bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching History in the Digital Age
Authors: Waring Scott M.
Published: October 2014

It is undeniable that students today are fundamentally different than those of previous generations and that many students of this generation do not enjoy history, as it is typically ranked as one of the least favorite subjects in K-12 schools. As educators increasingly move towards teaching in online environments, it is critical that history educators structure instruction to meet the needs of the student, while making it effective, engaging, and authentic. This chapter focuses on ways that educators, in a mixed-mode or online environment, can attend to the four dimensions of the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) framework, specifically focusing on how to assist students in evaluating sources and using evidence, developing questions and planning inquiries, applying disciplinary concepts and tools, and communicating conclusions and taking informed action, in both face-to-face and online environments, as they prepare students for college, career, and civic life.
3D Multi-User Virtual Environments in Science Education
Authors: Qian Yufeng
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the potential and challenges in science education in the use of 3D MUVE science programs. These programs offer a number of instructional benefits in motivating and engaging students and in improving their science learning and scientific inquiry. 3D MUVE is a promising media in narrowing gender and racial achievement gaps and enabling an authentic and valid assessment of science education. Like all new instructional technologies, however, the wide use and implementation of 3D MUVE technology in mainstream science classroom is still facing a number of challenges, which are mainly related to technological complexity and cost, and design difficulty in incorporating some elements critical to inquiry-based learning into the 3D MUVE environment. To overcome these identified challenges and make optimal use of the opportunities, suggestions for integrating 3D MUVE into science curriculum and classroom are made and discussed, along with future research directions.
Online Discussion Boards in the Constructivist Classroom
Authors: Lunsford Lauren , Whitehouse Bonnie Smith , Lovvorn Jason F.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to provide pre-service and practicing teachers a constructivist lens for viewing how they use technology, specifically online discussion boards, in their classrooms. The chapter introduces the idea that online discussion boards present a unique opportunity for constructivist teachers in particular and then provides several specific and practical strategies for ways to use discussion boards in the classroom. Each of these strategies connects to the roots of constructivist beliefs. In particular, this chapter highlights the role that writing can play when using this technology.
B Cell Lymphogenesis in Swine Is Located in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Sinkora Marek , Sinkorova Jana
Published: October 2014

A course and a site of B cell development in swine are not firmly known. In this study, we show that B cell lymphogenesis is located in the bone marrow (BM). According to expression of MHC class II (MHC-II), CD2, CD21, CD25, CD45RC, CD172a, swine workshop cluster (identification number) (SWC) 7, and μHC, porcine BM cells were resolved into seven subsets representing sequential stages of development. Profile of rearrangement-specific products and transcripts from sorted BM cells confirmed the proposed developmental pathway. The same developmental pathway was further proven by analysis of selection for productive rearrangements in Ig H chains and also by cultivation studies. Cultivation also showed that earliest precursors with incomplete DJ rearrangements can still revert their B cell differentiation and develop along myeloid lineage, whereas this is impossible for later developmental stages. Proliferation and the apoptotic potential of individual developmental stages as well as critical checkpoints were also identified. Colocalization experiments showed early colocalization of MHC-II/CD2/CD172a is replaced by colocalization of MHC-II/CD2/CD21/SWC7/IgM in immature cells, whereas CD25 and CD45RC did not colocalize with any other studied molecules. In this study, we also finally prove that the BM in pigs is fully functional in adult animals and that B lymphogenesis occurs there throughout life. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing a course and a direct site of B cell lymphogenesis in swine.
Pallet standards in agri-food sector: a brief survey
Authors: Trevisani Alessandro , Iaccheri Eleonora , Fabbri Angelo , Guarnieri Adriano
Published: October 2014

In food industry wooden pallet and fruit and vegetables crates are the most used for handling and delivering. Regulatory aspects and test procedure are relatively young as regards to the packaging sector of wooden. Currently many standards are in development or implementation. In this context the objective of the following paper is a brief overview on technical standards governing the use of wooden packaging, with particular reference to the agricultural-food sector. In this review, as wooden packaging, are taken into account, wood or its derivatives used to support, packaging and transport goods, such as cages, wooden pallets, wooden frame, wooden kegs, rods or timber. Particularly European standards are briefly described in their technical content and historic development. Market data, emerging technology and environmental problems are even recalled.
Estimation of thermal conductivity of short pastry biscuit at different baking stages
Authors: Cevoli Chiara , Fabbri Angelo , Marai Simone Virginio , Ferrari Enrico , Guarnieri Adriano
Published: October 2014

