bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wnt Inhibitory Factor 1 Decreases Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Rubin Elyssa M. , Guo Yi , Tu Khoa , Xie Jun , Zi Xiaolin , Hoang Bang H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIt has been reported that the progression of osteosarcoma was closely associated with the aberrant activation of canonical Wnt signaling. Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1) is a secreted Wnt inhibitor whose role in human osteosarcoma remains unknown. In this study, WIF-1 expression in NHOst and osteosarcoma cell lines was determined by real-time reverse transcription-PCR, methylation-specific PCR, and Western blotting analysis. In addition, tissue array from patient samples was examined for WIF-1 expression by immunohistochemistry. Compared with normal human osteoblasts, WIF-1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly downregulated in several osteosarcoma cell lines. The downregulation of WIF-1 mRNA expression is associated with its promoter hypermethylation in these tested cell lines. Importantly, WIF-1 expression was also downregulated in 76% of examined osteosarcoma cases. These results suggest that the downregulation of WIF-1 expression plays a role in osteosarcoma progression. To further study the potential tumor suppressor function of WIF-1 in osteosarcoma, we established stable 143B cell lines overexpressing WIF-1. WIF-1 overexpression significantly decreased tumor growth rate in nude mice as examined by the s.c. injection of 143B cells stably transfected with WIF-1 and vector control. WIF-1 overexpression also markedly reduced the number of lung metastasis in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model of osteosarcoma. Together, these data suggest that WIF-1 exerts potent antiosteosarcoma effect in vivo in mouse models. Therefore, the reexpression of WIF-1 in WIF-1–deficient osteosarcoma represents a potential novel treatment and preventive strategy. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(3); 731–41
Phase I Combination of Sorafenib and Erlotinib Therapy in Solid Tumors: Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation from an Expansion Cohort
Authors: Quintela-Fandino Miguel , Le Tourneau Christophe , Duran Ignacio , Chen Eric X. , Wang Lisa , Tsao Ming , Bandarchi-Chamkhaleh Bizhan , Pham Nhu-Ann , Do Trevor , MacLean Martha , Nayyar Rakesh , Tusche Michael W. , Metser Ur , Wright John J. , Mak Tak W. , Siu Lillian L. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe aims of this study were to further define the safety of sorafenib and erlotinib, given at their full approved monotherapy doses, and to correlate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic markers with clinical outcome. In addition, a novel pharmacodynamic marker based on the real-time measurement of RAF signal transduction capacity (STC) is described. Sorafenib was administered alone for a 1-week run-in period, and then both drugs were given together continuously. RAF STC was assessed in peripheral blood monocytes prior to erlotinib initiation. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and K-RAS mutations were measured in archival tumor samples. Changes in pERK and CD31 were determined in fresh tumor biopsies obtained pretreatment, prior to erlotinib dosing, and during the administration of both drugs. In addition, positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans and pharmacokinetic assessments were done. Eleven patients received a total of 57 cycles (median, 5; range, 1–10). Only four patients received full doses of both drugs for the entire study course, with elevation of liver enzymes being the main reason for dose reductions and delays. Among 10 patients evaluable for response, 8 experienced tumor stabilization of ≥4 cycles. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed no significant interaction of erlotinib with sorafenib. Sorafenib-induced decrease in RAF-STC showed statistically significant correlation with time-to-progression in seven patients. Other pharmacodynamic markers did not correlate with clinical outcome. This drug combination resulted in promising clinical activity in solid tumor patients although significant toxicity warrants close monitoring. RAF-STC deserves further study as a predictive marker for sorafenib. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(3); 751–60
CNK1 Promotes Invasion of Cancer Cells through NF-κB–Dependent Signaling
Authors: Fritz Rafael D. , Radziwill Gerald 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Hallmarks of cancer cells are uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell invasion, and metastasis, which are driven by oncogenic activation of signaling pathways. Herein, we identify the scaffold protein CNK1 as a mediator of oncogenic signaling that promotes invasion in human breast cancer and cervical cancer cells. Downregulation of CNK1 diminishes the invasiveness of cancer cells and correlates with reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and membrane-type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP). Ectopic expression of CNK1 elevates MT1-MMP promoter activity in a NF-κB–dependent manner. Moreover, CNK1 cooperates with the NF-κB pathway, but not with the extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase pathway, to promote cell invasion. Mechanistically, CNK1 regulates the alternative branch of the NF-κB pathway because knockdown of CNK1 interferes with processing of NF-κB2 p100 to p52 and its localization to the nucleus. In agreement with this, the invasion of CNK1-depleted cells is less sensitive to RelB downregulation compared with the invasion of control cells. Moreover, CNK1-dependent MT1-MMP promoter activation is blocked by RelB siRNA. Thus, CNK1 is an essential mediator of an oncogenic pathway involved in invasion of breast and cervical cancer cells and is therefore a putative target for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 8(3); 395–406
