bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Indigenous Lactobacilli in Gastrin-Mediated Acid Production in the Mouse Stomach
Authors: Takahashi Hidenori , Nakano Yasuhiro , Matsuoka Takashi , Kumaki Nobue , Asami Yukio , Koga Yasuhiro
Published: July 2011

It is known that the stomach is colonized by indigenous lactobacilli in mice. The aim of this study was to examine the role of such lactobacilli in the development of the stomach. For a DNA microarray analysis, germ-free BALB/c mice were orally inoculated with 109CFU lactobacilli, and their stomachs were excised after 10 days to extract RNA. As a result, lactobacillus-associated gnotobiotic mice showed dramatically decreased expression of the gastrin gene in comparison to germ-free mice. The mean of the log2fold change in the gastrin gene was −4.3. Immunohistochemistry also demonstrated the number of gastrin-positive (gastrin+) cells to be significantly lower in the lactobacillus-associated gnotobiotic mice than in the germ-free mice. However, there was no significant difference in the number of somatostatin+cells in these groups of mice. Consequently, gastric acid secretion also decreased in the mice colonized by lactobacilli. In addition, an increase in the expression of the genes related to muscle system development, such as nebulin and troponin genes, was observed in lactobacillus-associated mice. Moreover, infection of germ-free mice withHelicobacter pylorialso showed the down- and upregulation of gastrin and muscle genes, respectively, in the stomach. These results thus suggested that indigenous lactobacilli in the stomach significantly affect the regulation of gastrin-mediated gastric acid secretion without affecting somatostatin secretion in mice, whileH. pylorialso exerts such an effect on the stomach.
Response of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to Increased NADH and ATP Demand
Authors: Ebert Birgitta E. , Kurth Felix , Grund Marcel , Blank Lars M. , Schmid Andreas
Published: July 2011

Adenosine phosphate and NAD cofactors play a vital role in the operation of cell metabolism, and their levels and ratios are carefully regulated in tight ranges. Perturbations of the consumption of these metabolites might have a great impact on cell metabolism and physiology. Here, we investigated the impact of increased ATP hydrolysis and NADH oxidation rates on the metabolism ofPseudomonas putidaKT2440 by titration of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and overproduction of a water-forming NADH oxidase, respectively. Both perturbations resulted in a reduction of the biomass yield and, as a consequence of the uncoupling of catabolic and anabolic activities, in an amplification of the net NADH regeneration rate. However, a stimulation of the specific carbon uptake rate was observed only whenP. putidawas challenged with very high 2,4-dinitrophenol concentrations and was comparatively unaffected by recombinant NADH oxidase activity. This behavior contrasts with the comparably sensitive performance described, for example, forEscherichia coliorSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The apparent robustness ofP. putidametabolism indicates that it possesses a certain buffering capacity and a high flexibility to adapt to and counteract different stresses without showing a distinct phenotype. These findings are important, e.g., for the development of whole-cell redox biocatalytic processes that impose equivalent burdens on the cell metabolism: stoichiometric consumption of (reduced) redox cofactors and increased energy expenditures, due to the toxicity of the biocatalytic compounds.
Glycosylation of DsbA in Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis
Authors: Thomas Rebecca M. , Twine Susan M. , Fulton Kelly M. , Tessier Luc , Kilmury Sara L. N. , Ding Wen , Harmer Nicholas , Michell Stephen L. , Oyston Petra C. F. , Titball Richard W. , Prior Joann L.
Published: July 2011

InFrancisella tularensissubsp.tularensis, DsbA has been shown to be an essential virulence factor and has been observed to migrate to multiple protein spots on two-dimensional electrophoresis gels. In this work, we show that the protein is modified with a 1,156-Da glycan moiety inO-linkage. The results of mass spectrometry studies suggest that the glycan is a hexasaccharide, comprised ofN-acetylhexosamines, hexoses, and an unknown monosaccharide. Disruption of two genes within theFTT0789-FTT0800putative polysaccharide locus, including agalEhomologue (FTT0791) and a putative glycosyltransferase (FTT0798), resulted in loss of glycan modification of DsbA. TheF. tularensissubsp.tularensisΔFTT0798and ΔFTT0791::Cm mutants remained virulent in the murine model of subcutaneous tularemia. This indicates that glycosylation of DsbA does not play a major role in virulence under these conditions. This is the first report of the detailed characterization of the DsbA glycan and putative role of theFTT0789-FTT0800gene cluster in glycan biosynthesis.
Structure-Based Modification of a Clostridium difficile-Targeting Endolysin Affects Activity and Host Range
Authors: Mayer Melinda J. , Garefalaki Vasiliki , Spoerl Rebecca , Narbad Arjan , Meijers Rob
Published: July 2011

