bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Eocene Baltic amber from the Rovno region (Ukraine)
Authors: Sontag Elżbieta , Szadziewski Ryszard 
Published: January 2012

Biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Eocene Baltic amber from the Rovno region (Ukraine)
The paper presents the results of an examination of 714 biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) preserved in Baltic amber from the Rovno deposits in Ukraine. A new species - Leptoconops rovnensis sp. n. - is described and illustrated. 29 of the fossil species reported here have already been described from other deposits of Baltic amber: 26 of these were also found in amber from the Gulf of Gdańsk and 18 in amber from Bitterfeld (Saxony). The most common genera of biting midges in Ukrainian amber are also found in amber from Bitterfeld and the Gulf of Gdańsk, and with very much the same frequencies. The results indicate that the faunas of Ceratopogonidae enclosed in amber from Rovno, Bitterfeld and the Baltic are very similar, showing that they inhabited similar palaeoenvironments in the same palaeogeographic region.
Vibration-Induced Motor Responses of Infants With and Without Myelomeningocele
Authors: Saavedra Sandra L. , Teulier Caroline , Smith Beth A. , Kim Byungji , Beutler Benjamin D. , Martin Bernard J. , Ulrich Beverly D. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
The severity of myelomeningocele (MMC) stems both from a loss of neurons due to neural tube defect and a loss of function in viable neurons due to reduced movement experience during the first year after birth. In young infants with MMC, the challenge is to reinforce excitability and voluntary control of all available neurons. Muscle vibration paired with voluntary movement may increase motoneuron excitability and contribute to improvements in neural organization, responsiveness, and control.

Objectives
This study examined whether infants with or without MMC respond to vibration by altering their step or stance behavior when supported upright on a treadmill.

Design
This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods
Twenty-four 2- to 10-month-old infants, 12 with typical development (TD) and 12 with MMC (lumbar and sacral lesions), were tested. Infants were supported upright with their feet in contact with a stationary or moving treadmill during 30-second trials. Rhythmic alternating vibrations were applied to the right and left rectus femoris muscles, the lateral gastrocnemius muscle, or the sole of the foot. Two cameras and behavior coding were used to determine step count, step type, and motor response to vibration onset.

Results
Step count decreased and swing duration increased in infants with TD during vibration of the sole of the foot on a moving treadmill (FT-M trials). Across all groups the percentage of single steps increased during vibration of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle on a moving treadmill. Infants with MMC and younger infants with TD responded to onset of vibration with leg straightening during rectus femoris muscle stimulation and by stepping during FT-M trials more often than older infants with TD.

