bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Language LearningSans Frontiers: A Translanguaging View
Authors: Wei Li , (Jenifer) Ho Wing Yee 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present an analytical approach that focuses on how transnational and translingual learners mobilize their multilingual, multimodal, and multisemiotic repertoires, as well as their learning and work experiences, as resources in language learning. The approach is that oftranslanguaging, which seeks to push the boundaries not only between different named languages but also between different modalities and across language scripts and writing systems. We base our arguments on a study of self-directed learning of Chinese via online platforms in the context of mobility and aim to demonstrate the transformative capacity of translanguaging. In doing so, we highlight the need for a transdisciplinary approach to language learning that transcends the boundaries between linguistics, psychology, and education, and in particular, the need to go beyond the artificial divides of the different modalities of language learning to strengthen the connections between research on bilingualism and multilingualism and research on language teaching and learning.
The Complexity of Study Abroad: Stories from Ethnic Minority American Students in China
Authors: Du Hang 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the experiences of two African American and three Chinese American college students studying in China during the 2013–2014 academic year. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, all five students made progress in their Chinese proficiency, measured by test scores, lexical diversity, and total amount of language produced in each conversation. Qualitatively, the following themes emerged: (a) interactions with Chinese people outside the classroom, (b) how the concept of “self” was viewed by the Chinese people, (c) personality factors, and (d) the language progress. The student who did not enjoy the experience as much as the other students was ethnic Chinese with the highest level of Chinese proficiency. The explanation might be a mismatch between her ideal subject position of a successful language learner and the perceived subject position of a local Chinese person. This study provides additional evidence to show that experience abroad is complex and highly individualized. Even students from the same ethnic groups might have different experiences. Factors such as personality, prior cross-cultural experiences, language proficiency, expectations, and self-identification interact with each other in complex ways to influence the students’ experience abroad. Encouraging students to cultivate a more outgoing self in their second language (L2) might help them better take advantage of the study abroad experience.
Studying Abroad in the Dominican Republic: Preparing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teachers for 21st-Century Classrooms
Authors: Nero Shondel J. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThis article describes the conception, goals, design, and evaluation of a 3-week study abroad program in the Dominican Republic for preservice teachers at New York University to address cultural diversity in teacher education. Taking a critical approach to teacher education and drawing on four interrelated areas of research—second language acquisition, study abroad, culturally responsive pedagogy, and intercultural competence—the program sought to deepen teachers’ understanding of their students’ cultures, develop empathy toward language learning, and promote culturally responsive pedagogy. Program evaluation revealed that participants developed more critical understandings of the Dominican language, culture, and education system, which they could harness to practice culturally responsive pedagogy.
Mitochondrial activity and cytoskeleton organization in three pronuclei oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Kotil Tuğba , Kervancıoğlu M. Ertan , Kanten Gülçin Ekter , Tunalı Gülden , Solakoğlu Seyhun 
Published: October 2018

SummaryDigyny, the presence of a third pronucleus due to the failure of second polar body extrusion, is problematic after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) practices. Mitochondria have critical roles such as production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis during oocyte maturation, fertilization and the following development, while the regulation of meiotic spindle formation, chromosome segregation, pronuclear apposition and cytokinesis is closely associated with the cytoskeleton. In this study, mitochondrial membrane potential, distribution of F-actin and γ-tubulin, and the ultrastructure of three pronuclear (3PN) oocytes were investigated. 3PN oocytes after ICSI procedure were taken from patients who were enrolled in assisted reproduction programmes. For mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, fresh oocytes stained with the mitochondrial membrane potential probe JC-1, were evaluated under fluorescence microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential of three pronuclear oocytes showed similar results to normal zygotes. γ-Tubulin was stained strongly at the subplasmalemmal domain and microfilaments were localized at the cortical, but not the perinuclear, area. Cytoplasmic halos were moderately or not detected by electron microscopy; lipofuscin granules, degenerated mitochondria, and multilamellated bodies were seen in the ooplasm. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic findings suggested that mitochondrial membrane potential has no direct effect on second polar body extrusion. This abnormality can be associated with an altered cytoskeleton due to poor oocyte quality.
