bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve Growth Factor Downregulates Inflammatory Response in Human Monocytes through TrkA
Authors: Prencipe Giusi , Minnone Gaetana , Strippoli Raffaele , De Pasquale Loredana , Petrini Stefania , Caiello Ivan , Manni Luigi , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Bracci-Laudiero Luisa 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) levels are highly increased in inflamed tissues, but their role is unclear. We show that NGF is part of a regulatory loop in monocytes: inflammatory stimuli, while activating a proinflammatory response through TLRs, upregulate the expression of the NGF receptor TrkA. In turn, NGF, by binding to TrkA, interferes with TLR responses. In TLR-activated monocytes, NGF reduces inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) while inducing the release of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and IL-1 receptor antagonist). NGF binding to TrkA affects TLR signaling, favoring pathways that mediate inhibition of inflammatory responses: it increases Akt phosphorylation, inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity, reduces IκB phosphorylation and p65 NF-κB translocation, and increases nuclear p50 NF-κB binding activity. Use of TrkA inhibitors in TLR-activated monocytes abolishes the effects of NGF on the activation of anti-inflammatory signaling pathways, thus increasing NF-κB pathway activation and inflammatory cytokine production while reducing IL-10 production. PBMC and mononuclear cells obtained from the synovial fluid of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis show marked downregulation of TrkA expression. In ex vivo experiments, the addition of NGF to LPS-activated juvenile idiopathic arthritis to both mononuclear cells from synovial fluid and PBMC fails to reduce the production of IL-6 that, in contrast, is observed in healthy donors. This suggests that defective TrkA expression may facilitate proinflammatory mechanisms, contributing to chronic tissue inflammation and damage. In conclusion, this study identifies a novel regulatory mechanism of inflammatory responses through NGF and its receptor TrkA, for which abnormality may have pathogenic implications for chronic inflammatory diseases.
The RhoA Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, LARG, Mediates ICAM-1–Dependent Mechanotransduction in Endothelial Cells To Stimulate Transendothelial Migration
Authors: Lessey-Morillon Elizabeth C. , Osborne Lukas D. , Monaghan-Benson Elizabeth , Guilluy Christophe , O’Brien E. Timothy , Superfine Richard , Burridge Keith 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
RhoA-mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements in endothelial cells (ECs) play an active role in leukocyte transendothelial cell migration (TEM), a normal physiological process in which leukocytes cross the endothelium to enter the underlying tissue. Although much has been learned about RhoA signaling pathways downstream from ICAM-1 in ECs, little is known about the consequences of the tractional forces that leukocytes generate on ECs as they migrate over the surface before TEM. We have found that after applying mechanical forces to ICAM-1 clusters, there is an increase in cellular stiffening and enhanced RhoA signaling compared with ICAM-1 clustering alone. We have identified that leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (LARG), also known as Rho GEF 12 (ARHGEF12) acts downstream of clustered ICAM-1 to increase RhoA activity, and that this pathway is further enhanced by mechanical force on ICAM-1. Depletion of LARG decreases leukocyte crawling and inhibits TEM. To our knowledge, this is the first report of endothelial LARG regulating leukocyte behavior and EC stiffening in response to tractional forces generated by leukocytes.
Comparison of Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceived Skills After Traditional and Nontraditional Fieldwork
Authors: Gat Sarah , Ratzon Navah Z. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We studied students’ perceptions regarding their professional and personal skills and compared the findings for those who completed community fieldwork (CF) with those completing traditional fieldwork (TF). We also compared the perceptions of CF students whose placement settings had an active occupational therapist present versus those whose settings did not. Results showed no significant differences in perceptions of professional and personal skills between the students involved in CF and those involved in TF. However, students who completed CF in a setting without an active occupational therapist present scored significantly higher in their perception of their personal responsibility, cultural competence, and overall personal skills than students whose fieldwork location had an active occupational therapist present. Our study indicates the value of using various supervisory strategies for occupational therapy students during fieldwork. Further studies are warranted.
The Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Degree: Why Do It?
Authors: Case-Smith Jane , Page Stephen J. , Darragh Amy , Rybski Melinda , Cleary Dennis 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article presents a rationale for the development of professional occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) programs. As more universities transition to the entry-level OTD degree, opportunities are becoming available to advance the profession and increase benefits to clients. We analyzed the current health care environment and developed the following proposed outcomes for doctoral-trained practitioners: (1) Demonstrate advanced clinical skills; (2) attain proficiency in outcomes measurement and analysis and synthesis of outcomes data; (3) routinely use standardized evidence-based practice clinical guidelines that translate research into practice; (4) develop, implement, and lead health promotion services; and (5) excel as partners in interprofessional teams.
Predicting Road Test Performance in Drivers With Stroke
Authors: Barco Peggy P. , Wallendorf Michael J. , Snellgrove Carol A. , Ott Brian R. , Carr David B. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to develop a brief screening battery to predict the on-road performance of drivers who had experienced a stroke.
METHOD. We examined 72 people with stroke referred by community physicians to an academic rehabilitation center. The outcome variable was pass or fail on the modified Washington University Road Test. Predictor measures were tests of visual, motor, and cognitive functioning.
RESULTS. The best predictive model for failure on the road test included Trail Making Test Part A and the Snellgrove Maze Task®.
CONCLUSION. A screening battery that can be performed in less than 5 min was able to assist in the prediction of road test performance in a sample of drivers with stroke. A probability of failure calculator may be useful for clinicians in their decision to refer clients with stroke for a comprehensive driving evaluation.
Responsiveness of the Manual Ability Measure—36 (MAM–36): Changes in Hand Function Using Self-Reported and Clinician-Rated Assessments
Authors: Chen Christine C. , Palmon Orit , Amini Debbie 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To examine the responsiveness of the Manual Ability Measure–36 (MAM–36) compared with a clinician-administered functional assessment.
METHOD. The MAM–36 was administered to 46 patients (Cohort A, n = 20; Cohort B, n = 26) with various upper-extremity conditions. All patients received occupational therapy intervention for 2–37 wk and were retested at discharge. Additionally, the Smith Hand Function Test (SHFT), including task performance speeds and grip strength measurements, was administered to Cohort B at intake and discharge.
RESULTS. Manual ability improved significantly at discharge in all patients. Patients also showed significant improvement on the SHFT. The correlation between gain in MAM–36 and gain in grip strength was moderate. The standardized response mean for the MAM–36 was 1.18.
CONCLUSION. The MAM–36 was responsive to changes in hand function in patients receiving occupational therapy services. MAM–36 results correlated positively with improvements in task performance speeds and grip strength.
Single-Case Design Evaluation of Compression Therapy for Edema of the Stroke-Affected Hand
Authors: Gustafsson Louise , Walter Alexandra , Bower Kylie , Slaughter Adrienne , Hoyle Melanie 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To explore the efficacy of low- and high-stretch compression bandaging for edema management in the stroke-affected upper limb.
METHOD. A single-case, ABA-design study was conducted with 8 participants alternately allocated to receive low- or high-stretch bandaging. Edema was measured with circumferential tape at four specified points from the hand to the mid-forearm. All measurements were represented graphically for visual analysis, and celeration lines were calculated to indicate the degree of slope in each phase.
RESULTS. Visual analysis indicated fluctuating edema volume in the first baseline phase, decreasing edema volume in the intervention phase, and increasing edema volume in the second baseline phase. The results did not clearly distinguish between the two bandaging groups.
CONCLUSION. Compression bandaging may have benefits in the management of edema after stroke. Further research is required to identify factors contributing to the long-term maintenance of reductions gained after compression bandaging.
Review of Occupational Therapy Intervention Research in the Practice Area of Children and Youth 2009–2013
Authors: Kreider Consuelo M. , Bendixen Roxanna M. , Huang Yu Yun , Lim Yoonjeong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
PURPOSE. We conducted a systematic review examining the extent to which pediatric intervention research recently published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy reflects occupational therapy’s holistic occupation-based tenets.