MLN8054, an Inhibitor of Aurora A Kinase, Induces Senescence in Human Tumor Cells Both In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Huck Jessica J. , Zhang Mengkun , McDonald Alice , Bowman Doug , Hoar Kara M. , Stringer Bradley , Ecsedy Jeffery , Manfredi Mark G. , Hyer Marc L. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Aurora A kinase is a serine/threonine protein kinase responsible for regulating several mitotic processes including centrosome separation, spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation. Small molecule inhibitors of Aurora A kinase are being pursued as novel anticancer agents, some of which have entered clinical trials. Despite the progress in developing these agents, terminal outcomes associated with Aurora A inhibition are not fully understood. Although evidence exists that Aurora A inhibition leads to apoptosis, other therapeutically relevant cell fates have not been reported. Here, we used the small molecule inhibitor MLN8054 to show that inhibition of Aurora A induces tumor cell senescence both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of human tumor cells grown in culture with MLN8054 showed a number of morphologic and biochemical changes associated with senescence. These include increased staining of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, increased nuclear and cell body size, vacuolated cellular morphology, upregulation/stabilization of p53, p21, and hypophosphorylated pRb. To determine if Aurora A inhibition induces senescence in vivo, HCT-116 xenograft–bearing animals were dosed orally with MLN8054 for 3 weeks. In the MLN8054-treated animals, increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity was detected in tissue sections starting on day 15. In addition, DNA and tubulin staining of tumor tissue showed a significant increase in nuclear and cell body area, consistent with a senescent phenotype. Taken together, this data shows that senescence is a terminal outcome of Aurora A inhibition and supports the evaluation of senescence biomarkers in clinic samples. Mol Cancer Res; 8(3); 373–84
Continuous Monitoring of Intrathoracic Impedance and Right Ventricular Pressures in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Vanderheyden Marc , Houben Richard , Verstreken Sofie , Ståhlberg Marcus , Reiters Pascalle , Kessels Roger , Braunschweig Frieder 
Published: March 2010

Background—
Hemodynamic monitoring using implantable devices may provide early warning of volume overload in patients with heart failure (HF). This study was designed to prospectively compare information from intrathoracic impedance monitoring and continuous right ventricular pressure measurements in patients with HF.

Methods and Results—

Sixteen patients with HF (age, 63.5±13.8 years; left ventricular ejection fraction, 23.2±11.3%; New York Heart Association, II and III) and a previous HF decompensation received both a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator providing a daily average of intrathoracic impedance and an implantable hemodynamic monitor providing an estimate of the pulmonary artery diastolic pressure. At the end of a 6-month investigator-blinded period, baseline reference hemodynamic values were determined over 4 weeks during which the patient was clinically stable. A major HF event was defined as HF decompensation requiring hospitalization, IV diuretic treatment, or leading to death. Sixteen major HF events occurred in 10 patients. Within 30 days and 14 days before a major HF event, impedance decreased by 0.12±0.21 Ω/d and 0.20±0.20 Ω/d, respectively, whereas estimated pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure increased by 0.10±0.20 mm Hg/d and 0.16±0.15 mm Hg/d, respectively. During these periods, impedance decreased by 3.8±5.4 Ω (
P
<0.02) and 4.9±6.1 Ω (
P
<0.007), respectively, whereas estimated pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure increased by 5.8±5.7 mm Hg (
P
<0.002) and 6.8±6.1 mm Hg (
P
<0.001), respectively, compared with baseline. In all patients, impedance and estimated pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure were inversely correlated (
r
=−0.48±0.25). Within 30 days preceding a major HF event, this correlation improved to
r
=−0.58±0.24.

Conclusions—
Decompensated HF develops based on hemodynamic derangements and is preceded by significant changes in intrathoracic impedance and right ventricular pressures during the month prior to a major clinical event. Impedance and pressure changes are moderately correlated. Future research may establish the complementary contribution of both parameters to guide diagnosis and management of patients with HF by implantable devices.
How Deep a Transformation? Europeanization of Greek and Turkish Minority Policies
Authors: Onar Nora Fisher , Özgüneş Meriç 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe article examines the Europeanization of Greece and Turkey's policies towards their respective Turkish/Muslim and Greek/Orthodox minorities. It begins with a comparative survey of nation-building processes in both countries. It shows that as bilateral tensions rose, minorities' rights as citizens were increasingly compromised by the perception that minorities were agents of their kin-states. Greek accession to the European Economic Community in 1981 catalyzed a slow process of internationalization of European norms of minority protection among policymakers, though pockets of resistance persist to this day. Turkey, meanwhile, became a candidate for membership in December 1999. The carrot-and-stick incentive structure of the accession process led to a rapid succession of taboo-shattering reforms, catalyzing a partial transformation of minority policies. By 2007, however, an altered calculus of domestic and international forces impeded the implementation of reform and consequently the transformation of minority treatment.