Endolysin CD27L causes cell lysis of the pathogen
Clostridium difficile
, a major cause of nosocomial infection. We report a structural and functional analysis of the catalytic activity of CD27L against
C. difficile
and other bacterial strains. We show that truncation of the endolysin to the N-terminal domain, CD27L
1–179
, gave an increased lytic activity against cells of
C. difficile
, while the C-terminal region, CD27L
180–270
, failed to produce lysis. CD27L
1–179
also has increased activity against other bacterial species that are targeted by the full-length protein and in addition was able to lyse some CD27L-insensitive strains. However, CD27L
1–179
retained a measure of specificity, failing to lyse a wide range of bacteria. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled proteins demonstrated that both CD27L and CD27L
1–179
bound to
C. difficile
cell walls. The crystal structure of CD27L
1–179
confirms that the enzyme is a zinc-dependent
N
-acetylmuramoyl-
l
-alanine amidase. A structure-based sequence analysis allowed us to identify four catalytic residues, a proton relay cascade, and a substrate binding pocket. A BLAST search shows that the closest-related amidases almost exclusively target
Clostridia
. This implied that the catalytic domain alone contained features that target a specific bacterial species. To test this hypothesis, we modified Leu 98 to a Trp residue which is found in an endolysin from a bacteriophage of
Listeria monocytogenes
(PlyPSA). This mutation in CD27L resulted in an increased activity against selected serotypes of
L. monocytogenes
, demonstrating the potential to tune the species specificity of the catalytic domain of an endolysin.
Stepwise Activity of ClpY (HslU) Mutants in the Processive Degradation of Escherichia coli ClpYQ (HslUV) Protease Substrates
Authors: Hsieh Fan-Ching , Chen Chien-Teh , Weng Yu-Ting , Peng Sheng-Shiang , Chen Yu-Chun , Huang Ling-Yi , Hu Hui-Ting , Wu Yew-Long , Lin Nai-Chun , Wu Whei-Fen
Published: July 2011

In
Escherichia coli
, ClpYQ (HslUV) is a two-component ATP-dependent protease composed of ClpY (HslU), an ATPase with unfolding activity, and ClpQ (HslV), a peptidase. In the ClpYQ proteolytic complex, the hexameric rings of ClpY (HslU) are responsible for protein recognition, unfolding, and translocation into the proteolytic inner chamber of the dodecameric ClpQ (HslV). Each of the three domains, N, I, and C, in ClpY has its own distinct activity. The double loops (amino acids [aa] 137 to 150 and 175 to 209) in domain I of ClpY are necessary for initial recognition/tethering of natural substrates such as SulA, a cell division inhibitor protein. The highly conserved sequence GYVG (aa 90 to 93) pore I site, along with the GESSG pore II site (aa 265 to 269), contribute to the central pore of ClpY in domain N. These two central loops of ClpY are in the center of its hexameric ring in which the energy of ATP hydrolysis allows substrate translocation and then degradation by ClpQ. However, no data have been obtained to determine the effect of the central loops on substrate binding or as part of the processivity of the ClpYQ complex. Thus, we probed the features of ClpY important for substrate engagement and protease processivity via random PCR or site-specific mutagenesis. In yeast two-hybrid analysis and pulldown assays, using isolated ClpY mutants and the pore I or pore II site of ClpY, each was examined for its influence on the adjoining structural regions of the substrates. The pore I site is essential for the translocation of the engaged substrates. Our
in vivo
study of the ClpY mutants also revealed that an ATP-binding site in domain N, separate from its role in polypeptide (ClpY) oligomerization, is required for complex formation with ClpQ. Additionally, we found that the tyrosine residue at position 408 in ClpY is critical for stabilization of hexamer formation between subunits. Therefore, our studies suggest that stepwise activities of the ClpYQ protease are necessary to facilitate the processive degradation of its natural substrates.
The Metalloprotease of Listeria monocytogenes Is Regulated by pH
Authors: Forster Brian M. , Bitar Alan Pavinski , Slepkov Emily R. , Kota Karthik J. , Sondermann Holger , Marquis Hélène
Published: July 2011

Listeria monocytogenesis an intracytosolic bacterial pathogen. Among the factors contributing to escape from vacuoles are a phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and a metalloprotease (Mpl). Both enzymes are translocated across the bacterial membrane as inactive proproteins, whose propeptides serve in part to maintain them in association with the bacterium. We have shown that PC-PLC maturation is regulated by Mpl and pH and that Mpl maturation occurs by autocatalysis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Mpl activity is pH regulated. To synchronize the effect of pH on bacteria, the cytosolic pH of infected cells was manipulated immediately after radiolabelingde novo-synthesized bacterial proteins. Immunoprecipitation of secreted Mpl from host cell lysates revealed the presence of the propeptide and catalytic domain in samples treated at pH 6.5 but not at pH 7.3. The zymogen was present in small amounts under all conditions. Since proteases often remain associated with their respective propeptide following autocatalysis, we aimed at determining whether pH regulates autocatalysis or secretion of the processed enzyme. For this purpose, we used an Mpl construct that contains a Flag tag at the N terminus of its catalytic domain and antibodies that can distinguish N-terminal and non-N-terminal Flag. By fluorescence microscopy, we observed the Mpl zymogen associated with the bacterium at physiological pH but not following acidification. Mature Mpl was not detected in association with the bacterium at either pH. Using purified proteins, we determined that processing of the PC-PLC propeptide by mature Mpl is also pH sensitive. These results indicate that pH regulates the activity of Mpl on itself and on PC-PLC.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Formation of an EscL-EscQ-EscN Type III Complex in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Biemans-Oldehinkel Esther , Sal-Man Neta , Deng Wanyin , Foster Leonard J. , Finlay B. Brett
Published: July 2011

