bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an Instrument to Measure Attitudes of Physical Therapy Providers Working With People With Dementia
Authors: Staples William H. , Killian Clyde B. 
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose: This study investigated the factor structure of an instrument to measure attitudes and beliefs of how physical therapist (PT) practitioners perceive working with people with a dementia disorder. Methods: A survey was mailed to every skilled nursing facility in Indiana (n = 495) for completion by a PT or physical therapist assistant. The survey was developed and included whether the severity of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impacts the attitudes of physical therapy practitioners. Results: Of the 12 attitudinal questions, 11 were significant ( P < .001) concerning how the severity of a diagnosis of AD (early, middle, and late) impacts attitudes of people in physical therapy practice. Principal component analysis identified 3 factors with Eigen values of 3.3 or higher accounting for 43% of the cumulative variance. These factors include professional competence, resources, and conscientiousness. Conclusion: This brief instrument could serve as an assessment tool to determine whether PT practitioners exhibit therapeutic nihilism when working with people with a dementia disorder.
Role of SHP2 phosphatase in KIT-induced transformation: identification of SHP2 as a druggable target in diseases involving oncogenic KIT
Authors: Mali Raghuveer Singh , Ma Peilin , Zeng Li-Fan , Martin Holly , Ramdas Baskar , He Yantao , Sims Emily , Nabinger Sarah , Ghosh Joydeep , Sharma Namit , Munugalavadla Veerendra , Chatterjee Anindya , Li Shuo , Sandusky George , Craig Andrew W. , Bunting Kevin D. , Feng Gen-Sheng , Chan Rebecca J. , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Kapur Reuben 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Intracellular mechanism(s) that contribute to promiscuous signaling via oncogenic KIT in systemic mastocytosis and acute myelogenous leukemia are poorly understood. We show that SHP2 phosphatase is essential for oncogenic KIT-induced growth and survival in vitro and myeloproliferative disease (MPD) in vivo. Genetic disruption of SHP2 or treatment of oncogene-bearing cells with a novel SHP2 inhibitor alone or in combination with the PI3K inhibitor corrects MPD by disrupting a protein complex involving p85α, SHP2, and Gab2. Importantly, a single tyrosine at position 719 in oncogenic KIT is sufficient to develop MPD by recruiting p85α, SHP2, and Gab2 complex to oncogenic KIT. Our results demonstrate that SHP2 phosphatase is a druggable target that cooperates with lipid kinases in inducing MPD.
Elevating body temperature enhances hematopoiesis and neutrophil recovery after total body irradiation in an IL-1–, IL-17–, and G-CSF–dependent manner
Authors: Capitano Maegan L. , Nemeth Michael J. , Mace Thomas A. , Salisbury-Ruf Christi , Segal Brahm H. , McCarthy Philip L. , Repasky Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Neutropenia is a common side effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation, increasing the risk of infection in these patients. Here we examined the impact of body temperature on neutrophil recovery in the blood and bone marrow after total body irradiation (TBI). Mice were exposed to either 3 or 6 Gy TBI followed by a mild heat treatment that temporarily raised core body temperature to approximately 39.5°C. Neutrophil recovery was then compared with control mice that received either TBI alone heat treatment alone. Mice that received both TBI and heat treatment exhibited a significant increase in the rate of neutrophil recovery in the blood and an increase in the number of marrow hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophil progenitors compared with that seen in mice that received either TBI or heat alone. The combination treatment also increased G-CSF concentrations in the serum, bone marrow, and intestinal tissue and IL-17, IL-1β, and IL-1α concentrations in the intestinal tissue after TBI. Neutralizing G-CSF or inhibiting IL-17 or IL-1 signaling significantly blocked the thermally mediated increase in neutrophil numbers. These findings suggest that a physiologically relevant increase in body temperature can accelerate recovery from neutropenia after TBI through a G-CSF–, IL-17–, and IL-1–dependent mechanism.
Levels and values of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, soluble angiogenic factors, and mononuclear cell apoptosis in liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Chen Chih-Hung , Chang Li-Teh , Tung Wei-Chih , Chen Yung-Lung , Chang Chia-Lo , Leu Steve , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Tsai I-Ting , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The roles of circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and mononuclear cell apoptosis (MCA) in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients are unknown. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α are powerful endogenous substances enhancing EPC migration into circulation. We assessed the level and function of EPCs [CD31/CD34 (E1), KDR/CD34 (E2), CXCR4/CD34 (E3)], levels of MCA, VEGF and SDF-1α in circulation of LC patients.

