bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytisus aeolicus Guss. ex Lindl. in vitro cultures and genistin production
Authors: Lucchesini Mariella , Bertoli Alessandra , Mensuali-Sodi Anna , Cappelli Elisa , Noccioli Cecilia , Luciardi Laura , Pistelli Luisa
Published: December 2009

Cytisus aeolicus Guss. ex Lindl. (Fabaceae family, subfamily Faboideae) is an endangered endemic species of the Aeolian Islands, Sicily. In vitro multiplication of C. aeolicus shoots was described in this work and cell cultures were established from cotyledons and hypocotyls to investigate their potential production of isoflavones. Aseptically germinated seeds, cultivated on LS modified basal medium, gave the initial explants used both to induce axillary propagation and callus cultures. The LS (Linsmaier and Skoog) basal medium, supplemented with 0.1 mg L−1 of 6-benzylaminopurine were used to induce axillary propagation. The callus induction was performed using the basal medium added with 5 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 5 mg L−1 kinetin (control medium). Basal medium was also added with 2000 mg L−1 casein hydrolysate (CH) or 900 mg L−1myo-inositol (MI). C. aeolicus callus cultures on CH and MI media produced an unique compound, the isoflavone genistein 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (genistin), which has not previously been isolated from wild plants. Callus cultures grown on the medium containing myo-inositol produced the greatest amount of genistin. C. aeolicus tissue culture procedures could provide suitable plant material both for germplasm preservation (by micropropagation) and for biotechnological selective isoflavone production (by callus culture).
The Ongoing Development of Community Mental Health Services in Japan: Utilizing Strengths and Opportunities
Authors: Ng Chee , Setoya Yutaro , Koyama Asuka , Takeshima Tadashi
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify opportunities for the development of best practice community mental health care models in Japan using key information extracted from the Asia-Pacific Community Mental Health Development Project, site visits conducted on community mental health models, and discussion on service delivery with mental health leaders in government, clinical services and community.

Conclusion: In terms of hospital-based care, Japan has the highest number of psychiatric beds and highest ratio of beds per capita in the world. Strategies to address the disproportionate balance of mental health service components are clearly needed. While progress and initiatives in community-based mental health services are promising, there are significant challenges facing the mental health system in Japan. There is a need to expand the scope, quantity and distribution of best practice community mental health services in Japan. The available funding and human resource could be further directed to effective and culturally appropriate community-based services. Increased leadership capacity and confidence in the mental health workforce at all levels should be addressed effectively.
A geometric construction for ensuring C1 continuity of adjacent Bézier patches
Authors: Csabay Bálint
Published: December 2009

It is in many cases practical to compose a continuous surface out of some low-degree Bézier surface patches having C1 (first-order parametric) continuity between the adjacent patches. The paper presents a relatively simple geometric construction of the position of the control points in the neighbourhood of the common boundary curve to ensure the required \@mathrm C^1 continuity. The construction is based on the well-known criteria of the continuous joints of the Bézier surface patches and on a straightforward geometric similarity.
Analysis of continuous reinforced concrete beams in serviceability limit state
Authors: Rákóczy Katalin , Deák György
Published: December 2009

The paper investigates to what extent the effect of actions and deformations of statically indeterminate reinforced concrete beams are modified if, instead of the elastic, uncracked model (which is simple but approximate), an elastic, cracked model is applied (which is more accurate) in the computation of the effect of actions at serviceability check. (Continuous beams were modelled with beams fixed at both ends.) The effects of different load levels and moment-redistribution at design were also analysed. It is assumed that the variable load reached its characteristic value prior to the time considered, thus, the location of cracked zones and the tension stiffening effect is determined for that load level. Instead of the interpolation between the two values of deformation, the tension stiffening effect was taken into account by an effective moment of inertia (I_eff), which is equivalent to the other method.
Modernity and context - Hungarian architecture at the beginning of the Kádár-era
Authors: Simon Mariann
Published: December 2009

The following work aims to examine the years when Hungarian architecture after the short but impressive period of so-called social-realism returned to modernism. The point in time is the turn of the fifties and sixties. This was the very period when in the history of Western architecture the first criticism of functionalist doctrine appeared. The International Style was questioned by a regional approach, and in 1956 the regular (and the last official) CIAM congress was devoted to the topic of ``identity´´. The last social-realistic style building was published in the periodical Magyar Építõmûvészet (Hungarian Architecture) just a few months before, in the fall of 1955. The return of modern was a liberating process for Hungarian architects. However in that special context several questions emerged concerning general and local topics. What is the attitude of modern architecture to its old environment? Is it possible for modern architecture to have a national character? How to put into practice the - still
valid - theoretical demand for socialist content and national form now by means of modern architecture? Some of these questions were very similar to those raised in America and in Western Europe. The answers were however different.
A broad consideration of values - the opportunity for a designable future
Authors: Orosz Bálint
Published: December 2009