We characterized Orf5 and SepQ, two type III secretion (T3S) system proteins in enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
, and showed that they are essential for T3S, associated with the bacterial membrane, and interact with EscN. Our findings suggest that Orf5 and SepQ are homologs of YscL and YscQ from
Yersinia
, respectively.
RNase Y in Bacillus subtilis: a Natively Disordered Protein That Is the Functional Equivalent of RNase E from Escherichia coli
Authors: Lehnik-Habrink Martin , Newman Joseph , Rothe Fabian M. , Solovyova Alexandra S. , Rodrigues Cecilia , Herzberg Christina , Commichau Fabian M. , Lewis Richard J. , Stülke Jörg
Published: July 2011

The control of mRNA stability is an important component of regulation in bacteria. Processing and degradation of mRNAs are initiated by an endonucleolytic attack, and the cleavage products are processively degraded by exoribonucleases. In many bacteria, these RNases, as well as RNA helicases and other proteins, are organized in a protein complex called the RNA degradosome. InEscherichia coli, the RNA degradosome is assembled around the essential endoribonuclease E. InBacillus subtilis, the recently discovered essential endoribonuclease RNase Y is involved in the initiation of RNA degradation. Moreover, RNase Y interacts with other RNases, the RNA helicase CshA, and the glycolytic enzymes enolase and phosphofructokinase in a degradosome-like complex. In this work, we have studied the domain organization of RNase Y and the contribution of the domains to protein-protein interactions. We provide evidence for the physical interaction between RNase Y and the degradosome partnersin vivo. We present experimental and bioinformatic data which indicate that the RNase Y contains significant regions of intrinsic disorder and discuss the possible functional implications of this finding. The localization of RNase Y in the membrane is essential both for the viability ofB. subtilisand for all interactions that involve RNase Y. The results presented in this study provide novel evidence for the idea that RNase Y is the functional equivalent of RNase E, even though the two enzymes do not share any sequence similarity.
Developmental venous anomaly coexisting with a true arteriovenous malformation: a rare clinical entity
Authors: Erdem Eren , Amole Adewumi O , Akdol Mehmet S , Samant Rohan S , Yaşargil Gazi M
Published: July 2011

Two patients diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in close association with a developmental venous anomaly (DVA) are reported. The first patient presented with episodes of left extremity weakness and numbness as well as chronic headaches. The second patient presented with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography showed that both the AVM and the transmedullary veins of the DVA drained through the transcortical vein. The AVMs were treated by highly selective transarterial embolization with Onyx embolic agent while preserving the DVAs. It is suggested that the cause of the presentation in both patients was secondary to the association of the AVM with the delicate hemodynamic balance and less robust angioarchitecture of the DVA.
Middle-Class Polish and American Mothers’ Beliefs Regarding Parent-Child Narratives
Authors: Zevenbergen Andrea A. , Haman Ewa , Olszańska Aleksandra A.
Published: July 2011

Variability in reasons for sharing narratives with their preschoolers was examined across samples of middle-class American mothers and Polish mothers. Participants responded to an open-ended interview question and completed a 54-item measure, the Parents’ Beliefs About Storytelling Questionnaire. Several significant differences were found across the samples. The American mothers more strongly endorsed the use of narratives to help their child remember important people in their lives and to teach moral or life lessons. They also indicated stronger beliefs that good narratives include contextual information, have chronological order, and tell a truthful story. Polish mothers more strongly indicated that they talk with their child about past events in order to help the child distinguish good from evil. Content analysis of the mothers’ responses to the open-ended question revealed that more Polish than American mothers reported talking with their child about past events to provide explanations to the child, provide emotional support to the child, and connect present events with past events. A greater proportion of American mothers as compared to Polish mothers indicated that they shared narratives with their child to assess the child’s memory. Many of the Polish mothers discussed a specific context in which they shared narratives with their child (i.e., when looking at photographs together).
Measuring the Cost of a College Degree
Authors: Romano Richard M. , Losinger Regina , Millard Tim
Published: July 2011

