Inverted Position Research Articles

Manual Inter-Structural Release Procedure Can Alter Muscle Shear Modulus.

Inter-structural release (ISR) procedure to skeletal muscles is believed to attenuate adhesion between neighboring muscles and alleviate subjective symptoms, including perceived stiffness and associated pain. However, objective evidence about the effect of ISR on the mechanical properties of the muscles is limited. The purpose of this study was to test the acute effect of ISR on the shear modulus of adjacent muscles. It was hypothesized that ISR applied to the border between synergistic muscles would acutely reduce the resting shear modulus of the involved muscle. To assess the effect of ISR, the shear modulus of the resting peroneus longus (PL) and soleus (SOL) muscles was measured at various ankle joint positions (inversion/eversion) before and after interventions in nine non-symptomatic male individuals (age: 21.9 ± 1.4 years, height: 170 ± 6.6 cm, body mass: 64.3 ± 4.0 kg). Potential muscle activity during the measurement was assessed by recording surface electromyogram from these muscles. The interventions were ISR to the lower leg between the deep fascia of the PL and SOL and sham (massage). As the ankle joint position was passively varied toward inversion, the shear modulus increased substantially in PL and decreased moderately in SOL. Shear modulus of the proximal PL in the most inverted position increased acutely after ISR (by 11.4 ± 5.8%, P < 0.001), but not after the sham, without any change in the amplitude of electromyogram. These results provide objective evidence that the ISR procedure can acutely alter shear modulus, at least in a specific site in a resting muscle.

Treatment of Anterior Crossbite with Inverted Bracket Position, Case Report

Background: Anterior crossbite is an abnormality in the sagittal direction of one or more maxillary anterior teeth against the mandibular teeth. Although the incidence of this case is small, it can cause aesthetic problems, tooth abrasion, caries, gingivitis, bone resorption, and gingival recession. Case Report: A 24-year-old female patient presented with her upper front teeth positioned behind her lower teeth and a noticeable gap between her upper front teeth. She exhibited an anterior crossbite involving teeth 22 to 32, a central diastema, and crowding of the upper and lower front teeth. Treatment was carried out using a fixed orthodontic with an MBT system and the bracket placement of 22 in an inverted position to get a labial torque effect on the roots. Conclusion: The use of pre-adjusted brackets with the MBT system and the placement of the lateral incisive bracket in an inverted position successfully corrected the anterior crossbite in these teeth both at the crown and root without additional wire bending or auxiliary spring.

The inverted pendulum as a classical analog of the EFT paradigm

The inverted pendulum is a mechanical system with a rapidly oscillating pivot point. Using techniques similar in spirit to the methodology of effective field theories, we derive an effective Lagrangian that allows for the systematic computation of corrections to the so-called Kapitza equation. The derivation of the effective potential of the system requires non-trivial matching conditions, which need to be determined order by order in the power-counting of the problem. The convergence behavior of the series is investigated on the basis of high-order results obtained by this method. The results from this analysis can be used to determine the regions of parameter space, in which the inverted position of the pendulum is stable or unstable to high precision.

Trunk muscle activation in prone plank exercises with different body tilts.

Body tilt changes could affect the intensity/difficulty of core stability exercises, but there is still a lack of knowledge about its impact. To analyse the trunk muscles activation during prone plank exercises at different body tilts. Twenty-four young adults who performed recreational gymnastic activities participated in this study. Electromyography activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and erector spinae (ES) was recorded during the performance of six variations of the prone plank exercise (planking with feet supported on the ground [conventional horizontal position] and planking with feet supported on wall bars at five different heights increasing the angle tilt) and an inverted position exercise. The RA, EO and IO activation in all prone plank variations were higher than those observed in the conventional prone plank. In addition, the coefficient of variation of the muscle activation increased with the declination angle, reaching the highest values in the inverted position for the RA and ES muscles. The results seem to indicate that the body tilt variation could be used as an easy and inexpensive strategy for modulating the neuromuscular demands and the motor control challenge during planking exercises.

