Segmental foot and ankle kinematic differences between rectus,planus, and cavus foot types

The presence of multiple foot types has been used to explain the variability of foot structure observed among healthy adults. These foot types were determined by specific static morphologic features and included rectus (well aligned hindfoot/forefoot), planus (low arched), and cavus (high arched) foot types. Unique biomechanical characteristics of these foot types have been identified but reported differences in segmental foot kinematics among them has been inconsistent due to differences in neutral referencing and evaluation of only select discrete variables. This study used the radiographically-indexed Milwaukee Foot Model to evaluate differences in segmental foot kinematics among healthy adults with rectus, planus, and cavus feet based on the true bony alignment between segments. Based on the definitions of the individual foot types and due to conflicting results in previous literature, the primary study outcome was peak coronal hindfoot position during stance phase. Additionally, locally weighted regression smoothing with alpha-adjusted serial t-test analysis (LAAST) was used to compare these foot types across the entire gait cycle. Average peak hindfoot inversion was −1.6° ± 5.1°, 6.7° ± 3.5°, and 13.6° ± 4.6°, for the Planus, Rectus, and Cavus Groups, respectively. There were significant differences among all comparisons. Differences were observed between the Rectus and Planus Groups and Cavus and Planus Groups throughout the gait cycle. Additionally, the Planus Group had a premature peak velocity toward coronal varus and early transition toward valgus, likely due to a deficient windlass mechanism. This assessment of kinematic data across the gait cycle can help understand differences in dynamic foot function among foot types.     

Neural fuzzy preference integration using neural preference Moore machines

This paper describes preference classes and preference Moore machines as a basis for integrating different hybrid neural representations. Preference classes are shown to provide a basic link between neural preferences and fuzzy representations at the preference class level. Preference Moore machines provide a link between recurrent neural networks and symbolic transducers at the preference Moore machine level. We demonstrate how the concepts of preference classes and preference Moore machines can be used to interpret neural network representations and to integrate knowledge from hybrid neural representations. One main contribution of this paper is the introduction and analysis of neural preference Moore machines and their link to a fuzzy interpretation. Furthermore, we illustrate the interpretation and combination of various neural preference Moore machines with additional real-world examples.     

Dietary sterol preference in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Since insects are unable to biosynthesize sterols de novo, sterols must be obtained from dietary sources. Although it has been reported that beta-sitosterol is crucial for larval growth in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, little has been investigated concerning the dietary selection of sterols by Bombyx larvae. Here, we demonstrate that Bombyx larvae have the following sterol preference: beta-sitosterol > ergosterol > cholesterol = stigmasterol. Interestingly, Bombyx larvae preferred ergosterol, an inhibitory sterol on larval growth, indicating that sterol selection following first contact of the diet with the mouth part might be different from the sterol recognition mechanism present in sterol metabolism.     

植物果实、颜色和形状对橘小实蝇产卵选择的影响

橘小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel)是近几年入侵江苏南部地区,严重危害当地水果、蔬菜的重要害虫。为深入了解其在该地区果树、蔬菜上的产卵特性,进行植物果实、颜色和形状对其产卵选择影响的研究。实验室中"纸杯法"的产卵选择试验结果表明,橘小实蝇对不同水果的产卵偏好性由高到低依次为:柑橘、香蕉、芒果、枣、石榴、苹果、桃子、梨、李、葡萄、柿;对不同蔬菜的产卵偏好性由高到低依次为:丝瓜、豇豆、苦瓜、黄瓜、茄子、南瓜、青椒、番茄。对不同寄主颜色和形状的产卵选择特点为,雌虫常选择桔黄色、绿色,以及圆球形的寄主产卵,而较少选择黑色、方形的寄主产卵。从试验结果可以看出,寄主果实散发出的气味,及其颜色和形状对橘小实蝇的产卵选择有影响。     

Trunk kinematic,kinetic, and neuro-muscular response to foot center of pressure translation along the medio-lateral foot axis during gait

