bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Excitability of Primary Sensory Neurons and Altered Gene Expression of Neuronal Ion Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion in Paclitaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Dougherty Patrick M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background:
The mechanism of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after paclitaxel treatment is not well understood. Given the poor penetration of paclitaxel into central nervous system, peripheral nervous system is most at risk.

Methods:
Intrinsic membrane properties of dorsal root ganglion neurons were studied by intracellular recordings. Multiple-gene real-time polymerase chain reaction array was used to investigate gene expression of dorsal root ganglion neuronal ion channels.

Results:
Paclitaxel increased the incidence of spontaneous activity from 4.8 to 27.1% in large-sized and from 0 to 33.3% in medium-sized neurons. Paclitaxel decreased the rheobase (nA) from 1.6 ± 0.1 to 0.8 ± 0.1 in large-sized, from 1.5 ± 0.2 to 0.6 ± 0.1 in medium-sized, and from 1.6 ± 0.2 to 1.0 ± 0.1 in small-sized neurons. After paclitaxel treatment, other characteristics of membrane properties in each group remained the same except that Aδ neurons showed shorter action potential fall time (ms) (1.0 ± 0.2, n = 10 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, n = 9, paclitaxel vs. vehicle). Meanwhile, real-time polymerase chain reaction array revealed an alteration in expression of some neuronal ion channel genes including up-regulation of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (fold change 1.76 ± 0.06) and Nav1.7 (1.26 ± 0.02) and down-regulation of Kir channels (Kir1.1, 0.73 ± 0.05, Kir3.4, 0.66 ± 0.06) in paclitaxel-treated animals.

Conclusion:
The increased neuronal excitability and the changes in gene expression of some neuronal ion channels in dorsal root ganglion may provide insight into the molecular and cellular basis of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy, which may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
Cell specific eQTL analysis without sorting cells
Authors: Westra Harm-Jan , Arends Danny , Esko Tõnu , Peters Marjolein J. , Schurmann Claudia , Schramm Katharina , Kettunen Johannes , Yaghootkar Hanieh , Fairfax Benjamin P. , Andiappan Anand Kumar , Li Yang , Fu Jingyuan , Karjalainen Juha , Platteel Mathieu , Visschedijk Marijn , Weersma Rinse , Kasela Silva , Milani Lili , Tserel Liina , Peterson Pärt , Reinmaa Eva , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Homuth Georg , Petersmann Astrid , Lorbeer Roberto , Prokisch Holger , Meitinger Thomas , Herder Christian , Roden Michael , Grallert Harald , Ripatti Samuli , Perola Markus , Wood Andrew R. , Melzer David , Ferrucci Luigi , Singleton Andrew B. , Hernandez Dena G. , Knight Julian C. , Melchiotti Rossella , Lee Bernett , Poidinger Michael , Zolezzi Francesca , Larbi Anis , Wang De Yun , van den Berg Leonard H. , Veldink Jan H. , Rotzschke Olaf , Makino Seiko , Frayling Timouthy M. , Salomaa Veikko , Strauch Konstantin , Völker Uwe , van Meurs Joyce B. J. , Metspalu Andres , Wijmenga Cisca , Jansen Ritsert C. , Franke Lude 
Published: February 2014

AbstractExpression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping on tissue, organ or whole organism data can detect associations that are generic across cell types. We describe a new method to focus upon specific cell types without first needing to sort cells. We applied the method to whole blood data from 5,683 samples and demonstrate that SNPs associated with Crohn's disease preferentially affect gene expression within neutrophils.
Intertissue Signal Transfer of Abscisic Acid from Vascular Cells to Guard Cells
Authors: Kuromori Takashi , Sugimoto Eriko , Shinozaki Kazuo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone that responds to environmental stresses, such as water deficiency. Recent studies have shown that ABA biosynthetic enzymes are expressed in the vascular area under both nonstressed and water-stressed growth conditions. However, specific cells in the vasculature involved in ABA biosynthesis have not been identified. Here, we detected the expression of two genes encoding ABA biosynthetic enzymes, ABSCISIC ACID DEFICIENT2 and ABSCISIC ALDEHYDE OXIDASE3, in phloem companion cells in vascular tissues. Furthermore, we identified an ATP-binding cassette transporter, Arabidopsis thaliana ABCG25 (AtABCG25), expressed in the same cells. Additionally, AtABCG25-expressing Spodoptera frugiperda9 culture cells showed an ABA efflux function. Finally, we observed that enhancement of ABA biosynthesis in phloem companion cells induced guard cell responses, even under normal growth conditions. These results show that ABA is synthesized in specific cells and can be transported to target cells in different tissues.
Uptake of Water via Branches Helps Timberline Conifers Refill Embolized Xylem in Late Winter
Authors: Mayr Stefan , Schmid Peter , Laur Joan , Rosner Sabine , Charra-Vaskou Katline , Dämon Birgit , Hacke Uwe G. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Xylem embolism is a limiting factor for woody species worldwide. Conifers at the alpine timberline are exposed to drought and freeze-thaw stress during winter, which induce potentially lethal embolism. Previous studies indicated that timberline trees survive by xylem refilling. In this study on Picea abies, refilling was monitored during winter and spring seasons and analyzed in the laboratory and in situ experiments, based on hydraulic, anatomical, and histochemical methods. Refilling started in late winter, when the soil was frozen and soil water not available for the trees. Xylem embolism caused up to 86.2% ± 3.1% loss of conductivity and was correlated with the ratio of closed pits. Refilling of xylem as well as recovery in shoot conductance started in February and corresponded with starch accumulation in secondary phloem and in the mesophyll of needles, where we also observed increasing aquaporin densities in the phloem and endodermis. This indicates that active, cellular processes play a role for refilling even under winter conditions. As demonstrated by our experiments, water for refilling was thereby taken up via the branches, likely by foliar water uptake. Our results suggest that refilling is based on water shifts to embolized tracheids via intact xylem, phloem, and parenchyma, whereby aquaporins reduce resistances along the symplastic pathway and aspirated pits facilitate isolation of refilling tracheids. Refilling must be taken into account as a key process in plant hydraulics and in estimating future effects of climate change on forests and alpine tree ecosystems.
Categorization of fabric design using multi-class least-square support vector machine
Authors: Ghosh A. , Guha T. , Bhar R. 
Published: February 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to give an approach for categorization of diverse textile designs using their textural features as extracted from their gray images by means of multi-class least-square support vector machines (LS-SVM).

