output during cycling and skating is discussed.

Adipose Tissue↗