Electromyographic activity of core muscles in isometric pole dance exercises with thigh locks

There is little technical and scientific research on Pole Dancing — an artistic, sensual and sporting activity based on friction and opposition between the body and a bar. The objective of this study is to analyze and compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus externus abdominis (OE), and erector spinae (ES) muscles during the execution of different isometric Pole Dance exercises using the thigh lock to fix the body on the bar in the vertical, horizontal and inverted positions (basic seat, plank seat, and inverted seat). Experimental study consisting of a convenience sample of ten female Pole Dance practitioners with more than one year of experience and physically active. The EMG signal obtained during all exercises was quantified in the time domain by root mean square (RMS) and normalized by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Data were collected using simple differential surface electrodes and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. The results showed a significant difference only for the ES muscle, which was higher for the inverted position when compared to the vertical and horizontal ones. The three exercises produced low to moderate EMG activity in the muscles analyzed. Therefore, these exercises can be prescribed both for Pole Dance training programs — its variations present interesting intensity progression — and for low back pain prevention, as they can improve trunk neuromuscular control.

Imaging analysis of 1 138 supernumerary teeth by using cone-beam computed tomography.

This study aims to analyze and summarize the characteristics of supernumerary teeth by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 718 patients with 1 138 supernumerary teeth were retrospectively collected. Age, gender, number, location, morphology, eruption status, and accompanying symptoms of the supernumerary teeth were statistically analyzed. The relationship relative to jaws, gender, and eruption status were analyzed and discussed. The average age of the patients was 9.54±5.32 years, and the male to female ratio was 2.88∶1. About 77.02% of the patients sought medical advice during the mixed dentition period, and 50.70% had one supernumerary tooth. These supernumeraries were most commonly conical in shape, and 85.76% of them were in the incisor region, 92.09% in the upper jaw, 46.75% in inverted position, and 86.20% unerupted. Overall, 65.29% of them had fully developed roots, and 60.63% had an impact on adjacent structures. Significant differences were found in eruption status, morphology, zoning, direction, root development, and impact on adjacent structures between the supernumerary teeth located in the upper and lower jaws (P<0.05). Significant differences were also detected in gender, morphology, zoning, orientation, root development, and impact on adjacent structures between erupted and unerupted teeth (P<0.05). The incidence of supernumerary teeth in the incisor region was higher in males than that in females. Moreover, the root of supernumeraries was more completely developed in males than in females (P<0.05). For supernumerary teeth, CBCT images can provide accurate three-dimensional radiographic data and are valuable for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.

Viral Nervous Necrosis and Vibriosis in Grouper Fish: A Case Study

Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) and Vibriosis are contagious diseases that can affect grouper fish from the larval to adult stages and cause significant economic losses for farmers. The owner brought the sunuk grouper to BKIPM Mataram to determine the fish's health. Since the grouper arrived at the floating net cage, the owner reports it has sustained bodily injuries. The grouper is separated from the healthy fish and placed in the area where the sick fish are. During maintenance, the fish exhibits a decrease in appetite, wounds on the mouth, operculum, and body from the head to the tail, low mobility, and swimming upside-down. The physical examination revealed that the fish was swimming limply in an inverted position and had lesions on various body parts. According to virological and bacteriological laboratory tests, the sunuk grouper infected with Vibriosis and VNN can be affected by the condition of fish that have been sick since they first arrived. Also, stress, contact with infected fish, and a decreased appetite result in sunuk grouper contracting the disease. Due to a disease, a fish's immune system does not function optimally. This condition makes sunuk susceptible to several infectious diseases.