In accordance with international declarations, VÁTI applied new methods and instruments in the investigation and protection of community values and in the defining of their characteristics. These new methods were introduced through the example of a Hungarian city, Debrecen. The survey, identifying the characteristics of the city (character analysis), was completed in 2000.
VÁTI attached about 300 photographs, which were taken with the help of modern computing instruments for the character analysis, to a digital map. A 50-year-old photographic document of the city has also been attached to the same map, and all of these are documented on a CD, together with chapters on ``value´´ protection both cultural and architectural.
Thus the present state of the city can be juxtaposed with that some 50 years ago, creating an invaluable document for the next generation.
Along with the value surveys, VÁTI also participated in the introduction of a modern building registration system. The technical information system is based on the use of data sheets for individual surveys of each of the buildings. The Swiss method of ``RECENSEMENT´´ has been adapted and tested in Debrecen as ``Deb-RECENSEMENT´´.
Thermodynamic “Damp Proofing” of old buildings
Authors: Várfalvi János
Published: December 2009

The biggest problem of old buildings is the absence of damp proofing.
Making up for this absence is not easy and can not be carried outs imply with mechanical devices, so generally trials with electrical and chemical methods to restore the damp proofing are explored.
It quite often occurs that these types of post-proofing methods cannot be applied.
In this case, we can easily restore the correct moisture of the building by creating particular building physics-conditions in the structure.
A universal language in the engineering higher education role of descriptive geometry in laying foundations of engineering education
Authors: Bárd-Feind Teréz
Published: December 2009

In past decades, the quantity of graphical data carriers and information transferred by them has multiplied. Selection, interpretation and reception of knowledge forwarded by images seriously try human visual thinking. In addition to traditional tools of engineering communication, computer-aided techniques are also spreading. These facts force us to reconsider the role and place of engineering representation in engineering education.
What values do this more than 300-year old basic subject represent in the university subject structure in the 21st century? What opportunities are there under which conditions for formation of visual thinking of engineers-to-be and their skills in drawing? This paper discusses these issues.
Spherical segment approximation of quadripartite vaults
Authors: Strommer László
Published: December 2009

The paper proposes spherical segment approximations of medieval quadripartite vaults having pointed arches, with the idea of finding simplified, yet representative geometric models for them. On the supposition that the bounding curves of every vault cell can be reckoned as vertical sections of spherical surfaces, it results in severe, yet expressive models of a wide range of vault shapes, revealing feasible computer representations of several vault types appearing in the books of architectural history either in textual or non-textual forms.
Dilemmas apropos the changing roles of Hungarian town centres after 1945
Authors: Kissfazekas Kornélia
Published: December 2009

For decades, the centre embodied the identity and spirit of the city, as a witness of historical continuity and the physical and mental elements of the common past, but also catering for the needs of the current city community.
Nowadays, along with restructured norms of society and forms of communication, new institutions emerge, which often find their place outside of the historical city centre but at the same time incorporate and influence the living soul of the city community. This is the driving force behind a redefinition of the city centre itself.
Phenetic relationship between Lepisorus (J. SM.) Ching (Pteridophyta: Polypodiaceae) and its related genera
Authors: Chatan Wannachai , Boonkerd Thaweesakdi , Baum Bernard R.
Published: January 2010

Multivariate analyses based on morphological and anatomical characters have been performed to investigate the phenetic relationship and to clarify the circumscriptions of the genus Lepisorus (J.Sm.) Ching and its related genera, namely Neocheiropteris Christ, Paragramma T. Moore and Platygyria Ching & S.K. Wu. The dendrogram of cluster analysis separated the plants into three groups at Gower similarity coefficient 0.75. Group 1 and Group 2 consisted of Neocheiropteris palmatopedata (Baker) H. Christ and four species of Platygyria, respectively. Group 3 was Neocheiropteris ensata Ching and two species of Paragramma deeply embedded in the Lepisorus s.s. Canonical discriminant analysis supported the classification inferred from the clustering results. Based on these results, Platygyria and N. palmatopedata should be recognized as distinct genera. On the other hand, N. ensata and the genus Paragramma should be merged to the genus Lepisorus.  Keywords: Lepisorus; Paragramma; Platygyria; Cluster analysis; Canonical discriminant analysis. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i2.3924 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(2): 99-113, 2009 (December)
Cytogenetical analysis of 12 taxa of Genista L. (Fabaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Martin Esra , Dinc Muhittin , Duran Ahmet , Dogan Bekir , Hakki Erdogan E.
Published: January 2010

