No abstract

Recent studies have indicated that hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) have the capacity to form cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we further examined the cardiac competence of HPCs by asking whether these cells by themselves can be provoked to undergo cardiac differentiation. Our data indicate that in response to growth factor treatment, HPCs from avian bone marrow (BM) can undergo cardiac differentiation, as indicated by their expression of multiple cardiac transcription factors and sarcomeric proteins. Furthermore, coculture experiments with adult mouse BM cells and embryonic heart tissue confirmed that HPCs are able to both integrate into cardiac tissue and differentiate into cardiomyocytes. In an additional set of experiments, we investigated whether other hematopoietic populations might possess cardiac potential by examining whether blood cells that normally are recruited to damaged tissue might act as a source of newly generated cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, macrophages cocultured with cardiac explants also demonstrated an ability to integrate into contractile heart tissue and undergo cardiac differentiation. Thus, our data suggest that the capacity of blood cells to transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes is not limited to classically defined hematopoietic progenitors. Anat Rec Part A 274A: 870 -882, 2003.

At present, there is only a theoretical understanding of the role of meta-attention in golf and there is no research that studies the real-time cognitive processes that construct metaattention. Therefore, this study sought to explore the real-time meta-attentional processes experienced by golfers within a performance as this would develop a further understanding of concentration during performance. Seven intermediate level golfers (Handicap M = 14.43) performed over 6 holes using Think Aloud (TA) Level 3. Players' verbalisations were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then were subjected to verbal protocol analysis. Analysis revealed several metacognitions, control strategies and game situation thoughts during performance. Attentional metacognitions varied by the shot, however, consistent control routines were used throughout. The insights into meta-attentional processes captured lend support to the theoretical understanding of meta-attention, and show that golfers tended to externalise their attentional focus during performance, additionally golfers frequently focused their attention towards environmental information related to their game situation. The results allow for a further understanding of the higher-order processes of concentration and can be brought forward to further theoretical understanding and shape attention training given to golfers.

This study sought to construct a theoretical understanding of meta-attention in golfers. Eight male golfers (7 competitive-elite and 1 successful-elite) were interviewed about their experiences of attentional processes in competitive golf. A Straussian grounded-theory approach was used throughout the research process, and interview transcripts were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Results indicated that meta-attention is resource based, with metacognitive reflections of logistic and shot resources that facilitate attentional control. Attentional control required successful target selection, consistent preshot routines, and consistent postshot routines. Failures in wider or immediate resources or failure to initiate control routines can lead to internal distraction. The emergent theory provides an understanding of the function of meta-attention in golf performance that can be used by golfers, coaches, or psychologists to improve attentional strategies.

Ethical conduct involving research participants rests on the Belmont principles of autonomy, beneficence and justice. Novel methods present new challenges in safeguarding these principles. The increasing use of data obtained from the internet in health research raises important questions regarding obligations to people posting personal information online. Ethical issues warrant special consideration since guidelines are only beginning to emerge, placing greater onus on the researcher’s discretion. This paper presents a model (a synthesis of the work of Eysenbach and Till (2001) and Kraut et al (2004)) to assist in decision-making regarding obtaining or waiving informed consent when using archived emails from websites. For illustrative purposes, the application of the model to a PhD project is described.