Fruit anatomy and seedlings of the mistletoePsittacanthus schiedeanus(Loranthaceae)

Fruits of Psittacanthus (Loranthaceae) mistletoes depend on frugivorous birds for seed dispersal; however, despite the importance of birds in their dispersal and distribution, the external fruit morphology and anatomy and seedling remain poorly studied. Here, we describe the fruit anatomy and seedling of host generalist Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Cham. &amp; Schltdl.) G. Don (Loranthaceae), a mistletoe species occurring from Mexico to Panama. Fully developed unripe fruits and ripe fruits were collected, processed for microphotography, and examined to describe fruit external morphology and anatomy. The following parts were observed in fruits: exocarp, viscin layer, seed coat, and the polycotylous embryo. Longitudinal sections also show the inverted position of the embryo. The fruits of Psittacanthus schiedeanus contain a polycotylous embryo and no endosperm. The absence of endosperm in the mature seed and the massive cotyledons having the storage function for the germinating seedling await further Psittacanthus species comparisons to end the pretending controversy of the polycotylous embryo and between having or not having endosperm in Psittacanthus.

A complex structural variant near SOX3 causes X-linked split-hand/foot malformation.

Split-hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a congenital limb defect most typically presenting with median clefts in hands and/or feet, that can occur in a syndromic context as well as in isolated form. SHFM is caused by failure to maintain normal apical ectodermal ridge function during limb development. Although several genes and contiguous gene syndromes are implicated in the monogenic etiology of isolated SHFM, the disorder remains genetically unexplained for many families and associated genetic loci. We describe a family with isolated X-linked SHFM, for which the causative variant could be detected after a diagnostic journey of 20 years. We combined well-established approaches including microarray-based copy number variant analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization coupled with optical genome mapping and whole genome sequencing. This strategy identified a complex structural variant (SV) comprising a 165-kb gain of 15q26.3 material ([GRCh37/hg19] chr15:99795320-99960362dup) inserted in inverted position at the site of a 38-kb deletion on Xq27.1 ([GRCh37/hg19] chrX:139481061-139518989del). In silico analysis suggested that the SV disrupts the regulatory framework on the X chromosome and may lead to SOX3 misexpression. We hypothesize that SOX3 dysregulation in the developing limb disturbed the fine balance between morphogens required for maintaining AER function, resulting in SHFM in this family.

Left or right, that is the question: use of egocentric frame of reference and the right-eye advantage for understanding gestural signs in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates).

How do bottlenose dolphins visually perceive the space around them? In particular, what cues do they use as a frame of reference for left-right perception? To address this question, we examined the dolphin's responses to various manipulations of the spatial relationship between the dolphin and the trainer by using gestural signs for actions given by the trainer, which have different meanings in the left and right hands. When the dolphins were tested with their backs to the trainer (Experiment 1) or in an inverted position underwater (Experiments 2 and 3), correct responses from the trainer's perspective were maintained for signs related to movement direction instructions. In contrast, reversed responses were frequently observed for signs that required different sounds for the left and right hands. When the movement direction instructions were presented with symmetrical graphic signs such as " × " and "●", accuracy decreased in the inverted posture (Experiment 3). Furthermore, when the signs for sounds were presented from either the left or right side of the dolphin's body, performance was better when the side of the sign movement coincided with the body side on which it was presented than when it was mismatched (Experiment 4). In the final experiment, when one eye was covered with an eyecup, the results showed that, as in the case of body-side presentation, performance was better when the open eye coincided with the side on which the sign movement was presented. These results indicate that dolphins used the egocentric frame for visuospatial cognition. In addition, they showed better performances when the gestural signs were presented to the right eye, suggesting the possibility of a left-hemispheric advantage in the dolphin's visuospatial cognition.

