bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LGR5 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression and Maintains Stem-Like Cells Through Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Yang Lu , Tang Hailin , Kong Yanan , Xie Xinhua , Chen Jianping , Song Cailu , Liu Xiaoping , Ye Feng , Li Ning , Wang Neng , Xie Xiaoming 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis suggests that a subset of cancer cells possesses stem cell properties and is crucial in tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. To determine the mechanism of CSCs in breast cancer, we focused on LGR5, a marker of adult stem cells that potentially serves as a functional factor in CSCs. LGR5 overexpression was detected in breast cancer and significantly associated with breast cancer recurrence and poor outcome. LGR5 promoted cell mobility, tumor formation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, LGR5 was more highly expressed in tumorspheres and increased the stemness of breast cancer cells. Compared with LGR5 low-expression (LGR5low) cells, LGR5high cells exhibited CSC/tumor-initiating cell-like properties, including the formation of self-renewing spheres and high tumorigenicity. Importantly, our studies indicate that LGR5 activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a possible mechanism to regulate breast CSC/tumor-initiating cell renewal. These findings indicate that LGR5 not only participates in carcinogenesis but also maintained stemness by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer. Stem Cells 2015;33:2913–2924
Empirical refinements of a molecular genetics learning progression: The molecular constructs
Authors: Todd Amber , Kenyon Lisa 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article describes revisions to four of the eight constructs of the Duncan molecular genetics learning progression [Duncan, Rogat, & Yarden, (2009)]. As learning progressions remain hypothetical models until validated by multiple rounds of empirical studies, these revisions are an important step toward validating the progression. Our revisions are based on empirical data obtained from tenth grade students in three classroom contexts (n = 121); although our study was done with students at the upper bounds of the progression, students held naive ideas prior to instruction which allowed us to track their ideas through all the levels of each construct during the course of one academic year. We revised the four constructs that center around the molecular model of genetics using students’ pre/post assessments and interviews. We found that tenth grade students do hold ideas consistent with the hypothesized levels in the progression as well as several intermediate ideas not included. Our revisions include adding student ideas that are important conceptual stepping stones in each construct as well as other modifications such as splitting and combining levels, moving ideas to other constructs, changing the conceptual progression of a construct and splitting a construct. Along with the revisions, we identified challenges in each construct. Even after instruction, students had difficulties understanding that genes code for proteins, that proteins connect genes and traits, and how differential gene expression leads to different repertoires of proteins inside of specialized cells. Our findings indicate that classroom instruction should focus more on proteins: how they are created, what their functions are, and how cells express different proteins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 1385–1418, 2016
Detection and Characterization of Compounds in the Mn‐W‐Cl System through a Combined Thermal Scanning ‐ XRD Approach
Authors: Mos Agnieszka , Ströbele Markus , Meyer H.‐Jürgen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA procedure combining thermal analyses and XRD powder diffraction is used to scan and detect a series of new compounds in the Mn‐W‐Cl system. Four new ternary Mn‐W‐Cl compounds are formed in a progressive reaction of tungsten hexachloride (WCl6) with manganese powder, in which tungsten is gradually reduced from W6+ to W2+. Among several DSC signals, the new compounds MnxWCl6, MnW2Cl10, (Mn, W)1–xCl2, and MnW6Cl14 are detected and their crystal structures are assigned or identified by X‐ray diffraction techniques. Magnetic properties are reported for MnW2Cl10 and MnW6Cl14.
The Gallides SrRh2Ga2, SrIr2Ga2, and Sr3Ir4Ga4
Authors: Seidel Stefan , Schubert Lea , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe gallides SrRh2Ga2, SrIr2Ga2, and Sr3Rh4Ga4 were obtained from the elements by induction melting and subsequent annealing. They were investigated by powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction: CaRh2B2 type, Fddd, a = 573.2(1), b = 1051.3(1), c = 1343.7(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0218, 398 F2 values, 15 variables for SrRh2Ga2; a = 576.0(1), b = 1045.5(1), c = 1350.6(3) pm for SrIr2Ga2, and Na3Pt4Ge4 type, I$\bar{4}$3m, a = 777.4(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0234, 190 F2 values, 11 variables for Sr3Ir4Ga4. The gallides SrRh2Ga2 and Sr3Ir4Ga4 exhibit complex, covalently bonded three‐dimensional [Rh2Ga2] and [Ir4Ga4] networks with short Rh–Ga (241–246 pm) and Ir–Ga (243–259 pm) distances. The strontium atoms fill large cages within these networks. They are coordinated by 8 Rh + 10 Ga in SrRh2Ga2 and by 4 Ir + 8 Ga in Sr3Ir4Ga4. The structure of SrRh2Ga2 is discussed along with the monoclinic distortion variants HoNi2B2 and BaPt2Ga2 on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.