In this study, cytogenetical analyses of 12 taxa belonging to the genus Genista L. and grown naturally in Turkey were conducted. These taxa include G. acanthoclada, G. albida, G. anatolica, G. aucheri, G. burdurensis, G. carinalis, G. involucrata, G. januensis subsp. lydia, G. sandrasica, G. sessilifolia, G. tinctoria and G. vuralii. Chromosome numbers of all the taxa, except G. tinctoria, are introduced to the scientific community for the first time. Somatic metaphase chromosomes of the genus were determined as 2n = 18, 36, 46, 48, 52, 72 and 144. Polyploidy was observed in the cells of G. albida (2n = 18, 2n = 4x = 36), G. tinctoria (2n = 36, 48, 2n = 4x = 96), G. januensis subsp. lydia (2n = 46, 2n = 4x = 92), G. burdurensis and G. sessilifolia (2n = 48, 2n = 4x = 96). Somatic chromosomes of the G. sandrasica are very small, thus exact ploidy level of polyploidy was not determined. Karyotype analysis of G. albida and G. involucrata were performed via an Image Analysis System.  Keywords: Genista; Leguminosae; chromosome number; karyotype; Turkey. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i2.3927 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(2): 151-156, 2009 (December)
Pollen morphology of 10 taxa belonging to Prangos Lindl. and Ekimia H. Duman & M.F. Watson (Umbelliferae) from turkey and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Pehlivan Sevil , Baser Birol , Cabi Evren
Published: January 2010

Pollen grains of nine taxa of Prangos Lindl. and one of Ekimia H. Duman & M.F. Watson (Umbelliferae) were examined with LM (light microscope) and SEM (scanning electron microscope), and of them four with TEM (transmission electron microscope). The quantitative data were also subjected to cluster analysis. The obtained phenogram revealed that Ekimia bornmuelleri (Hub.-Mor. & Reese) H. Duman & M.F. Watson is strictly different from the taxa of Prangos regarding their quantitative pollen profile; except P. ferulacea Lindl., all taxa included in section Intactae formed a cluster together; members of section Meliocarpoides and section Prangos show a closer relationship regarding their pollen features. Exine ornamentations of Prangos and Ekimia are rugulate-striate and are of no value for identification purposes.
Taxonomic structure of the algal flora of Iran
Authors: Zarei-Darki B.
Published: January 2010

Algal floristic work carried out in Iran between 1853 and 1981 have been reviewed and compared with the results obtained in a series of recent studies (2000-2007). Algal samples for the recent studies were collected mainly from different inland aquatic habitats. On the basis of data from published and the recent studies, the systematic list of algae shows the occurrence of 1304 species and 1559 infra-specific taxa in Iran. However, 1213 species (1443 infra-specific taxa) revealed from the recent studies included 812 species (979 infra-specific taxa) as new reports for Iran (63% of the total species recorded). Analysis on taxonomic structure of algal flora of Iran testifies its richness. The basic parameters of a regular diversification of flora, values of genera quotient, spectra of leading taxa confirm that the highest percentage is contributed by Bacillariophyta (43%) of the total number of specific and infra-specific taxa followed by Chlorophyta (25%), Cyanophyta (15%) and Euglenophyta (8%). On an interrelation among divisions of algae, the algal flora of Iran appeared to be closer to that of Turkmenistan. Keywords: Algal flora; Taxonomic quotient; Water body; Iran. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i2.3933 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(2): 185-194, 2009 (December)
Natural Phthalate Derivatives from the Bacterium Burkholderia cepacia K87
Authors: Sultan M. Z. , Moon S. -S. , Park K.
Published: January 2010

In continuation of our screening of antifungal active compounds from the fermentation extracts of soil borne bacteria Burkholderia cepacia K87 afforded three phthalate derivatives, dibutyl phthalate (1), dioctyl phthalate (2), and phthalate ester of alkylated 9-hydroxynonanoic acid (3). Compound 3 was reported first time. These phthalate derivatives were found to be marginally active or inactive against a number of bacteria and fungi. Keywords: Burkholderia cepacia K87; Phthalate; Antifungal.  © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2696           J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 191-195 (2010)
Large‐Eddy Simulation of Maritime Deep Tropical Convection
Authors: Khairoutdinov Marat F. , Krueger Steve K. , Moeng Chin‐Hoh , Bogenschutz Peter A. , Randall David A.
Published: December 2009

This study represents an attempt to apply Large‐Eddy Simulation (LES) resolution to simulate deep tropical convection in near equilibrium for 24 hours over an area of about 205 × 205 km2, which is comparable to that of a typical horizontal grid cell in a global climate model. The simulation is driven by large‐scale thermodynamic tendencies derived from mean conditions during the GATE Phase III field experiment. The LES uses 2048 × 2048 × 256 grid points with horizontal grid spacing of 100 m and vertical grid spacing ranging from 50 m in the boundary layer to 100 m in the free troposphere. The simulation reaches a near equilibrium deep convection regime in 12 hours. The simulated vertical cloud distribution exhibits a tri‐modal vertical distribution of deep, middle and shallow clouds similar to that often observed in Tropics. A sensitivity experiment in which cold pools are suppressed by switching off the evaporation of precipitation results in much lower amounts of shallow and congestus clouds. Unlike the benchmark LES where the new deep clouds tend to appear along the edges of spreading cold pools, the deep clouds in the no‐cold‐pool experiment tend to reappear at the sites of the previous deep clouds and tend to be surrounded by extensive areas of sporadic shallow clouds. The vertical velocity statistics of updraft and downdraft cores below 6 km height are compared to aircraft observations made during GATE. The comparison shows generally good agreement, and strongly suggests that the LES simulation can be used as a benchmark to represent the dynamics of tropical deep convection on scales ranging from large turbulent eddies to mesoscale convective systems. The effect of horizontal grid resolution is examined by running the same case with progressively larger grid sizes of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 m. These runs show a reasonable agreement with the benchmark LES in statistics such as convective available potential energy, convective inhibition, cloud fraction, precipitation rates, and surface latent and sensible fluxes. All runs reveal a tri‐model cloud distribution in the vertical. However, there are differences in the updraft‐core cloud statistics, and convergence of statistical properties is found only between the LES benchmark and the run with 200 m grid size. The effect of vertical grid resolution is also investigated with another run that uses a typical cloud‐resolving model (CRM) horizontal grid size on the order of 1 km and only 64 vertical levels. A comparison to the run with 256 vertical levels shows different vertical cloud distributions. It is concluded that representation of the often observed tri‐modal vertical distribution of clouds requires a vertical grid spacing in the range of 50‐100 m in mid‐to‐low troposphere.
The Tropical Marine Boundary Layer Under a Deep Convection System: a Large‐Eddy Simulation Study
Authors: Moeng Chin‐Hoh , LeMone Margaret A. , Khairoutdinov Marat F. , Krueger Steve K. , Bogenschutz Peter A. , Randall David A.
Published: December 2009