Minimizing Surgeon Radiation Exposure During Operative Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

Orthopaedic surgeons are exposed to high levels of radiation, which may lead to higher rates of cancer among orthopaedic surgeons. There are a series of techniques currently practiced to pin supracondylar humerus fractures including pinning the arm on the C-arm itself, using a plexiglass rectangle or a graphite floating arm board; however, the variation in radiation exposure to the surgeon is unknown. We aimed to determine how the position of the C-arm affects radiation exposure to the surgeon during the treatment of a pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture. A simulated operating room was created to simulate a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humerus fracture. A phantom model was used to simulate the patient's arm. We assessed performing the procedure with the arm on plexiglass, graphite, or on top of the C-arm image receptor. The C-arm was positioned either with the source down and image receptor up (standard position) or with the source up and image receptor down (inverted position). Radiation exposure was recorded from levels corresponding to the surgeon's head, midline, and groin. The estimated effective dose equivalent was calculated to account for the varying radiation sensitivity of different organs. We found the effective dose equivalent, or the overall body damage from radiation, was 5.4 to 7.8% higher than the surgeon when the C-arm was in the inverted position (source up, image receptor down). We did not find any differences in radiation exposure to the surgeon when the arm was supported on plexiglass versus graphite. The C-arm positioned in the standard fashion exposes the surgeon to less damaging radiation. Therefore, when the surgeon is standing, we recommend using the C-arm in the standard position. Orthopaedic surgeons who stand should use the C-arm in the standard position to pin supracondylar humerus fractures to lower the risk of ionizing radiation exposure.

Photoactivatable surfaces resolve the impact of gravity vector on collective cell migratory characteristics

ABSTRACT Despite considerable interest in the impact of space travel on human health, the influence of the gravity vector on collective cell migration remains unclear. This is primarily because of the difficulty in inducing collective migration, where cell clusters appear in an inverted position against gravity, without cellular damage. In this study, photoactivatable surfaces were used to overcome this challenge. Photoactivatable surfaces enable the formation of geometry-controlled cellular clusters and the remote induction of cellular migration via photoirradiation, thereby maintaining the cells in the inverted position. Substrate inversion preserved the circularity of cellular clusters compared to cells in the normal upright position, with less leader cell appearance. Furthermore, the inversion of cells against the gravity vector resulted in the remodeling of the cytoskeletal system via the strengthening of external actin bundles. Within the 3D cluster architecture, enhanced accumulation of active myosin was observed in the upper cell-cell junction, with a flattened apical surface. Depending on the gravity vector, attenuating actomyosin activity correlates with an increase in the number of leader cells, indicating the importance of cell contractility in collective migration phenotypes and cytoskeletal remodeling.

Effect of Component Position and Inward–Outward Rotation on the Wear of Different Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes in an Orbital Bearing Type Hip Joint Simulator

The orbital bearing machine is the world’s most widely used hip joint simulator design for wear testing of prosthetic hips. It has been used with inverted and anatomic component position and with and without inward–outward rotation. Still the effect of component position on the wear of the most widely used bearing material, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), has not been studied directly. With a modified orbital bearing machine, the effects of the component position, anatomic versus inverted, and of the inward–outward rotation, present versus absent, on polyethylene wear were studied for the first time. Acetabular liners made from different ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes articulated against alumina femoral heads in alpha calf serum. The inverted position resulted in the most realistic, burnished appearance of the polyethylene bearing surfaces. In the inverted position, the wear rate decreased with increasing gamma dose that is known to improve wear resistance by cross-linking. In the anatomic position, the bearing surface was not always entirely burnished. The wear was similar with and without inward–outward rotation. The mean wear rate of vitamin E stabilized highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was close to clinical observations. Clinically relevant wear could be produced with the orbital bearing machine for both established and advanced bearing materials. The inverted position appeared preferable in the orbital bearing machine. Inward–outward rotation did not appear important.