Conclusions
Vibration seems a viable option for increasing motor responsiveness in infants with MMC. Follow-up studies are needed to identify optimal methods of administering vibration to maximize step and stance behavior in infants.
Use of Quality Indicators in Physical Therapist Practice: An Observational Study
Authors: Jette Diane U. , Jewell Dianne V. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 contain provisions specific to health care quality that apply to physical therapists. Published evidence examining gaps in the quality of physical therapy services is limited.ObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study was to determine the use of quality indicators in physical therapist practice.DesignThis was an observational study.MethodsAll members of the Orthopaedic and Private Practice sections of the American Physical Therapy Association were invited to participate by completing an electronic survey. The survey included 22 brief patient descriptions, each followed by questions regarding the use of examinations and interventions based on the 2009 list of Medicare-approved quality measures. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratios related to the performance of each examination and intervention on more than 90% of patients, given perceptions of its importance to care, the burden of performing it, and the level of evidence supporting its use.ResultsParticipants (n=2,544) reported a relatively low frequency of performing examinations and interventions supporting primary and secondary prevention (3.6%–51.3%) and use of standardized measures (5.5%–35.8%). Perceptions of high importance and low burden were associated with greater odds of performing an examination or intervention. Importance and burden were more influential factors than the perceived availability of evidence to support use of identified techniques.LimitationsThe survey was not assessed for test-retest reliability. A low response rate was a source of potential bias.ConclusionThe study findings suggest that physical therapists may not see themselves as providers of primary or secondary prevention services. Patient management strategies associated with these types of services also may be perceived as relatively unimportant or burdensome.
Constraint-Induced Therapy With Trunk Restraint for Improving Functional Outcomes and Trunk-Arm Control After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Ching-yi , Chen Yi-an , Lin Keh-chung , Chao Ching-ping , Chen Yu-ting 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundStudies have suggested that constraint-induced therapy combined with trunk restraint (CIT-TR) improves arm movement and reduces trunk compensation. Whether participants who receive CIT-TR can translate the benefits to real-life circumstances awaits further investigation.ObjectiveThe effects of distributed CIT-TR (dCIT-TR) on motor function, daily function, quality of life (QOL), and arm-trunk control were investigated.DesignThe study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.SettingThe study took place at 4 hospitals.ParticipantsParticipants were 57 people who had had a stroke 6 to 55 months earlier.InterventionParticipants received a dose-matched intervention (2 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks) of dCIT-TR, distributed constraint-induced therapy (dCIT), or control therapy.MeasurementsThe Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Motor Activity Log, Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used to evaluate motor function, daily function, and QOL. Data for reaching kinematics were recorded.ResultsParticipants receiving dCIT-TR and dCIT exhibited higher overall scores on the ARAT, FAI, and hand function domain of the SIS and better quality of movement and larger amount of use (of the affected arm) on the Motor Activity Log than participants in the control group. Participants receiving dCIT-TR further demonstrated greater improvements on the ARAT grip subscale and FAI outdoor activities scale than participants receiving dCIT or participants in the control group. However, participants receiving dCIT showed greater improvements on the strength domain of the SIS after training than participants receiving dCIT-TR or participants in the control group.LimitationsResearch with a larger sample size is needed.ConclusionsParticipants who received dCIT-TR were able to translate gains in arm-trunk control into functional performance and QOL, specifically in grip function and outdoor activities. A long-term study to examine the recovery course for force output may be needed to evaluate people's perception of less improvement in strength after dCIT-TR.
Shoulder Position Sense During Passive Matching and Active Positioning Tasks in Individuals With Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Hung You-jou , Darling Warren G. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Altered neuromuscular control due to compromised joint position sense may contribute to recurrent shoulder instability.

Objective
The purpose of the present study was to examine whether individuals with anterior shoulder instability exhibit larger shoulder position sense errors than those with healthy shoulders in both passive matching and active positioning.

Design
This was a between-groups study with repeated measures.

Methods
Ten people with anterior shoulder instability and 15 people with healthy shoulders participated in the study. Shoulder position sense was examined with 3 different protocols (passive motion to remembered shoulder rotation angles and active shoulder abduction and rotation to verbally specified positions) in positions of both mid-range and end-range of motion.

Results
Participants with unstable shoulders exhibited significantly larger errors (by 1.8° on average) in perception of shoulder position compared with those with healthy shoulders during passive matching. During active positioning, participants with unstable shoulders were able to voluntarily move the shoulder to verbally specified angles as accurately as those with healthy shoulders in both abduction (0.85° difference) and rotation (0.99° difference) tasks.

Conclusions
Results of this study indicate that people with unstable shoulders can perceive shoulder angles as accurately as people with healthy shoulders in activities with voluntary arm movements. Compared with passive matching, better information from muscle spindles and other sources during voluntary arm movements may compensate for the potential joint position sense deficits after the injury. Therefore, individuals with an unstable shoulder may have adequate neuromuscular control to engage proper protective mechanisms to stabilize the shoulder joint during functional activities.
Protection légale des animaux ou paternalisme ?
Authors: Iacub Marcela 
Published: January 2012