METHOD. We surveyed 10 systematic reviews and analyzed 38 single effectiveness studies for intervention approach, type, level of environmental targeting, level of occupational task and participation practice, and measures used.
RESULTS. Of the 38 single effectiveness studies, 12 (32%) explicitly incorporated both environmental targets of intervention and practice of complex or in vivo occupational tasks, with steady increases during the 2009–2013 time frame.
CONCLUSION. In the area of children and youth, occupational therapy is making steady gains in reflecting and demonstrating the effectiveness of the profession’s holistic, occupation-based tenets. Occupational therapy researchers must be mindful to ensure that despite the reductionist nature of intervention research, interventions reflect the profession’s holistic understanding of the interplay between the child, environment, and occupations.
Elevating the Quality of Disability and Rehabilitation Research: Mandatory Use of the Reporting Guidelines
Authors: Chan Leighton , Heinemann Allen W. , Roberts Jason 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Note from the AJOT Editor-in-Chief: Since 2010, the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) has adopted reporting standards based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement and American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines in an effort to publish transparent clinical research that can be easily evaluated for methodological and analytical rigor (APA Publications and Communications Board Working Group on Journal Article Reporting Standards, 2008; Moher, Schulz, & Altman, 2001). AJOT has now joined 28 other major rehabilitation and disability journals in a collaborative initiative to enhance clinical research reporting standards through adoption of the EQUATOR Network reporting guidelines, described below. Authors will now be required to use these guidelines in the preparation of manuscripts that will be submitted to AJOT. Reviewers will also use these guidelines to evaluate the quality and rigor of all AJOT submissions. By adopting these standards we hope to further enhance the quality and clinical applicability of articles to our readers.
Luminescent EuIII Complexes Immobilized on a Vermiculite Clay Surface
Authors: Silva Haryane R. M. , Fonseca Maria G. , Espínola José Geraldo P. , Brito Hermi F. , Faustino Wagner M. , Teotonio Ercules E. S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractVermiculite clays were leached with nitric acid and functionalized with (3‐chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane. The resulting materials were modified with the methylimidazolium (MID) group to yield cationic surfaces. These materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and specific surface area. Tetrakis(β‐diketonate)europate(III) complexes, [EuL4]– [L = dibenzoylmethane (DBM) and thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA)], were immobilized on the vermiculite surface containing the imidazolium cation to yield hybrid surfaces named Vx‐MID‐EuL4 (x = 0, 1, and 2), in which x represents the acid nitric concentration in mol L–1 that is used in the leaching process. The highest luminescence intensities of the intraconfigurational‐4f 5D0→7FJ transitions (for which J = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) arising from [EuL4]– complexes were presented by the hybrid materials containing the amount of imidazolium cation, which depend on the leaching process. The excitation and emission spectra suggested an efficient intramolecular energy‐transfer process from ligand‐to‐Eu3+ ion in the supported materials. The photoluminescent properties of the hybrid materials were investigated based on the emission quantum efficiency (η), experimental intensity parameters Ω2 and Ω4, and Einstein's emission coefficient (A0J). The values of these parameters for the V2‐MID‐EuL4 surface are close to those assigned to the [EuL4]– isolated complexes, which indicates that hybrid vermiculite materials are promising red phosphors.