Methods
Blood sample was prospectively collected once for assessing EPC level and function, MCA, and plasma levels of VEGF and SDF-1α using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, in 78 LC patients and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Results
Number of EPCs (E1, E2, E3) was lower (all p < 0.0001), whereas SDF-1α level and MCA were higher (p < 0.001) in study patients compared with healthy controls. Number of EPCs (E2, E3) was higher but MCA was lower (all p < 0.05) in Child's class A compared with Child's class B and C patients, although no difference in VEGF and SDF-1α levels were noted among these patients. Chronic hepatitis B and esophageal varices bleeding were independently, whereas chronic hepatitis C, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and decompensated LC were inversely and independently correlated with circulating EPC level (all p < 0.03). Additionally, angiogenesis and transwell migratory ability of EPCs were reduced in LC patients than in controls (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrated that level, angiogenic capacity, and function of circulating EPCs were significantly reduced, whereas plasma levels of SDF-1α and circulating MCA were substantially enhanced in cirrhotic patients.
What do peer support workers do? A job description
Authors: Jacobson Nora , Trojanowski Lucy , Dewa Carolyn S 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The extant literature suggests that poorly defined job roles make it difficult for peer support workers to be successful, and hinder their integration into multi-disciplinary workplace teams. This article uses data gathered as part of a participatory evaluation of a peer support program at a psychiatric tertiary care facility to specify the work that peers do.

Methods
Data were gathered through interviews, focus groups, and activity logs and were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach.

Results
Peers engage in direct work with clients and in indirect work that supports their work with clients. The main types of direct work are advocacy, connecting to resources, experiential sharing, building community, relationship building, group facilitation, skill building/mentoring/goal setting, and socialization/self-esteem building. The main types of indirect work are group planning and development, administration, team communication, supervision/training, receiving support, education/awareness building, and information gathering and verification. In addition, peers also do work aimed at building relationships with staff and work aimed at legitimizing the peer role. Experience, approach, presence, role modeling, collaboration, challenge, and compromise can be seen as the tangible enactments of peers’ philosophy of work.