Résumé	Cet article examine une affaire judiciaire récente dans laquelle un homme a été condamné pour avoir « sodomisé » son poney « Junior ». Le délit de « sévices de nature sexuelle » concernant les animaux a été ajouté en 2004 à l’article 521.1 du Code pénal, lequel autorise la condamnation des « sévices graves » ou des « actes de cruauté ». Alors que la législation concernant les animaux semble justifiée au nom de la protection de ceux-ci et de la prévention des souffrances inutiles qui pourraient leur être imposées par les hommes sous l’empire desquels ils se trouvent, il apparaît que cette législation condamne au contraire les mauvais penchants de la sexualité humaine sous la forme du moralisme le plus pur. L’interprétation de la loi donnée par les juges dans cette affaire révèle une conception pastoraliste de l’intervention de l’État, confirmant ainsi la rationalité moraliste qui guide les interventions du législateur et du juge dans le domaine de la sexualité depuis les années 1980.
ICOS-Dependent Homeostasis and Function of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Islets of Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Kornete Mara , Sgouroudis Evridiki , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A progressive waning in Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) functions is thought to provoke autoimmunity in the NOD model of type 1 diabetes (T1D). A deficiency in IL-2 is one of the main triggers for the defective function of Tregs in islets. Notably, abrogation of the ICOS pathway in NOD neonates or BDC2.5-NOD (BDC2.5) mice exacerbates T1D, suggesting an important role for this costimulatory pathway in tolerance to islet Ags. Thus, we hypothesize that ICOS selectively promotes Foxp3+ Treg functions in BDC2.5 mice. We show that ICOS expression discriminates effector Foxp3− T cells from Foxp3+ Tregs and specifically designates a dominant subset of intra-islet Tregs, endowed with an increased potential to expand, secrete IL-10, and mediate suppressive activity in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, Ab-mediated blockade or genetic deficiency of ICOS selectively abrogates Treg-mediated functions and T1D protection and exacerbates disease in BDC2.5 mice. Moreover, T1D progression in BDC2.5 mice is associated with a decline in ICOS expression in and expansion and suppression by intra-islet Foxp3+ Tregs. We further show that the ICOS+ Tregs, in contrast to their ICOS− counterparts, are more sensitive to IL-2, a critical signal for their survival and functional stability. Lastly, the temporal loss in ICOS+ Tregs is readily corrected by IL-2 therapy or protective Il2 gene variation. Overall, ICOS is critical for the homeostasis and functional stability of Foxp3+ Tregs in prediabetic islets and maintenance of T1D protection.
Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Increases T Lymphocyte Migration by Recruiting the Cytoskeleton Organizer CRMP2
Authors: Varrin-Doyer Michel , Nicolle Adeline , Marignier Romain , Cavagna Sylvie , Benetollo Claire , Wattel Eric , Giraudon Pascale 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Recruitment of virus-infected T lymphocytes into the CNS is an essential step in the development of virus-associated neuroinflammatory diseases, notably myelopathy induced by retrovirus human T leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1). We have recently shown the key role of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a phosphoprotein involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement, in the control of human lymphocyte migration and in brain targeting in animal models of virus-induced neuroinflammation. Using lymphocytes cloned from infected patients and chronically infected T cells, we found that HTLV-1 affects CRMP2 activity, resulting in an increased migratory potential. Elevated CRMP2 expression accompanies a higher phosphorylation level of CRMP2 and its more pronounced adhesion to tubulin and actin. CRMP2 forms, a full length and a shorter, cleaved one, are also affected. Tax transfection and extinction strategies show the involvement of this viral protein in enhanced full-length and active CRMP2, resulting in prominent migratory rate. A role for other viral proteins in CRMP2 phosphorylation is suspected. Full-length CRMP2 confers a migratory advantage possibly by preempting the negative effect of short CRMP2 we observe on T lymphocyte migration. In addition, HTLV-1–induced migration seems, in part, supported by the ability of infected cell to increase the proteosomal degradation of short CRMP2. Finally, gene expression in CD69+ cells selected from patients suggests that HTLV-1 has the capacity to influence the CRMP2/PI3K/Akt axis thus to positively control cytoskeleton organization and lymphocyte migration. Our data provide an additional clue to understanding the infiltration of HTLV-1–infected lymphocytes into various tissues and suggest that the regulation of CRMP2 activity by virus infection is a novel aspect of neuroinflammation.