The tropical marine PBL under the influence of a deep convection system is investigated using a large‐domain LES that resolves a wide range of scales, from mesoscale cloud clusters down to energy‐containing turbulence. The simulated PBL is dominated by both turbulence and cloud‐induced cold‐pools. The variance of vertical velocity in the PBL resides mostly in the turbulence scales while that of water vapor mixing ratio resides mostly at the cold‐pool scales; however, both turbulence and cold‐pool scales contribute about equally to their covariance. The broad scale range of the LES flow field is decomposed into the filtered (i.e., cloud system) and the subfilter (i.e., small convection and turbulence) components using a Gaussian filter with various filter widths. Such decomposed flow fields are used to retrieve information of spatial distribution of the subfilter‐scale fluxes and their relationship to the filtered field. This information is then used to evaluate the performance of an eddy‐viscosity model commonly used in cloud‐resolving models. The subfilter‐scale fluxes computed from the eddy‐viscosity model correlate reasonably with those retrieved from the LES in the lower cloud layer but not in the PBL; the correlation coefficients between the modeled and the retrieved fluxes are about 0.5 in the lower cloud layer but smaller than 0.2 in the PBL.
Assessing the Mirrors in Long-Term Care Homes: A Preliminary Survey
Authors: Freysteinson Wyona M.
Published: January 2010

A preliminary survey of the mirrors available to residents was conducted in 10 long-term care homes. The framework underlying the study was Lawton's theory that the planned environment functions to maintain, support, and stimulate. The findings were discouraging. Some facilities had no mirrors available for bedbound residents or wheelchair users. In most facilities, a resident could not view his or her lower body in a mirror. The majority of mirrors were obstructed from view. This pilot study suggests a need for future mirror research. Implications for nursing are discussed, and placement of mirrors is described.
Black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo Lowe, 1839) in the southern Northeast Atlantic: considerations on its fishery
Authors: Serrano Gordo Leonel
Published: December 2009

Not available.
Reproductive strategies in black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo Lowe, 1839) from the NE Atlantic
Authors: Neves Ana , Vieira Ana Rita , Farias Inês , Figueiredo Ivone , Sequeira Vera , Serrano Gordo Leonel
Published: December 2009

Gonads of the NE Atlantic black scabbardfish were examined to give an insight into the reproductive biology of this species. It was concluded that black scabbardfish had determinate fecundity because: (i) a distinct hiatus in oocyte size was observed between pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes; (ii) vitellogenic oocytes increased in size during the spawning season; (iii) the number of vitellogenic oocytes did not increase during the spawning season; and (iv) the intensity of atresia was low in pre-spawning and spawning ovaries. Fecundity estimates ranged from 73 to 373 oocytes g-1 female. Comparison of developing ovaries from mainland Portugal and Madeira revealed that those from Madeira were more advanced in development, with more cortical alveoli stage oocytes and a higher gonadosomatic index. Starting in July, the reproductive development of all females from mainland Portugal was interrupted by a generalised atresia of developing oocytes. Completion of gametogenesis and spawning only occurred for fish from Madeira but some fish from this area also failed to complete oocyte development due to mass follicular atresia of vitellogenic oocytes. The percentage of Madeiran fish that failed to spawn due to follicular atresia ranged from 21.2% in 2006 to 37.4% in 2005.
Stock structure of black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo Lowe, 1839) in the southern northeast Atlantic
Authors: Serrano Gordo Leonel , Baptista Irineu , Carvalho Lucília , Costa Valentina , Cruz Cristina , Eiras Jorge C. , Farias Inês , Figueiredo Ivone , Lourenço Helena , Bordalo-Machado Pedro , Neves Ana , Nunes Maria Leonor , Reis Sara , Santos Maria João , Saraiva Aurélia , Vieira Ana Rita
Published: December 2009