Is There Space for “Genuine Autonomy” for Tibetan Areas in the PRC's System of Nationalities Regional Autonomy?
Authors: Woodman Sophia , Ghai Yash , Loper Kelley 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis article considers whether room exists within the current system of nationalities regional autonomy (NRA) in China to accommodate Tibetan aspirations for "genuine autonomy" under the People's Republic of China (PRC) sovereignty. It examines the legal framework for NRA in China, as well as Chinese government policy and practice toward autonomous areas, in terms of the limitations and possibilities they imply for realizing Tibetan aspirations for autonomy, highlighting specific areas of concern, opportunities and constraints. It explores the development of political and legal approaches toward autonomy since the 1930s, the nature of the current framework and how recent legal and political developments interact with that framework. It looks at options for autonomy under the Chinese Constitution and national legislation, particularly the self-government of nationality (minority) autonomous areas as well as Article 31 of the Constitution which has provided the basis for the establishment of special administrative regions (SARs). Since autonomous areas also exercise the general powers of local governments in the PRC, it describes the general system of local government at the provincial and lower administrative levels. The article examines the practical implementation and operation of minority autonomy and SARs including the apparent gap between law and practice. In particular, special attention is paid to the role of the Chinese Communist Party and its officials which have a significant impact on the exercise of state powers. It concludes that there are formidable obstacles to the autonomy that Tibetans seek in order to preserve their culture, values and identity.
Property Rights, Indigenous People and the Developing World: Issues from Aboriginal Entitlement to Intellectual Ownership Rights
Authors: Koivurova Timo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis book review essay will employ David Lea's interesting ideas over how indigenous and traditional societies should relate themselves to economic globalisation for self-reflection regarding how we international legal scholars in general approach indigenous issues. Moreover, because Lea also outlines his views on how indigenous and traditional societies should improve their situation, it gives a good basis to think of an alternative model from the international legal viewpoint on how indigenous governance could be improved.
Some Possible Chinese Records about Armenia and the Armenians in Mid-Qing Dynasty
Authors: Yang Xi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe Armenians arrived at Guangzhou (Canton) and Macao for trade, no later than the end of the 17th century. Their existence in the Pearl River Delta was noticed by westerners throughout the 18th century. However, due to several reasons, there is little evidence in Chinese sources showing that contemporary Chinese people were aware of such a small group in their homeland. Nevertheless, after a re-examination of existing Chinese records dated from 1751 to 1840, the author could find several pieces of evidence in support of the argument that the Chinese in mid-Qing period might have been informed about the Armenians, as well as the land of Armenia. The names by which the Chinese addressed these foreigners in that period might be of some interest for the research and interpretation of the Chinese texts as well.
The Lost Mosque(s) in the Citadel of Qajar Yerevan: Architecture and Identity, Iranian and Local Traditions in the Early 19th Century
Authors: Ritter Markus 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe mosques in the citadel of Yerevan are lost today and almost unknown. Here, the most significant of them is reconstructed from visual and literary sources, documented by unpublished photographs, and related to the early Qajar period under the last Iranian governor Husayn Khān, prior to the Russian conquest of Yerevan in 1827. The second mosque in the citadel is attributed to the Ottoman period; the third one remains uncertain. While the type of the Qajar mosque is compared to earlier buildings in Yerevan, notably the 18th-century Gök Jāmi', stylistic elements are analysed with reference to early 19th-century architecture in Iran and a building at Qazvīn. The interpretation seeks to understand the different references of the Qajar mosque as the construction of a visual statement of local and Iranian identity in a period of change.
Marriage Customs in Lar: The Role of Women's Networks in Tradition and Change
Authors: Gianfortoni Emily Wells 
Published: February 2010

AbstractOne reason many traditional Lari customs celebrating life cycle events, such as births, marriages, and pilgrimages were preserved well into the 1970s is that women, particularly the older women, have been the keepers of this knowledge. They maintained the practice of these customs and passed on the knowledge to their daughters and younger members of their social networks. This paper examines Lari marriage practices in the 1970s and contrasts them with earlier customs as reported by older women. It discusses also the role of social networks in maintaining, changing, and passing on marriage customs.
Contemporary Armenian Community in Tbilisi
Authors: Mkrtchian Satenik 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis paper seeks to present a comprehensive picture of the Armenian community of Tbilisi, based on extensive ethnographic field-work carried out in Tbilisi during 2006-2008. The paper aims to explore the following main aspects of the Tbilisi Armenian community: a) a brief history of the community's formation and its current social-demographic situation, and b) the community's structure and agents. In addition, the following questions will be addressed: What are the current problems and challenges faced by the community today (how the community actors see these challenges and what approaches they have to address the issues)? How do Tbilisi Armenians perceive Armenia? Components of the identity of the Armenian community in Tbilisi also will be addressed, such as ceremonial and holiday traditions, symbols, and so on.