TLR2 Signaling Depletes IRAK1 and Inhibits Induction of Type I IFN by TLR7/9
Authors: Liu Yi C. , Simmons Daimon P. , Li Xiaoxia , Abbott Derek W. , Boom W. Henry , Harding Clifford V. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Pathogens may signal through multiple TLRs with synergistic or antagonistic effects on the induction of cytokines, including type I IFN (IFN-I). IFN-I is typically induced by TLR9, but not TLR2. Moreover, we previously reported that TLR2 signaling by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other TLR2 agonists inhibited TLR9 induction of IFN-I and IFN-I–dependent MHC-I Ag cross processing. The current studies revealed that lipopeptide-induced TLR2 signaling inhibited induction of first-wave IFN-α and IFN-β mRNA by TLR9, whereas induction of second-wave IFN-I mRNA was not inhibited. TLR2 also inhibited induction of IFN-I by TLR7, another MyD88-dependent IFN-I–inducing receptor, but did not inhibit IFN-I induction by TLR3 or TLR4 (both Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β dependent, MyD88 independent). The inhibitory effect of TLR2 was not dependent on new protein synthesis or intercellular signaling. IL-1R–associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) was depleted rapidly (within 10 min) by TLR2 agonist, but not until later (e.g., 2 h) by TLR9 agonist. Because IRAK1 is required for TLR7/9-induced IFN-I production, we propose that TLR2 signaling induces rapid depletion of IRAK1, which impairs IFN-I induction by TLR7/9. This novel mechanism, whereby TLR2 inhibits IFN-I induction by TLR7/9, may shape immune responses to microbes that express ligands for both TLR2 and TLR7/TLR9, or responses to bacteria/virus coinfection.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-Dependent Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 Expression in Macrophages: Role of TNF-α and the EP4 Prostanoid Receptor
Authors: Khan K. M. Faisal , Kothari Poonam , Du Baoheng , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Falcone Domenick J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Thus, identifying targetable components of signaling pathways that regulate MMP-9 expression may have broad therapeutic implications. Our previous studies revealed a nexus between metalloproteinases and prostanoids whereby MMP-1 and MMP-3, commonly found in inflammatory and neoplastic foci, stimulate macrophage MMP-9 expression via the release of TNF-α and subsequent induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and PGE2 engagement of EP4 receptor. In the current study, we determined whether MMP-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression was coupled to the expression of prostaglandin E synthase family members. We found that MMP-1– and MMP-3–dependent release of TNF-α induced rapid and transient expression of early growth response protein 1 in macrophages followed by sustained elevation in microsomal prostaglandin synthase 1 (mPGES-1) expression. Metalloproteinase-induced PGE2 levels and MMP-9 expression were markedly attenuated in macrophages in which mPGES-1 was silenced, thereby identifying mPGES-1 as a therapeutic target in the regulation of MMP-9 expression. Finally, the induction of mPGES-1 was regulated, in part, through a positive feedback loop dependent on PGE2 binding to EP4. Thus, in addition to inhibiting macrophage MMP-9 expression, EP4 antagonists emerge as potential therapy to reduce mPGES-1 expression and PGE2 levels in inflammatory and neoplastic settings.
Serine Protease Inhibitor 6 Is Required To Protect Dendritic Cells from the Kiss of Death
Authors: Lovo Elena , Zhang Manling , Wang Lihui , Ashton-Rickardt Philip G. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