Inspired by a white paper produced by the Delta Project on Postsecondary Education Costs, Productivity, and Accountability, this study uses different measures of calculating the cost of a college degree at an upstate community college in New York. Departmental cost per credit hour, direct instructional costs, and full costs are all explained. A transcript analysis of the 2008-2009 graduates highlights excess credit hours taken and cross-subsidies necessary within degree programs to produce these graduates.
Putnam and the political
Authors: Strand Narve
Published: July 2011

This article deals with how to talk about the political. After the introduction (I), I show, first, that Putnam’s arguments against the root dichotomies between facts and values (II), and between values and norms (III), are valid. I then discuss Putnam’s resistance to drawing skeptical lessons from these negative arguments, a fight that is largely successful (IV). I go on to sketch his own middle position, looking at the way he expands cognitive meaning in the practical sphere (V). I end by addressing Putnam’s specific stance towards the political, arguing here that a relative distinction between facts, values and norms allows us to speak about the political both in a more direct and a balanced way. This means reopening the case of representation (VI).
Sport and Development
Authors: Hartmann Douglas , Kwauk Christina
Published: July 2011

“Development” has become both a watchword and a fascination in sporting circles worldwide. Yet sport officials, policy makers, and advocates often have relatively unsophisticated understandings of development and the role of sport therein. This can result in programs and initiatives that are unfocused, ineffective, or even counterproductive. Drawing on critical theory and informed by our own research on sport-based social programs, the authors attempt to impart clarity by distinguishing two different approaches to sport and development: a dominant vision, in which sport essentially reproduces established social relations, and an interventionist approach, in which sport is intended to contribute to more fundamental change and transformation. The authors develop a critique of the former and elaborate on the latter, focusing on normative visions of the social status quo and the role of sport as an educational tool for otherwise disempowered, marginalized young people. The overarching objective is to show that practitioners interested in using sport for development however defined must recognize these theoretical issues and create appropriate programming if their intended outcomes are to be achieved.
Working With Adolescent Soccer and Basketball Players From Conflicting Cultures—A Three-Dimensional Consultation Approach
Authors: Lidor Ronnie , Blumenstein Boris
Published: July 2011

In this article the authors describe how one sport psychology consultant (SPC) worked with soccer and basketball teams that were composed of adolescent male players from conflicting cultures (Jewish and Arab). The article also highlights the fact that in order to foster relationships among the players, the SPC used a three-dimensional approach—working with the coaches of the teams, the players, and the parents of the players. The authors describe the types of consultation sessions the SPC had with the coaches, players, and parents and the activities he preferred to use in his consultations. The authors also present a number of lessons they have learned from their work with adolescent players from conflicting cultures.
Assessment of Tissue Autofluorescence and Reflectance for Oral Cavity Cancer Screening
Authors: Sweeny Larissa , Dean Nichole R. , Magnuson J. Scott , Carroll William R. , Clemons Lisa , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Although approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use, the utility of handheld tissue reflectance and autofluorescence devices for screening head and neck cancer patients is poorly defined. There is limited published evidence regarding the efficacy of these devices. The authors investigated the sensitivity and specificity of these modalities compared with standard examination.

Study Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Tertiary care medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients who were treated previously for head and neck cancer (n = 88) between 2009 and 2010 were included. Patients were screened using white light visualization (standard of care) and compared with tissue reflectance and autofluorescence visualization. Screening results were compared with biopsy or long‐term follow‐up.

Results

Autofluorescence visualization had a specificity of 81% and a sensitivity of 50% for detecting oral cavity cancer, whereas white light visualization had a specificity of 98% and a sensitivity of 50%. Tissue reflectance visualization had low sensitivity (0%) and good specificity (86%). The power of this study was insufficient to compare the positive and negative predictive values of standard white light examination (50% and 98%, respectively) to tissue autofluorescence (11% and 97%) or reflectance (0% and 95%). In addition, stratification by previous radiation therapy found no statistically significant difference in screening results.

Conclusion

Standard clinical lighting has a higher specificity than tissue reflectance and autofluorescence visualization for detection of disease in patients with a history of head and neck cancer. This study does not support the added costs associated with these devices.
Far-field high-energy diffraction microscopy: a tool for intergranular orientation and strain analysis
Authors: Bernier J V , Barton N R , Lienert U , Miller M P
Published: July 2011

