Interaponeurosis shear strain modulates behavior of myotendinous junction of the human triceps surae.

Muscle fascicles insert into a sheet-like aponeurosis. Adjacent aponeuroses are structurally in contact with each other, and ultimately merge into a common tendon. Consequently, fascicle shortening in planes of tissue layers in adjacent compartments must cause sliding between aponeuroses parallel to the acting forces.

In vivo measurement of human rectus femoris architecture by ultrasonography: validity and applicability.

The architectural feature of the rectus femoris (RF) has been scarcely investigated despite its substantial contribution to knee extension torque and large plasticity in the muscularity. This study aimed to examine the reproducibility and validity of ultrasound measurements of RF architecture and interrelationships among the architectural parameters. After confirming the measurement accuracy of an examiner (measurement errors <1%), in vivo and cadaveric measurements of fascicle lengths and pennation angles of RF were performed.

[Influenza telephone consultation target the general public--2003-2004, 2004-2005].

The NPO Biomedical Science Association provided telephone consultation, including contacts by fax and email, targeting the general public within the framework of influenza control measures worked out by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW). We received 2,813 inquiries during the 2003-2004 flu season and 2,444 inquiries during the 2004-2005 season. By month, the highest number was in October-November, accounting for 42.