Modulation of Gene Expression in Key Survival Pathways During Daily Torpor in the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus Murinus
Authors: Biggar Kyle K. , Wu Cheng-Wei , Tessier Shannon N. , Zhang Jing , Pifferi Fabien , Perret Martine , Storey Kenneth B. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
A variety of mammals employ torpor as an energy-saving strategy in environments of marginal or severe stress either on a daily basis during their inactive period or on a seasonal basis during prolonged multi-day hibernation. Recently, a few Madagascar lemur species have been identified as the only primates that exhibit torpor; one of these is the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). To explore the regulatory mechanisms that underlie daily torpor in a primate, we analyzed the expression of 28 selected genes that represent crucial survival pathways known to be involved in squirrel and bat hibernation. Array-based real-time PCR was used to compare gene expression in control (aroused) versus torpid lemurs in five tissues including the liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, heart, and brown adipose tissue. Significant differences in gene expression during torpor were revealed among genes involved in glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, antioxidant defense, apoptosis, hypoxia signaling, and protein protection. The results showed upregulation of select genes primarily in liver and brown adipose tissue. For instance, both tissues showed elevated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (ppargc), ferritin (fth1), and protein chaperones during torpor. Overall, the data show that the expression of only a few genes changed during lemur daily torpor, as compared with the broader expression changes reported for hibernation in ground squirrels. These results provide an indication that the alterations in gene expression required for torpor in lemurs are not as extensive as those needed for winter hibernation in squirrel models. However, identification of crucial genes with altered expression that support lemur torpor provides key targets to be explored and manipulated toward a goal of translational applications of inducible torpor as a treatment option in human biomedicine.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms as early manifestations of emergent dementia: Provisional diagnostic criteria for mild behavioral impairment
Authors: Ismail Zahinoor , Smith Eric E. , Geda Yonas , Sultzer David , Brodaty Henry , Smith Gwenn , Agüera‐Ortiz Luis , Sweet Rob , Miller David , Lyketsos Constantine G. ,   ISTAART Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Professional Interest Area
Published: June 2015

AbstractNeuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common in dementia and in predementia syndromes such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). NPS in MCI confer a greater risk for conversion to dementia in comparison to MCI patients without NPS. NPS in older adults with normal cognition also confers a greater risk of cognitive decline in comparison to older adults without NPS. Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) has been proposed as a diagnostic construct aimed to identify patients with an increased risk of developing dementia, but who may or may not have cognitive symptoms. We propose criteria that include MCI in the MBI framework, in contrast to prior definitions of MBI. Although MBI and MCI can co‐occur, we suggest that they are different and that both portend a higher risk of dementia. These MBI criteria extend the previous literature in this area and will serve as a template for validation of the MBI construct from epidemiologic, neurobiological, treatment, and prevention perspectives.