Assessment of the rate of force development scaling factor for the hip muscles
Authors: Casartelli Nicola C. , Lepers Romuald , Maffiuletti Nicola A. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate test feasibility, validity, and reproducibility of the rate of force development scaling factor (RFD‐SF) for the hip muscles. Methods: Feasibility was assessed as the testing compliance, validity as the ability to compute the RFD‐SF from a linear regression, and reproducibility with a test–retest design in 20 healthy subjects. Reliability and agreement (reproducibility) were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and percent standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. Results: The RFD‐SF testing protocol was completed successfully by all subjects, although the analysis had to be modified for hip rotators. Reliability was high (ICC3,1 > 0.70) for all muscles except hip abductors (ICC3,1 = 0.69) and internal rotators (ICC3,1 = 0.58). Agreement was high for all muscles (SEM < 10%). Conclusions: Hip adductor, flexor, and external rotator RFD‐SF can be evaluated with confidence, provided the analysis is modified for external rotators, whereas hip abductor and internal rotator RFD‐SF assessment is not recommended. Muscle Nerve 50: 932–938, 2014
The Incorporation of Predictive Genomic Testing into Genetic Counseling Programs
Authors: Noss Ryan , Mills Rachel , Callanan Nancy 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study explored whether genetic counseling programs are incorporating instruction about the applications and techniques of predictive genomic testing (PGT) based on student recollection, and whether this is perceived as adequate by those students. For the purpose of this study, PGT was defined as the use of genome‐based testing to assess a person's risk, or susceptibility, of developing a disorder with either a known or suspected genetic component. Surveys from 114 graduates were analyzed. The majority of respondents indicated that PGT was covered in their curriculum including methodology, information generated, benefits, risks, limitations, and impact on the field of genetic counseling. A statistically significant increase in incorporating information about PGT as a whole from 2008 to 2011 was also reported. The majority of respondents reported that coverage of PGT prepared them for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) board exam (80.6 %), to interpret PGT test results (60.2 %) and to identify clinical situations warranting testing (53.1 %). Although the majority of respondents indicated learning about a wide variety of aspects surrounding PGT, many recent graduates indicated their training was less likely to cover aspects essential for the clinical application of PGT. Therefore, genetic counseling programs should place a greater emphasis on these skills, and the development of continuing education opportunities aimed at increasing genetic counselors abilities to interpret and discuss PGT tests and identify clinical situations warranting such testing may be helpful.
The amyloid hypothesis, time to move on: Amyloid is the downstream result, not cause, of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Drachman David A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe “amyloid hypothesis” has dominated Alzheimer research for more than 20 years, and proposes that amyloid is the toxic cause of neural/synaptic damage and dementia. If correct, decreasing the formation or removing amyloid should be therapeutic. Despite discrepancies in the proposed mechanism, and failed clinical trials, amyloid continues to be considered the cause of a degenerative cascade. Alternative hypotheses must explain three features: (i) why amyloid toxicity is not the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), (ii) what alternative mechanisms cause the degeneration and dementia of AD, and (iii) why increased amyloid accumulates in the brain in AD. We propose that AD, which occurs in elderly, already vulnerable brains, with multiple age‐related changes, is precipitated by impaired microvascular function, resulting primarily from decreased Notch‐related angiogenesis. With impaired microvasculature, a lack of vascular endothelial‐derived trophic factors and decreased cerebral blood flow cause the atrophy of neural structures. Therapeutic strategies should focus on supporting normal angiogenesis.
Brain tocopherols related to Alzheimer's disease neuropathology in humans
Authors: Morris Martha Clare , Schneider Julie A. , Li Hong , Tangney Christy C. , Nag Sukriti , Bennett David A. , Honer William G. , Barnes Lisa L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRandomized trials of α‐tocopherol supplements on cognitive decline are negative, whereas studies of dietary tocopherols have shown benefit. We investigated these inconsistencies by analyzing the relations of α‐ and γ‐tocopherol brain concentrations to Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology among 115 deceased participants of the prospective Rush Memory and Aging Project. Associations of amyloid load and neurofibrillary tangle severity with brain tocopherol concentrations were examined in separate adjusted linear regression models. γ‐Tocopherol concentrations were associated with lower amyloid load (β = ‒2.10, P = .002) and lower neurofibrillary tangle severity (β = ‒1.16, P = .02). Concentrations of α‐tocopherol were not associated with AD neuropathology, except as modified by γ‐tocopherol: high α‐tocopherol was associated with higher amyloid load when γ‐tocopherol levels were low and with lower amyloid levels when γ‐tocopherol levels were high (P for interaction = 0.03). Brain concentrations of γ‐ and α‐tocopherols may be associated with AD neuropathology in interrelated, complex ways. Randomized trials should consider the contribution of γ‐tocopherol.