A Hūra-Song in Kalhorī
Authors: Khanian-Sumari Hamid 
Published: February 2010

AbstractKalhorī is the less investigated dialect of Southern Kurdish. The paper introduces a Kalhorī folk-song of the hūra genre (with parallel English translation and commentaries), selected from the vast corpus of the Southern Kurdish dialect and folkloric materials, which have been collected from the Kalhor-inhabited regions of Western Iran.
TÜSİAD and the Armenian-Turkish Relations: Turkish Economy between Progress and National Identity
Authors: Kluge Pascal 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn examining the endeavours of the Turkish entrepreneurs' association TÜSİAD, a politically embedded economic interest group, it becomes clear how highly discriminative it must act, and react, in its pursuit to deliver economic and political benefits to its members. This can be observed via the example of the association's attitude vis-à-vis the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement process. On the one hand, the association speaks up freely and acts independently, and it has supported and engaged in numerous Armenian-Turkish initiatives, thus promoting a dialogue through trade. Improving economic conditions in the eastern provinces of Turkey and taking steps in line with the European Union accession process have been the major impetus for these moves. On the other hand, when it comes to highly contentious issues considered to be of Turkish national interest, such as the Armenian Genocide debate, TÜSİAD has been strongly affected by nationalist sensibilities. Its approach in this matter is deadlocked and determined by historical legacy. It conforms to the state ideology, rejecting the term genocide for the Ottoman massacres of Armenians in 1915 and considering any contrary arguments as an attempt by foreign powers to damage Turkey's reputation. One of the reasons behind this attitude is the way that a particular Turkish identity was formulated in the transition between the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic, in which a sole “national culture” was founded exclusive of ideological divergence. The state, as a historically powerful guardian of this identity, has consistently attempted to enforce the conformity of social actors and the public sphere with this “national culture”. However, along with continuing globalisation and a general trend of individualisation of society, TÜSİAD and other civil organisations are in a process of disengagement from these structures. Should this process continue, TÜSİAD could further contribute to a prosperity that extends beyond economic advancement in Turkey's eastern border provinces, leading to a sustainable reconciliation in the South Caucasian region.
An Inter-Ethnic Conflict in the Cultural Environment of the Baloch National Movement in Present-day Afghanistan
Authors: Bödeker Just 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis article focuses on strategies of inter-ethnic conflict resolution in southwest Afghanistan under the circumstances of social changes in a tribal society. Field research was carried on in September and October 2008 in Kabul and Zaranj, the province centre of Nimruz. During ethnographic fieldwork focusing on transnational identities of the Baloch people in the Afghan-Iranian border region, I observed an informal inter-ethnic trial. The location of this trial was the town of Zaranj, the administrative centre of the south-western Afghan province of Nimruz. This province, beside Pashtun and Tajik populations, has a compact Baloch settlement area bordering the Baloch areas in Iran and Pakistan. The trial took place between my host, the chief of a Baloch cultural centre, and an Uzbek defendant. As my host was a representative of an emerging Baloch self-confidence since the decline of the Taliban regime, the trial has to be analysed in the broader socio-cultural context of the Baloch people in present-day Afghanistan. The paper first presents the sequence of events during the trial; then it deals with the social context considering some new developments in the self-conceptions of the Baloches in Afghanistan. Finally, the trial is analysed in the framework of this context.
Current Political Complexities of the Iraqi Turkmen
Authors: Strakes Jason 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe Turkmen population of Iraq is a significant factor in linking the greater Caucasus region to Northern Mesopotamia. However, in the post-Saddam Hussein era, much conventional discourse has identified them as a politically and culturally marginalised group in relation to the Arab and Kurdish majorities. This study presents an alternative assessment of the Turkmen situation based on a survey of changes in the Iraqi political context over the past decade. This is applied in order to determine the precedents for Turkmen democratic activity in northern Iraq, as well as impediments to accommodation between Turkmen and other regional identities. These patterns are analysed at both the domestic level, including geographic distribution, popular mobilisation and party formation, and at the international level, which examines the impact of Turkey's external influence and sponsorship on these internal conditions. Several tentative conclusions are reached. First, the Iraqi Turkmen exhibit both high levels of mobilisation and pluralistic political organisation that contrast with other ethnic and sectarian minorities in Iraq. Second, sectarian and ideological cleavages within the Turkmen population along with sporadic violent attacks have motivated assimilation with the coalition politics that has evolved since the first post-Saddam national elections, rather than armed insurgency. Finally, the role of Turkey as a primary external patron has presented both obstacles and potential advantages for the political welfare of the Iraqi Turkmen community since 2003.