Effects of a high‐fat diet on the electrical properties of porcine atria
Authors: Okumura Yasuo , Watanabe Ichiro , Nagashima Koichi , Sonoda Kazumasa , Sasaki Naoko , Kogawa Rikitake , Takahashi Keiko , Iso Kazuki , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Takahashi Rie , Taniguchi Yoshiki , Mitsumata Masako , Nikaido Mizuki , Hirayama Atsushi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundBecause obesity is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), we conducted an animal study to examine the effect of a high‐fat diet (HFD) on atrial properties and AF inducibility.MethodsTen 8‐week‐old pigs (weight, 18–23 kg) were divided into two groups. For 18 weeks, five pigs were fed a HFD (HFD group) and five were fed a normal diet (control group). Maps of atrial activation and voltages during sinus rhythm were created for all pigs using the EnSite NavX system. Effective refractory period (ERP) and AF inducibility were also determined. When AF was induced, complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) mapping was performed. At 18 weeks, hearts were removed for comparing the results of histological analysis between the two groups. Body weight, lipid levels, hemodynamics, cardiac structures, and electrophysiological properties were also compared.ResultsTotal cholesterol levels were significantly higher (347 [191–434] vs. 81 [67–88] mg/dL, P=0.0088), and left atrium pressure was higher (34.5 [25.6–39.5] vs. 24.5 [21.3–27.8] mmHg, P=0.0833) in the HFD group than in the control group, although body weight only increased marginally (89 [78–101] vs. 70 [66–91] kg, P=0.3472). ERPs of the pulmonary vein (PV) were shorter (P<0.05) and AF lasted longer in the HFD group than in the control group (80 [45–1350] vs. 22 [3–30] s, P=0.0212). Neither CFAE site distribution nor histopathological characteristics differed between the two groups.ConclusionsThe shorter ERPs for the PV observed in response to the HFD increased vulnerability to AF, and these electrophysiological characteristics may underlie obesity‐related AF.
Technique Trumps Relevance: The Professionalization of Political Science and the Marginalization of Security Studies
Authors: Desch Michael 
Published: June 2015

I explain here the disconnect between our discipline's self-image as balancing rigor with relevance with the reality of how we actually conduct our scholarship most of the time. To do so, I account for variation in social scientists' willingness to engage in policy-relevant scholarship over time. My theory is that social science, at least as it has been practiced in the United States since the early twentieth century, has tried to balance two impulses: To be a rigorous science and a relevant social enterprise. The problem is that there are sometimes tensions between these two objectives. First, historically the most useful policy-relevant social science work in the area of national security affairs has been interdisciplinary in nature, and this cuts against the increasingly rigid disciplinary siloes in the modern academy. Second, as sociologist Thomas Gieryn puts it, there is “in science, an unyielding tension between basic and applied research, and between the empirical and theoretical aspects of inquiry.” During wartime, the tensions between these two impulses have been generally muted, especially among those disciplines of direct relevance to the war effort; in peacetime, they reemerge and there are a variety of powerful institutional incentives within academe to resolve them in favor of a narrow definition of rigor that excludes relevance. My objective is to document how these trends in political science are marginalizing the sub-field of security studies, which has historically sought both scholarly rigor and real-world relevance. — Michael Desch.This essay is followed by responses from Ido Oren, Laura Sjobreg, Helen Louise Turton, Erik Voeten, and Stephen M. Walt. Michael Desch then offers a response to commentators.
Compared to What? Judicial Review and Other Veto Points in Contemporary Democratic Theory
Authors: Watkins David , Lemieux Scott 
Published: June 2015

Many democratic and jurisprudential theorists have too often uncritically accepted Alexander Bickel's notion of “the countermajoritarian difficulty” when considering the relationship between judicial review and democracy; this is the case for arguments both for and against judicial review. This framework is both theoretically and empirically unsustainable. Democracy is not wholly synonymous with majoritarianism, and judicial review is not inherently countermajoritarian in the first place. In modern democratic political systems, judicial review is one of many potential veto points. Since all modern democratic political systems contain veto points, the relevant and unexplored question is what qualities might make a veto point relatively democratic.Proceeding on the assumption that democracy's primary normative value is found in its opposition to domination by both state and private actors, we make a preliminary effort to delineate what qualities a democratic veto point might have, identifying five criteria, and evaluate judicial review using these criteria. We conclude that judicial review's performance against these criteria is decidedly mixed, but in the final balance is likely to be a modest net positive for democracy, particularly when compared to other veto points commonly found in contemporary democratic political systems.