Thermal conductivity of a food material is an essential physical property in mathematical modelling and computer simulation of thermal processing. Effective thermal conductivity of non-homogeneous materials, such as food matrices, can be determined experimentally or mathematically. The aim of the following research was to compare the thermal conductivity of short pastry biscuits, at different baking stages (60-160 min), measured by a line heat source thermal conductivity probe and estimated through the use of thermo-physical models. The measures were carried out on whole biscuits and on powdered biscuits compressed into cylindrical cases. Thermal conductivity of the compacted material, at different baking times (and, consequently at different moisture content), was then used to feed parallel, series, Krischer and Maxwell-Eucken models. The results showed that the application of the hot wire method for the determination of thermal conductivity is not fully feasible if applied directly to whole materials due to mechanical changes applied to the structure and the high presence of fats. The method works best if applied to the biscuit component phases separately. The best model is the Krischer one for its adaptability. In this case the value of biscuit thermal conductivity, for high baking time, varies from 0.15 to 0.19 Wm–1 K–1, while the minimum, for low baking time, varies from 0.11 to 0.12 Wm–1 K–1. These values are close to that reported in literature for similar products.
The local South African worshipping community as a site for spiritual formation towards transformation
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: October 2014

The article focuses on the local worshipping community as a site for the spiritual formation ofcitizens to become agents of transformation in public life. How are citizens spiritually formedso that, through their witness and praxis, they become instruments of transformation, therebychallenging the dominant discourses by offering, through their collective witness and praxis,redeeming alternatives? To answer this question, the article focuses not on a methodology butrather offers suggestions as to how to nurture a radical spirituality towards the formation ofagents of transformation. The specific South African context with its numerous socioeconomicand political challenges as well as the plurality of voices and values need to be taken intoconsideration. Therefore the challenge is to develop an inclusive spirituality.
Imbeddings into groups of intermediate growth
Authors: Bartholdi Laurent , Erschler Anna
Published: October 2014

Every countable group that does not contain a finitely generated subgroup of exponential growth imbeds in a finitely generated group of subexponential word growth.
Text4Peds: Feasibility of an Educational Text-Messaging Program for Pediatrics Residents
Authors: Adamson Gregory T. , Draper Lauren R. , Broom Matthew A.
Published: October 2014

Background

There is an ongoing effort to maximize educational material provided to residents who are in a time-constrained work environment. Mobile technology, principally smartphone applications and online modules, has shown educational promise.

Intervention

We developed a text-messaging program, Text4Peds, to assist residents with preparation for their pediatric board examinations. Goals were to assess (1) the feasibility of texting educational messages to residents, and (2) resident satisfaction and perceived usefulness of a texting program.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of pediatrics and combined internal medicine-pediatrics residents. Messages derived from the most missed pediatric in-training examination questions were sent daily to residents. After 3 months, residents completed surveys that gauged their perception on the educational value of the text messages and the effect on their pediatric board preparation. Feasibility of the system was assessed as a total percentage of messages successfully received by residents.

Results

Of 55 residents, 35 (64%) participated in the program. Of 2534 messages sent out to participants, 2437 (96.2%) were delivered successfully. Positive comments cited the texting of board facts as a quick, helpful, daily study tool. Residents liked that messages were sent at 2:00 pm, and most felt that 1 to 5 messages per week was appropriate. Drawbacks included character restrictions of messages, content limitations, and the lack of a question-answer format.

Conclusions

An educational text message–based program was successfully implemented in our residency program. Messages were delivered with a high success rate, and residents found educational value in the messages.
An Evidence-Based Medicine Curriculum Improves General Surgery Residents' Standardized Test Scores in Research and Statistics
Authors: Trickey Amber W. , Crosby Moira E. , Singh Monika , Dort Jonathan M.
Published: October 2014

Background

The application of evidence-based medicine to patient care requires unique skills of the physician. Advancing residents' abilities to accurately evaluate the quality of evidence is built on understanding of fundamental research concepts. The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) provides a relevant measure of surgical residents' knowledge of research design and statistics.

Objective

We implemented a research education curriculum in an independent academic medical center general residency program, and assessed the effect on ABSITE scores.

Methods

The curriculum consisted of five 1-hour monthly research and statistics lectures. The lectures were presented before the 2012 and 2013 examinations. Forty residents completing ABSITE examinations from 2007 to 2013 were included in the study. Two investigators independently identified research-related item topics from examination summary reports. Correct and incorrect responses were compared precurriculum and postcurriculum. Regression models were calculated to estimate improvement in postcurriculum scores, adjusted for individuals' scores over time and postgraduate year level.

Results

Residents demonstrated significant improvement in postcurriculum examination scores for research and statistics items. Correct responses increased 27% (P < .001). Residents were 5 times more likely to achieve a perfect score on research and statistics items postcurriculum (P < .001).