Shake table testing of out-of-plane response of repaired bridge subassembly with simplified ABC-inspired cast-in-place joints

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) has been utilized in precast bridge structures because of its advantage to expedite on-site construction. In ABC, one of the main concerns is the joint connection as it needs to be well designed to maintain structural integrity. A recent study at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) was conducted to utilize ABC pocket connection concept in cast-in-place (CIP) cap beam-column bridge joint. The cap beam was constructed by having the cap beam longitudinal reinforcement bundled outside the pocket joint allowing the placement of the column reinforcement cage uninhibited. The specimen was tested in an inverted position at one of UNR’s shake tables and found to perform well under out-of-plane ground motion excitations, and the ductility of the column was confirmed through typical plastic hinge behavior. In this study, the specimen from the recent UNR test was further utilized by removing the damaged column in the cap beam through cutting and coring. A new column was constructed in the cap beam using the same reinforcement detailing from the original specimen. The repaired specimen was tested using the same loading protocol adopted from the 1994 Northridge earthquake as the original model. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that ABC-inspired CIP joints can provide a viable repair method after major earthquakes, where damaged columns can be replaced without affecting cap beam reinforcement. The repaired specimen performed well as the plastic hinge zone was developed in the column outside the joint, close to the interface of the cap beam, as desired and required by design. The cap beam remained essentially elastic, i.e. capacity-protected as required, throughout the test which is similar to the performance of the original model. High residual drift ratios were recorded at higher earthquake motions and were attributed to the slippage of the column in the joint. The paper also concludes with recommendations for the repair of CIP cap beam-column joints emulating ABC pocket connections.

Evaluation of Posturographic and Neuromuscular Parameters during Upright Stance and Hand Standing: A Pilot Study

Upright bipedal posture is the physiological human posture; however, it is not the only possible form of human standing; indeed, an inverted position, a handstand, is required during gymnastics or other sports. Thus, this study aimed to understand the differences between the two standing strategies from a postural and neuromuscular perspective. Thirteen gymnasts with at least three years of sports experience underwent a baropodometric assessment and a surface electromyography (sEMG) examination in a standard upright bipodalic stance and during a handstand. The sEMG examination was performed on the gastrocnemius during an upright stance and on the flexor carpi radialis during the handstand. Limb weight distribution presented differences between the two vertical stances (p < 0.01). During the handstand, the weight ratio was prevalently observed on the palm of the hand for both hands with a significant difference between the front and rear aspect of the hand compared to the standing tasks (p < 0.01). Normalized sEMG amplitude showed significant differences during bipedal standing and hand standing; however, over a 5 s period, the normalized median frequency (MDF) value was similar for the two tasks. Both standing tasks presented similar postural weight managing patterns when analysed on the frontal plane, but they were different on the sagittal plane. In addition, the neuromuscular patterns during a 5 s window differ in amplitude but not for the frequency domain.

The Neutron Scattering Cross Section and Angular Distribution Measurement Program at LANL

Neutron scattering cross sections and angular distributions are leading terms in descriptions of neutron transport through any system. Despite the fundamental importance of nuclear data on these quantities, significant gaps in understanding and lack of experimental data persist in heavier elements and down to lighter structural materials, such as iron and aluminum. Recent measurements on carbon have also shown definitive proof that the neutron angular distribution can change with respect to the emission angle of γ-rays from inelastic scattering, thereby complicating γ-tagged measurements of inelastic neutron scattering. In this work, we describe the emerging program at Los Alamos National Laboratory for measurements of neutron scattering cross sections and neutron, γ-ray, and correlated n-γ angular distributions utilizing liquid scintillator detectors and the Correlated Gamma-Neutron Array for Scattering (CoGNAC) of CLYC scintillators. Currently, these detectors are operated simultaneously with the in-progress array of CLYC detectors in an inverted position, and data analysis techniques are being developed to span scattering measurements from light nuclei up through actinides. Preliminary results for measurements on 12C, 27Al, and 56Fe are presented here with a description of the analysis methods applied and anticipated capabilities of the full-scale detection system.

Nomenclatural updates on names linked to the genus Axonopus for the Brazilian flora (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paspaleae)

Abstract A nomenclatural update for 20 names related to the genus Axonopus for the Brazilian flora is here presented. Axonopus comprises around 90, mostly New World, species characterized by having solitary spikelets in an inverted position. In order to stabilize the nomenclature and, based on thorough study of original collections and pertinent literature, we designated lectotypes for nine names, of which three are second-step lectotypes. We also corrected to lectotypes erroneous applications, in previous contributions, of the term “holotype” (for four names), clarified three cases in which lectotypification is not required, as well as discussed four situations of uncertainty.