Black scabbardfish stock structure is still unknown in European waters where, due to the scarcity of biological information, the ICES considers that there is a single stock unit. This study is the final outcome of a scientific project that applies a holistic approach to research on the population structure of the black scabbardfish and aims to define the most appropriate strategy for the conservation of this resource in southern NE Atlantic waters. The factors studied include life history parameters, otolith shape analysis, parasites, landings-and-effort data and contaminants. Sampling was conducted between 2005 and 2007 in three areas of the southern NE Atlantic: mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. The mainland and the Azores have an established commercial fishery, whereas the Azores has only an exploratory fishery. The majority of results indicated the existence of different stocks of black scabbardfish in the study area. Of the 8 parameters, 6 were in agreement with separate stocks between the mainland and Madeira, 5 were in agreement with separate stocks between the mainland and the Azores, and 4 were in agreement with separate stocks between Madeira and the Azores.
Systemic Lymphadenopathy as the Initial Presentation of Malignant Mesothelioma: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Zhang Yaxia , Taheri Zohreh M. , Jorda Merce
Published: January 2010

Systemic lymph node metastasis is a rare event in malignant mesothelioma. It is even
more exceptional when systemic lymph node metastasis is the initial clinical presentation. Review of literature discloses only four cases in which metastatic lymphadenopathy was the only symptom of malignant mesothelioma. We, herewith,
report three cases where the initial diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma was made by biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes, which were the only clinical presentation. Immunohistochemistry played a pivotal role in elucidating the mesothelial origin of their
unusual systemic lymph node metastasis.
Patellar Taping, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Lower Extremity Kinematics, and Dynamic Postural Control
Authors: Aminaka Naoko , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: December 2009

Context: Patellar taping has been a part of intervention for treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). However, research on the efficacy of patellar taping on lower extremity kinematics and dynamic postural control is limited.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of patellar taping on sagittal-plane hip and knee kinematics, reach distance, and perceived pain level during the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in individuals with and without PFPS.

Design: Repeated-measures design with 2 within-subjects factors and 1 between-subjects factor.

Setting: The University of Toledo Athletic Training Research Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Twenty participants with PFPS and 20 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 29 years.

Intervention(s): The participants performed 3 reaches of the SEBT in the anterior direction under tape and no-tape conditions on both legs.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The participants' hip and knee sagittal-plane kinematics were measured using the electromagnetic tracking system. Reach distance was recorded by hand and was normalized by dividing the distance by the participants' leg length (%MAXD). After each taping condition on each leg, the participants rated the perceived pain level using the 10-cm visual analog scale.

Results: The participants with PFPS had a reduction in pain level with patellar tape application compared with the no-tape condition (P = .005). Additionally, participants with PFPS demonstrated increased %MAXD under the tape condition compared with the no-tape condition, whereas the healthy participants demonstrated decreased %MAXD with tape versus no tape (P = .028). No statistically significant differences were noted in hip flexion and knee flexion angles.

Conclusions: Although patellar taping seemed to reduce pain and improve SEBT performance of participants with PFPS, the exact mechanisms of these phenomena cannot be explained in this study. Further research is warranted to investigate the effect of patellar taping on neuromuscular control during dynamic postural control.
Muscle Stiffness and Spinal Stretch Reflex Sensitivity in the Triceps Surae
Authors: Blackburn J. Troy , Padua Darin A. , Guskiewicz Kevin M.
Published: December 2009

Context: Greater musculotendinous stiffness may enhance spinal stretch reflex sensitivity by improving mechanical coupling of the muscle spindle and the stretch stimulus. This heightened sensitivity would correspond with a shorter latency and higher-amplitude reflex response, potentially enhancing joint stability.

Objective: To compare spinal stretch reflex latency and amplitude across groups that differed in musculotendinous stiffness.

Design: Static group comparisons.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Forty physically active individuals (20 men, 20 women).

Intervention(s): We verified a sex difference in musculotendinous stiffness and compared spinal stretch reflex latency and amplitude in high-stiffness (men) and low-stiffness (women) groups. We also evaluated relationships between musculotendinous stiffness and spinal stretch reflex latency and amplitude, respectively.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Triceps surae musculotendinous stiffness and soleus spinal stretch reflex latency and amplitude were assessed at 30% of a maximal voluntary isometric plantar-flexion contraction.

Results: The high-stiffness group demonstrated significantly greater stiffness (137.41 ± 26.99 N/cm) than the low-stiffness group did (91.06 ± 20.10 N/cm). However, reflex latency (high stiffness = 50.11 ± 2.07 milliseconds, low stiffness = 48.26 ± 2.40 milliseconds) and amplitude (high stiffness = 0.28% ± 0.12% maximum motor response, low stiffness = 0.31% ± 0.16% maximum motor response) did not differ significantly across stiffness groups. Neither reflex latency (r = .053, P = .746) nor amplitude (r = .073, P = .653) was related significantly to musculotendinous stiffness.