Conclusions

Residents at all levels demonstrated improved research and statistics scores after receiving the curriculum. Because the ABSITE includes a wide spectrum of research topics, sustained improvements suggest a genuine level of understanding that will promote lifelong evaluation and clinical application of the surgical literature.
Constraining regional greenhouse gas emissions using geostationary concentration measurements: a theoretical study
Authors: Rayner P. J. , Utembe S. R. , Crowell S.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. We investigate the ability of column-integrated trace gas measurements from a geostationary satellite to constrain surface fluxes at regional scale. The proposed GEOCARB instrument measures CO2, CO and CH4 at a maximum resolution of 3 km east–west × 2.7 km north–south. Precisions are 3 ppm for CO2, 10 ppb for CO and 18 ppb for CH4. Sampling frequency is flexible. Here we sample a region at the location of Shanghai every 2 daylight hours for 6 days in June. We test the observing system by calculating the posterior uncertainty covariance of fluxes. We are able to constrain urban emissions at 3 km resolution including an isolated power plant. The CO measurement plays the strongest role; without it our effective resolution falls to 5 km. Methane fluxes are similarly well estimated at 5 km resolution. Estimating the errors for a full year suggests such an instrument would be a useful tool for both science and policy applications.
Upper-troposphere and lower-stratosphere water vapor retrievals from the 1400 and 1900 nm water vapor bands
Authors: Kindel B. C. , Pilewskie P. , Schmidt K. S. , Thornberry T. , Rollins A. , Bui T.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Measuring water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere is difficult due to the low mixing ratios found there, typically only a few parts per million. Here we examine near infrared spectra acquired with the Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer during the first science phase of the NASA Airborne Tropical Tropopause EXperiment. From the 1400 and 1900 nm absorption bands, we infer water vapor amounts in the tropical tropopause layer and adjacent regions between 14 and 18 km altitude. We compare these measurements to solar transmittance spectra produced with the MODerate resolution atmospheric TRANsmission (MODTRAN) radiative transfer model, using in situ water vapor, temperature, and pressure profiles acquired concurrently with the SSFR spectra. Measured and modeled transmittance values agree within 0.002, with some larger differences in the 1900 nm band (up to 0.004). Integrated water vapor amounts along the absorption path lengths of 3 to 6 km varied from 1.26 × 10−4 to 4.59 × 10−4 g cm−2. A 0.002 difference in absorptance at 1367 nm results in a 3.35 × 10−5 g cm−2 change of integrated water vapor amount, 0.004 absorptance change at 1870 nm results in 5.5 × 10−5 g cm−2 of water vapor. These are 27% (1367 nm) and 44% (1870 nm) differences at the lowest measured value of water vapor (1.26 × 10−4 g cm−2) and 7% (1367 nm) and 12% (1870 nm) differences at the highest measured value of water vapor (4.59 × 10−4 g cm−2). A potential method for extending this type of measurement from aircraft flight altitude to the top of the atmosphere (TOA) is discussed.
Speciation and dynamics of dissolved inorganic nitrogen export in the Danshui River, Taiwan
Authors: Lee T.-Y. , Shih Y.-T. , Huang J.-C. , Kao S.-J. , Shiah F.-K. , Liu K.-K.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Human-induced excess nitrogen outflowing from land through rivers to oceans has resulted in serious impacts on terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. Oceania, which occupies < 2.5% of the global land surface, delivers 12% of the freshwater and dissolved materials to the ocean on a global scale. However, there are few empirical data sets on riverine dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) fluxes in the region, and their dynamics are poorly understood. In this study, a river monitoring network covering different types of land uses and population densities was implemented to investigate the mechanism of DIN export. The results show that DIN concentration/yield varied from ∼20 μM/∼300 kg-N km−2 yr−1 to ∼378 μM/∼10 000 kg-N km−2 yr−1 from the relatively pristine headwaters to the populous estuary. Agriculture and population density control DIN export in less densely populated regions and urban areas, respectively, and runoff controls DIN at the watershed scale. Compared to documented estimates from global models, the observed DIN export from the Danshui River is 2.3 times larger, which results from the region-specific response of DIN yield to dense population and abundant runoff. The dominating DIN species change gradually from NO3− in the headwaters (∼97%) to NH4+ in the estuary (∼60%) following the urbanization gradient. The prominent existence of NH4+ is probably the result of the anaerobic water body and short residence time, unlike in large river basins. Given the analogous watershed characteristics of the Danshui River to the rivers in Oceania, our study could serve as a first example to examine riverine DIN fluxes in Oceania.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of CO2 partial pressure in the Yellow River, China
Authors: Ran L. , Lu X. X. , Richey J. E. , Sun H. , Han J. , Yu R. , Liao S. , Yi Q.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Carbon transport in river systems is an important component of the global carbon cycle. Most rivers of the world act as atmospheric CO2 sources due to high riverine CO2 partial pressure (pCO2). We investigated the pCO2 dynamics in the Yellow River watershed by using historical water chemistry records (1950s–1984) and recent sampling along the mainstem (2011–2012). Except the headwater region where the pCO2 was lower than the atmospheric equilibrium (i.e., 380 μatm), river waters in the remaining watershed were supersaturated with CO2. The average pCO2 for the watershed was estimated at 2810 ± 1985 μatm, which is 7-fold the atmospheric equilibrium. This indicates a strong CO2 outgassing across the water-air interface. As a result of severe soil erosion and dry climate, waters from the Loess Plateau in the middle reaches had higher pCO2 than that from the upper and lower reaches. From a seasonal perspective, the pCO2 varied from about 200 μatm to >30 000 μatm with higher pCO2 usually occurring in the dry season and low pCO2 in the wet season (at 73% of the sampling sites), suggesting the dilution effect of water. While the pCO2 responded positively to total suspended solids (TSS) transport when the TSS was less than 100 kg m−3, it slightly decreased and remained stable when the TSS exceeded 100 kg m−3. This stable pCO2 is largely due to gully erosion that mobilizes subsoils characterized by low organic matter for decomposition. In addition, human activities have changed the pCO2 dynamics. Particularly, flow regulation by dams can diversely affect the temporal changes of pCO2, depending on the physiochemical properties of the regulated waters and adopted operation scheme. Given the high pCO2 in the Yellow River waters, the resultant CO2 outgassing is expected to be substantial and warrants further investigation.
Divergence of above- and belowground C and N pool within predominant plant species along two precipitation gradients in north China
Authors: Ye X. H. , Pan X. , Cornwell W. K. , Gao S. Q. , Dong M. , Cornelissen J. H. C.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The coupling of carbon cycle and nutrient cycle drives food web structure and biogeochemistry of an ecosystem. However, across precipitation gradients, there may be a shift in C pool and N pool from above- to belowground because of shifting plant stoichiometry and allocation. Based on previous evidence, biomass allocation to roots should increase with aridity, while leaf [N] should increase. If their effect sizes are equal, they should cancel each other out, and the above- and belowground proportions of the N would remain constant. Here, we present the first study to explicitly compare above- and belowground pool sizes of N and C within predominant plant species along precipitation gradients. Biomass and nutrient concentrations of leaves, stems and roots of three predominant species were measured along two major precipitation gradients in Inner Mongolia, China. Along the two gradients, the effect sizes of the biomass shifts were remarkably consistent among three predominant species. However, the size of the shift in aboveground [N] was not, leading to a species-specific pattern in above- and belowground pool size. In two species (Stipa grandis and Artemisia ordosica) the effect sizes of biomass allocation and [N] were equal and the proportion of N of above- and belowground did not change with aridity, but in S. bungeana the increase in leaf [N] with aridity was much weaker than the biomass shift, leading to a decrease in the proportion of N belowground at dry sites. We have found examples of consistent N pool sizes above- and belowground and a shift to a greater proportion of belowground N in drier sites depending on the species. We suggest that precipitation gradients do potentially decouple the C and N pool, but the exact nature of the decoupling depends on the dominant species' capacity for intraspecific variation.
ENSO flavors in a tree-ring δ18O record of Tectona grandis from Indonesia
Authors: Schollaen K. , Karamperidou C. , Krusic P. J. , Cook E. R. , Helle G.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Indonesia's climate is dominated by the equatorial monsoon system, and has been linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events that often result in extensive droughts and floods over the Indonesian archipelago. In this study we investigate ENSO-related signals in a tree-ring δ18O record (1900–2007) of Javanese teak. Our results reveal a clear influence of Warm Pool (central Pacific) El Niño events on Javanese tree-ring δ18O, and no clear signal of Cold Tongue (eastern Pacific) El Niño events. These results are consistent with the distinct impacts of the two ENSO flavors on Javanese precipitation, and illustrate the importance of considering ENSO flavors when interpreting palaeoclimate proxy records in the tropics.
Aspectos de cultura y comunicación en el protocolo gastronómico y las prácticas de alimentación en diferentes etapas históricas
Authors: Martín-Lorente Manuel , Fernández Fernández César
Published: October 2014