Footwear devices that shift foot center of pressure (COP), thereby impacting lower-limb biomechanics to produce clinical benefit, have been studied regarding degenerative diseases of knee and hip joints, exhibiting evidence of clinical success. Ability to purposefully affect trunk biomechanics has not been investigated for this type of footwear. Fifteen healthy young male subjects underwent gait and electromyography analysis using a biomechanical device that shifts COP via moveable convex elements attached to the shoe sole. Analyses were performed in three COP configurations for pairwise comparison: (1) neutral (control) (2) laterally deviated, and (3) medially deviated. Sagittal and frontal-plane pelvis and spine kinematics, external oblique activity, and frontal and transverse-plane lumbar moments were affected by medio-lateral COP shift. Transverse-plane trunk kinematics, activity of the lumbar longissimus, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominus, and quadratus lumborum, and sagittal-plane lumbar moment, were not significantly impacted. Two linear mixed effects models assessed predictive impact of (I) COP location, and (II) trunk kinematics and neuromuscular activity, on the significant lumbar moment parameters. The COP was a significant predictor of all modeled frontal and transverse-plane lumbar moment parameters, while pelvic and spine rotation, and lumbar longissimus activity were significant predictors of one frontal-plane lumbar moment parameter. Model results suggest that, although trunk biomechanics and muscle activity were altered by COP shift, COP offset influences lumbar kinetics directly, or via lower-limb changes not assessed in this study, but not by means of alteration of trunk kinematics or muscle activity. Further study may reveal implications in treatment of low back pain.     

Mirror foot

Mirror image polydactyly is a rare congenital abnormality that may occur in isolation, or in association with multiple congenital anomalies. A case of unilateral mirror foot with an ipsilateral short, broad tibia is described. The clinical, radiologic, and operative findings are presented, and current theories of embryo-pathogenesis are reviewed.     

Omnivorous food web,prey preference and allochthonous nutrient input

This work purports to analyze the influence of allochthonous nutrient input into consumer level in the ultimate dynamics of an omnivory food web, where consumption is dictated by non-switching and switching predators. Within this behavioral context, prey consumption structure is shown to have a markedly effect on food web dynamics under a gradient of allochthonous input and primary productivity. A striking feature is that in the non-switching model invasion of consumer and predator occurs sequentially in this order as density of carrying capacity increases, while in the switching model both predators and consumers are able to invade and persist irrespective of the considered carrying capacity levels.     

A foot more light, a step more true

Thulborn, T. 190: Dinosaur Tracks.
Gillette, D. D. & Lockley, M. G. (eds.) 1989: Dinosaur Tracks and Trores     

Substrate preference in age-0 red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus

We tested age-0 red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, for sand or shell substrate preference in a circular tank (1.5 m diameter × 0.6 m deep). The test tank was divided into two equal areas of whole oyster shell or sand substrates. All trials were video taped for 20 to 25 min. Tapes were viewed on a monitor and locations of all fish recorded and timed with respect to substrate. Mean ± SE time on shell was 11.6 ± 0.5 sec (4 fish trial^–1) and 13.8 ± 1.1 sec (1 fish trial^–1). Mean ± SE time on sand was 9.7 ± 0.4 sec (4 fish trial^–1) and 8.9 ± 0.5 sec (1 fish trial^–1). Fish spent significantly more time on shell compared to sand substrate in four-fish trials (paired t-test, p < 0.10) and also in single-fish trials (paired t-test, p < 0.05). Shell substrate may offer increased food and shelter for age-0 red snapper compared to sand substrate. However, a preference for shell substrate in the natural habitat may occur only during the nursery period, because as fish grow (> 100 mm TL) in the late fall they probably outgrow the shell habitat.     

Diabetic foot infections: fate of the contralateral foot

Following an initial report urging conservative management of severe diabetic foot infections, the authors have managed 45 patients with a minimum 3-year follow-up. By using standard principles for soft-tissue infection, 78 percent of the patients healed minor amputation sites and maintained biped ambulation following the initial foot involvement. Only 22 percent required a major amputation at the time of the initial foot involvement. The 45 patients were followed and 22 (or 49 percent) developed a severe infection involving the contralateral foot within 18 months. Although 15 of the 22 patients developing contralateral infection (or 33 percent of the total series) required some type of amputation on the contralateral foot, the conservative approach allowed 64 percent of the patients with severe infections in both feet to maintain biped ambulation. This included 40 percent of the patients who required amputation of some portion of both feet.     