Neural correlates of empathic impairment in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Cerami Chiara , Dodich Alessandra , Canessa Nicola , Crespi Chiara , Marcone Alessandra , Cortese Francesca , Chierchia Gabriele , Scola Elisa , Falini Andrea , Cappa Stefano F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveLoss of empathy is a symptom of the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), constituting a clue for early diagnosis. In this study, we directly compared two empathy components (intention attribution [IA] and emotion attribution [EA]), correlating them with possible specific patterns of gray‐matter density reduction within the mentalizing network.MethodsWe evaluated IA and EA in 18 mild bvFTD patients compared with 36 healthy controls (HCs) using a single nonverbal test. A subgroup entered a voxel‐based morphometry study.ResultsCompared with HC, bvFTD patients showed IA and EA impairments. EA performance correlated with gray‐matter reduction in the right amygdala, left insula, and posterior‐superior temporal sulcus extending into the temporoparietal junction.ConclusionWe proved an empathic impairment, with the ability to infer emotional states showing the most severe deficit. These results provide further evidence of selective disease‐specific vulnerability of the limbic and frontoinsular network in bvFTD and highlight the usefulness of empathy assessment in early patients.
Carrier extraction from GaSb quantum rings in GaAs solar cells using direct laser excitation
Authors: James Juanita Saroj , Fujita Hiromi , Carrington Peter J. , Marshall Andrew R.J. , Krier Anthony 
Published: March 2014

The authors report on the analysis of the hole escape mechanisms from type‐II GaSb quantum rings (QRs) embedded within the active region of a GaAs single junction solar cell. When the solar cell is excited by using a 1064 nm infrared laser with excitation energy lower than the bandgap of the GaAs matrix, photogenerated electron–hole pairs are created directly within the GaSb QRs. The QR photocurrent exhibits a linear dependence on the excitation intensity over several decades. The thermal activation energy was found to be weakly dependent on the incident light level and increased by only a few meV over several orders of excitation intensity. The magnitude of the relative absorption in the author's QRs when directly probed by using a 1064 nm laser with an incident power density of ∼ 2.6 W cm−2 is found to be ∼ 1.4 × 10−4 per layer. The thermal escape rate of the holes was calculated and found to be ∼ 1011 to 1012 s−1, which is much faster than the radiative recombination rate 109 s−1. This behaviour is promising for concentrator solar cell development and has the potential to increase solar cell efficiency under a strong solar concentration.
Triplet-Triplet Absorption Studies on Aromatic and Heterocyclic Molecules at 77 °K
Authors: Henry Bryan R. , Kasha Michael 
Published: March 2014

Triplet-triplet absorption spectroscopy has been extended both to numerous new molecules of current spectroscopic interest and to lower energy spectral regions (to 10 000 cm−1) of previously investigated molecules. Measurements have been carried out by the method of steady cross illumination using a modified Cary 14 spectrophotometer.
Eight new T-T transitions have been found in the present research. New lower energy bands have been studied in the previously studied molecules triphenylene, phenanthrene, and phenanthrene-D10; in the latter two molecules, an evaluation was made of the absorption coefficient (ε = 675), which has established the forbidden character of the observed bands. A tentative assignment as 3Lb←3La of the new triplet-triplet transition at 12 075 cm−1 in phenanthrene has been made from theoretical considerations. Some absorptions found previously in the literature for phenanthrene and fluorene have been questioned. Triplet-triplet absorption has been verified in diphenylamine by lifetime measurements, thus resolving an earlier uncertainty, and a similar band has been discovered in triphenylamine.
Because of the relatively small attention that had been given previously to triplet-triplet absorption in heterocyclic molecules, many such molecules have been investigated and new transitions have been discovered in several, including quinoxaline, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, and carbazole. The related photochemistry of phenoxazine and phenothiazine has also been studied briefly.