La organización social humana a evolucionado desde formas rituales arcaicas –que fueron asentando jerarquías y procedimientos comportamentales- hasta lo que hoy denominamos genéricamente protocolo. Igualmente, las diversas culturas –determinadas por cuestiones geográficas, climáticas, organizacionales, etc.- fueron desarrollando hábitos alimenticios y fundando gastronomías que, a su vez, las caracterizaban también. El cruce de ambas cuestiones -protocolo y gastronomía- ha venido siendo un factor comunicacional de primer orden en lo que supone una determinada consideración de las culturas y las sociedades.
The Hard Work of Screaming: Physical Exertion and Affective Labor Among Mexico City’s Punk Vocalists
Authors: Tatro Kelley
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In this article, I consider the screaming and growling vocalizations performed by Mexico City’s punk vocalists. Such extreme vocal productions not only result in harsh, distorted vocal timbres, but also in the display of vocalists’ hard-working bodies. Through physical exertion, punk vocalists also perform affective labor, creating an environment in which fans may “take out the rage,” producing solidarity through collective catharsis. I argue that through the hard work of screaming, participants in Mexico City’s punk scene explore alternative notions of labor and value, attempting to enact their anarchist ideals in the context of the post-industrial, neoliberal metropolis.
Listening to the World but Hearing Ourselves: Hybridity and Perceptions of Authenticity in World Music
Authors: Weiss Sarah
Published: October 2014