The far-field high-energy diffraction microscopy technique is presented in the context of high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction. For each grain in an illuminated polycrystalline volume, the volume-averaged lattice orientations, lattice strain tensors, and centre-of-mass (COM) coordinates may be determined to a high degree of precision: better than 0.05°, 1 × 10−4, and 0.1 pixel, respectively. Because the full lattice strain tensors are available, corresponding mean stress tensors may be calculated unambiguously using single-crystal elastic moduli. A novel formulation for orientation indexing and cell refinement is introduced and demonstrated using two examples: first, sequential indexing and lattice refinement of a single-crystal ruby standard with known COM coordinates; and second, indexing and refinement of simulated diffraction data from an aggregate of 819 individual grains using several sample rotation ranges and including the influence of experimental uncertainties. The speed of acquisition and penetration depth achievable with high-energy (that is, >50 keV) x-rays make this technique ideal for studies of strain/stress evolution in situ, as well as for residual stress analysis.
Three-dimensional strain mapping using in situ X-ray synchrotron microtomography
Authors: Toda H , Maire E , Aoki Y , Kobayashi M
Published: July 2011

Recent advances in X-ray microtomography have created the opportunity to image the interior of materials. Microstructural images that are similar to or about an order of magnitude higher in resolution than those currently obtained with light microscopy can now be obtained in three-dimensions using synchrotron radiation. Local strain mapping is readily enabled by processing these high-resolution tomographic images using either the microstructural tracking technique or the digital volume correlation technique. This article is a review of the methodology behind these techniques and discusses recent experimental research on three-dimensional (3D) strain mapping. Potential future research directions are also outlined.
Severe unilateral headache caused by skull bone infarction with epidural haematoma in a patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Arends Samuel , Coebergh Jan Adriaan , Kerkhoffs Jean Louis , van Gils Adrianus , Koppen Hille
Published: July 2011

Background: The clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) vary, but may be attributed to vaso-occlusion, chronic hemolytic anemia, and infections as a result of functional asplenia. We report a case of a man who presented with severe headache caused by an uncommon complication of SCD.

Case: A 19-year-old Surinamer man presented to the emergency department with severe headache. The progressive headache started one day previously. The headache was located frontotemporally on the right side. It was pulsating with paroxysms of fierce pain. There was no nausea or vomiting. The medical history reported sickle cell disease of the HbSC type. The physical and neurological examination was normal. He was afebrile with a blood pressure of 118/72 mmHg. Blood tests and CSF investigation showed no abnormalities. CT-scan of the head was normal. The headache disappeared after two days. Eight days later he presented again, with a relapsing severe headache. Physical, neurological examination and blood investigations were normal. MRI now showed infarction located in the parietal skull bone, with a small adjacent epidural hematoma. The headache disappeared gradually over 8 days. Repeat MRI one month later showed complete disappearance of the epidural hematoma. The first headache episode was thought to be due to the initial skull bone infarction as no epidural hematoma had been present initially. The second headache episode was thought to be due to the development of the epidural hematoma.

Discussion: A skull bone infarction is an uncommon complication of SCD, as typically these are located in the long bones. Even more uncommon is a epidural hematoma which was probably the result of the altered bone and vesselwall structure following the skull bone infarction. To our knowledge this is the first case reporting a skull-bone infarction with adjacent spontaneous epidural hematoma in an adult with sickle cell disease of the HbSC type. Our case emphasizes the need to recognize skull infarction and a concomitant spontaneous epidural hematoma as a possible complication of SCD.
Migraine and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schürks Markus , Rist Pamela M , Shapiro Robert E , Kurth Tobias
Published: July 2011

Objective: To evaluate the evidence on the association between migraine and mortality.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the association between any migraine (all forms of migraine collectively) or migraine subtypes (e.g. migraine with aura) and mortality published until March 2011.

Results: We identified ten cohort studies. Studies differed regarding the types of mortality investigated and only four presented aura-stratified results, limiting pooled analyses with regard to migraine subtypes and with regard to cause-specific mortality. For any migraine pooled analyses do not suggest an association with all-cause mortality (five studies; pooled relative risk (RR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–1.16), cardiovascular disease mortality (CVD; six studies; pooled RR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.89–1.32), or coronary heart disease mortality (CHD; three studies; pooled RR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.57–1.60). Heterogeneity among studies is moderate to high. Two studies suggest that migraine with aura increases risk for CVD and CHD mortality.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis does not suggest that any migraine is associated with increased risk of mortality from all causes, CVD, or CHD. However, there is heterogeneity among studies and suggestion that migraine with aura increases CVD and CHD mortality. Given the high prevalence of migraine in the general population a definitive answer to the question of whether migraine or a subtype alters risk for mortality is of high public health importance and further targeted research implicated.
Arthroscopic Second-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Filardo Giuseppe , Kon Elizaveta , Di Martino Alessandro , Iacono Francesco , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: July 2011

Background: Regenerative techniques, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of chondral lesions, aiming to recreate a hyaline-like tissue in the damaged articular surface. The clinical application of the regenerative approach is well documented for different types of scaffold but mostly with an evaluation of the clinical outcome at short-term follow-up.

Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze the clinical outcome obtained with arthroscopic second-generation ACI up to 7 years’ follow-up, to assess the durability of the results, and understand its real potential over time.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Sixty-two consecutive patients, 48 men and 14 women with a mean age of 28.1 ± 11.4 years, affected by chondral lesions of the femoral condyles were enrolled and treated with arthroscopic implantation of the bioengineered tissue Hyalograft C. The average size of the defects was 2.5 ± 1.0 cm2. Patients were evaluated with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), and Tegner scores every year for 7 years, and a magnetic resonance imaging evaluation was performed.

Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in all scores from the basal evaluation to the 84 months’ follow-up. The IKDC subjective score increased from 39.6 ± 15.0 to 73.6 ± 18.8 at 12 months; a further slight improvement was observed at 24 months’ follow-up (76.5 ± 20.7), and then the results were stable and reached a final 7-year value of 77.3 ± 21.5. Seven cases (11%) failed. A better outcome was obtained in young active men, whereas the worst results were found in degenerative lesions or when previous surgery had been performed. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies in 42 cases revealed a complete filling of the cartilage defect in 57% of the lesions, complete integration of the graft in 62% of cases, intact repair tissue surface in 50%, homogeneous repair tissue structure in 43%, and a graft signal-intensity score that was isointense with the adjacent native cartilage in 43% and 48% of the cases in dual T2–fast spin echo and 3-dimensional gradient echo with fat suppression sequences, respectively.

Conclusion: The analysis of this group of homogeneous patients, prospectively evaluated every year for 7 years, shows that this bioengineered approach with the proper indications may offer good and stable clinical results over time.
Arthroscopic-Assisted Broström-Gould for Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Nery Caio , Raduan Fernando , Del Buono Angelo , Asaumi Inacio Diogo , Cohen Moises , Maffulli Nicola
Published: July 2011

Background: Lateral ankle sprains account for 85% of ankle lesions.

Hypothesis: Combined open and arthroscopic procedures could improve the diagnosis and management of intra-articular lesions and allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Forty consecutive patients underwent ankle arthroscopy for recurrent (2 or more episodes) lateral ankle instability unresponsive to nonoperative measures. The clinical diagnosis of mechanical instability was confirmed at imaging (plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and arthroscopic assessment. All patients underwent arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair for management of lateral ankle instability; secondary lesions were also managed. Postoperatively, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was administered to assess the functional status; clinical examination and conventional radiographs were performed in all patients.

Results: Thirty-eight patients were reviewed at an average postoperative follow-up of 9.8 years. The mean AOFAS score was 90 (range, 44-100) at the last follow-up. No significantly different outcomes were found in patients who had undergone microfractures for management of grade III to IV cartilage lesions compared with patients with no cartilage lesions. Postoperative AOFAS scores were graded as excellent and good in almost all patients (94.7%). Concerning failure rate, 2 patients (5.3%) reported a low AOFAS score: one patient underwent soft tissue removal for anterior impingement, and one received simultaneous medial ankle instability repair.

Conclusion: The arthroscopic Broström-Gould–assisted technique could be a viable alternative to the gold-standard Broström-Gould procedure for anatomic repair of chronic lateral ankle instability and management of intra-articular lesions. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.
A Grounded Theory of the Development of Noble Youth Purpose
Authors: Bronk Kendall Cotton
Published: July 2011

Having a noble purpose in life is an important component of positive youth development; however, little is known about how noble purposes develop over time. Therefore, using three waves of interviews over a 5-year period with 9 adolescents ( N = 9) who demonstrated intense commitments to various noble purposes, the present study developed a grounded theory of the development of noble purpose, including a focus on how commitment was initiated, sustained, increased, and changed over time. Results revealed the exemplars made commitments early in life. With the exception of triggering experiences, which immediately intensified their level of commitment, commitment generally grew slowly but steadily in response to positive feedback. Mentors and like-minded peers played an important role in supporting noble purposes over time, and access to new resources led exemplars to expand their focus. Implications for supporting the development of noble purposes are addressed.
Contextual Diversity in Gentrification Research
Authors: Maloutas Thomas
Published: July 2011

This article argues against the allegedly inter-contextual character of gentrification within the new gentrification research agenda. The main argument is that gentrification is a concept highly dependent on contextual causality and its generalized use will not remove its contextual attachment to the Anglo-American metropolis. The second argument is that looking for gentrification in increasingly varied contexts displaces emphasis from causal mechanisms to similarities in outcomes across contexts, and leads to a loss of analytical rigour. The third argument refers to the ideological and political impact of equating ‘gentrification’ with, and projecting its neoliberal frame on, the different forms of urban regeneration across various geographical and historical contexts. As gentrification becomes quasi synonymous with urban regeneration, it becomes less useful to the analysis of urban socio-spatial change and, since the use of this term seems no longer avoidable in academic and broader discourse, its implicit contextual assumptions should be constantly exposed.
Globalization from Below: Labor Activists Challenging the AFL-CIO Foreign Policy Program
Authors: Scipes Kim
Published: July 2011

Building on Alberto Melucci’s argument that to understand a social movement, we must look at the period before emergence as a social movement, this article examines labor activists’ efforts to reform the foreign policy program of the AFL-CIO: has sufficient groundwork been laid that a serious possibility of an alternative globalization movement can emerge from within US Labor?

