bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of TRIB1 in lipid metabolism; from genetics to pathways
Authors: Iwamoto Sadahiko , Boonvisut Supichaya , Makishima Saho , Ishizuka Yuumi , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Nakayama Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2015

The plasma concentration of lipids is a heritable risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and related coronary artery diseases (CAD). Mammalian tribbles homologue 1 (TRIB1) is a human locus, the downstream linkage disequilibrium (LD) block of which affects plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-associated cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) levels and CAD across multiple ethnic groups. In addition, association of TRIB1 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has also been shown. A regulatory sequence that enhances TRIB1 promoter activity was identified in the LD block and the minor allele of a single nt polymorphism (SNP, rs6982502) in this regulatory sequence reduces the activity of the TRIB1 promoter. The minor allele of rs6982502 is a risk allele for increasing plasma lipid levels and NAFLD. Trib1 deficiency increases plasma cholesterol and TGs in mice and overexpression of TRIB1 in mouse liver reduces these factors. Expression of rate-limiting lipogenic enzymes is increased in Trib1-knockout mouse liver and decreased with overexpression. Recently, carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) emerged as a novel binding partner of TRIB1. Furthermore, novel binding partner, Sin3A (Swi-independent 3A)-associated protein, 18 kDa, was identified, which activates microsomal TG transfer protein (MTTP) expression by binding with MTTP regulatory elements in co-ordination with mSin3A and TRIB1. Very recently, a small molecular compound that up-regulates TRIB1 expression in HepG2 cells has been discovered. Further exploration of the binding partners of TRIB1 and their involvement in lipid metabolism may aid discovery of novel pharmacological targets for the management of dyslipidaemia and steatosis.
Structures and functions of mitochondrial ABC transporters
Authors: Schaedler Theresia A. , Faust Belinda , Shintre Chitra A. , Carpenter Elisabeth P. , Srinivasan Vasundara , van Veen Hendrik W. , Balk Janneke 
Published: October 2015

A small number of physiologically important ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are found in mitochondria. Most are half transporters of the B group forming homodimers and their topology suggests they function as exporters. The results of mutant studies point towards involvement in iron cofactor biosynthesis. In particular, ABC subfamily B member 7 (ABCB7) and its homologues in yeast and plants are required for iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biosynthesis outside of the mitochondria, whereas ABCB10 is involved in haem biosynthesis. They also play a role in preventing oxidative stress. Mutations in ABCB6 and ABCB7 have been linked to human disease. Recent crystal structures of yeast Atm1 and human ABCB10 have been key to identifying substrate-binding sites and transport mechanisms. Combined with in vitro and in vivo studies, progress is being made to find the physiological substrates of the different mitochondrial ABC transporters.
IL-7R signaling in regulatory T cells maintains peripheral and allograft tolerance in mice
Authors: Schmaler Mathias , Broggi Maria A. S. , Lagarde Nadège , Stöcklin Benjamin F. , King Carolyn G. , Finke Daniela , Rossi Simona W. 
Published: October 2015