Conclusions: A moderate level of pretension (eg, 30%) likely eliminates series elastic slack; thus, a greater change in force per unit-of-length change (ie, heightened stiffness) would have minimal effects on coupling of the muscle spindle and the stretch stimulus and, therefore, on spinal stretch reflex sensitivity. It appears unlikely that differences in musculotendinous stiffness influenced spinal stretch reflex sensitivity when initiated from a moderate level of pretension. Consequently, differences in musculotendinous stiffness did not appear to influence dynamic joint stability with respect to reflexive neuromuscular control.
Ankle Bracing, Plantar-Flexion Angle, and Ankle Muscle Latencies During Inversion Stress in Healthy Participants
Authors: Kernozek Thomas , Durall Christopher J. , Friske Allison , Mussallem Matthew
Published: December 2009

Context: Ankle braces may enhance ankle joint proprioception, which in turn may affect reflexive ankle muscle activity during a perturbation. Despite the common occurrence of plantar-flexion inversion ankle injuries, authors of previous studies of ankle muscle latencies have focused on inversion stresses only.

Objective: To examine the latency of the peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in response to various degrees of combined plantar-flexion and inversion stresses in braced and unbraced asymptomatic ankles.

Design: Repeated measures.

Setting: University biomechanics laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-eight healthy females and 12 healthy males (n = 40: mean age = 23.63 years, range = 19 to 30 years; height = 172.75 ± 7.96 cm; mass = 65.53 ± 12.0 kg).

Intervention(s): Participants were tested under 2 conditions: wearing and not wearing an Active Ankle T1 brace while dropping from a custom-made platform into 10°, 20°, and 30° of plantar flexion and 30° of inversion.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The time between platform drop and the onset of PL, PB, and TA electromyographic activity was measured to determine latencies. We calculated a series of 2-way analyses of variance to determine if latencies were different between the conditions (braced and unbraced) and among the plantar-flexion angles (α = .05).

Results: No interaction was found between condition and plantar-flexion angle. No significant main effects were found for condition or plantar-flexion angle. Overall means for braced and unbraced conditions were not significantly different for each muscle tested. Overall means for angle for the PL, PB, and TA were not significantly different.

Conclusions: Reflexive activity of the PL, PB, or TA was unaffected by the amount of plantar flexion or by wearing an Active Ankle T1 brace during an unanticipated plantar-flexion inversion perturbation.
Assessment Tools for Identifying Functional Limitations Associated With Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: Ross Scott E. , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Gross Michael T. , Yu Bing
Published: December 2009

Context:

Assessment tools should identify functional limitations associated with functional ankle instability (FAI) by discriminating unstable from stable ankles.

Objective:

To identify assessment tools that discriminated FAI from stable ankles and determine the most accurate assessment tool for discriminating between FAI and stable ankles.

Design:

Case-control study.

Setting:

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fifteen individuals with FAI and 15 healthy individuals; participants with unilateral FAI reported “giving-way” sensations and ankle sprains, whereas healthy participants did not.

Intervention(s):

Participants answered 12 questions on the Ankle Joint Functional Assessment Tool (AJFAT). They also performed a single-leg jump landing, which required them to jump to half their maximum jump height, land on a single leg, and stabilize quickly on a force plate.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Receiver operating characteristic curves determined cutoff scores for discriminating between ankle groups for AJFAT total score and resultant vector (RV) time to stabilization. Accuracy values for discriminating between groups were determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

The cutoff score for discriminating between FAI and stable ankles was ≥26 (sensitivity  =  1, specificity  =  1) and ≥1.58 seconds (sensitivity  =  0.67, specificity  =  0.73) for the AJFAT total score and RV time to stabilization, respectively. The area under the curve for the AJFAT was 1.0 (asymptotic significance <.05), whereas the RV time to stabilization had an area under the curve of 0.72 (asymptotic significance <.05).

Conclusions:

The AJFAT was an excellent assessment tool for discriminating between ankle groups, whereas RV time to stabilization was a fair assessment tool. Although both assessments discriminated between ankle groups, the AJFAT more accurately discriminated between groups than the RV time to stabilization did. Future researchers should confirm these findings using a prospective research design.
Reliability and Validity of an Instrument to Describe Burnout Among Collegiate Athletic Trainers
Authors: Clapper Daniel C. , Harris Laura L.
Published: December 2009

Context: The existing investigations of professional burnout among certified athletic trainers (ATs) were conducted before 2000. Since 2000, several educational and legal changes have redefined the job duties and responsibilities of the AT working in collegiate athletics.

Objective: To develop an instrument to determine factors that contribute to burnout in ATs employed within the collegiate athletics setting.

Design: Descriptive study.

Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I-A universities.

Patients or Other Participants: Instrument design experts and ATs employed in various NCAA Division I-A athletic programs.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The Athletic Training Burnout Inventory (ATBI) included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (18 items) plus 45 new items to address established factors that lead to burnout and to address workload issues specific to athletic training. We initially developed 3 constructs (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, level of stress, and level of organizational support) and included them in the 2 field tests and first pilot test of the ATBI. For the second pilot test, the instrument comprised 4 constructs: emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, administrative responsibility, time commitment, and organizational support. The 2 field tests were conducted to establish face and content validity of the ATBI. Reliability analyses were conducted twice on the 2 separate pilot tests using a Cronbach α set a priori at .70 and an item-to-total correlation.