Identification and field evaluation of female sex pheromone of leaf-eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)
Authors: Bhanu K. R. M. , Hall D. R. , Awalekar R. V. , Chandrashekharaiah M. , Divya T. N. , Prabhakara M. S. , Jayanth K. P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe leaf-eating caterpillar,Opisina arenosellaWalker, is the most destructive pest of coconut palm in India and Southeast Asia. The management practices employed againstO. arenosellaso far have been unsuccessful in many instances in India, due to the pest behaviour and coconut palm phenology. The life cycle, incidence and behaviour ofO. arenosellaare rather interesting and useful for the intervention of pheromone trapping technique for its management. We conducted the present study with the intention of identifying the female sex pheromone ofO. arenosellaand testing its efficacy under field conditions. Gas chromatography coupled electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of female pheromone glands extract of one-day-oldO. arenosellafemales confirmed the presence of (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-tricosatriene (Z3Z6Z9-23Hy) as the dominant sex pheromone component. The male antennal response to female pheromone gland extract and syntheticZ3Z6Z9-23Hy was recorded using GC–EAD, and the results revealed that antennal response was positive to both the treatments at 0.13 mV and 0.14 mV respectively, compared to control (air), which was 0.016 mV. It was also evident from wind-tunnel experiments that the male moth response was high (80%) with the female gland extract, compared to 60% with synthetic pheromone and 0% for control (air). Male moths caught in the traps with and without lure were assessed in two field sites and recorded 69.26% and 54.25% more moth catches in the traps with the lure. We also observed a similar result in the cage experiment in which male moths caught in the traps with and without lure were 64.50% and 12.40%, respectively. The study also confirmed that 93.20% moths caught in the pheromone-baited traps were male. From the study, it is evident that the presence of (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-tricosatriene, which is the sex pheromone compound from the female gland extract ofO. arenosella, is an effective attractant in pheromone traps for the male moth under field conditions.
Phosphate Status Affects Phosphate Transporter Expression and Glyphosate Uptake and Transport in Grand Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis)
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Campos Mastrotti , Tayengwa Reuben , Alves Pedro Luis Da Costa Aguiar , Peer Wendy Ann 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSoluble phosphate availability is a major limiting factor for plant growth, development, and yield. To assure a constant phosphorous supply, plants employ both high- and low-affinity phosphate acquisition mechanisms. Glyphosate is an herbicide widely used throughout the world, and previous studies have suggested that it can be transported across the plasma membrane via phosphate transporters in herbaceous species. The effects of phosphate status on glyphosate uptake were investigated in the tree grand eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandisW. Hill ex. Maid.). Eucalyptus grandis’s putative phosphate transporters showed differential gene expression in leaves and roots in response to phosphate limitation. Overall, the expression of high-affinity phosphate transporters increased in phosphate-limiting treatments, particularly in roots. More [14C]glyphosate was absorbed and translocated in phosphate-limiting plants compared with control plants grown in phosphate-replete treatments. In leaf mesophyll protoplast assays, rapid uptake of [14C]glyphosate into protoplasts was observed, and addition of phosphate to the assays competed with [14C]glyphosate uptake. These data indicate that phosphate transporters represent one mechanism of glyphosate uptake inE. grandis. These results have implications for best management practices for weed control and glyphosate application under phosphate application regimes.
Discovery of Atmospheric‐Wind‐Driven Electric Currents in Saturn's Magnetosphere in the Gap Between Saturn and its Rings
Authors: Khurana K. K. , Dougherty M. K. , Provan G. , Hunt G. J. , Kivelson M. G. , Cowley S. W. H. , Southwood D. J. , Russell C. T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMagnetic field observations obtained by the Cassini spacecraft as it traversed regions inside of Saturn's D ring packed a genuine surprise. The azimuthal component of the magnetic field recorded a consistent positive perturbation with a strength of 15–25 nT near closest approach. The closest approaches were near the equatorial plane of Saturn and were distributed narrowly around local noon and brought the spacecraft to within 2,550 km of Saturn's cloud tops. Modeling of this perturbation shows that it is not of internal origin but is produced by external currents that couple the low‐latitude northern ionosphere to the low‐latitude southern ionosphere. The azimuthal perturbations diminish at higher latitudes on field lines that connect to Saturn's icy rings. The sense of the current system suggests that the southern feet of the field lines in the ionosphere leads their northern counterparts. We show that the observed field perturbations are consistent with a field‐aligned current whose strength is ~1 MA/radian, that is, comparable in strength to the planetary‐period‐oscillation‐related current systems observed in the auroral zone. We show that the Lorentz force in the ionosphere extracts momentum from the faster moving low‐latitude zonal belt and delivers it to the northern ionosphere. We further show that the electric current is generated when the two ends of a field line are embedded in zonal flows with differing wind speeds in the low‐latitude thermosphere. The wind‐generated currents dissipate 2 × 1011W of thermal power, similar to the input from the solar extreme ultraviolet flux in this region.