SignificanceIn mammals, regulatory T cells establish and maintain immune responses toward self- and non–self-antigens by suppression of specific T cells. Several mechanisms of suppression were previously described including starvation for IL-2, a cytokine required for T-cell expansion. Here we show that regulatory T cells (Treg) respond to IL-7, a T-cell survival factor produced by lymph node fibroblast reticular cells, by enhancing their IL-2 sensitivity, thereby limiting expansion of reactive T cells during inflammation. These findings highlight a previously unidentified and unexpected mechanism by which IL-7R signaling in Tregcells maintains peripheral and allograft tolerance. This work may contribute to design new therapeutic approaches using lower IL-2 doses in humans by enhancing the functional competence of regulatory T cells with IL-7.
Group 3 innate lymphoid cells: regulating host–commensal bacteria interactions in inflammation and cancer
Authors: Goc Jeremy , Hepworth Matthew R. , Sonnenberg Gregory F. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A delicate balance exists between the mammalian immune system and normally beneficial commensal bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, which is necessary to maintain tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of these interactions between the host and commensal bacteria is causally associated with chronic inflammation and the development of cancer. In contrast, recent reports have highlighted that commensal bacteria also play an essential role in promoting anti-tumor immune responses in several contexts, highlighting a paradox whereby interactions between the host and commensal bacteria can influence both pro- and anti-tumor immunity. Given the critical roles for group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) in regulating inflammation, tissue repair and host–microbe interactions in the intestine, here we discuss new evidence that ILC3s may profoundly influence the development, progression and control of tumors. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in understanding the impact of commensal bacteria on tumorigenesis, discuss recent findings identifying ILC3s as critical regulators of host–microbe interactions and highlight the emerging role of this immune cell population in cancer and their potential implication as a therapeutic target.
Cancer Classification by Correntropy-Based Sparse Compact Incremental Learning Machine
Authors: Nayyeri Mojtaba , Sharifi Noghabi Hossein 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCancer prediction is of great importance and significance and it is crucial to provide researchers and scientists with novel, accurate and robust computational tools for this issue. Recent technologies such as Microarray and Next Generation Sequencing have paved the way for computational methods and techniques to play critical roles in this regard. Many important problems in cell biology require the dense nonlinear interactions between functional modules to be considered. The importance of computer simulation in understanding cellular processes is now widely accepted, and a variety of simulation algorithms useful for studying certain subsystems have been designed. In this article, a Sparse Compact Incremental Learning Machine (SCILM) is proposed for cancer classification problem on microarray gene expression data which take advantage of Correntropy cost that makes it robust against diverse noises and outliers. Moreover, since SCILM uses l1-norm of the weights, it has sparseness which can be applied for gene selection purposes as well. Finally, due to compact structure, the proposed method is capable of performing classification tasks in all of the cases with only one neuron in its hidden layer. The experimental analysis is performed on 26 well known microarray datasets regarding diverse kinds of cancers and the results show that the proposed method not only achieved significantly high accuracy but also because of its sparseness, final connectivity weights determined the value and effectivity of each gene regarding the corresponding cancer.
Characterization of the fracture behaviour of X42 microalloyed pipeline steel
Authors: Ünal Halil Ibrahim , Atapek Hakan , Beleli Baran Gürkan , Polat Seyda , Gümüs Serap , Erisir Ersoy 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fracture of grade X42 microalloyed steel used as pipe material after tensile test at room temperature and impact tests at 0, −20 and −40°C, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach
– In the first stage of the study, X42 steels in the form of sheet and pipe materials were selected and etched samples were characterized using light microscope. In the second stage, mechanical properties of steels were obtained by microhardness measurements, static tensile and impact tests and all the broken surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscope to determine the fracture type as a function of both microstructure and loading.

Findings
– The examinations revealed that: first, the sheet material had a typical ferritic-pearlitic matrix, second, the transverse section of the sheet steel exhibited a matrix consisting of polygonal ferrite-aligned pearlite colonies and the longitudinal one had elongated ferrite phase and pearlite colonies in the direction of rolling, third, ferrite and pearlite distribution was different from the sheet material due to multiaxial deformation in the pipe material, fourth, tensile fracture surfaces of the steels had typical dimple fracture induced by microvoid coalescence, fifth, impact fracture surfaces of the steels changed as a function of the test temperature and cleavage fracture mode of ferritic-pearlitic matrix became more dominant as the temperature decreased, and sixth, grain morphology had an effect on the fracture behavior of the steels.

Originality/value
– The paper explains the fracture behaviour of X42 microalloyed pipeline steel and its fractographical analysis.
Overload capacity of a Wolfrom type planetary system
Authors: Mihailidis Athanassios , Nerantzis Ioannis , Athanasopoulos Emmanouil 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative approach to the FE modelling and simulation of complex gear trains, such as the Wolfrom planetary system, in order to study their overload capacity. This is a challenging task because of the following: first, multiple contacts occur between complex geometric parts. Second, the model has to be solved for many instances in order to determine the relative position of the planetary system members at which the maximum bending stress and surface pressure occur. Third, the maximum allowable overloading torque has to be determined iteratively.

Design/methodology/approach
– A Wolfrom planetary system with transmission ratio 19.2 is modelled and simulated using the finite element method. The optimum element size is selected by modelling and solving key areas of the system. Then, a complete model is built using balanced element length at the flanks and roots, with respect to low solution time and result accuracy. A single loading torque is applied at the input shaft and the load distribution results from the solution when equilibrium is achieved. The input torque is increased until the maximum allowable stress or pressure is reached.

Findings
– Combining the load distribution derived from a mixed density mesh with Hertzian pressure calculations, improves the accuracy of the results and decreases the total evaluation time of overload conditions. Furthermore, meshing disturbances due to the elastic deformation of the matting tooth pairs can be identified. It is shown that in the Wolfrom reducer analysed, the limiting mode of failure is the tooth breakage, which occurs when the input torque is increased by a factor of 3.8.

