bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutational and Functional Analysis Reveals ADAMTS18 Metalloproteinase as a Novel Driver in Melanoma
Authors: Wei Xiaomu , Prickett Todd D. , Viloria Cristina G. , Molinolo Alfredo , Lin Jimmy C. , Cardenas-Navia Isabel , Cruz Pedro , Rosenberg Steven A. , Davies Michael A. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , López-Otín Carlos , Samuels Yardena 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The disintegrin-metalloproteinases with thrombospondin domains (ADAMTS) genes have been suggested to function as tumor suppressors as several have been found to be epigenetically silenced in various cancers. We performed a mutational analysis of the ADAMTS gene family in human melanoma and identified a large fraction of melanomas to harbor somatic mutations. To evaluate the functional consequences of the most commonly mutated gene, ADAMTS18, six of its mutations were biologically examined. ADAMTS18 mutations had little effect on melanoma cell growth under standard conditions, but reduced cell dependence on growth factors. ADAMTS18 mutations also reduced adhesion to laminin and increased migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Melanoma cells expressing mutant ADAMTS18 had reduced cell migration after short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown of ADAMTS18, suggesting that ADAMTS18 mutations promote growth, migration, and metastasis in melanoma. Mol Cancer Res; 8(11); 1513–25. ©2010 AACR.
Influence of Musical Expertise on Segmental and Tonal Processing in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Marie Céline , Delogu Franco , Lampis Giulia , Belardinelli Marta Olivetti , Besson Mireille 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
A same–different task was used to test the hypothesis that musical expertise improves the discrimination of tonal and segmental (consonant, vowel) variations in a tone language, Mandarin Chinese. Two four-word sequences (prime and target) were presented to French musicians and nonmusicians unfamiliar with Mandarin, and event-related brain potentials were recorded. Musicians detected both tonal and segmental variations more accurately than nonmusicians. Moreover, tonal variations were associated with higher error rate than segmental variations and elicited an increased N2/N3 component that developed 100 msec earlier in musicians than in nonmusicians. Finally, musicians also showed enhanced P3b components to both tonal and segmental variations. These results clearly show that musical expertise influenced the perceptual processing as well as the categorization of linguistic contrasts in a foreign language. They show positive music-to-language transfer effects and open new perspectives for the learning of tone languages.
Making Mirrors: Premotor Cortex Stimulation Enhances Mirror and Counter-mirror Motor Facilitation
Authors: Catmur Caroline , Mars Rogier B. , Rushworth Matthew F. , Heyes Cecilia 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMirror neurons fire during both the performance of an action and the observation of the same action being performed by another. These neurons have been recorded in ventral premotor and inferior parietal cortex in the macaque, but human brain imaging studies suggest that areas responding to the observation and performance of actions are more widespread. We used paired-pulse TMS to test whether dorsal as well as ventral premotor cortex is involved in producing mirror motor facilitation effects. Stimulation of premotor cortex enhanced mirror motor facilitation and also enhanced the effects of counter-mirror training. No differences were found between the two premotor areas. These results support an associative account of mirror neuron properties, whereby multiple regions that process both sensory and motor information have the potential to contribute to mirror effects.
Response to Reviews of God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation
Authors: Fretheim Terence 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis is a response by Terence Fretheim to review essays of his book, God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation, by Robert Stallman, Scott Ellington, and Kenneth Archer. Many of their concerns overlap and so my responses to them are largely woven together. After a few general notes, I ask and respond to ten questions that the respondents implicitly or explicitly raise regarding my work. Those questions concern: Relationship of the Old Testament and New; the Spirit; Praise and Prayer; God's action in and through Agents; Spirit World; Royal Images for God; God's Judgment/'Punishment'; Covenant and Relationship; Creation and Fall; and the Book of Job.
The Provinces and China’s Multi-Layered Diplomacy: The Cases of GMS and Africa
Authors: Junbo Jian , Zhimin Chen , Diyu Chen 
Published: October 2010

AbstractChina’s diplomacy has become increasingly multi-layered, as provinces and cities step up efforts to expand their networks and involvement in foreign affairs. This article aims to provide a general picture about how Chinese provinces feature in the overall Chinese foreign policy system. Specifically, the article uses two cases to illustrate how such a multi-layered diplomatic system functions to meet the interests of the national and local governments. The first case discusses the role of Yunnan province in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Economic Cooperation. Yunnan’s involvement in GMS as a local actor demonstrates how cross-border cooperation has served local developmental interest as well as China’s national foreign policy goals. It also gave rise to a new form in China’s multi-layered diplomacy, namely multi-layered multilateral diplomacy. The second case is the engagement of China’s provinces in Africa. The article identifies Chinese provinces’ roles in Africa as traders, investors, aid providers and intergovernmental actors. The article also discusses how foreign countries and China itself should cope with China’s new multi-layered engagement in international affairs.
Tearing properties of upholstery flocked fabrics
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Turhan Yildiray , Demiryurek Oguz 
Published: October 2010