This article discusses general efforts to challenge the AFL-CIO’s foreign policy program. It examines the work of US Labor Against the War (USLAW) since its founding in 2003, the California State AFL-CIO’s formal repudiation of the AFL-CIO foreign policy program in 2004, and then efforts at the 2005 National AFL-CIO Convention to keep California’s ‘Build Unity and Trust With Workers Worldwide’ resolution from being fairly discussed at the Convention. Based on evidence presented, it then evaluates whether there is an alternative globalization movement emerging within US Labor or not.
Inertial effects on fluid flow through manifolds of internal combustion engines
Authors: Bordjane M , Chalet D , Abidat M , Chessé P
Published: July 2011

The flows in intake and exhaust manifolds of internal combustion engines play a major role in determining the different (volumetric, scavenging, and trapping) efficiencies, indicated power, performance, and emissions and in establishing the flow field within the engine cylinder. When the gas flows unsteadily through these systems, friction, pressure, and inertial forces are present. The relative importance of these forces depends on gas velocity and the size and shape of such systems. Traditionally, these flows are studied by means of the one dimensional (1D) gas dynamics equations, where the 3D phenomenon of the flow and the pressure wave's deformation, turbulence, and viscosity are ignored or neglected. The thermodynamic (0D) approach is also used where the important effect of fluid inertia related to the size of manifold components is ignored. In this study, the filling and emptying method is completely revised and a new method, based on the thermodynamic formulation of the filling and emptying and on the fundamental equation of momentum conservation, is developed. The objective is then to take into account the fluid inertial effects on the fluid behaviour without the use of a one-dimensional 1D code (due to the computational times). In this objective, a computational fluid dynamics analysis is made in order to calculate the tuning parameters of the ‘inertial capacitive method’ corresponding to the new model. In this study, it appears that the ignored inertial effects from the formulation of the filling and emptying method is the reason why theis latter becomes only appropriate for the compact manifolds. To validate the new model, experimental investigation is carried out on a single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The volumetric efficiency of the engine is then calculated with the new model. The result is compared to the experimental one and a correct agreement is obtained.
Experiments and simulations for the study of temperature effects on the performances of a fly-by-wire hydraulic actuator
Authors: Di Rito G
Published: July 2011

The paper deals with the study of the temperature effects on the performances of fly-by-wire hydraulic actuators. The activity is developed via both experiments and simulations, using a primary flight actuator of a modern fly-by-wire jet trainer as reference hardware. A dedicated experimental set-up is arranged, by integrating a thermal chamber with a real-time actuator control system developed in the MATLAB-Simulink-xPC Target environment, and an extensive test campaign is performed on the actuator in environmental control conditions. In particular, both the static and the dynamic performances are concerned, characterizing the valve threshold, the valve motor gain, the open-loop, and closed-loop frequency responses. The tests are performed at ambient, extreme hot (71 °C), cold (−20 °C), and extreme cold (−40 °C) temperatures. Experimental results are reported and discussed, providing a physical interpretation of temperature sensitivity effects. Concerning the simulation studies, they started from a detailed model of the actuator dynamics, previously developed and validated by the author at ambient temperature. The model is adapted for taking into account the temperature effects, and an experimental validation is obtained at servovalve level. The influence of temperature at actuator level is predicted by simulation, highlighting and discussing the expected closed-loop control concerns.
Measurement of attention and emotion levels for human adaptive mechatronics by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Furuta K , Yoshino S , Noguchi K , Suzuki Y , Takase H , Ishikawa J
Published: July 2011

This paper presents a method to measure the attention and emotion levels using the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals around the prefrontal cortex. The brain blood oxygen concentration over the subjects’ brains is measured by NIRS while they watch the Japanese comic Rakugo and sad videos. The analysis has been done by using the first principal component of measured signals, and the paper proposes the hypothesis to relate the power of the first principal component and its distribution function to the emotion and the attention levels. To verify the hypothesis, an analysis has been performed of experiments in which both normal and dementia subjects watch videos. This paper raises the possibility of diagnosing dementia by measuring levels of emotion and attention.
Sport-decision aids and the “CSI-effect”: Why cricket uses Hawk-Eye well and tennis uses it badly
Authors: Collins Harry , Evans Robert
Published: July 2011

