bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metastasis of prostate cancer and melanoma cells in a preclinical in vivo mouse model is enhanced by L-plastin expression and phosphorylation
Authors: Riplinger Selina M , Wabnitz Guido H , Kirchgessner Henning , Jahraus Beate , Lasitschka Felix , Schulte Bianca , van der Pluijm Gabri , van der Horst Geertje , Hämmerling Günter J , Nakchbandi Inaam , Samstag Yvonne 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundTumor cell migration and metastasis require dynamic rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. Interestingly, the F-actin cross-linking and stabilizing protein L-plastin, originally described as a leukocyte specific protein, is aberrantly expressed in several non-hematopoietic malignant tumors. Therefore, it has been discussed as a tumor marker. However, systematicin vivoanalyses of the functional relevance of L-plastin for tumor cell metastasis were so far lacking.MethodsWe investigated the relevance of L-plastin expression and phosphorylation by ectopical expression of L-plastin in human melanoma cells (MV3) and knock-down of endogenous L-plastin in prostate cancer (PC3M). The growth and metastatic potential of tumor cells expressing no L-plastin, phosphorylatable or non-phosphorylatable L-plastin was analyzed in a preclinical mouse model after subcutaneous and intracardial injection of the tumor cells.ResultsKnock-down of endogenous L-plastin in human prostate carcinoma cells led to reduced tumor cell growth and metastasis. Vice versa, and in line with these findings, ectopic expression of L-plastin in L-plastin negative melanoma cells significantly increased the number of metastases. Strikingly, the metastasis promoting effect of L-plastin was not observed if a non-phosphorylatable L-plastin mutant was expressed.ConclusionsOur data provide the firstin vivoevidence that expression of L-plastin promotes tumor metastasis and, importantly, that this effect depends on an additionally required phosphorylation of L-plastin. In conclusion, these findings imply that for determining the importance of tumor-associated proteins like L-plastin a characterization of posttranslational modifications is indispensable.
High Mg effective incorporation in Al-rich Al
x
Ga1 - xN by periodic repetition of ultimate V/III ratio conditions
Authors: Zheng Tongchang , Lin Wei , Cai Duanjun , Yang Weihuang , Jiang Wei , Chen Hangyang , Li Jinchai , Li Shuping , Kang Junyong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
According to first-principles calculations, the solubility of Mg as a substitute for Ga or Al in Al
x
Ga1 – x
N bulk is limited by large, positive formation enthalpies. In contrast to the bulk case, the formation enthalpies become negative on Al
x
Ga1 – x
N surface. In addition, the N-rich growth atmosphere can also be favorable to Mg incorporation on the surface by changing the chemical potentials. On the basis of these special features, we proposed a modified surface engineering technique that applies periodical interruptions under an ultimate V/III ratio condition (extremely N-rich), to enhance Mg effective incorporation. By optimizing the interruption conditions (2 nm interruption interval with 2 s interruption time), the enhancement ratio can be up to about 5 in the Al0.99Ga0.01N epilayer.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide is Neither Itch-Specific Nor Functions Upstream of the GRP-GRPR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Xian-Yu , Wan Li , Huo Fu-Quan , Barry Devin M , Li Hui , Zhao Zhong-Qiu , Chen Zhou-Feng 
Published: January 2014

Background: A recent study by Mishra and Hoon identified B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as an important peptide for itch transmission and proposed that BNP activates spinal natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) expressing neurons, which release gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) to activate GRP receptor (GRPR) expressing neurons to relay itch information from the periphery to the brain ( Science 340:968–971, 2013). A central premise for the validity of this novel pathway is the absence of GRP in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. To this end, they showed that Grp mRNA in DRG neurons is either absent or barely detectable and claimed that BNP but not GRP is a major neurotransmitter for itch in pruriceptors. They showed that NPRA immunostaining is perfectly co-localized with Grp-eGFP in the spinal cord, and a few acute pain behaviors in Nppb−/− mice were tested. They claimed that BNP is an itch-selective peptide that acts as the first station of a dedicated neuronal pathway comprising a GRP-GRPR cascade for itch. However, our studies, along with the others, do not support their claims. Findings: We were unable to reproduce the immunostaining of BNP and NPRA as shown by Mishra and Hoon. By contrast, we were able to detect Grp mRNA in DRGs using in situ hybridization and real time RT-PCR. We show that the expression pattern of Grp mRNA is comparable to that of GRP protein in DRGs. Pharmacological and genetic blockade of GRP-GRPR signaling does not significantly affect intrathecal BNP-induced scratching behavior. We show that BNP inhibits inflammatory pain and morphine analgesia. Conclusions: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that GRP is a key neurotransmitter in pruriceptors for mediating histamine-independent itch. BNP-NPRA signaling is involved in both itch and pain and does not function upstream of the GRP-GRPR dedicated neuronal pathway. The site of BNP action in itch and pain and its relationship with GRP remain to be clarified.