We have studied the tearing strength of substrate woven fabric, substrate with adhesive, flocked fabric and washed flocked fabric on dry and wet conditions. The tensile strength of the rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabrics in dry and wet conditions were also researched, and a statistical model was developed for the analysis of the tearing behavior of these fabric forms. Warp and weft tearing strengths of rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabric in wet conditions were slightly higher than those in dry conditions. The reason was partly the high wet strength characteristic of cotton fiber and partly the lubrication effect of acrylic adhesive under wet conditions. Although the weft density of the substrate fabric was around half of its warp density, there was a small difference between warp and weft tearing strengths of dry and wet states of rubbed flocked fabric. This was attributed to the dense structure having less free space and less ultimate deformation potential and ultimately reducing the tearing strength. When the stroke number increased, the warp and weft tearing strengths of dry and wet states of rubbed flocked fabric generally decreased. It was also found that the stroke number of wet rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabric was low in comparison with stroke number of dry rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabric. The reason was that the wet acrylic adhesive had poor properties. The results from the regression model were compared with the measured values mainly by the mean absolute percent error parameter which enables us to conclude that the developed regression equations explain the tearing strength of flocked fabrics.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program for Northern Plains Indian Youth Through Community-Based Participatory Research Methods
Authors: Brown Blakely D. , Harris Kari Jo , Harris Jeri Lyn , Parker Martin , Ricci Christiana , Noonan Curtis 
Published: October 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study was to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to translate the original Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to be age and culturally specific for American Indian (AI) youth. Methods Tribally enrolled members on 2 Montana Indian reservations conducted focus groups and interviews to discuss community members’ perspectives of factors that encouraged or were barriers to healthy diet and exercise behaviors in AI youth. In total, 31 community members, aged 10 to 68 years old, participated in 4 focus groups and 14 individual interviews. Participants were self-identified as elder, cultural expert, tribal health worker, educator, parent/guardian, youth, or school food service worker. Researchers analyzed transcripts based on inductive methods of grounded theory. Results Data analysis revealed translating the DPP to youth was contingent on the lessons incorporating cultural strategies for healthy behaviors in youth such as berry picking, gardening, horseback riding, and dancing; improving knowledge and access to healthy foods and physical activity for youth and their parents; having interactive, hands-on learning activities for healthy lifestyles in the DPP lessons; using a group format and tribal members to deliver the DPP lessons; and having tribal elders talk to youth about the importance of adopting healthy behaviors when they are young. Conclusions A CBPR approach engaged community members to identify strategies inherent in their culture, tradition, and environment that could effectively translate the DPP to Montana Indian youth living in rural reservation communities.
Implications of Type 2 Diabetes on Adolescent Reproductive Health Risk
Authors: Downs Julie S. , Arslanian Silva , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Carr Copeland Valire , Doswell Willa , Herman William , Lain Kristine , Mansfield Joan , Murray Pamela J. , White Neil , Charron-Prochownik Denise 
Published: October 2010

Purpose The purpose of this article was to summarize scientific knowledge from an expert panel on reproductive health among adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Using a mental model approach, a panel of experts— representing perspectives on diabetes, adolescents, preconception counseling, and reproductive health—was convened to discuss reproductive health issues for female adolescents with T2D. Results Several critical issues emerged. Compared with adolescents with type 1 diabetes, (1) adolescents with T2D may perceive their disease as less severe and have less experience managing it, putting them at risk for complications; (2) T2D is more prevalent among African Americans, who may be less trusting of the medical establishment; (3) T2D is associated with obesity, and it is often difficult to change one’s lifestyle within family environments practicing sedentary and dietary behaviors leading to obesity; (4) teens with T2D could be more fertile, because obesity is related to earlier puberty; (5) although obese teens with T2D have a higher risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, which is associated with infertility, treatment with metformin can increase fertility; and (6) women with type 2 diabetes are routinely transferred to insulin before or during pregnancy to allow more intensive management. Conclusions Findings from the expert panel provide compelling reasons to provide early, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive preconception counseling for teens with T2D.
Preferential increase of B-cell activating factor in the cerebrospinal fluid of neuromyelitis optica in a white population
Authors: Vaknin-Dembinsky Adi , Brill Livnat , Orpaz Naama , Abramsky Oded , Karussis Dimitrios 
Published: October 2010