Technologies of visualisation and measurement are changing the relationship between spectators and match officials at sporting events. Umpires and referees find themselves under increasing scrutiny and sports governing bodies are experimenting with new technologies and additional “off-field” officials in order to preserve the legitimacy of decision-making. In this paper, we examine how technologies are being used in a number of sports, paying particular attention to the way in which uncertainty and indeterminacy are conveyed to viewers and spectators. The contrast between cricket and tennis is particularly instructive in this respect as the same technology is used in two very different ways. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for implementing sports measurement technologies whilst preserving the traditions of individual sports and enriching technological culture.
A Gradient Cellular Core for Aeroengine Fan Blades Based on Auxetic Configurations
Authors: Lira C. , Scarpa F. , Rajasekaran R.
Published: July 2011

In this study, gradient cellular centresymmetric auxetic configurations are evaluated as potential cores for aeroengine fan blades, and optimized to reduce the dynamic response for the first three fundamental modes. Auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) re-entrant cellular beams are modeled, manufactured, and tested to assess their natural frequencies and mode shapes. Gradient versions of these beams with a varying internal cell angle are then designed to be incorporated as fillers in a baseline fan blade model. The optimized configurations of the gradient core lead to a substantial decrease of the mass of the fan blade, reduction of the dynamic modal displacements, and a lowering of the first three natural frequencies within the admissible frequency bandwidth.
Strategies to Increase Behavior-Specific Teacher Praise in an Inclusive Environment
Authors: Musti-Rao Shobana , Haydon Todd
Published: July 2011

Managing students’ disruptive behavior in the classroom can be a time-consuming task and greatly reduces the amount of time teachers spend on instruction. Although there are several research-validated classroom management strategies, teachers are more likely to adopt strategies that are less time-consuming than strategies that take more time or require a great deal of teacher preparation. This article highlights behavior-specific praise (BSP), a simple strategy that teachers can use across all grade levels. The article presents eight easy-to-use strategies for teachers to increase their use of praise statements. Increasing teacher praise will not only decrease disruptive behaviors but also create a positive learning environment.
Development and Initial Validation of the Medical Fear Survey–Short Version
Authors: Olatunji Bunmi O. , Ebesutani Chad , Sawchuk Craig N. , McKay Dean , Lohr Jeffrey M. , Kleinknecht Ronald A.
Published: July 2011

The present investigation employs item response theory (IRT) to develop an abbreviated Medical Fear Survey (MFS). Application of IRT analyses in Study 1 ( n = 931) to the original 50-item MFS resulted in a 25-item shortened version. Examination of the location parameters also resulted in a reduction of the Likert-type scaling of the MFS by removing the last response category (“Terror”). The five subscales of the original MFS were highly correlated with those of the MFS–short version. The short version also displayed comparable convergent and discriminant validity with the original MFS in relation to measures of fear, disgust, and anxiety. Confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 revealed that the five-factor structure of the MFS–short form fit the data well in U.S. ( n = 283) and Dutch ( n = 258) samples. The short form also had comparable convergent and discriminant validity with the original MFS in relation to domains of disgust in both samples. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in Study 3 demonstrated that the subscales of the short version were comparable with the original MFS in classifying participants high ( n = 40) and low ( n = 40) in blood/injection phobia. Last, structural equation modeling in Study 4 ( n = 113) revealed that the MFS–short form demonstrated excellent convergent/discriminant validity with strong associations with injection fear and no association with spider fear. These findings suggest that the MFS–short form has considerable strengths, including decreased assessment time, while retaining sound psychometric properties.
Representation at the margins
Authors: Bodet Marc André
Published: July 2011

This article tests the role of governing parties in budgetary policy in Canada. Using federal expenditure data in policy domains related to defence, economic and social policies, we estimate party effects on government spending since 1965. Results suggest that, holding other variables constant, a partisan effect exists in most policy domains under study. Furthermore, multipartyism tends to impact the role of parties in public spending.
Enrichment of (pro)renin receptor promoter with activating histone codes in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Lee Hae-Ahm , Lee Dong-Youb , Lee Hyo-Jung , Han Hyung Soo , Kim InKyeom
Published: July 2011

Background: The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] non-proteolytically, through conformational change, activates prorenin which can convert angiotensinogen to angiotensin I in addition to the classic conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I by circulating renin. Since renal (P)RR is upregulated in hypertension and implicated in the pathogenesis of malignant hypertension, we hypothesized that (pro)renin receptor promoter is enriched with activating histone codes in the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods: The mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot, respectively. The DNA methylation status of (P)RR promoter region was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing. The histone modifications were determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by real-time PCR.

Results: The (P)RR mRNA expression in the kidney was about six times greater in SHR than in Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. The (P)RR promoter was little methylated in the kidneys of both WKY and SHR. Acetylated histone H3 (H3Ac) and di-methylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me2), activating histone codes, were about 25 and three times higher in SHR than in WKY, respectively. On the other hand, di-methylated histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2), a suppressive histone code, was 50 times lower in SHR than in WKY.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the (P)RR promoter is enriched with activating histone codes in the kidneys of SHR.