BMSCs pre-treatment ameliorates inflammation-related tissue destruction in LPS-induced rat DIC model
Authors: Wang Biao , Wu Shuming , Ma Zengshan , Wang Tao , Yang Changyong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) model rats and to further explore the underlying mechanism. A rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DIC was successfully established, as indicated by impaired plasma hemostatic parameters and damaged organ functions in rats. Importantly, pre-treatment with rat allogeneic BMSCs before LPS injection significantly alleviated systemic intravascular coagulation, reduced plasma levels of organ dysfunction indicators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressed fibrin microthrombi formation, ameliorated liver, heart, and renal injuries, and increased 24-hour survival rates in LPS-induced DIC rats. The protection of BMSCs against DIC was in a moderately dose-dependent manner. Further investigation revealed that BMSCs co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) significantly inhibited the LPS-stimulated PBMCs proliferation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from PBMCs. Of note, upregulation of immunosuppressive factors including indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and interleukin-10, which was induced by interferon-γ, contributed to BMSCs-mediated inhibition of LPS-stimulated PBMCs proliferation. These effects do not depend on the direct cell–cell contact. In conclusion, BMSCs pre-treatment ameliorates inflammation-related tissue destruction in LPS-induced DIC model rats. The protection of BMSCs may be attributed to their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which render BMSCs a promising source for stem cell-based therapeutic approaches in inflammation-related DIC.
Reduction of HIP2 expression causes motor function impairment and increased vulnerability to dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease models
Authors: Su Jinlin , Huang Pei , Qin Meiling , Lu Qingqing , Sang Xiao , Cai Yijun , Wang Ying , Liu Fubing , Wu Rong , Wang Xiaoping , Jiang Xiaoxing , Wang Jian , Sun Qiang , Chen Shengdi , Xu Jin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHuntingtin interaction protein 2 (HIP2) is an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and HIP2 mRNA has been implicated as a potential blood biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it is unclear whether the alteration of HIP2 expression may contribute to the development of PD, and whether the change of HIP2 in blood could reflect its expression in the brain or motor functions in PD patients. In this study, we established a mouse line with HIP2 haploinsufficiency. The reduction of the HIP2 expression led to spontaneous motor function impairment and dopaminergic neuronal loss. Furthermore, HIP2 haploinsufficiency increased the susceptibility of mice to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and caused severe loss of dopaminergic neurons. Interestingly, in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model for PD, we observed concurrent, highly correlated decrease of HIP2 expression in the brain and in the blood. Using blood samples from more than 300 patients, we validated the decreased HIP2 mRNA in PD patients, including de novo patients. Finally, in a 1-year, 20-patient study, we observed reversed blood HIP2 mRNA levels accompanying improved motor and overall daily functions in 75% of the PD patients with instructed Tai Chi training. Therefore, our in vivo studies have indicated HIP2 insufficiency as a contributing factor for PD, and functionally validated blood HIP2 as a useful and reversible biomarker for PD.
CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β functions as a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling through activation of AXIN1 gene expression
Authors: Park Seoyoung , Lee Mi-Sun , Gwak Jungsug , Choi Tae-Ik , Lee Youngseok , Ju Bong Gun , Kim Cheol-Hee , Oh Sangtaek 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAxin1, a concentration-limiting component of the β-catenin destruction complex, negatively regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Axin1 concentration is reported to be regulated by proteasomal degradation; however, its transcriptional regulation has not yet been reported. Here, we demonstrated that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) activates axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN1) gene expression, thereby attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. C/EBP-β interacted with cis-regulatory element for C/EBP-β in the 5′-upstream sequences of the AXIN1 gene and increased AXIN1 promoter activity. Functional analysis using Drosophila and zebrafish models established that C/EBP-β negatively regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Small-molecule-based up-regulation of C/EBP-β induces AXIN1 gene expression and down-regulates the intracellular β-catenin level, thereby inhibiting hepatoma cell growth. Thus, our findings provide a unique mechanistic insight into the regulation of Axin homeostasis and present a novel strategy for the development of anticancer therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Zebrafish: an emerging real-time model system to study Alzheimer’s disease and neurospecific drug discovery
Authors: Saleem Suraiya , Kannan Rajaretinam Rajesh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractZebrafish (Danio rerio) is emerging as an increasingly successful model for translational research on human neurological disorders. In this review, we appraise the high degree of neurological and behavioural resemblance of zebrafish with humans. It is highly validated as a powerful vertebrate model for investigating human neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroanatomic and neurochemical pathways of zebrafish brain exhibit a profound resemblance with the human brain. Physiological, emotional and social behavioural pattern similarities between them have also been well established. Interestingly, zebrafish models have been used successfully to simulate the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as Tauopathy. Their relatively simple nervous system and the optical transparency of the embryos permit real-time neurological imaging. Here, we further elaborate on the use of recent real-time imaging techniques to obtain vital insights into the neurodegeneration that occurs in AD. Zebrafish is adeptly suitable for Ca2+ imaging, which provides a better understanding of neuronal activity and axonal dystrophy in a non-invasive manner. Three-dimensional imaging in zebrafish is a rapidly evolving technique, which allows the visualisation of the whole organism for an elaborate in vivo functional and neurophysiological analysis in disease condition. Suitability to high-throughput screening and similarity with humans makes zebrafish an excellent model for screening neurospecific compounds. Thus, the zebrafish model can be pivotal in bridging the gap from the bench to the bedside. This fish is becoming an increasingly successful model to understand AD with further scope for investigation in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, which promises exciting research opportunities in the future.