Can a combined screening/treatment programme prevent premature failure of renal transplants due to chronic rejection in patients with HLA antibodies: study protocol for the multicentre randomised controlled OuTSMART trial
Authors: Dorling Anthony , Rebollo-Mesa Irene , Hilton Rachel , Peacock Janet L , Vaughan Robert , Gardner Leanne , Danzi Guilherme , Baker Richard , Clark Brendan , Thuraisingham Raj C , Buckland Matthew , Picton Michael , Martin Susan , Borrows Richard , Briggs David , Horne Robert , McCrone Paul , Kelly Joanna , Murphy Caroline 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Renal transplantation is the best treatment for kidney failure, in terms of length and quality of life and cost-effectiveness. However, most transplants fail after 10 to 12 years, consigning patients back onto dialysis. Damage by the immune system accounts for approximately 50% of failing transplants and it is possible to identify patients at risk by screening for the presence of antibodies against human leukocyte antigens. However, it is not clear how best to treat patients with antibodies. This trial will test a combined screening and treatment protocol in renal transplant recipients.

Methods/Design
Recipients >1 year post-transplantation, aged 18 to 70 with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min will be randomly allocated to blinded or unblinded screening arms, before being screened for the presence of antibodies. In the unblinded arm, test results will be revealed. Those with antibodies will have biomarker-led care, consisting of a change in their anti-rejection drugs to prednisone, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. In the blinded arm, screening results will be double blinded and all recruits will remain on current therapy (standard care). In both arms, those without antibodies will be retested every 8 months for 3 years. The primary outcome is the 3-year kidney failure rate for the antibody-positive recruits, as measured by initiation of long-term dialysis or re-transplantation, predicted to be approximately 20% in the standard care group but <10% in biomarker-led care. The secondary outcomes include the rate of transplant dysfunction, incidence of infection, cancer and diabetes mellitus, an analysis of adherence with medication and a health economic analysis of the combined screening and treatment protocol. Blood samples will be collected and stored every 4 months and will form the basis of separately funded studies to identify new biomarkers associated with the outcomes.

Discussion
We have evidence that the biomarker-led care regime will be effective at preventing graft dysfunction and expect this to feed through to graft survival. This trial will confirm the benefit of routine screening and lead to a greater understanding of how to keep kidney transplants working longer.

Trial registration
Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN46157828.