Conclusions
Candidates for positions as peer support workers require more than experience with mental health and/or addiction problems. The job description provided in this article may not be appropriate for all settings, but it will contribute to a better understanding of the peer support worker position, the skills required, and the types of expectations that could define successful fulfillment of the role.
Overlapping effector interfaces define the multiple functions of the HIV-1 Nef polyproline helix
Authors: Kuo Lillian S , Baugh Laura L , Denial Sarah J , Watkins Richard L , Liu Mingjie , Garcia J Victor , Foster John L 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundHIV-1 Nef is a multifunctional protein required for full pathogenicity of the virus. As Nef has no known enzymatic activity, it necessarily functions through protein-protein interaction interfaces. A critical Nef protein interaction interface is centered on its polyproline segment (P69VRPQVPLRP78) which contains the helical SH3 domain binding protein motif, PXXPXR. We hypothesized that any Nef-SH3 domain interactions would be lost upon mutation of the prolines or arginine of PXXPXR. Further, mutation of the non-motif “X” residues, (Q73, V74, and L75) would give altered patterns of inhibition for different Nef/SH3 domain protein interactions.ResultsWe found that mutations of either of the prolines or the arginine of PXXPXR are defective for Nef-Hck binding, Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and enhancement of virion infectivity (EVI). Mutation of the non-motif “X” residues (Q, V and L) gave similar patterns of inhibition for Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and EVI which were distinct from the pattern for Hck binding. These results implicate an SH3 domain containing protein other than Hck for Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and EVI. We have also mutated Nef residues at the N-and C-terminal ends of the polyproline segment to explore interactions outside of PXXPXR. We discovered a new locus GFP/F (G67, F68, P69and F90) that is required for Nef/activated PAK2 complex formation and EVI.MHC Class I (MHCI) downregulation was only partially inhibited by mutating the PXXPXR motif residues, but was fully inhibited by mutating the C-terminal P78. Further, we observed that MHCI downregulation strictly requires G67and F68. Our mutational analysis confirms the recently reported structure of the complex between Nef, AP-1 μ1 and the cytoplasmic tail of MHCI, but does not support involvement of an SH3 domain protein in MHCI downregulation.ConclusionNef has evolved to be dependent on interactions with multiple SH3 domain proteins. To the N- and C- terminal sides of the polyproline helix are multifunctional protein interaction sites. The polyproline segment is also adapted to downregulate MHCI with a non-canonical binding surface. Our results demonstrate that Nef polyproline helix is highly adapted to directly interact with multiple host cell proteins.
Structural distinctions in BMPs underlie divergent signaling in spinal neurons
Authors: Perron Jeanette C , Dodd Jane 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
In dorsal spinal neurons and monocytes, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)7 activates distinct transduction pathways, one leading to inductive specification and the other to axon orientation and chemotaxis. BMP7-evoked induction, also stimulated by the closely related BMP6, acts through a Smad cascade, leading to nuclear signaling, and is not BMPR subunit selective. Orientation is evoked by BMP7, but not by BMP6, through PI3K-dependent cytoskeletal activation mediated by the type II BMPRs, ActRIIA and BMPRII and is independent of the Smad cascade. The responses can be stimulated concurrently and suggest that BMP7, but not BMP6, can selectively activate BMPR subunits that engage the divergent paths. Although structural and biochemical analyses of selected BMP/BMPR interfaces have identified key regions of interaction, how these translate into function by related BMPs is poorly understood. To determine the mechanisms underlying the distinct activities of BMP7 and the disparate properties of BMP7 and BMP6 in spinal cord development, we have performed a family-wide structure/function analysis of BMPs and used the information to predict and test sites within BMPs that may control agonist properties, in particular the ability of a BMP to orient axons, through interactions with BMPRs.

Results
We demonstrate that whereas all BMPs can induce dorsal neurons, there is selectivity in the ability also to orient axons or evoke growth cone collapse. The degree to which a BMP orients is not predictable by overall protein similarity with other BMPs but comparison of sequences of potent and weakly orienting BMPs with that of the non-orienting BMP6 revealed three candidate positions within the BMPs at which the amino acid residues may confer or obstruct orienting ability. Residue swapping analysis has identified one residue, Gln

48
in BMP6, that blocks axon orienting ability. Replacing Gln

48
with any of the amino acids present at the equivalent residue position in the orienting subset of BMPs confers orienting activity on BMP6. Conversely, swapping Gln

48
into BMP7 reduces orienting ability. The inductive capacity of the BMPs was unchanged by these residue swaps.

Conclusions
The results suggest that the presence of the Gln

48
residue in BMP6 is structurally inhibitory for BMP/BMPR interactions that result in the activation of intracellular signaling, leading to axon orientation. Moreover, since residue 48 in BMP7 and the corresponding residue in BMP2 are important for type II BMPR binding, our results provide a basis for a mechanistic understanding of the diverse activities of BMPs in spinal cord development.
The Rice Oligonucleotide Array Database: an atlas of rice gene expression
Authors: Cao Peijian , Jung Ki-Hong , Choi Daeseok , Hwang Daehee , Zhu Jun , Ronald Pamela C 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Microarray technologies facilitate high-throughput gene expression analysis. However, the diversity of platforms for rice gene expression analysis hinders efficient analysis. Tools to broadly integrate microarray data from different platforms are needed.