Abstract. This essay problematizes the intersection of aesthetic preferences and positions on authenticity held by listeners as they encounter musical hybridity and processes of globalization. Using analytical ideas drawn from hybridity theory and ethnographic data derived from university listeners who respond to two pop songs from Mali, the author suggests that “perceived authenticity” is a primary determinant of the valuation of world musics. Marketers may exploit listeners’ perceptions, but understanding that authenticity is more malleable and cyclic than its definition suggests reveals the complicated nexus of category boundaries, audience expectation, and the hybridizing processes of cultural interaction.
The Effects of Irreversibility and Uncertainty on Business Investments: A New View of Investment
Authors: Belanová Katarína
Published: October 2014

This article presents a survey of recent theoretical, as well as empirical, contributions concerning business investments, which help to explain the investment decision making of companies. These contributions emphasize the relevance of idiosyncratic factors affecting investment decisions such as the degree of irreversibility and uncertainty, interactions between these factors may generate an opportunity cost equivalent to the exercise of an option and so they add an important dimension to the neoclassical theory of investment (also called standard or orthodox theory of investment). This theory has not recognized the important qualitative and quantitative implications of this interaction, what can explain some of its failures. We investigate the irreversibility of investments and the impact this has on the nature of the relationship between investment and uncertainty in the way of empirical analysis. The empirical analysis uses firm – level data and is based on a survey of 53 automotive suppliers, which was carried out during the year 2011. We find supportive evidence for the fact that uncertainty is negatively associated with planned investments of the companies surveyed, which remains true also in the presence of irreversibility. At the end we demonstrate the core of the real options approach in a form of a practical example.
Modeling Financial Surplus of the Housing Projects Developer
Authors: Czernik Tadeusz , Iskra Daniel
Published: October 2014

Recent events taking place on the housing project market provide a strong impetus to the study of risk in housing project development. This issue is important not only from the point of view of the developer but also his client. This paper proposes a dynamic model of the financial surplus process. The model takes into account the structure of the credit payments, and the random nature of the real estate sale process (compound Poisson process
Cartilage Repair Using Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Chondroprogenitors
Authors: Cheng Aixin , Kapacee Zoher , Peng Jiang , Lu Shibi , Lucas Robert J. , Hardingham Timothy E. , Kimber Susan J.
Published: October 2014

In initial work, we developed a 14-day culture protocol under potential GMP, chemically defined conditions to generate chondroprogenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The present study was undertaken to investigate the cartilage repair capacity of these cells. The chondrogenic protocol was optimized and validated with gene expression profiling. The protocol was also applied successfully to two lines of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Chondrogenic cells derived from hESCs were encapsulated in fibrin gel and implanted in osteochondral defects in the patella groove of nude rats, and cartilage repair was evaluated by histomorphology and immunocytochemistry. Genes associated with chondrogenesis were upregulated during the protocol, and pluripotency-related genes were downregulated. Aggregation of chondrogenic cells was accompanied by high expression of SOX9 and strong staining with Safranin O. Culture with PluriSln1 was lethal for hESCs but was tolerated by hESC chondrogenic cells, and no OCT4-positive cells were detected in hESC chondrogenic cells. iPSCs were also shown to generate chondroprogenitors in this protocol. Repaired tissue in the defect area implanted with hESC-derived chondrogenic cells was stained for collagen II with little collagen I, but negligible collagen II was observed in the fibrin-only controls. Viable human cells were detected in the repair tissue at 12 weeks. The results show that chondrogenic cells derived from hESCs, using a chemically defined culture system, when implanted in focal defects were able to promote cartilage repair. This is a first step in evaluating these cells for clinical application for the treatment of cartilage lesions.
Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
Authors: Beeson Paul
Published: October 2014

Background

Posterior tibial tendinopathy (PTT) is the most common cause of acquired (progressive) flatfoot deformity in adults. To date, PTT research has mainly focused on management rather than on causal mechanisms. The etiology of PTT is likely to be multifactorial because both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors have been reported. We sought to critically evaluate reported etiologic factors for PTT and consider the concept of genetic risk factors.

Methods

A detailed review of the literature published after 1936 was undertaken using English-language medical databases.

Results

No clear consensus exists as to the relative importance of the risk factors reported, and neither has any consideration been given to a possible genetic basis for PTT.

Conclusions

To date, studies have examined various intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors implicated in the etiology of PTT. The interaction of these factors with an individual's genetic background may provide valuable data and help offer a more complete risk profile for PTT. A properly constructed genetic association study to determine the genetic basis of PTT would provide a novel and alternative approach to understanding this condition.
An Assessment of Hallux Limitus in University Basketball Players Compared with Noncompetitive Individuals
Authors: Trégouët Paul
Published: October 2014

Background

Injuries of the first metatarsophalangeal joint have lately been receiving attention from researchers owing to the important functions of this joint. However, most of the studies of turf toe injuries have focused on sports played on artificial turf.

Methods

This study compared the range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in collegiate basketball players (n = 123) and noncompetitive individuals (n = 123).