Research limitations/implications
– The balanced element length meshing requires individually meshed key areas and additional workflow steps. In this way, the complexity is increased but the solution time minimised. Automation tools can improve the simulation process.

Originality/value
– The balanced element length model and the result evaluation provides an improved approach of the overload capacity estimation where analytical methodologies cannot be applied.
Stabilizing institutions for new venture investment decisions
Authors: Crum Michael , Nelson Thomas E. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to examine the relationship between aspects of a country’s institutional environment and entrepreneurial investors’ overall rate of return.Design/methodology/approach– Specifically, monetary stability and property rights are tested against both entrepreneurs’ and angel investors’ expected financial returns and payback periods, respectively. Data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey including years 2004 through 2006 and encompassing 50 countries are aggregated and examined using random coefficient multilevel modeling.Findings– We find that strong property rights encourage both angel investors and entrepreneurs to invest in new ventures with longer payback periods and encourage angel investors to invest in ventures with lower expected financial returns.Practical implications– This suggests that one key to increasing entrepreneurial investment in a country is to guarantee strong property rights. Therefore, both entrepreneurs seeking funding and countries seeking entrepreneurs should incorporate property rights issues into their decision-making.Originality/value– This finding moves the “attracting entrepreneurs” conversation beyond the typical tax-abatement, infrastructure building, business cluster recommendations prevalent in academic and professional literature and points to one of the more fundamental reasons entrepreneurial “cultures” develop some places, but not others.
Rural enterprise in Mexico: a case of necessity diversification
Authors: Bosworth Gary , McElwee Gerard , Smith Rob 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to consider the challenges facing small rural businesses in Mexico in their efforts to be enterprising and sustainable when confronted with severe exogenous pressures. Extant literature on farm diversification has a developed economy focus (Pyysiäinenet al., 2006; McElwee, 2008; McElwee and Smith, 2013), but relatively little has been published in developing economies.Design/methodology/approach– This paper considers diversification activities of Mexican farmers. It uses case studies, workshops and interviews to determine the barriers facing farmers and farm advisors.Findings– Farm businesses, particularly those located in drought-prone regions, have benefited from government-sponsored support, but this support needs to now be targeted to develop the entrepreneurial potential of individuals and collectives.Research limitations/implications– Carried out in one region of Mexico only, and thus, the findings may not be transferable to other regions.Practical implications– Recruitment of well-qualified, honest farm advisors with entrepreneurial skills is necessary. Farmers need to be given additional training and support to develop both technological and entrepreneurial skills.Social implications– Encouraging and supporting rural enterprises in Mexico helps to provide opportunities for regions to be economically and socially sustainable.Originality/value– A first attempt to look at farmers ' diversification strategies using an entrepreneurial framework.
Addressing gender disparities through farming organisations in Malawi
Authors: Ager Charlie 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– This study aims to explore how Farming Organisations (FOs) have utilised collective action to overcome the barriers that undermine women farmers’ participation in the agrarian economy in Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach
– Key informant interviews were conducted with 17 stakeholders from across relevant governmental departments, non-governmental agencies, commercial agricultural organizations and FO officials. Focus groups discussions were conducted with women participants from five FOs.

Findings
– Analysis identified barriers to women farmer’s full participation in the agricultural sector in three domains: structural (concerning land ownership and control), material (concerning access to agricultural services and markets) and socio-cultural (regarding gender roles and responsibilities). Malawian FOs demonstrated strength in addressing material barriers and in fostering re-alignment of socio-cultural conventions, but have not, to date, effectively engaged in structural issues of land reform.

Research limitations/implications
– Research was conducted with a limited number of stakeholders and FOs identified through snowball sampling. There is potential for findings to be non-representative of the country as a whole, and more systematic study of FOs in Malawi is warranted to determine the generalisability of observed trends.

Practical implications
– The study draws attention to the crucial importance of action regarding land reform if women are to be more effectively and equitably engaged in the agrarian economy in Malawi.

