bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Defending: The Longitudinal Relations Among Peer‐perceived Defending of Victimized Peers, Victimization, and Liking
Authors: Meter Diana J. , Card Noel A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPrevious research has shown victims of peer aggression to be positively impacted by being defended by peers, but how enacted defending impacts defenders themselves is not thoroughly understood. In this study, the longitudinal associations between peer‐perceived liking, enacted defending, and defender's own victimization were investigated among 336 adolescents (M age = 13.21 years). Peer perceived liking was expected to predict defending. It was also hypothesized that a reputation for defending victimized peers would be related to being perceived as less victimized and more liked over time. Results showed that peer perceived liking was not predictive of defending. Enacted defending was associated with a decrease in victimization over time, but also a decrease in peer‐perceived liking. Defenders may benefit from enacted defending by decreasing their own victimization, but this benefit is nuanced.
Measuring Anti‐Trafficking Policy—Integrating Text and Statistical Analyses
Authors: Cho Seo‐Young 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe objectives of this article are to review existing indices on anti‐trafficking policy and to propose a way to improve the policy indices.MethodsThe four existing indices—the 3P Index, the GRETA‐based Scorecard, the EuroStat, and the U.S. Tier‐Ranking—were compared regarding their contents, quantification methods, and the coverage of the data. In particular, the validity of the first two indices coded from qualitative information was examined through tests for linear correlation, and the content of the EuroStat was evaluated by multicovariate regression analyses.ResultsEmpirical results show that the evaluation outcomes of the 3P Index and the Scorecard are considerably different, arguably because of the noncomprehensive selection of policy requirments and subjective judgments in interpreting qualitative texts. On the other hand, EuroStat seems to measure the quality of anti‐trafficking policy and therefore these statistics can be used as relevant indicators of policy evaluation.ConclusionThe empirical investigation of this article suggests that integrating textual and statistical information can be a way to improve the quality of an index evaluating anti‐trafficking policy.
A Novel Class of Strain Measures for Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Lehoucq R. B. , Reu P. L. , Turner D. Z. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe propose a novel class strain measures for use with digital image correlation (DIC). Whereas the traditional notion of compatibility (strain as the derivative of the displacement field) is problematic when the displacement field varies substantially because of either measurement noise or material irregularity, the proposed measure remains robust, well defined and invariant under rigid body motion. Moreover, when the displacement field is smooth, the classical and proposed strain measures are approximations of each other. We demonstrate, via several numerical examples, the potential of this new strain measure for problems with steep gradients. We also show how the non‐local strain provides an intrinsic mechanism for filtering high‐frequency content from the strain profile and so has a high signal to noise ratio. This is a convenient feature considering image noise and its impact on strain calculations.
H2A.Z mediates different aspects of chromatin function and modulates flowering responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jarillo José A. , Piñeiro Manuel 
Published: May 2015