Variability in nicotine conditioned place preference and stress‐induced reinstatement in mice: Effects of sex,initial chamber preference,and guanfacine

Relapse to smoking occurs at higher rates in women compared with men, especially when triggered by stress. Studies suggest that sex‐specific interactions between nicotine reward and stress contribute to these sex differences. Accordingly, novel treatment options targeting stress pathways, such as guanfacine, an α2‐adrenergic receptor agonist, may provide sex‐sensitive therapeutic effects. Preclinical studies are critical for elucidating neurobiological mechanisms of stress‐induced relapse and potential therapies, but rodent models of nicotine addiction are often hindered by large behavioral variability. In this study, we used nicotine conditioned place preference to investigate stress‐induced reinstatement of nicotine preference in male and female mice, and the effects of guanfacine on this behavior. Our results showed that overall, nicotine induced significant place preference acquisition and swim stress‐induced reinstatement in both male and female mice, but with different nicotine dose‐response patterns. In addition, we explored the variability in nicotine‐dependent behaviors with median split analyses and found that initial chamber preference in each sex differentially accounted for variability in stress‐induced reinstatement. In groups that showed significant stress‐induced reinstatement, pretreatment with guanfacine attenuated this behavior. Finally, we evaluated neuronal activation by Arc immunoreactivity in the infralimbic cortex, prelimbic cortex, anterior insula, basolateral amygdala, lateral central amygdala and nucleus accumbens core and shell. Guanfacine induced sex‐dependent changes in Arc immunoreactivity in the infralimbic cortex and anterior insula. This study demonstrates sex‐dependent relationships between initial chamber preference and stress‐induced reinstatement of nicotine conditioned place preference, and the effects of guanfacine on both behavior and neurobiological mechanisms.     

Culture,ecology, and beliefs about gender in son preference caste groups

Ethnographers have documented the prevalence of extreme forms of female neglect and female infanticide in Tamilnadu, India, among two caste groups: Thevars (a warrior caste) and Gounders (a landowning caste). Using a cultural ecological perspective, three field studies were conducted with Thevar, Gounder, and Brahmin participants to examine caste-specific psychological antecedents to female infanticide. Studies 1 and 2 investigated son bias using resource allocation tasks. Using a culture-of-honor task, Study 3 examined the relationship between honor and son preference. In general, Gounders' son bias was related to a desire to have more sons for patrilineal transfer of ancestral land, whereas Thevars' son preference was related to honor concerns. Furthermore, the relevance of cultural ecological perspective to study female neglect is discussed.     

Performance and preference of sugarcane borer,Diatraea saccharalis,on rice cultivars

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major agronomic pest in the southeastern USA. This study was conducted to investigate the performance of D. saccharalis on eight rice cultivars widely grown in Louisiana and to assess the relationship between oviposition preference and offspring performance. In a previous study, oviposition preference of sugarcane borers was found to vary on the same eight rice cultivars. In this study, variation in larval performance on the eight cultivars was observed. The overall performance of larvae in terms of relative growth rate and boring success of larvae was highest on Priscilla and Cocodrie. Larval performance was lower on the hybrid XL723, the Clearfield (herbicide‐resistant) variety CL161, and the medium grain Bengal. Also, larvae took more time to enter into the stem of the hybrid XL723 compared with Cocodrie. Significant positive correlations were observed among relative growth rate and boring success and between larval performance and oviposition preference. Significant positive correlations among measures of larval performance and oviposition preference suggest the operation of a common resistance mechanism. Results in laboratory and greenhouse extended into the field, where Cocodrie and Cheniere were the most damaged cultivars, whereas CL161 and the medium grain Jupiter were least injured in terms of average number of stem borer entry/exit holes per plant. Results from this study could contribute to the use of resistant cultivars in an integrated management program for stem borers and the resistant cultivars identified in this study could be used as sources of resistance in breeding programs for resistance against stem borers.