Results: The second pilot test of the ATBI with the 4 constructs was determined reliable (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, α = .85; administrative responsibility, α = .82; time commitment, α = .86; and organizational support, α = .80); however, some items within 2 constructs appeared suspect with low item-to-total correlations (<0.25).

Conclusions: The second administration of the ATBI produced an acceptable response rate. All 4 constructs were reliable; however, the suspect items within the constructs need further investigation. Researchers need to evaluate the conceptual worth of these items to the entire instrument.
Concussion History and Postconcussion Neurocognitive Performance and Symptoms in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Covassin Tracey , Stearne David , Elbin Robert
Published: December 2009

Context:

Athletes are at an inherent risk for sustaining concussions. Research examining the long-term consequences of sport-related concussion has been inconsistent in demonstrating lingering neurocognitive decrements that may be associated with a previous history of concussion.

Objective:

To determine the relationship between concussion history and postconcussion neurocognitive performance and symptoms in collegiate athletes.

Design:

Repeated-measures design.

Setting:

Multi-center analysis of collegiate athletes.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fifty-seven concussed collegiate athletes (36 without concussion history, 21 with a history of 2 or more concussions).

Intervention(s):

All subjects were administered an Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) neurocognitive test battery, which measures verbal memory, visual memory, reaction time, and visual processing speed and 22 concussion symptoms.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Subjects who sustained a concussion were administered 2 follow-up tests at days 1 and 5 postinjury. Independent variables were history of concussion (no history of concussion, 2 or more concussions) and time (baseline, day 1 postconcussion, or day 5 postconcussion).

Results:

A within-subjects effect (time) on ImPACT performance (P < .001), a between-subjects multivariate effect of group (P < .001), and a group-by-time interaction (P  =  .034) were noted. Athletes with a concussion history performed significantly worse on verbal memory (P  =  .01) and reaction time (P  =  .023) at day 5 postconcussion compared with athletes who did not report a previous concussion. No significant group differences were seen at day 5 postinjury on visual memory (P  =  .167), processing speed (P  =  .179), or total concussion symptoms (P  =  .87).

Conclusions:

Concussed collegiate athletes with a history of 2 or more concussions took longer to recover verbal memory and reaction time than athletes without a history of concussion.
Bilateral Medial Tibiofemoral Joint Stiffness in Full Extension and 20° of Knee Flexion
Authors: Aronson Patricia A. , Rijke Arie M. , Ingersoll Christopher D.
Published: December 2009

Context:

The valgus stress test is used clinically to assess injury to the medial knee structures in 2 positions: full extension and some degree of flexion. The amount of flexion used to “isolate” the medial collateral ligament is not consistent in the literature, but most studies have shown that stiffness of the ligaments was consistent between the limbs.

Objective:

To determine (1) if the stiffness of the medial knee structures was the same bilaterally, and (2) if the stiffness was different in full extension compared with 20° of knee flexion.

Design:

Criterion standard, before-after design.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Both knees of 45 healthy and active volunteers (26 females, 19 males; age  =  23.2 ± 3.96 years, height  =  170.6 ± 7.75 cm, mass  =  74.2 ± 15.14 kg) were studied.

Intervention(s):

A valgus force of 60 N was applied to the lateral aspect of both knees in full extension and in 20° of flexion.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The slope of the force-strain line of the medial knee during a valgus force was calculated using the LigMaster arthrometer.

Results:

Slope means in full extension were 16.1 ± 3.3 (right knee) and 15.8 ± 3.1(left knee). Means for 20° of flexion were 12.2 ± 3.1 (right) and 11.7 ± 2.8 (left). Stiffness was greater when the knee was in full extension versus 20° of flexion (t44  =  12.04, P < .001). No difference was noted between the slopes of the 2 knees in extension (t44  =  0.74, P  =  .46) or in flexion (t44  =  1.2, P  =  .27).

Conclusions:

These findings support the use of the contralateral knee as a control. Further, the valgus stress test should be performed in full extension and in some degree of flexion to assess the different restraining structures of the medial tibiofemoral joint.
Ankle Bracing, Fatigue, and Time to Stabilization in Collegiate Volleyball Athletes
Authors: Shaw Megan Y. , Gribble Phillip A. , Frye Jamie L.
Published: December 2009

Context:

Fatigue has been shown to disrupt dynamic stability in healthy volunteers. It is not known if wearing prophylactic ankle supports can improve dynamic stability in fatigued athletes.

Objective:

To determine the type of ankle brace that may be more effective at providing dynamic stability after a jump-landing task during normal and fatigued conditions.

Design:

Two separate repeated-measures analyses of variance with 2 within-subjects factors (condition and time) were performed for each dependent variable.

Setting:

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Ten healthy female collegiate volleyball athletes participated (age  =  19.5 ± 1.27 years, height  =  179.07 ± 7.6 cm, mass  =  69.86 ± 5.42 kg).