Effect of polyols on thermostability of xylanase from a tropical isolate of Aureobasidium pullulans and its application in prebleaching of rice straw pulp
Authors: Bankeeree Wichanee , Lotrakul Pongtharin , Prasongsuk Sehanat , Chaiareekij Somporn , Eveleigh Douglas E , Kim Seung Wook , Punnapayak Hunsa 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn an attempt to find a thermostable xylanase enzyme for potential application in the pretreatment prior to H2O2bleaching of paper pulp for industry, an extracellular xylanase fromAureobasidium pullulansCBS 135684 was purified 17.3-fold to apparent homogeneity with a recovery yield of 13.7%. Its molecular mass was approximately 72 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. The optimal pH and temperature for activity of the purified enzyme were pH 6.0 and 70°C, respectively. The enzyme was relatively stable at 50°C, retaining more than half of its original activity after 3-h incubation. The thermostability of the enzyme was improved by the addition of 0.75 mM sorbitol prolonging the enzyme’s activity up to 10-fold at 70°C. When the potential of using the enzyme in pretreatment of rice straw pulp prior to bleaching was evaluated, the greatest efficiency was obtained in a mixture containing xylanase and sorbitol. Treatment of the rice straw pulp with xylanase prior to treatment with 10% (v/v) H2O2and production of hand sheets increased the ISO sheet brightness by 13.5% and increased the tensile and tear strengths of the pulp by up to 1.16 and 1.71-fold, respectively, compared with pulps treated with H2O2alone. The results suggested the potential application of the enzyme before the bleaching process of paper pulp when the maintenance of high temperature and enzyme stability are desirable.
A novel immunomodulatory function of PHLPP1: inhibition of iNOS via attenuation of STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation in mouse macrophages
Authors: Alamuru Neeraja P , Behera Soma , Butchar Jonathan P , Tridandapani Susheela , Kaimal Suraj Sasidhara , Babu P Prakash , Hasnain Seyed E , Ehtesham Nasreen Z , Parsa Kishore V L 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTPHLPP1 is a novel tumor suppressor, but its role in the regulation of innate immune responses, which are frequently dysregulated in cancer, is unexplored. Here, we report that LPS attenuated PHLPP1 expression at mRNA and protein levels in immune cells, suggesting its involvement in immune responses. To test this, we overexpressed PHLPP1 in RAW 264.7 macrophages and observed a dramatic reduction in LPS/IFN-γ-induced iNOS expression. Conversely, silencing of PHLPP1 by siRNA or by shRNA robustly augmented LPS/IFN-γ-induced iNOS expression. qPCR and iNOS promoter reporter experiments showed that PHLPP1 inhibited iNOS transcription. Mechanistic analysis revealed that PHLPP1 suppressed LPS/IFN-γ-induced phosphorylation of ser727 STAT1; however, the underlying mechanisms differed. PHLPP1 reduced IFN-γ-stimulated but not LPS-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and inhibition of ERK1/2 abolished IFN-γ-induced ser727 STAT1 phosphorylation and iNOS expression. In contrast, PHLPP1 knockdown augmented LPS-induced but not IFN-γ-elicited p38 phosphorylation. Blockade of p38 abolished LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of ser727 STAT1 and iNOS expression. Furthermore, PHLPP1 suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of tyr701 STAT1 by dampening p38-dependent IFN-β feedback. Collectively, our data demonstrate for the first time that PHLPP1 plays a vital role in restricting innate immune responses of macrophages, and further studies may show it to be a potential therapeutic target within the context of dysregulated macrophage activity.
Baseline bone mineral density and bone turnover in pre-operative hip and knee arthroplasty patients
Authors: James S. J. , Mirza S. B. , Culliford D. J. , Taylor P. A. , Carr A. J. , Arden N. K. 
Published: January 2014

Aims Osteoporosis and abnormal bone metabolism may prove to be significant factors influencing the outcome of arthroplasty surgery, predisposing to complications of aseptic loosening and peri-prosthetic fracture. We aimed to investigate baseline bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in patients about to undergo arthroplasty of the hip and knee. Methods We prospectively measured bone mineral density of the hip and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in a cohort of 194 patients awaiting hip or knee arthroplasty. We also assessed bone turnover using urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), a type I collagen crosslink, normalised to creatinine. Results The prevalence of DEXA proven hip osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) among hip and knee arthroplasty patients was found to be low at 2.8% (4 of 143). Spinal osteoporosis prevalence was higher at 6.9% (12 of 175). Sixty patients (42% (60 of 143)) had osteopenia or osteoporosis of either the hip or spine. The mean T-score for the hip was -0.34 (sd 1.23), which is within normal limits, and the mean hip Z-score was positive at 0.87 (sd 1.17), signifying higher-than-average BMD for age. The median urinary DPD/creatinine was raised in both female patients at 8.1 (interquartile range (IQR) 6.6 to 9.9) and male patients at 6.2 (IQR 4.8 to 7.5). Conclusions Our results indicate hip and knee arthroplasty patients have higher BMD of the hip and spine compared with an age-matched general population, and a lower prevalence of osteoporosis. However, untreated osteoporotic patients are undergoing arthroplasty, which may negatively impact their outcome. Raised DPD levels suggest abnormal bone turnover, requiring further investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:14–19.