Results

A statistically significant difference (P < .001) in range of motion was found between the two groups. The difference between the two sample means was 21.35°.

Conclusions

With hallux rigidus being a potential sequela of repeated turf toe injuries, it seems likely that subacute turf toe injuries occur in basketball players, leading to degenerative changes that result in hallux limitus.
Consequences of Repetitive Toenail Cutting by Podiatric Physicians on Force Production, Endurance to Fatigue, and the Electromyogram of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Muscles
Authors: Vie Bruno , Loffredo Remy , Sanahdji Farid , Weber Jean-Paul , Jammes Yves
Published: October 2014

Background

We hypothesized that the repetitive use of a toenail clipper by podiatric physicians could induce fatigue of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle, reducing the accuracy of toenail cutting.

Methods

We examined the consequences of cutting a plastic sheet, reproducing the resistance of thick toenails, with a podiatric medical clipper on the maximal handgrip force (Fmax) developed by the FDS muscle and an isometric handgrip sustained at 50% of Fmax, during which endurance to fatigue and changes in the power spectra of the surface FDS muscle electromyogram (root mean square and median frequency) were measured. The same participants randomly performed one or five runs of 30 successive cuttings, each on different days.

Results

After the first and fifth cutting runs, Fmax increased, suggesting a post-tetanic potentiation. During the handgrip sustained at 50% of Fmax, we measured a significant reduction in the tension-time index after the first cutting run. Moreover, after the fifth cutting run, the tension-time index decrease was significantly accentuated, and the decrease in FDS muscle median frequency was enhanced. No median frequency decline was measured during the cutting runs.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the efficacy of occupational podiatric medical tasks progressively declines with the repetition of toenail cutting. We propose solutions to remedy this situation.
Radiographic Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle—Part 2
Authors: Christman Robert A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Normal radiographic anatomy of the foot and ankle, aside from my previous work, has been addressed only superficially or sparingly in the medical literature. This project correlates detailed radiographic anatomy of the entire adult foot and ankle (two-dimensional) to osteology (three-dimensional).

Methods

Each bone's position was determined after meticulous examination and correlation to an articulated skeleton relative to the image receptor and direction of the x-ray beam, with correlation to the radiograph for confirmation.

Results

Images of each foot and distal leg bone (“front” and “back” perspectives) are presented alongside a corresponding radiographic image for comparison. The normal gross and radiographic anatomy is correlated and described for each radiographic positioning technique.

Conclusions

Foundational knowledge is provided that future researchers can use as a baseline (“normal”) and that students and practitioners can use for comparison when interpreting radiographs and distinguishing abnormal findings. The results of the original project, owing to its broad scope, have been divided into five parts: the lower leg, the greater tarsus (the focus of this article), the lesser tarsus, the metatarsals, and the phalanges.
Primary High-Grade Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Foot
Authors: Howard Daniel , Rigby Ryan , Winegar Kevin
Published: October 2014

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and may present in the distal extremities including the foot. We present a case in which a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the foot, which presented as a granulomatous ulcerating lesion, was diagnosed and successfully treated with a radical resection. Our case shows an atypical presentation of a very common malignancy and, it is therefore essential for health-care providers to consider malignancy in all suspicious lesions of the foot.
Simultaneous Bilateral Stress Fractures in a Homemaker
Authors: Yousaf Sohail , Sugand Kapil , Raza Mushahid , Ramesh Palanisamy
Published: October 2014

Stress fractures commonly occur in athletes and military cadets due to repetitive stress on the bony cortex. Stress fractures of the tibia are commonly localized proximally and occur during aerobic weightbearing exercises. This is an unusual case of bilateral simultaneous distal tibial stress fracture in a young homemaker.
Schwannoma of the Posterior Tibial Nerve
Authors: Judd Tanya , Jones Taunna , Thornberry Lauren
Published: October 2014

Background

Schwannomas are rare, slow-growing, benign tumors consisting of Schwann cells. They may cause pressure along a bony structure, resulting in increased pain and discomfort. Less than 1% of schwannomas become malignant, and localization in the foot is uncommon (2%–3% of reported cases).

Methods

We present a case of a schwannoma of a branch of the posterior tibial nerve sheath. The goal is to assist in recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of schwannoma in the foot and ankle. This is a case of a 51-year-old male soccer player with a soft-tissue mass along the medial ankle at the tarsal tunnel area with an insidious onset (2 years). Physical examination revealed a 3.0 × 2.5-cm mass; magnetic resonance imaging confirmed location, size, and depth.

Results

Surgical resection of the soft-tissue mass was performed under general anesthesia. The mass was found to be superior to the flexor retinaculum and attached by a small nerve branch of the posterior tibial nerve that traveled through the flexor retinaculum. A tissue specimen was sent to the pathology laboratory, and a schwannoma was confirmed histologically.