SummaryEukaryotic organisms have canonical histones and a number of histone variants that perform specialized functions and confer particular structural properties to the nucleosomes that contain them. The histone H2A family comprises several variants, with H2A.Z being the most evolutionarily conserved. This variant is essential in eukaryotes and has emerged as a key player in chromatin function, performing an essential role in gene transcription and genome stability. During recent years, biochemical, genetic and genomic studies have begun to uncover the role of several ATP‐dependent chromatin‐remodeling complexes in H2A.Z deposition and removal. These ATPase complexes are widely conserved from yeast to mammals. In Arabidopsis there are homologs for most of the subunits of these complexes, and their functions are just beginning to be unveiled. In this review, we discuss the major contributions made in relation to the biology of the H2A.Z in plants, and more specifically concerning the function of this histone variant in the transition from vegetative to reproductive development. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the H2A.Z‐mediated modulation of the floral transition, and thermosensory flowering responses in particular, are discussed. The emerging picture shows that plants contain chromatin‐remodeling complexes related to those involved in modulating the dynamics of H2A.Z in other eukaryotes, but their precise biochemical nature remains elusive.
Microangiographic Comparison of the Effects of 3 Loop Pulley and 6 Strand Savage Tenorrhaphy Techniques on Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon
Authors: Freeman Kendra D. , Barrett Jennifer G. , Youngstrom Daniel W. , White Nathaniel A. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThe 6‐strand Savage (SSS) tenorrhaphy pattern is biomechanically superior to the commonly employed 3‐loop pulley (3LP); however, its effects on intrinsic tendon vasculature remain unknown. The objective of this study was to compare perfusion of intrinsic vasculature of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) after 3LP and SSS tenorrhaphies. We hypothesized that the SSS technique would significantly decrease vascular perfusion compared to the 3LP technique.Study DesignEx vivo, randomized, paired design.AnimalsHorses (n = 9)MethodsUnder general anesthesia, 9 pairs of forelimb SDFT were transected. Two tendons served as baseline control, the remainder had either SSS or 3LP tenorrhaphy performed. Horses were heparinized, euthanatized, and forelimbs perfused with barium sulfate solution were then fixed with formalin under tension. Tendons were transected every 5 mm and microangiographic images obtained. Microvascular analysis of sections proximal to, throughout, and distal to the tenorrhaphy was completed using a custom macro. Differences in vascular count were assessed using MANOVA.ResultsA significant reduction in the number of perfused vessels was seen for SSS compared with 3LP at 2 locations within the tenorrhaphy (P = .039 andP = .009). The SSS technique took on average 4.7 ± 0.9 times longer to place.ConclusionsThe SSS technique causes an acute reduction in tendon perfusion compared to the 3LP, which may limit its clinical use. Further research is required to elucidate the clinical significance of this difference.
Suture‐Free Ureterovesical Anastomosis Using a Microvascular Anastomosis System: Canine Cadaveric Study
Authors: Bertran Judith , Wavreille Vincent A. , Ham Kathleen L. , McLoughlin Mary A. , Adin Christopher A. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo describe a suture‐free ureterovesical anastomosis using a microvascular anastomotic system (MAS) and compare the surgical time and bursting pressure to a sutured ureterovesical anastomosis (SA) with and without an extravesical seromuscular tunnel (EVSMT).Study DesignRandomized, unblocked design, ex vivo study.AnimalsThree canine cadavers.MethodsFor each cadaver, the ureters were sectioned into 3 equal lengths. The 6 sections were randomly assigned to receive either the MAS or end‐side SA. The first cadaver (3 MAS, 3 SA) was used to refine the technique, and the remaining 2 cadavers were used for evaluation. Surgical time and bursting pressure of the anastomosis were compared between MAS and SA (n = 6 per technique). After bursting pressure testing of each anastomosis, an SMT was created over the anastomoses. Bursting pressures were again recorded and compared across techniques.ResultsThe surgery time was significantly shorter for MAS (median 5.4 minutes) than SA (median 15.8 minutes;P = .002). The bursting pressure was significantly higher for MAS (median 189.5 cmH2O) than SA (median 64 cmH2O;P = .002). The bursting pressure for MAS‐EVSMT (median 398.5 cmH2O) was not significantly different from the SA‐EVSMT (median 321 cmH2O,P = .567); however, the creation of an SMT significantly increased the bursting pressure for both techniques (P = .028, respectively).ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility of a suture‐free ureterovesical anastomosis in the canine cadaver using a commercially available MAS. The MAS anastomosis was faster and resulted in higher bursting pressures than SA. The creation of an SMT improved the bursting resistance of both techniques but there was no difference between the techniques covered by an EVSMT.
Fractalkine neutralization improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Gu Xiaosong , Xu Jiang , Yang Xiao‐Ping , Peterson Edward , Harding Pamela 
Published: May 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
What is the cardioprotective role of fractalkine neutralization in heart failure and what are the mechanisms responsible?

What is the main finding and its importance?
The concentration of fractalkine is increased in the left ventricle of mice with myocardial infarction, similar to the increases in plasma from heart failure patients. The present study shows a clear beneficial effect of neutralizing fractalkine in a model of myocardial infarction, which results in increased survival. Such an approach may be worthwhile in human patients.

Concentrations of the chemokine fractalkine (FKN) are increased in patients with chronic heart failure, and our previous studies show that aged mice lacking the prostaglandin E2 EP4 receptor subtype (EP4‐KO) have increased cardiac FKN, with a phenotype of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, how FKN participates in the pathogenesis of heart failure has rarely been studied. We hypothesized that FKN contributes to the pathogenesis of heart failure and that anti‐FKN treatment prevents heart failure induced by myocardial infarction (MI) more effectively in EP4‐KO mice. Male EP4‐KO mice and wild‐type littermates underwent sham or MI surgery and were treated with an anti‐FKN antibody or control IgG. At 2 weeks post‐MI, echocardiography was performed and hearts were excised for determination of infarct size, immunohistochemistry and Western blot of signalling molecules. Given that FKN protein levels in the left ventricle were increased to a similar extent in both strains after MI and that anti‐FKN treatment improved survival and cardiac function in both strains, we subsequently used only wild‐type mice to examine the mechanisms whereby anti‐FKN is cardioprotective. Myocyte cross‐sectional area and interstitial collagen fraction were reduced after anti‐FKN treatment, as were macrophage migration and gelatinase activity. Activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK were reduced after neutralization of FKN. In vitro, FKN increased fibroblast proliferation. In conclusion, increased FKN contributes to heart failure after MI. This effect is not exacerbated in EP4‐KO mice, suggesting that there is no link between FKN and lack of EP4. Overall, inhibition of FKN may be important to preserve cardiac function post‐MI.
Comparison in Joint-Position Sense and Muscle Coactivation Between Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Suarez Tania , Laudani Luca , Giombini Arrigo , Saraceni Vincenzo Maria , Mariani Pier Paolo , Pigozzi Fabio , Macaluso Andrea 
Published: May 2015