Effectiveness of Responsive Teaching With Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Karaaslan Ozcan , Mahoney Gerald 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A randomized control study was conducted to evaluate Responsive Teaching (RT) with a sample of 15 Turkish preschool-aged children with Down syndrome (DS) and their mothers over a six-month period of time. RT is an early intervention curriculum that attempts to promote children's development by encouraging parents to engage in highly responsive interactions with them. Subjects were randomly assigned to treatment conditions: the control group consisted of standard preschool classroom services; the RT group received bi-weekly RT parent-child sessions in addition to standard services. RT mothers made significantly greater increases in their Responsiveness and Affect as wellas decreases in Directiveness than control group mothers. There were also significant group differences in children's interactive engagement and development. Children in the RT group improved their developmental quotient scores by an average of 47% compared to 7% for children in the control group. Results are described in terms of the effects of parental responsive interaction on the developmental functioning of children with DS.
Identifying Perspectives of Health in Adults With Intellectual Disability Through Engagement in Participatory Research
Authors: Cardell Beth 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present the contributions adults with intellectual disability can make to health-related research in an effort to encourage the inclusion of this population in research. Photovoice was used to develop collaboration between the researcher and a group of adults with intellectual disability. In addition to individual interviews and observations, the participants completed a photograph assignment aimed at identifying things that are good or bad for health. Four themes emerged from this study: defining health, feeling connected, having something to do, and being part of the community. Additionally, insight was gleaned on promoting health in this population. Health promotion curricula need to include skill development and support building along with this population's strengths, interests, and context.
Gaining Insight from Innovation: Promising Practices that Promote Integrated Employment by State IDD Agencies
Authors: Timmons Jaimie , Bose Jennifer , Hall Allison 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
State employment agency policies and practices vary widely in their level of commitment to improving access to integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). State IDD agencies are charged to seek creative approaches to policy formation, organizational change, and service provision that directly influence the development of employment opportunities. The goal of this study was to understand the promising practices and strategies being used by state intellectual and developmental disabilities agencies in order to understand what factors make these strategies successful, the lessons learned from implementation, and how the themes derived from this analysis can help to further articulate integrated employment as the preferred outcome for individuals with IDD. Semistructured, one-on-one telephone interviews with key state IDD agency personnel revealed six themes that were common across 30 state agency practices. These were (a) identifying barriers, (b) forming a coalition, (c) developing a mission and strategic plan, (d) aligning the infrastructure with vision and policies, (e) building stakeholder capacity, and (f) measuring progress and monitoring implementation. Recommendations are offered to state agency administrators to broaden perceptions about methods for expanding integrated employment options and outcomes at the systems level.
Resolving sets for four families of distance-regular graphs
Authors: Guo Jun , Li Fenggao , Wang Kaishun 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Recently upper bounds on the metric dimension of Grassmann graphs, bilinear forms graphs, doubled Grassmann graphs and twisted Grassmann graphs have been obtained by Bailey, Meagher, Feng and the present authors. In this paper, we continue this research and construct resolving sets with smaller sizes for these graphs. As a result, we improve the known upper bounds on the metric dimension for the latter three graphs.