Conclusions

Schwannomas can occur after trauma, especially if the posterior tibial nerve or its branches are affected intrinsically or extrinsically, leading to discomfort, pain, and numbness along the tarsal tunnel. Also, unique to this case, a schwannoma may occur along the small branches of the posterior tibial nerve and present anatomically superior to the flexor retinaculum.
Nodular Amyloidosis
Authors: Stigall Landon E. , Maroon Michelle , Troutman David L.
Published: October 2014

Nodular amyloidosis is a protein deposition disorder that is important to recognize in the clinical setting. Identification and differentiation from primary systemic amyloidosis, which has an identical cutaneous presentation, but serious systemic implications, is of particular significance. Our case report highlights two patients who presented with isolated involvement of the plantar surface and ungual phalanges, each with concomitant tinea pedis. Recognition and diagnosis of cutaneous amyloidosis enables discrimination from systemic disease, and if found, prompt institution of appropriate treatment.
Bilateral Ankle Clonus as Initial Manifestation of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Cozzetto Dana , Ballon-Landa Gonzalo
Published: October 2014

We report on a rare case of foot and ankle clonus as the initial presentation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a young patient with no known history of HIV or AIDS and no significant past medical or social history. The patient came to the emergency department with a chief complaint of muscle spasms in his lower extremities and unsteadiness in gait. The patient was diagnosed as having bilateral ankle clonus. Work-up revealed an absolute lymphocyte CD4+ count of 18, an HIV viral load of 1,690,000, and a positive John Cunningham virus polymerase chain reaction in the cerebral spinal fluid, indicating that the patient had progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and AIDS. The diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy should be in the foot and ankle surgeon's differential diagnosis when a patient presents with neurological symptoms in the lower extremities.
Along‐strike variations in the Nankai shallow décollement properties and their implications for tsunami earthquake generation
Authors: Park Jin‐Oh , Naruse Hajime , Bangs Nathan L.
Published: October 2014

Rupture of slow tsunami earthquakes at subduction zones propagates along a shallow plate‐boundary fault (i.e., décollement) nearly all the way to the trench. Seismic reflection profiles reveal that the shallow décollements have variable reflection characteristics in the Nankai subduction zone, allowing us to divide the subduction zone into impedance‐decreasing (inferred to be fluid‐rich) and impedance‐increasing (fluid‐poor) décollement regions. The fluid‐rich décollement regions with reverse‐polarity reflections may play a role as conditionally stable patches because of elevated fluid pressures. In contrast, the fluid‐poor décollement regions with normal‐polarity reflections could be unstable seismogenic patches with no unusual fluid pressures. We propose that when megathrust earthquakes nucleate at shallow depth, the small unstable fluid‐poor patches are prone to slip. They may also accelerate (velocity‐weakening) adjacent large, conditionally stable patches, generating large shallow slip and large tsunamis. As a result, along‐strike contrast of fault properties can involve large tsunami earthquakes along the Nankai shallow megathrust fault.
Defining a proxy for the interpretation of seismic anisotropy in non‐Newtonian mantle flows
Authors: Hedjazian N. , Kaminski E.
Published: October 2014

Seismic anisotropy can provide unique insights on convection in the upper mantle. Here we study the link between seismic anisotropy and mantle flow using a non‐Newtonian rheology consistent with deformation by dislocation creep. Using analytical first‐order flow models underneath a ridge and in subduction zones, we find that finite strain ellipsoid (FSE) is a robust proxy of seismic anisotropy, both in terms of orientation and strength, for natural strains smaller than ≈ 1. At larger strains, anisotropy aligns with the “infinite strain axis” (ISA), defined as the orientation of the long axis of the FSE in the limit of infinite strain, and its percentage reaches a plateau. Anisotropy aligns with the flow direction only when the product of the inverse strain rate with the timescale of ISA rotation within the flow is smaller than 0.1.
Sedimentation rates test models of oceanic detachment faulting
Authors: Parnell‐Turner Ross , Cann Johnson R. , Smith Deborah K. , Schouten Hans , Yoerger Dana , Palmiotto Camilla , Zheleznov Alexei , Bai Hailong
Published: October 2014

Long‐lived detachment faults play an important role in the construction of new oceanic crust at slow‐spreading mid‐oceanic ridges. Although the corrugated surfaces of exposed low‐angle faults demonstrate past slip, it is difficult to determine whether a given fault is currently active. If inactive, it is unclear when slip ceased. This judgment is crucial for tectonic reconstructions where detachment faults are present, and for models of plate spreading. We quantify variation in sediment thickness over two corrugated surfaces near 16.5°N at the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge using near‐bottom Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) data. We show that the distribution of sediment and tectonic features at one detachment fault is consistent with slip occurring today. In contrast, another corrugated surface 20 km to the south shows a sediment distribution suggesting that slip ceased ~150,000 years ago. Data presented here provide new evidence for active detachment faulting, and suggest along‐axis variations in fault activity occur over tens of kilometers.
Regionally heterogeneous uppermost inner core observed with Hi‐net array
Authors: Yee Tae‐Gyu , Rhie Junkee , Tkalčić Hrvoje
Published: October 2014