Intervention(s):

Athletes participated in 3 separate testing sessions, applying a different bracing condition at each session: no brace (NB), Swede-O Universal lace-up ankle brace (AB), and Active Ankle brace (AA). Three trials of a jump-landing task were performed under each condition before and after induced functional fatigue. The jump-landing task consisted of a single-leg landing onto a force plate from a height equivalent to 50% of each participant's maximal jump height and from a starting position 70 cm from the center of the force plate.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Time to stabilization in the anterior-posterior (APTTS) and medial-lateral (MLTTS) directions.

Results:

For APTTS, a condition-by-time interaction existed (F2,18  =  5.55, P  =  .013). For the AA condition, Tukey post hoc testing revealed faster pretest (2.734 ± 0.331 seconds) APTTS than posttest (3.817 ± 0.263 seconds). Post hoc testing also revealed that the AB condition provided faster APTTS (2.492 ± 0.271 seconds) than AA (3.817 ± 0.263 seconds) and NB (3.341 ± 0.339 seconds) conditions during posttesting. No statistically significant findings were associated with MLTTS.

Conclusions:

Fatigue increased APTTS for the AA condition. Because the AB condition was more effective than the other 2 conditions during the posttesting, the AB appears to be the best option for providing dynamic stability in the anterior-posterior direction during a landing task.
Subtalar Joint Position During Gastrocnemius Stretching and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion
Authors: Johanson Marie , Baer Jennifer , Hovermale Holley , Phouthavong Phouvy
Published: December 2009

Context:

Gastrocnemius stretching exercises often are prescribed as part of the treatment program for patients with overuse injuries associated with limited ankle dorsiflexion. However, little is known about how the position of the subtalar joint during gastrocnemius stretching affects ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM).

Objective:

To determine the effect of subtalar joint position during gastrocnemius stretching on ankle dorsiflexion ROM.

Design:

This study was a 3-way mixed-model design. The 3 factors were subtalar joint position (supinated, pronated), lower extremity (experimental, control), and time (pretest, posttest). Lower extremity and time were the repeated measures.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Thirty-three healthy volunteers (29 women, 4 men).

Intervention(s):

Participants performed a gastrocnemius stretching exercise 2 times daily for 3 weeks with the subtalar joint of the randomly assigned experimental side (dominant or nondominant) in the randomly assigned position (supination or pronation). The contralateral lower extremity served as the control.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Before and after the 3-week gastrocnemius stretching program, we used goniometers to measure ankle dorsiflexion ROM in weight-bearing and non–weight-bearing positions with the subtalar joint positioned in anatomic 0°.

Results:

Ankle dorsiflexion ROM measured in weight-bearing and non–weight-bearing positions increased after the gastrocnemius stretching program (P  =  .034 and .003, respectively), but the increase in ROM did not differ based on subtalar joint position (P  =  .775 and .831, respectively).

Conclusions:

Subtalar joint position did not appear to influence gains in ankle dorsiflexion ROM after a gastrocnemius stretching program in healthy volunteers.
Sweat Rates and Fluid Turnover in Professional Football Players: A Comparison of National Football League Linemen and Backs
Authors: Godek Sandra Fowkes , Bartolozzi Arthur R. , Burkholder Richard , Sugarman Eric , Peduzzi Chris
Published: December 2009

Context:

Many National Football League (NFL) teams practice 2 times per day over consecutive days in a hot and humid environment. Large body surface area (BSA) and use of protective equipment result in high sweat rates and total sweat loss in these football players.

Objective:

To compare sweat rate, sweat loss, fluid consumption, and weight loss between NFL linemen and backs during preseason practices.

Design:

Between-groups design.

Setting:

Preseason training camp with wet bulb globe temperature between 19°C and 25°C.

Patients or Other Participants:

Eight linemen and 4 backs and receivers participated.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Data were collected during both practice sessions on 2 separate days during the first week of August. Sweat rate was calculated as change in mass adjusted for all fluids consumed between prepractice and postpractice body mass measurements and the urine produced during practice divided by the length of the practice session. Gross daily sweat losses also were calculated.

Results:

Height, mass, and BSA were higher in linemen than in backs. Sweat rate was also higher in linemen (2385 ± 520 mL/h) than in backs (1410 ± 660 mL/h, P < .001), as was the total volume of sweat lost during both practices in 1 day (6870 ± 1034 mL/d versus 4110 ± 2287 mL/d, P  =  .014). Compared with backs, linemen consumed more fluids during practice (2030 ± 849 mL versus 1179 ± 753 mL, P  =  .025) but produced less urine (53 ± 73 mL versus 163 ± 141 mL, P  =  .018). There was no difference in postpractice weight loss (linemen  =  −1.15 ± 0.83%, backs  =  −1.06 ± 0.76%).

Conclusions:

Linemen sweated at higher rates, lost larger volumes of sweat, consumed more fluids, and produced less urine during practice compared with the physically smaller backs, but they did not lose a greater percentage of body weight. Sodium losses could be considerable in NFL players during the preseason because of high daily sweat losses in backs and in linemen.