Die Bedeutung partnerschaftlicher Stressbewältigung für die Beziehungsqualität und die posttraumatische Symptomausprägung
Authors: Witkovsky Andrea , Braakmann Diana 
Published: June 2015

Hintergrund: Personen mit einer Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) leiden häufig unter Partnerschaftsproblemen. Fragestellung: Untersucht wurde, ob die Anwendung positiver bei gleichzeitig geringer Nutzung negativer dyadischer Copingstrategien mit einer höheren Partnerschaftsqualität und einer geringeren Symptomausprägung der PTBS in Zusammenhang steht. Methode: 31 Paare bearbeiteten Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzungsinstrumente zum dyadischen Coping, zu individueller Stressbewältigung, Partnerschaftsqualität und PTBS-Symptomen. Ergebnisse: Partnerschaftsqualität korreliert positiv mit wesentlichen Formen des dyadischen Copings (p < .05). Niedrigere Diskrepanzen zwischen den gegenseitigen Einschätzungen des Copings sind mit positiver Partnerschaftsqualität verbunden (p < .05). Eine hohe Symptomausprägung der PTBS geht eher mit dysfunktionalem Coping der Betroffenen und einer Unterstützungsübernahme durch den Partner einher. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Befunde belegen die Relevanz positiven dyadischen Copings für die Bewältigung traumatischer Ereignisse. Dieses sollte in Paar- und Einzeltherapie-Ansätzen in der PTBS-Behandlung gesondert berücksichtigt werden.
Meta-Analyse zur Wirkung familienbezogener Präventionsmaßnahmen in Deutschland
Authors: Weiss Maren , Schmucker Martin , Lösel Friedrich 
Published: June 2015

Theoretischer Hintergrund. In Deutschland wird eine Vielzahl von Programmen angeboten, die Eltern bei der Wahrnehmung ihrer Erziehungsaufgaben unterstützen und kindlichen Erlebens- und Verhaltensproblemen vorbeugen sollen. Internationale Befunde bescheinigen derartigen Maßnahmen positive Effekte, insbesondere bei kurzem Follow-up. Inwieweit die primär anglo-amerikanischen Ergebnisse auf andere Länder übertragen werden können, ist aber weitgehend unklar. Fragestellung. Der Beitrag berichtet über eine Meta-Analyse, die ausschließlich in Deutschland durchgeführte Kontrollgruppenstudien zu familienbezogenen Präventionsmaßnahmen integriert. Methode. Aus zirka 4.000 gefundenen Publikationen erfüllten 45 kontrollierte Evaluationen die Einschlusskriterien. Diese betrafen insgesamt 4.213 Personen. Meistens wurden Elternkurse evaluiert; zu anderen Maßnahmen wie Eltern-Kind-Gruppen oder Geburtsvorbereitungskursen fanden wir kaum kontrollierte Studien. Ergebnisse. Es ergab sich ein signifikant positiver mittlerer Effekt (d = .35), der auch in den Follow up-Analysen weitgehend bestehen blieb. Die Effekte auf das elterliche Erziehungsverhalten waren größer als die Veränderungen beim Kind. Außerdem zeigten sich größere Effekte bei gezielter vs. universeller Prävention, kleineren vs. größeren Stichproben und methodisch schwächer vs. stärker kontrollierten Studien. Schlussfolgerungen. Insgesamt ähneln die Ergebnisse jenen internationaler Meta-Analysen, doch sind in Deutschland noch mehr gut kontrollierte und langfristige Evaluationen erforderlich.
Calcium flux-independent NMDA receptor activity is required for Aβ oligomer-induced synaptic loss
Authors: Birnbaum J H , Bali J , Rajendran L , Nitsch R M , Tackenberg C 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSynaptic loss is one of the major features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and correlates with the degree of dementia. N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have been shown to mediate downstream effects of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in AD models. NMDARs can trigger intracellular cascades via Ca2+ entry, however, also Ca2+-independent (metabotropic) functions of NMDARs have been described. We aimed to determine whether ionotropic or metabotropic NMDAR signaling is required for the induction of synaptic loss by Aβ. We show that endogenous Aβ as well as exogenously added synthetic Aβ oligomers induced dendritic spine loss and reductions in pre- and postsynaptic protein levels in hippocampal slice cultures. Synaptic alterations were mitigated by blocking glutamate binding to NMDARs using NMDAR antagonist APV, but not by preventing ion flux with Ca2+ chelator BAPTA or open-channel blockers MK-801 or memantine. Aβ increased the activity of p38 MAPK, a kinase involved in long-term depression and inhibition of p38 MAPK abolished the loss of dendritic spines. Aβ-induced increase of p38 MAPK activity was prevented by APV but not by BAPTA, MK-801 or memantine treatment highlighting the role of glutamate binding to NMDARs but not Ca2+ flux for synaptic degeneration by Aβ. We further show that treatment with the G protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX) did not prevent dendritic spine loss in the presence of Aβ oligomers. Our data suggest that Aβ induces the activation of p38 MAPK and subsequent synaptic loss through Ca2+ flux- and G protein-independent mechanisms.
