LanI-Mediated Lantibiotic Immunity in Bacillus subtilis: Functional Analysis.

Lantibiotics subtilin and nisin are produced by and , respectively. To prevent toxicity of their own lantibiotic, both bacteria express specific immunity proteins, called SpaI and NisI. In addition, ABC transporters SpaFEG and NisFEG prevent lantibiotic toxicity by transporting the respective peptides to the extracellular space.

On the measurement of ski boot viscoelasticity.

Objectives: Since the polymeric materials commonly used for ski boots feature viscoelastic properties, the results of ski boot flexion tests are expected to be influenced by flexion velocity. Devices testing at all skiing specific ankle angular velocities are currently not available. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (i) develop a system allowing the testing of ski boots at high ankle angular velocities, (ii) quantify the effect of ankle angular velocity on viscoelasticity and (iii) determine the repeatability of the system.

Does Kinesiology tape counter exercise-related impairments of balance in the elderly?

Background: Maintaining balance is an essential requirement for the performance of daily tasks and sporting activities, particularly in older adults to prevent falls and associated injuries. Kinesiology tape has gained great popularity in sports and is frequently used as a tool for performance enhancement. However, there is little research investigating its influence on balance.

Eccentric Exercise, Kinesiology Tape, and Balance in Healthy Men.

Context:   Deficits in balance have been identified as a possible risk factor for knee injuries in athletes. Despite a lack of evidence for its effectiveness, kinesiology tape (KT) is widely used to prevent knee injuries.

Objective:   To investigate the influence of KT at the knee joint on balance ability in healthy men after eccentric exercise.

Why do we suffer more ACL injuries in the cold? A pilot study into potential risk factors.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate temperature-related changes in different neuro-muscular parameters, to elucidate the reasons for the increased likeliness of injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament under cold environmental conditions.

Design: Repeated measures study design.

Methods: To induce peripheral cooling of the knee joint and thigh muscles, ten healthy, female subjects underwent 30 min of exposure to a cold environment.

Does knee joint cooling change in vivo patellar tendon mechanical properties?

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the influence of knee joint cooling on the in vivo mechanical properties of the patellar tendon.

Methods: Twenty young, healthy women volunteered for the study. B-mode ultrasonography was used to record patellar tendon elongation during isometric ramp contraction of the knee extensors (5-7 s, 90° knee angle) and calculate tendon stiffness.

Effect of Different Bearing Ratios on the Friction between Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Ski Bases and Snow.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of surfaces with different bearing ratios, but similar roughness heights, on the friction between ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and snow. On a linear tribometer positioned inside a cold chamber, the different samples were tested over a wide range of velocities and snow temperatures. The surface roughness was measured with a focus variation microscope and analyzed using the bearing ratio curve and its parameters.

MglC, a Paralog of Myxococcus xanthus GTPase-Activating Protein MglB, Plays a Divergent Role in Motility Regulation.

Unlabelled: In order to optimize interactions with their environment and one another, bacteria regulate their motility. In the case of the rod-shaped cells of Myxococcus xanthus, regulated motility is essential for social behaviors. M.

Performance limitation and the role of core temperature when wearing light-weight workwear under moderate thermal conditions.

The objective of this investigation was to achieve an understanding about the relationship between heat stress and performance limitation when wearing a two-layerfire-resistant light-weight workwear (full-clothed ensemble) compared to an one-layer short sports gear (semi-clothed ensemble) in an exhaustive, stressful situation under moderate thermal condition (25°C). Ten well trained male subjects performed a strenuous walking protocol with both clothing ensembles until exhaustion occurred in a climatic chamber. Wearing workwear reduced the endurance performance by 10% (p=0.

The Effect of Uphill and Downhill Walking on Joint-Position Sense: A Study on Healthy Knees.

Context: During sport activity, knee proprioception might worsen. This decrease in proprioceptive acuity negatively influences motor control and therefore may increase injury risk. Hiking is a common activity characterized by a higher-intensity-exercise phase during uphill walking and a lower-intensity-exercise phase during downhill walking.

A pilot study of the effect of Kinesiology tape on knee proprioception after physical activity in healthy women.

Objectives: Kinesiology tape has gained significant popularity in recent years and is widely used as an adjunct for treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. However, evidence regarding its influence on knee proprioception is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kinesiology tape on knee proprioception after physical activity in healthy women.

Microclimate in ski boots--temperature, relative humidity, and water absorption.

Ski boot quality is determined by mechanical properties and comfort. Comfort is strongly affected by cold feet. The purpose of this study was to determine the microclimate in ski boots.

An approximate simulation model for initial luge track design.

Competitive and recreational sport on artificial ice tracks has grown in popularity. For track design one needs knowledge of the expected speed and acceleration of the luge on the ice track. The purpose of this study was to develop an approximate simulation model for luge in order to support the initial design of new ice tracks.