Studies of velocity structure in the Earth's inner core and its volumetric variations illuminate our understanding of inner core dynamics and composition. Here we use an extensive number of seismograms recorded by the Hi‐net array to construct complete empirical curves of PKPBC‐PKPDF differential traveltimes. The nature of these curves implies that significant variations in traveltimes are accumulated during the passage of PKPDF waves through the uppermost inner core and rules out outer core structure effects. Uniform cylindrical anisotropy of a plausible strength in the uppermost inner core can also be ruled out as a cause of the observed traveltime variations because the range of sampled ray angles is too narrow. The configuration and strength of inhomogeneities from a recent tomographic model of the lowermost mantle cannot account for the observed traveltime variations. Therefore, we infer that either variations of P wave isotropic velocity on the scale of about hundred km and less are present in the uppermost inner core or the material may be organized in distinctive anisotropic domains, and both of these features may be superimposed on long‐wavelength hemispherical structure. If the former holds true, the absolute magnitude of required P wave velocity perturbations from referent values is 0.60 ± 0.10% in the quasi‐eastern and 1.55 ± 0.15% in the quasi‐western hemisphere (0.85 ± 0.05% and 1.10 ± 0.10%, respectively, with the lowermost mantle correction). The existence of these variations is a plausible physical outcome given that vigorous compositional convection in the outer core and variations in heat exchange across the inner core boundary may control the process of solidification.
The relationship between radar scattering and surface roughness of lunar volcanic features
Authors: Jawin Erica R. , Kiefer Walter S. , Fassett Caleb I. , Bussey D. Benjamin J. , Cahill Joshua T. S. , Dyar M. Darby , Lawrence Samuel J. , Spudis Paul D.
Published: October 2014

Lunar roughness measurements derived from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter are compared to 12.6 cm wavelength radar data collected by the Miniature Radio Frequency instrument and 70 cm wavelength radar data collected by the Arecibo Observatory. These data are compared to assess how surface and subsurface roughness are correlated and affected by parameters including age and composition at length scales between 0.1 and 100 m. A range of features are analyzed including volcanic domes (Marius Hills, Rümker Hills, Gruithuisen, and Mairan Domes); mare (Imbrium, Serenitatis, and Oceanus Procellarum); pyroclastic dark mantle deposits (Sinus Aestuum, Sulpicius Gallus, and Mare Vaporum); and two young craters (Copernicus and Tycho). Statistically significant positive correlations exist between topographic roughness and both P‐ and S‐band circular polarization ratios. The strongest correlation is observed at the longest length scales. Correlations weaken as length scales become less similar, potentially due to distinct processes controlling surface modification. Roughness is not significantly correlated with local slope. Although the Marius Hills are compositionally distinct from the Gruithuisen and Mairan domes, they are indistinguishable in roughness characteristics. Conversely, the Rümker Hills, mare, and dark mantle deposits are smoother at the length scales examined, possibly due to fine‐grained mantling of regolith or pyroclastic deposits. The floor and ejecta of Tycho are the roughest surfaces measured in this study, while the floor and ejecta of Copernicus overlap the roughness distribution of the volcanic features. This study shows that many factors control the evolution of roughness over time on various length scales.
Calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) as a novel target for ischemic neuroprotection
Authors: Kim Jong Youl , Ho Hanson , Kim Nuri , Liu Jialing , Tu Chia‐Ling , Yenari Midori A. , Chang Wenhan
Published: October 2014

Object

Ischemic brain injury is the leading cause for death and long‐term disability in patients who suffer cardiac arrest and embolic stroke. Excitotoxicity and subsequent Ca2+‐overload lead to ischemic neuron death. We explore a novel mechanism concerning the role of the excitatory extracellular calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) in the induction of ischemic brain injury.

Method

Mice were exposed to forebrain ischemia and the actions of CaSR were determined after its genes were ablated specifically in hippocampal neurons or its activities were inhibited pharmacologically. Since the CaSR forms a heteromeric complex with the inhibitory type B γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor 1 (GABABR1), we compared neuronal responses to ischemia in mice deficient in CaSR, GABABR1, or both, and in mice injected locally or systemically with a specific CaSR antagonist (or calcilytic) in the presence or absence of a GABABR1 agonist (baclofen).

Results

Both global and focal brain ischemia led to CaSR overexpression and GABABR1 downregulation in injured neurons. Genetic ablation of Casr genes or blocking CaSR activities by calcilytics rendered robust neuroprotection and preserved learning and memory functions in ischemic mice, partly by restoring GABABR1 expression. Concurrent ablation of Gabbr1 gene blocked the neuroprotection caused by the Casr gene knockout. Coinjection of calcilytics with baclofen synergistically enhanced neuroprotection. This combined therapy remained robust when given 6 h after ischemia.

Interpretation

Our study demonstrates a novel receptor interaction, which contributes to ischemic neuron death through CaSR upregulation and GABABR1 downregulation, and feasibility of neuroprotection by concurrently targeting these two receptors.