Context:Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may disrupt the ability to recognize the knee position in space during limb-repositioning tasks, which is referred to as joint-position sense (JPS). Impairments in JPS have been shown to be lower during active than passive repositioning tasks, thus suggesting that coactivation patterns of the muscles surrounding the knee might compensate for the disrupted JPS and ensure accurate limb repositioning in ACL-deficient individuals.Objective:To investigate muscle coactivation patterns during JPS repositioning tasks in ACL-deficient and healthy individuals.Design:Prospective observational study.Setting:Functional assessment laboratory.Participants:8 men age 25 ± 8 y with isolated ACL rupture and 10 men age 30 ± 4 y with no history of knee injury.Intervention:JPS was evaluated by means of an electrogoniometer in a sitting position during either passive or active joint-positioning and -repositioning tasks with a 40° target knee angle.Main Outcome Measures:Root mean square (RMS) of the surface electromyogram from the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles was measured during active joint positioning and repositioning.Results:Healthy participants showed a significant decrease in vastus lateralis RMS (−19%) and an increase in biceps femoris RMS (+26%) during joint repositioning compared with positioning. In contrast, ACL-deficient patients showed no modulation in muscle coactivation between joint positioning and repositioning, although they exhibited significantly lower RMS of the vastus lateralis (injured limb, −28%; uninjured limb, −21%) and higher RMS of the biceps femoris (injured limb, +19%; uninjured limb, +30%) than the healthy participants during joint positioning.Conclusions:The lack of modulation in muscle coactivation patterns between joint positioning and repositioning in ACL-deficient patients might be attributed to disrupted neural control after the injury-related loss of proprioceptive information. These results should be taken into account in the design of rehabilitation protocols with emphasis on muscle coactivation and JPS.
Can a Single-Leg Squat Provide Insight into Movement Control and Loading During Dynamic Sporting Actions in Patients With Athletic Groin Pain?
Authors: Marshall Brendan M. , Franklyn-Miller Andrew D. , Moran Kieran A. , King Enda A. , Strike Siobhán C. , Falvey Éanna C 
Published: May 2015

Context:Chronic athletic groin pain (AGP) is common in field sports and has been associated with abnormal movement control and loading of the hip and pelvis during play. A single-leg squat (SLS) is commonly used by clinicians to assess movement control, but whether it can provide insight into control during more dynamic sporting movements in AGP patients is unclear.Objective:To determine the relationships between biomechanical measures in an SLS and the same measures in a single-leg drop landing, single-leg hurdle hop, and a cutting maneuver in AGP patients.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory.Patients:40 recreational field-sports players diagnosed with AGP.Intervention:A biomechanical analysis of each individual’s SLS, drop landing, hurdle hop, and cut was undertaken.Main Outcome Measures:Hip, knee, and pelvis angular displacement and hip and knee peak moments. Pearson product–moment correlations were used to examine relationships between SLS measures and equivalent measures in the other movements.Results:There were no significant correlations between any hip or pelvis measure in the SLS with the same measures in the drop landing, hurdle hop, or cut (r = .03–.43, P > .05). Knee frontal- and transverse-plane angular displacement were related in the SLS and drop landing only, while knee moments were related in the SLS, drop-landing, and hurdle hop (r = .50–.67, P < .05).Conclusion:For AGP patients, an SLS did not provide meaningful insight into hip and pelvis control or loading during sporting movements that are associated with injury development. The usefulness of an SLS test in the assessment of movement control and loading in AGP patients is thus limited. The SLS provided moderate insight into knee control while landing and therefore may be of use in the examination of knee-injury risk.
The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Anterior Knee Pain Consistent With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Campbell Samantha A. , Valier Alison R. 
Published: May 2015

Clinical Scenario:Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) occurs in 25% of adolescents and adults and is the leading cause of knee pain in runners. Pain is commonly felt when ascending or descending stairs, deep squatting, kneeling, or running. There is no consensus on the etiology of this condition, but insufficient hip strength, malalignment of the lower extremity, hyperpronation of the foot, and patellar incongruence have been suggested. Common treatments of PFPS include strengthening of quadriceps and hip muscles, McConnell taping, electrical stimulation, and foot orthotics, but effectiveness of these treatments is inconclusive. Kinesio Taping is an alternative taping technique for musculoskeletal injuries including PFPS. Although research suggests that Kinesio Taping decreases pain and improves range of motion for some musculoskeletal injuries, its effectiveness in decreasing pain in patients with PFPS in unknown. Furthermore, Kinesio Taping has not been compared with other taping techniques including McConnell taping.Focused Clinical Question:For patients with anterior knee pain consistent with PFPS, does treatment with Kinesio Taping decrease pain more than McConnell taping or no tape at all?
Does a Reduction in Serum Sodium Concentration or Serum Potassium Concentration Increase the Prevalence of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps?
Authors: Murray Donal , Miller Kevin C. , Edwards Jeffrey E. 
Published: May 2015