Accumulation of Anthocyanins in Detached Leaves of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana: Relevance to the Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on This Process.

Accumulation of anthocyanins in detached leaves and in excised stems of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana kept under natural light conditions in the presence or absence of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) was investigated. When the abaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the adaxial surface (the normal or natural position) under natural light conditions, anthocyanins were not accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. In contrast, when the adaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the abaxial surface (inverted position), anthocyanins were highly accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. These phenomena were independent of the growth stage of K. blossfeldiana as well as photoperiod. Application of JA-Me in lanolin paste significantly inhibited anthocyanin accumulation induced on the abaxial side of detached leaves held in an inverted position in a dose-dependent manner. Anthocyanin accumulation in the excised stem in response to natural light was also significantly inhibited by JA-Me in lanolin paste. Possible mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation on the abaxial side of detached K. blossfeldiana leaves held in an inverted position under natural light conditions and the inhibitory effect of JA-Me on this process are described. The accompanying changes in the content of primary metabolites and histological analyses were also described.

Effects of salpingitis simulation on the morphology and expression of inflammatory-related genes of oviduct in laying hens

This study was conducted to simulate salpingitis of laying hens by observing the morphology and expression of inflammatory genes in the oviduct. A total of one hundred twenty 81-wk-old Roman Pink laying hens in good physical condition without the oviduct disease with an average egg production rate of 76% were fed a basal diet for 2 wks and then randomly allocated into 4 groups (6 replicates/group, 5 birds/replicate). The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) Control group (treated with PBS); 2) Organic chemical reagent (OCR) group; 3) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group; 4) LPS + OCR group. First, the chickens were kept upside down to make ectropion and exposure of the apertura uterinae; then prepared reagents were poured into the uterine part of the fallopian tube by using the chicken vas deferens (1 mL/layer); finally, the chickens were kept in the inverted position for 5 to 10 min. The fallopian tube samples (the magnum, isthmus, and uterus) were collected after 48 h of treatment. Compared with the control, treatment with LPS+OCR decreased (P < 0.05) the secondary villus length and primary villus area in magnum and villus length in isthmus (P < 0.05). An increase (P < 0.05) of the intervillous space of uterus was observed in LPS + OCR group compared with the control. The expressions of interleukin-6 mRNA of magnum and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) of isthmus in the LPS and LPS+OCR treatments were higher (P < 0.05) than that in control. Compared with the control, treatment with LPS+OCR increased (P < 0.05) the expressions of IFN-γ mRNA of magnum and IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA of uterus in laying hens. In conclusion, the results of morphological damage of fallopian tube tissue and increased expression of inflammatory factors in LPS + OCR treatment group suggested that LPS+OCR treatment can provide data basis to establish salpingitis model in laying hens for studying the pathogenesis of it.

Design of Inverted Stacked Parasitic Patch Antenna for Communication in White Space TV Band

The proposed work aims to design and develop stacked parasitic microstrip antenna configurations in the TV white-space frequency band, which can work between 470 to 806 MHz for applications like IEEE 802.11. The antenna is designed for both the base station (higher gain) and the user terminal (compact). In this design, two layers are stacked on each other with coaxial feed at the lower circular patch. The two top circular patches are placed in an inverted position and electromagnetically coupled with a lower patch. The substrate used is FR4. The proposed antenna can operate between 499 to 650 MHz frequency band with 5.6dBi gain. The proposed antenna is having an efficiency of 98%. A parametric analysis is done to cater to the requirements of the antenna size, gain, and radiation pattern. The parametric study found that when both top patches are elliptical, the lowest size with the largest gain is achieved.