Results
In this study, we developed the Rice Oligonucleotide Array Database (ROAD,http://www.ricearray.org) to explore gene expression across 1,867 publicly available rice microarray hybridizations. The ROAD’s user-friendly web interface and variety of visualization tools facilitate the extraction of gene expression profiles using gene and microarray element identifications. The ROAD supports meta-analysis of genes expressed in different tissues and at developmental stages. Co-expression analysis tool provides information on co-regulation between genes under general, abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Additionally, functional analysis tools, such as Gene Ontology and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) Orthology, are embedded in the ROAD. These tools facilitate the identification of meaningful biological patterns in a list of query genes.

Conclusions
The Rice Oligonucleotide Array Database provides comprehensive gene expression profiles for all rice genes, and will be a useful resource for researchers of rice and other grass species.
Clock accuracy and precision evolve as a consequence of selection for adult emergence in a narrow window of time in fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kannan Nisha N. , Vaze Koustubh M. , Sharma Vijay Kumar 
Published: July 2012

Summary
Although circadian clocks are believed to have evolved under the action of periodic selection pressures (selection on phasing) present in the geophysical environment, there is very little rigorous and systematic empirical evidence to support this. In the present study, we examined the effect of selection for adult emergence in a narrow window of time on the circadian rhythms of fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster. Selection was imposed in every generation by choosing flies that emerged during a one hour window of time close to the emergence peak of baseline/control flies under 12:12 h (hour) light/dark (LD) cycles. To study the effect of selection on circadian clocks we estimated several quantifiable features that reflect inter- and intra-individual variance in adult emergence and locomotor activity rhythms. The results showed that with increasing generations incidence of adult emergence and activity of adult flies during the one hour selection window increased gradually in the selected populations. Flies from the selected populations were more homogenous in their clock period, were more coherent in their phase of entrainment, and displayed enhanced accuracy and precision in their emergence and activity rhythms compared to controls. These results thus suggest that circadian clocks in fruit flies D. melanogaster evolve enhanced accuracy and precision when subjected to selection for emergence in a narrow window of time.
Locomotion analysis identifies roles of mechanosensory neurons in governing locomotion dynamics of C. elegans
Authors: Cohen Emiliano , Yemini Eviatar , Schafer William , Feitelson Dror G. , Treinin Millet 
Published: July 2012

Summary
The simple and well-characterized nervous system of C. elegans facilitates analysis of mechanisms controlling behavior. Locomotion is a major behavioral output governed by multiple external and internal signals. Here we examine the roles of low- and high-threshold mechanosensors in locomotion, using high-resolution and detailed analysis of locomotion and its dynamics. This analysis reveals a new role for touch receptor neurons in suppressing an intrinsic direction bias of locomotion. We also examine the response to noxious mechanical stimuli, showing a response entailing several locomotion properties and lasting several minutes. Effects on different locomotion properties have different half-lives and depend on different partly overlapping sets of sensory neurons. PVD and FLP, high-threshold mechanosensors, play a major role in some of these responses. Overall, our results demonstrate the power of detailed, prolonged, and high-resolution analysis of locomotion and locomotion dynamics in enabling better understanding of gene and neuron function.
Safety and efficacy of oral ivabradine as a heart rate-reducing agent in patients undergoing CT coronary angiography
Authors: Adile K K , Kapoor A , Jain S K , Gupta A , Kumar S , Tewari S , Garg N , Goel P K 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To investigate the role of oral ivabradine as a heart rate reducing agent in patients undergoing CT coronary angiography (CTCA). Despite the routine use of β-blockers prior to CTCA studies, it is not uncommon to have patients with heart rates persistently above the target range of 65 bpm. Ivabradine is a selective inhibitor of the If current, which primarily contributes to sinus node pacemaker activity, and has no significant direct cardiovascular effects such as reduction of blood pressure, cardiac contractility or impairment of cardiac conduction.
Methods: We investigated 100 consecutive patients who had been referred for CTCA for the evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients were randomised to receive either of the following two pre-medication protocols: oral metorprolol or oral ivabradine.
Results: Ivabradine was significantly more effective than metorprolol in lowering the heart rate; the mean percentage reduction in heart rate with ivabradine vs metorpolol was 23.89+6.95% vs 15.20+4.50%, respectively (p=0.0001). Metoprolol significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure while ivabradine did not. The requirement of additional doses to achieve a target heart rate of &lt;65 beats per min was also significantly more frequent with metoprolol.
Conclusion: Ivabradine is a potentially attractive alternative to currently used drugs for reduction of heart rate in patients undergoing CTCA.
Interobserver variation in clinical target volume and organs at risk segmentation in post-parotidectomy radiotherapy: can segmentation protocols help?
Authors: Mukesh M , Benson R , Jena R , Hoole A , Roques T , Scrase C , Martin C , Whitfield G A , Gemmill J , Jefferies S 
Published: July 2012