Light-induced crawling of crystals on a glass surface
Authors: Uchida Emi , Azumi Reiko , Norikane Yasuo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMotion is an essential process for many living organisms and for artificial robots and machines. To date, creating self-propelled motion in nano-to-macroscopic-sized objects has been a challenging issue for scientists. Herein, we report the directional and continuous motion of crystals on a glass surface when irradiated simultaneously with two different wavelengths, using simple azobenzenes as a photoresponsive organic compound. The direction of the motion can be controlled by the position of the light sources, and the crystals can even climb vertical surfaces. The motion is driven by crystallization and melting at the front and rear edges of the crystal, respectively, via photochemical conversion between the crystal and liquid phases induced by the trans–cis isomerization of azobenzenes. This finding could lead to remote-controlled micrometre-sized vehicles and valves on solid substrates.
Exosome-delivered microRNAs modulate the inflammatory response to endotoxin
Authors: Alexander Margaret , Hu Ruozhen , Runtsch Marah C. , Kagele Dominique A. , Mosbruger Timothy L. , Tolmachova Tanya , Seabra Miguel C. , Round June L. , Ward Diane M. , O’Connell Ryan M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMicroRNAs regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally and function within the cells in which they are transcribed. However, recent evidence suggests that microRNAs can be transferred between cells and mediate target gene repression. We find that endogenous miR-155 and miR-146a, two critical microRNAs that regulate inflammation, are released from dendritic cells within exosomes and are subsequently taken up by recipient dendritic cells. Following uptake, exogenous microRNAs mediate target gene repression and can reprogramme the cellular response to endotoxin, where exosome-delivered miR-155 enhances while miR-146a reduces inflammatory gene expression. We also find that miR-155 and miR-146a are present in exosomes and pass between immune cells in vivo, as well as demonstrate that exosomal miR-146a inhibits while miR-155 promotes endotoxin-induced inflammation in mice. Together, our findings provide strong evidence that endogenous microRNAs undergo a functional transfer between immune cells and constitute a mechanism of regulating the inflammatory response.
Parts-per-million level loading organocatalysed enantioselective silylation of alcohols
Authors: Park Sang Yeon , Lee Ji-Woong , Song Choong Eui 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe field of organocatalysis has blossomed over the past few decades, becoming an alternative to transition-metal catalysis or even replacing the realm of transition-metal catalysis. However, a truly powerful organocatalyst with a high turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) while retaining high enantioselectivity is yet to be discovered. Similar to metal catalysis, extremely low catalyst loading (p.p.m. or p.p.b. levels) is the ultimate goal of the organocatalysis community. Herein we report a remarkable contribution in this context: 1 p.p.m. loading of a simple 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol-based organocatalyst was enough to achieve highly enantioselective silylation reactions of alcohols. The unprecedented TONs and excellent enantioselectivity are ascribed to the robustness of the catalyst and systematic cooperative hydrogen-bonding organocatalysis in a densely confined chiral space.
Cocaine-mediated impact on HIV infection in humanized BLT mice
Authors: Kim Sohn G. , Lowe Emily L. , Dixit Dhaval , Seyeon Youn Cindy , Kim Irene J. , Jung James B. , Rovner Robert , Zack Jerome A. , Vatakis Dimitrios N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCocaine abuse has been shown to have broad-ranging effects on human immunity. With regards to HIV infection, in vitro studies have shown that cocaine enhances infection of stimulated lymphocytes. Moreover, cohort studies in the pre- and post-HAART era have linked stimulant abuse with increased HIV pathogenesis. The latter data, however, have been undermined by a series of confounding factors underscoring the importance of controlled in vivo models to fully assess the impact of cocaine use and abuse on HIV infection and pathogenesis. Here, we have infected humanized mice with HIV-1 following acute cocaine exposure to assess the impact on infection. Stimulant exposure resulted in increased inflammatory cytokine expression, accelerated HIV infection, while blunting effector function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These data demonstrate cocaine’s multifactorial impact on HIV infection that extends beyond high-risk behavior.