Beyond anemia: hepcidin, monocytes and inflammation
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Rovin Brad H. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Hepcidin is an iron regulatory protein mainly synthesized by the liver. Hepatocyte production of
hepcidin is responsible for serum hepcidin, is responsive to body iron stores, and is critical for
maintaining iron homeostasis. Monocytes and macrophages also express hepcidin, and in contrast to
the liver, hepcidin expression is primarily regulated by inflammatory mediators and infectious
agents. Monocyte and macrophage hepcidin is likely to be more important on a local rather than
systemic level, contributes to host defense and may modulate inflammatory processes. This review
summarizes recent findings and hypotheses on the relationship of hepcidin to the mononuclear
phagocyte system.
Understanding Timelines: Conceptual Metaphor and Conceptual Integration
Authors: Coulson Seana , Cánovas Cristobal Pagán 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
One of the most broadly investigated topics in the conceptual metaphor literature is the importance of spatial construals for thinking and talking about time. We address the relationship between conceptual metaphor theory (CMT) and conceptual integration theory (CIT) by exploring how people understand timelines - both as graphical objects, in discourse about timelines taken from newspapers and the web, and in poetic examples. The inferential structure of the timeline is well captured by the conceptual metaphors TIME IS SPACE and EVENTS ARE OBJECTS. Instantiated graphically, the timeline serves as a material anchor for a conceptual integration network representing partial cognitive models of time, lines, objects, and a hybrid model known as a ‘blend’. Understood in respect to this network, the analogue properties of the line give it novel computational properties facilitating inferences about the events that the timeline represents. The history of the modern timeline suggests that it reflects a distributed cognitive process, involving multiple individuals over a large span of time and illustrating the importance of cultural evolution in the development of conceptual integration networks. Analysis of both poetry and everyday discourse about timelines suggests that conventional mapping schemas are best viewed not as determining the interpretation of timelines but as providing soft constraints that help guide interpretation. Future metaphor research will best proceed via a merger of techniques from CMT and CIT, characterizing metaphor as involving complex networks of mappings that can be updated flexibly as a function of context and goals.
Ways of Perceiving, Moving, and Thinking: Revindicating Culture in Conceptual Metaphor Research
Authors: Caballero Rosario , Ibarretxe-Antuñano Iraide 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Metaphor in cognitive linguistics is understood as a mapping where properties from one domain - the source - are transferred onto another domain: the target. The conceptual associations between source and target have usually been considered universal, unidirectional, and usage-based. One of the issues generally taken for granted, yet often underexplored, is the critical role of the notion of culture when characterizing conceptual metaphor. In this paper, we revisit and problematize the concepts of universality, unidirectionality, and usage-basedness and argue in favour of a broader-scoped approach to metaphor that brings in the notion of culture as key to metaphor research. By ‘culture’, we mean two, related things: (a) shared beliefs, knowledge, and world view(s) characterizing national, ethnic, and speech communities; and (b) the discourse communities using metaphor: i.e., those subcultures within broader cultural frames that are characterized by specific knowledge schemas, needs, and interests. To do so, we look into metaphors used by non-Western cultures and the architectural community when expressing the ways they perceive and think about their worlds.
Evaluation of flow-induced nanoclay orientation and microstructural stability in polyethylene/clay nanocomposites via melt rheological and thermal analysis
Authors: Sarkari Nima Mostofi , Katbab Ali Asghar , Nazockdast Hossein 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe effects of shear rate upon the flow-induced nanoclay orientation and morphological stability in film blown polyethylene clay nanocomposites were studied by means of linear and nonlinear rheological characterization parallel with differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Nanocomposite samples were prepared using a modular twin screw extruder followed by film processing technique. XRD analysis performed on film samples showed that the samples exhibited intercalated/exfoliated microstructure. The 3D physical networks were formed by the clay nanolayers in the structures of undrawn samples. However, the breakdown of the clay physical networks during film processing as a result of the imposed shear field within the die area and also an elongational flow field was evidenced. Time sweep test performed at various shear rates and shearing times using a rheometric mechanical spectrometer showed that, in all samples, the time required for the restructurization of the clay nanolayers during relaxation of the melt was found to be higher than 3600 s.