How dendritic cells (DC) present Ag to cytotoxic T cells (CTL) without themselves being killed through contact-mediated cytotoxicity (so-called kiss of death) has proved to be controversial. Using mice deficient in serine protease inhibitor 6 (Spi6), we show that Spi6 protects DC from the kiss of death by inhibiting granzyme B (GrB) delivered by CTL. Infection of Spi6 knockout mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus revealed impaired survival of CD8α DC. The impaired survival of Spi6 knockout CD8α DC resulted in impaired priming and expansion of both primary and memory lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific CTL, which could be corrected by GrB deficiency. The rescue in the clonal burst obtained by GrB elimination demonstrated that GrB was the physiological target through which Spi6 protected DC from CTL. We conclude that the negative regulation of DC priming of CD8 T lymphocyte immunity by CTL killing is mitigated by the physiological inhibition of GrB by Spi6.
Printing of Highly Integrated Crossbar Junctions
Authors: Sanetra Nils , Karipidou Zoi , Wirtz René , Knorr Nikolaus , Rosselli Silvia , Nelles Gabriele , Offenhaeusser Andreas , Mayer Dirk 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA new process is presented that combines nanoimprint lithography and soft lithography to assemble metal–bridge–metal crossbar junctions at ambient conditions. High density top and bottom metal electrodes with half‐pitches down to 50 nm are fabricated in a parallel process by means of ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The top electrodes are realized on top of a sacrificial layer and are embedded in a polymer matrix. The lifting of the top electrodes by dissolving the sacrificial layer in an aqueous solution results in printable electrode stamps. Crossbar arrays are noninvasively assembled with high yield by printing the top electrode stamps onto bare or modified bottom electrodes. A semiconducting and a quasi metal like conducting type of polymer are incorporated in the cross points to form metal‐polymer‐metal junctions. The electrical characterization of the printed junctions revealed that the functional integrity of the electrically addressed conductive polymers is conserved during the assembling process. These findings suggest that printing of electrodes represents an easy and cost effective route to highly integrated nanoscale metal‐bridge‐metal junctions if imprint lithography is used for electrode fabrication.
Improving the Photoinduced Charge Separation Parameters in Corrole–Perylene Carboximide Dyads by Tuning the Redox and Spectroscopic Properties of the Components
Authors: Flamigni Lucia , Ciuciu Adina I. , Langhals Heinz , Böck Bernd , Gryko Daniel T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA couple of corrole–perylene carboximide dyads (C2‐PIa and C2‐PIx) have been synthesized and their photoreactivity has been evaluated. We aimed at obtaining better performances for photoinduced charge separation, both in terms of efficiency and in terms of lifetime, with respect to formerly studied systems. The energy level of the charge‐separated state was tuned by selecting perylene and corrole components with diverse redox and spectroscopic properties. High spectroscopic energy levels of the perylene carboximide derivatives (PIs) allow a fast charge separation to be maintained in competition with an energy‐transfer process from the PI to the corrole unit. Yields and lifetimes of charge separation in toluene are, respectively, 75 % and 2.5 μs for C2‐PIa and 65 % and 24 ns for C2‐PIx. The results and the effect of solvent polarity are discussed in the framework of current energy‐ and electron‐transfer theories.
Recombinant protein expression and purification: A comprehensive review of affinity tags and microbial applications
Authors: Young Carissa L. , Britton Zachary T. , Robinson Anne S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractProtein fusion tags are indispensible tools used to improve recombinant protein expression yields, enable protein purification, and accelerate the characterization of protein structure and function. Solubility‐enhancing tags, genetically engineered epitopes, and recombinant endoproteases have resulted in a versatile array of combinatorial elements that facilitate protein detection and purification in microbial hosts. In this comprehensive review, we evaluate the most frequently used solubility‐enhancing and affinity tags. Furthermore, we provide summaries of well‐characterized purification strategies that have been used to increase product yields and have widespread application in many areas of biotechnology including drug discovery, therapeutics, and pharmacology. This review serves as an excellent literature reference for those working on protein fusion tags.