Background: Anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies are believed to have a central pathogenetic role in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is one of the crucial factors that determines the fate and survival of B cells and may play a role in induction of antibody-mediated autoimmunity. Objectives: To evaluate the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of BAFF in NMO and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 21 definite NMO patients, 22 healthy controls and 45 MS patients and CSF from 8 NMO and 11 MS patients. BAFF levels were measured using an ELISA technique. Results: We found significantly higher levels of BAFF in the CSF of NMO patients compared with that in MS (215.6 ± 41 pg/ml in NMO and 77.4 ± 11 pg/ml in MS, p < 0.001). There were no differences in serum BAFF levels between NMO, MS and healthy donors. MS patients treated with interferon-beta (IFNβ) or glatiramer acetate (GA) had significantly higher serum BAFF levels, as compared with untreated patients (1227 ± 203 pg/ml in untreated MS, 2253 ± 83.4 pg/ml in GA-treated, p < 0.01, and 2106 ± 277.9 pg/ml in interferon-treated, p < 0.05) Conclusion: The presence of increased BAFF, a soluble factor associated with B-cell activation in the proximity of the disease target organ (CSF) in NMO, and its increase in association with immunomodulating treatments, may help our understanding of the immunopathogenetic mechanisms involved in this disease and contribute to more successful and targeted therapeutic intervention.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury: from bedside to bench and back
Authors: Shaz Beth H. , Stowell Sean R. , Hillyer Christopher D. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Over the past 60 years, the transfusion medicine community has attained significant knowledge regarding transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) through the bedside to bench and back to the bedside model. First, at the bedside, TRALI causes hypoxia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, typically within 6 hours of transfusion. Second, bedside studies showed a higher incidence in plasma and platelet products than in red blood cell products (the fatal TRALI incidence for plasma is 1:2-300 000 products; platelet, 1:3-400 000; red blood cells, 1:25 002 000), as well as an association with donor leukocyte antibodies (∼ 80% of cases). Third, at the bench, antibody-dependent and antibody-independent mechanisms have been described, requiring neutrophil and pulmonary endothelial cell activation. Antibodies, as well as alternate substances in blood products, result in neutrophil activation, which, in a susceptible patient, result in TRALI (2-hit hypothesis). Fourth, back to the bedside, policy changes based on results of these studies, such as minimizing use of plasma and platelet products from donors with leukocyte antibodies, have decreased the incidence of TRALI. Thus, steps to mitigate TRALI are in place, but a complete mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of TRALI and of which patients are at highest risk remains to be elucidated.
Delta-like ligand 4–Notch signaling regulates bone marrow–derived pericyte/vascular smooth muscle cell formation
Authors: Stewart Keri Schadler , Zhou Zhichao , Zweidler-McKay Patrick , Kleinerman Eugenie S. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDelta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) is essential for the formation of mature vasculature. However, the role of DLL4-Notch signaling in pericyte/vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) development is poorly understood. We sought to determine whether DLL4-Notch signaling is involved in pericyte/vSMC formation in vitro and during vasculogenesis in vivo using 2 Ewing sarcoma mouse models. Inhibition of DLL4 with the antibody YW152F inhibited pericyte/vSMC marker expression by bone marrow (BM) cells in vitro. Conversely, transfection of 10T1/2 cells with the active domains of Notch receptors led to increased expression of pericyte/vSMC markers. Furthermore, the blood vessels of Ewing sarcoma tumors from mice treated with YW152F had reduced numbers of BM-derived pericytes/vSMCs, fewer open lumens, and were less functional than the vessels in tumors of control-treated mice. Tumor growth was also inhibited. These data demonstrate a specific role for DLL4 in the formation of BM-derived pericytes/vSMCs and indicate that DLL4 may be a novel therapeutic target for the inhibition of vasculogenesis.
Langerhans cells are not required for graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Li Hongmei , Kaplan Daniel H. , Matte-Martone Catherine , Tan Hung Sheng , Venkatesan Srividhya , Johnson Kody , Demetris Anthony J. , McNiff Jennifer , Shlomchik Mark J. , Shlomchik Warren D. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is initiated and maintained by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that prime alloreactive donor T cells. APCs are therefore attractive targets for GVHD prevention and treatment. APCs are diverse in phenotype and function, making understanding how APC subsets contribute to GVHD necessary for the development of APC-targeted therapies. Langerhans cells (LCs) have been shown to be sufficient to initiate skin GVHD in a major histocompatibility complex–mismatched model; however, their role when other host APC subsets are intact is unknown. To address this question, we used mice genetically engineered to be deficient in LCs by virtue of expression of diphtheria toxin A under the control of a BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) transgenic hu-man Langerin locus. Neither CD8- nor CD4-mediated GVHD was diminished in recipients lacking LCs. Similarly, CD8- and CD4-mediated GVHD, including that in the skin, was unaffected if bone marrow came from donors that could not generate LCs, even though donor LCs engrafted in control mice. Engraftment of donor LCs after irradiation in wild-type hosts required donor T cells, with immunofluorescence revealing patches of donor and residual host LCs. Surprisingly, donor LC engraftment in Langerin-diphtheria toxin A (DTA) transgenic hosts was independent of donor T cells, suggesting that a Langerin+ cell regulates repopulation of the LC compartment.
Construction of an almond linkage map in an Australian population Nonpareil × Lauranne
Authors: Tavassolian Iraj , Rabiei Gholmereza , Gregory Davina , Mnejja Mourad , Wirthensohn Michelle G , Hunt Peter W , Gibson John P , Ford Christopher M , Sedgley Margaret , Wu Shu-Biao 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Despite a high genetic similarity to peach, almonds (Prunus dulcis) have a fleshless fruit and edible kernel, produced as a crop for human consumption. While the release of peach genome v1.0 provides an excellent opportunity for almond genetic and genomic studies, well-assessed segregating populations and the respective saturated genetic linkage maps lay the foundation for such studies to be completed in almond.