Clinical Scenario:Although exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC) are common in ultradistance runners and athletes in general, their etiology remains unclear. EAMC are painful, sudden, involuntary contractions of skeletal muscle occurring during or after exercise and are recognized by visible bulging or knotting of the whole, or part of, a muscle. Many clinicians believe EAMC occur after an imbalance in electrolyte concentrations, specifically serum sodium concentration ([Na+]s) and serum potassium concentration ([K+]s). Studies that have established a link between EAMC occurrence and serum electrolyte concentrations after an athletic event are unhelpful.Focused Clinical Question:Are [Na+]s and [K+]s different in athletes who experience EAMC than noncrampers?
Lower-Limb Muscle-Activation Patterns During Off-Axis Elliptical Compared With Conventional Gluteal-Muscle-Strengthening Exercises
Authors: Lin Cindy Y. , Tsai Liang-Ching , Press Joel , Ren Yupeng , Chung Sun G. , Zhang Li-Qun 
Published: May 2015

Context:Gluteal-muscle strength has been identified as an important component of injury prevention and rehabilitation in several common knee injuries. However, many conventionally prescribed gluteal-strengthening exercises are not performed during dynamic weight-bearing activities, which is when most injuries occur.Objectives:To compare lower-limb muscle-activation patterns between conventional gluteal-strengthening exercises and off-axis elliptical exercises with motorized foot-plate perturbations designed to activate gluteal muscles during dynamic exercise.Evidence Acquisition:Twelve healthy volunteers (26.1 ± 4.7 y) participated in the study. They performed 3 conventional exercises (single-leg squat, forward lunge, and clamshell) and 3 elliptical exercises (regular, while resisting an adduction force, and while resisting an internal-rotation torque). Gluteus medius (GMed) and maximus (GMax), quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscle activations during each exercise were recorded using surface electromyography (EMG) and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).Evidence Synthesis:Normalized GMed EMG was the highest during the adduction-resistance elliptical exercise (22.4% ± 14.8% MVIC), significantly greater than forward lunge (8.2% ± 3.8% MVIC) and regular elliptical (6.4% ± 2.5% MVIC) and similar to clamshell (19.1% ± 8.8% MVIC) and single-leg squat (18.4% ± 7.9% MVIC). Normalized GMax EMG during adduction-resistance (11.1% ± 7.6% MVIC) and internal-rotation-resistance elliptical (7.4% ± 3.8% MVIC) was significantly greater than regular elliptical (4.4% ± 2.4% MVIC) and was similar to conventional exercises. The single-leg squat required more muscle activation from the quadriceps and gastrocnemius than the elliptical exercises.Conclusions:Off-axis elliptical exercise while resisting an adduction force or internal-rotation torque activates gluteal muscles dynamically while avoiding excessive quadriceps activation during a functional weight-bearing activity compared with conventional gluteal-strengthening exercises.
New Players in the Toxin Field: Polymorphic Toxin Systems in Bacteria
Authors: Jamet Anne , Nassif Xavier 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacteria have evolved numerous strategies to increase their competitiveness and fight against each other. Indeed, a large arsenal of antibacterial weapons is available in order to inhibit the proliferation of competitor cells. Polymorphic toxin systems (PTS), recently identified by bioinformatics in all major bacterial lineages, correspond to such a system primarily involved in conflict between related bacterial strains. They are typically composed of a secreted multidomain toxin, a protective immunity protein, and multiple cassettes encoding alternative toxic domains. The C-terminal domains of polymorphic toxins carry the toxic activity, whereas the N-terminal domains are related to the trafficking mode.
In silico
analysis of PTS identified over 150 distinct toxin domains, including putative nuclease, deaminase, or peptidase domains. Immunity genes found immediately downstream of the toxin genes encode small proteins that protect bacteria against their own toxins or against toxins secreted by neighboring cells. PTS encompass well-known colicins and pyocins, contact-dependent growth inhibition systems which include CdiA and Rhs toxins and some effectors of type VI secretion systems. We have recently characterized the MafB toxins, a new family of PTS deployed by pathogenic
Neisseria
spp. Many other putative PTS have been identified by
in silico
predictions but have yet to be characterized experimentally. However, the high number of these systems suggests that PTS have a fundamental role in bacterial biology that is likely to extend beyond interbacterial competition.