Objective: A study of interobserver variation in the segmentation of the post-operative clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OARs) for parotid tumours was undertaken. The segmentation exercise was performed as a baseline, and repeated after 3 months using a segmentation protocol to assess whether CTV conformity improved.
Methods: Four head and neck oncologists independently segmented CTVs and OARs (contralateral parotid, spinal cord and brain stem) on CT data sets of five patients post parotidectomy. For each CTV or OAR delineation, total volume was calculated. The conformity level (CL) between different clinicians' outlines was measured using a validated outline analysis tool. The data for CTVs were reaanalysed after using the cochlear sparing therapy and conventional radiation segmentation protocol.
Results: Significant differences in CTV morphology were observed at baseline, yielding a mean CL of 30% (range 25–39%). The CL improved after using the segmentation protocol with a mean CL of 54% (range 50–65%). For OARs, the mean CL was 60% (range 53–68%) for the contralateral parotid gland, 23% (range 13–27%) for the brain stem and 25% (range 22–31%) for the spinal cord.
Conclusions: There was low conformity for CTVs and OARs between different clinicians. The CL for CTVs improved with use of a segmentation protocol, but the CLs remained lower than expected. This study supports the need for clear guidelines for segmentation of target and OARs to compare and interpret the results of head and neck cancer radiation studies.
“We Want Respect”: Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Address Respect in Research
Authors: McDonald Katherine Elizabeth 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Respect is central to ethical guidelines for research. The scientific community has long debated, and at times disagreed on, how to demonstrate respect in research with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To illuminate the voices of those most affected, the author studies the views of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on respect in research. Findings are consistent with disability rights' ideas and indicate that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have much to contribute to the discussion, that they value participating, and that they agree with calls to focus on human rights and dignity. Notably, participants spoke at lengths about the nature of interactions between researchers and participants. Implications are discussed, including how to infuse research standards with community-supported values and preferences.
Sleep and Daytime Functioning: A Short-term Longitudinal Study of Three Preschool-age Comparison Groups
Authors: Anders Thomas , Iosif Ana-Maria , Schwichtenberg A. J , Tang Karen , Goodlin-Jones Beth 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This study examined sleep, sleepiness, and daytime performance in 68 children with autism, 57 children with intellectual disability (ID), and 69 typically developing preschool children. Children in the autism and ID groups had poorer daytime performance and behaviors than the typically developing children. Children in the ID group also were significantly sleepier than children in both the autism and typically developing groups. These significant differences persisted over 6 months. Actigraph-defined sleep behaviors and problems did not relate to daytime sleepiness or daytime performance and behaviors for the children with autism or the typically developing group. For the ID group, longer night awakenings and lower sleep efficiency predicted more daytime sleepiness. For each group, parent-report sleep problems were associated with more daytime sleepiness and more behavior problems.