Results
Using an almond intraspecific cross between 'Nonpareil' and 'Lauranne' (N × L), we constructed a moderately saturated map with SSRs, SNPs, ISSRs and RAPDs. The N × L map covered 591.4 cM of the genome with 157 loci. The average marker distance of the map was 4.0 cM. The map displayed high synteny and colinearity with the Prunus T × E reference map in all eight linkage groups (G1-G8). The positions of 14 mapped gene-anchored SNPs corresponded approximately with the positions of homologous sequences in the peach genome v1.0. Analysis of Mendelian segregation ratios showed that 17.9% of markers had significantly skewed genotype ratios at the level of P < 0.05. Due to the large number of skewed markers in the linkage group 7, the potential existence of deleterious gene(s) was assessed in the group. Integrated maps produced by two different mapping methods using JoinMap® 3 were compared, and their high degree of similarity was evident despite the positional inconsistency of a few markers.

Conclusions
We presented a moderately saturated Australian almond map, which is highly syntenic and collinear with the Prunus reference map and peach genome V1.0. Therefore, the well-assessed almond population reported here can be used to investigate the traits of interest under Australian growing conditions, and provides more information on the almond genome for the international community.
A high-throughput cloning system for reverse genetics in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Batista Michel , Marchini Fabricio K , Celedon Paola AF , Fragoso Stenio P , Probst Christian M , Preti Henrique , Ozaki Luiz S , Buck Gregory A , Goldenberg Samuel , Krieger Marco A 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
The three trypanosomatids pathogenic to men, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major, are etiological agents of Chagas disease, African sleeping sickness and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively. The complete sequencing of these trypanosomatid genomes represented a breakthrough in the understanding of these organisms. Genome sequencing is a step towards solving the parasite biology puzzle, as there are a high percentage of genes encoding proteins without functional annotation. Also, technical limitations in protein expression in heterologous systems reinforce the evident need for the development of a high-throughput reverse genetics platform. Ideally, such platform would lead to efficient cloning and compatibility with various approaches. Thus, we aimed to construct a highly efficient cloning platform compatible with plasmid vectors that are suitable for various approaches.

Results
We constructed a platform with a flexible structure allowing the exchange of various elements, such as promoters, fusion tags, intergenic regions or resistance markers. This platform is based on Gateway® technology, to ensure a fast and efficient cloning system. We obtained plasmid vectors carrying genes for fluorescent proteins (green, cyan or yellow), and sequences for the c-myc epitope, and tandem affinity purification or polyhistidine tags. The vectors were verified by successful subcellular localization of two previously characterized proteins (Tc Rab7 and PAR 2) and a putative centrin. For the tandem affinity purification tag, the purification of two protein complexes (ribosome and proteasome) was performed.

Conclusions
We constructed plasmids with an efficient cloning system and suitable for use across various applications, such as protein localization and co-localization, protein partner identification and protein expression. This platform also allows vector customization, as the vectors were constructed to enable easy exchange of its elements. The development of this high-throughput platform is a step closer towards large-scale trypanosome applications and initiatives.