LEM4 confers tamoxifen resistance to breast cancer cells by activating cyclin D-CDK4/6-Rb and ERα pathway
Authors: Gao Ang , Sun Tonghua , Ma Gui , Cao Jiangran , Hu Qingxia , Chen Ling , Wang Yanxin , Wang Qianying , Sun Jiafu , Wu Rui , Wu Qiao , Zhou Jiaxi , Liu Lin , Hu Junjie , Dong Jin-Tang , Zhu Zhengmao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe elucidation of molecular events that confer tamoxifen resistance to estrogen receptor α (ER) positive breast cancer is of major scientific and therapeutic importance. Here, we report that LEM4 overexpression renders ER+ breast cancer cells resistant to tamoxifen by activating the cyclin D-CDK4/6 axis and the ERα signaling. We show that LEM4 overexpression accelerates tumor growth. Interaction with LEM4 stabilizes CDK4 and Rb, promotes Rb phosphorylation and the G1/S phase transition. LEM4 depletion or combined tamoxifen and PD0332991 treatment significantly reverses tamoxifen resistance. Furthermore, LEM4 interacts with and stabilizes both Aurora-A and ERα, promotes Aurora-A mediated phosphorylation of ERα-Ser167, leading to increase in ERα DNA-binding and transactivation activity. Elevated levels of LEM4 correlates with poorer relapse-free survival in patients with ER+ breast cancer undergoing endocrine therapy. Thus, LEM4 represents a prognostic marker and an attractive target for breast cancer therapeutics. Functional antagonism of LEM4 could overcome tamoxifen resistance.
A genetic network mediating the control of bud break in hybrid aspen
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Maurya Jay P. , Azeez Abdul , Miskolczi Pal , Tylewicz Szymon , Stojkovič Katja , Delhomme Nicolas , Busov Victor , Bhalerao Rishikesh P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn boreal and temperate ecosystems, temperature signal regulates the reactivation of growth (bud break) in perennials in the spring. Molecular basis of temperature-mediated control of bud break is poorly understood. Here we identify a genetic network mediating the control of bud break in hybrid aspen. The key components of this network are transcription factor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-LIKE (SVL), closely related to Arabidopsis floral repressor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE, and its downstream target TCP18, a tree homolog of a branching regulator in Arabidopsis. SVL and TCP18 are downregulated by low temperature. Genetic evidence demonstrates their role as negative regulators of bud break. SVL mediates bud break by antagonistically acting on gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) pathways, which function as positive and negative regulators of bud break, respectively. Thus, our results reveal the mechanistic basis for temperature-cued seasonal control of a key phenological event in perennial plants.
A missense variant in SLC39A8 is associated with severe idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Haller Gabe , McCall Kevin , Jenkitkasemwong Supak , Sadler Brooke , Antunes Lilian , Nikolov Momchil , Whittle Julia , Upshaw Zachary , Shin Jimann , Baschal Erin , Cruchaga Carlos , Harms Matthew , Raggio Cathleen , Morcuende Jose A. , Giampietro Philip , Miller Nancy H. , Wise Carol , Gray Ryan S. , Solnica-Krezel Lila , Knutson Mitchell , Dobbs Matthew B. , Gurnett Christina A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGenetic factors predictive of severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are largely unknown. To identify genetic variation associated with severe AIS, we performed an exome-wide association study of 457 severe AIS cases and 987 controls. We find a missense SNP in SLC39A8 (p.Ala391Thr, rs13107325) associated with severe AIS (P = 1.60 × 10−7, OR = 2.01, CI = 1.54–2.62). This pleiotropic SNP was previously associated with BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood manganese level. We replicate the association in a second cohort (841 cases and 1095 controls) resulting in a combined P = 7.02 × 10−14, OR = 1.94, CI = 1.63–2.34. Clinically, the minor allele of rs13107325 is associated with greater spinal curvature, decreased height, increased BMI and lower plasma manganese in our AIS cohort. Functional studies demonstrate reduced manganese influx mediated by the SLC39A8 p.Ala391Thr variant and vertebral abnormalities, impaired growth, and decreased motor activity in slc39a8 mutant zebrafish. Our results suggest the possibility that scoliosis may be amenable to dietary intervention.