Originality/value
– The paper is an examination of the experience of women farmers in Malawi and speaks to the potential contribution of FOs in addressing the challenges they face.
Supply chain and total quality management framework design for business performance-case study evidence
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Modgil Sachin 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the importance of integration of supply chain management practices with total quality management (TQM) practices to augment business performance. The objective of paper is to focus on the two important dimensions, namely, supply chain and TQM of an organization with special reference to the concepts: exploration and exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 20 variables have been identified (independent variables) which impact business performance (dependent variable). Variables have been extracted into four categories with a combination of two orientations, i.e., exploitation and exploration, with respect to quality management and supply chain practices.

Findings
– Configurationally four different combinations concerning supply chain and TQM were identified in which an enterprise can operate. This is supported with the four different case studies.

Practical implications
– This study leads to some interesting practical implications for practicing managers as it offers a framework in which the supply chain and TQM practices can be implemented with respect to an organizational structure (mechanistic or organic structure), environmental conditions (uncertain environment and rapidly changing product life cycle) and identification of customer orientations (whether customer is price sensitive or customer makes buying decision on account of trust or relation to the product).

Originality/value
– The concept of supply chain exploitation and supply chain exploration with different orientations of quality management is not studied comprehensively before. This paper provides a background for establishing a framework of strategies for supply chain and quality practices, with respect to the exploitation and exploration scenario.
Enforcement uniquely predicts reductions in alcohol‐impaired crash fatalities
Authors: Yao Julie , Johnson Mark B. , Tippetts Scott 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and aimsAlcohol‐impaired driving contributes to more than 10 000 fatalities in the United States each year. This research estimated the unique effect of enforcement intensity on reductions in alcohol‐impaired fatal crashes.DesignWe collected data from 30 states (including the District of Columbia) that experienced the greatest changes in alcohol‐impaired fatal crashes from 1996 to 2006. Mixed‐model regression was used to examine the extent to which year‐over‐year changes in the intensity of impaired driving enforcement predicted year‐over‐year reductions of drivers killed in alcohol‐involved fatal crashes.SettingData from 30 states were obtained online.ParticipantsAggregate state‐level data from a total of 279 state‐year combinations were analyzed.MeasuresOur dependent measure was the ratio of drivers involved in fatal crashes with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) ≥ 0.08 g/dl over drivers involved in fatal crashes with BACs = 0.00 g/dl. Per capita driving under the influence (DUI) arrests and traffic enforcement funding were the primary predictors. Covariates were estimated vehicle miles traveled (VMT); the proportional distributions of gender and racial/ethnic; geographic distribution; the proportion of drivers aged 21–34 years; median family income; and education level.FindingsAnalysis revealed that DUI arrests per capita uniquely and significantly predicted reductions in the ratio of fatal crashes (β = –0.753, t(238) = 2.1, P < 0.05) after controlling the covariates. Exploratory analysis suggests the increase in arrest rates was associated with stronger reductions in urban versus rural settings.ConclusionsDrunk driving enforcement intensity uniquely contributes to reductions in alcohol‐impaired crash fatalities after controlling for other factors.
Intradural–extramedullary haemangioblastoma with paraspinal extension in a dog
Authors: Binanti D , De Zani D , Fantinato E , Allevi G , Sironi G , Zani DD 
Published: October 2015

Case reportAn 8‐year‐old spayed female cross‐breed dog was evaluated following a 2‐month history of thoracic limb weakness. Neurological examination revealed a spinal cord lesion between C1 and C5 segments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that almost 70% of the spinal canal between C1 and C2 was occupied by an intradural extramedullary mass that was connected to a paraspinal mass from the cranial aspect of C2 to the cranial aspect of C3. The dog was anaesthetised and a dorsal, right‐sided hemilaminectomy was performed. A durotomy was performed to expose a multilobular mass located principally along the right dorsal–lateral aspect of the spinal cord. The mass did not appear to infiltrate the cord parenchyma. The abnormal tissue was removed as completely as possible using gentle dissection and submitted for histological evaluation. The histological findings were consistent with an intradural–extramedullary haemangioblastoma with paraspinal extension. Following surgery, no neurological deterioration was detected. A metronomic‐dosing chemotherapy protocol was administered to prevent progression or recurrence of the tumour. Follow‐up MRI studies were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery, confirming complete tumour removal and the absence of recurrence.ConclusionHaemangioblastoma is an extremely rare neoplasm in animals and only two cases of this tumour have been reported, but in other anatomical locations. Haemangioblastomas in human patients are more commonly located in the cerebellum and intradural–extramedullary growth is extremely rare. The dog in this study responded favourably to combined surgery and metronomic chemotherapy and was clinically normal 1 year after surgery.