Design/methodology/approach
– In this work, the authors endeavor to devise a pattern recognition system based on LS-SVM which performs a multi-class categorization of three basic woven designs namely plain, twill and sateen after analyzing their features.

Findings
– The result establishes that LS-SVM is able to classify the fabric design with a reasonable degree of accuracy and it outperforms the standard SVM.

Originality/value
– The algorithmic simplicity of LS-SVM resulting from replacement of inequality constraints by equality ones and ability of handling noisy data by accommodating an error variable in its algorithm make it eminently suitable for textile pattern recognition. This paper offers a maiden application of LS-SVM in textile pattern recognition.
Effects of reciprocating motion parameters on lubricating properties of tripod sliding universal joints
Authors: Wang X.F. , Hu R.F. , Wang K.S. , Cui H.R. 
Published: February 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to clarify the effects of the reciprocating motion parameters on the lubricating performance of the tripod sliding universal joint (TSUJ). These parameters mainly include the frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating motion. This work will explain how the film thickness and pressure as well as the temperature vary with the frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating motion in order to improve the lubricating performance of the TSUJ and extend its working life.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on the simplified geometrical model derived from the main mating surfaces, the effects of the frequency and amplitude on the pressure and film thickness as well as the temperature are theoretically investigated. In this work, multi-level method, multilevel multi-integration method and sequential line sweeping method were applied to solving Reynolds equation, the elastic deformation of the bounding surfaces and temperature, respectively.

Findings
– The overall film thickness increases with the increase of the amplitude or frequency. The consumed time of the rippled film passing through the contact zone hardly depends on the amplitude or frequency. The variation of the film or temperature lags behind the variation of the entrainment velocity. Increasing amplitude or frequency increases the temperature. The effect of the amplitude or frequency on the pressure focuses mainly on the second pressure peak.

Originality/value
– TSUJ is a new-type tripod joint and the obtained results are of great value for its design and application.
Comparison of static performance characteristics of different configurations of slot-entry hybrid journal bearing operating with non-Newtonian lubricants
Authors: Chander Garg Hem , Kumar Vijay 
Published: February 2014

Purpose
– The slot-entry hybrid journal bearings have been successfully used in various engineering applications because of their good performance over wide range of speed and load, besides their relative simplicity in manufacturing. Most of the research work pertaining to non-recessed journal bearing assumes standard symmetric and asymmetric configurations. However, many more configurations are possible by changing the position of slot which may improve the performance of the slot-entry journal bearing. In the present work study of static performance characteristics of slot-entry journal bearing of different configuration has been carried out. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– FEM has been used to solve the Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant in the bearing clearance space along with the restrictor flow equation. The non-Newtonian lubricant has been assumed to follow the cubic shear stress law. The performance characteristics of slot-entry hybrid journal bearings are computed by developing a computer program.

Findings
– The simulated results of bearing characteristics parameters in terms of minimum fluid-film thickness and bearing flow have been presented for the wide range of various values of non-linearity factor and external load. It is found that there is an increase in the oil requirement for slot-entry hybrid journal bearing with the specified operating and geometric parameters, when the viscosity of the lubricant decreases due to the non-Newtonian behavior of the lubricant. The effect of the decrease in the viscosity of the lubricant due to non-Newtonian behavior of the lubricant diminishes the attitude angle. The computed performance characteristics are helpful for the bearing designer while choosing a particular configuration of bearing.

Research limitations/implications
– The performance characteristics have been computed by considering the non-Newtonian lubricants. The thermal effects have been ignored in the analysis so as to obviate the mathematical complexity.

Originality/value
– Get idea from already published manuscripts.
Impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on firms’ degree of internationalization
Authors: Hafeez Siddiqui Sulaman , Zafarullah Muhammad , Ijaz Latif Muhammad , Shabir Ghulam 
Published: February 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to postulate the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms. The study also aims to triangulate the proposed model using empirical data from PTA partner economies.Design/methodology/approach– The mixed methods research design is used for the purpose of inquiry as suggested by Creswell. The inductive reasoning based on critical literature review and grounded theory methodology is used to postulate the model. Explanatory strength of the model is triangulated using empirical longitudinal trade data of Pakistan with her bilateral PTA partners, i.e. Malaysia, Mauritius, Iran, Sri Lanka and China. Internationalization indices are adapted following the Ietto-Gillies and London (2009) and Petri (1994) to measure the intensity and geographical diversification dimensions of internationalization. Country-level trade statistics are used as a proxy of firm-level data to explain the international expansion of home firms resulting from PTAs.Findings– Empirical results confirm a strong and long-term impact of PTAs on the intensity and extensity dimensions of internationalization over post-agreement period in Pakistan and member economies. Gravity index depicts greater concentration of Pakistan's trade in FTA markets and thereby confirms the influence of PTAs on international market selection. Analysis at sectoral level depicts a contraction in services trade whereas expansion in the manufacturing firms’ export growth to member economies.Originality/value– The paper extends the theory of internationalization by identifying PTAs as exogenous variable influencing internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms in a developing South Asian context. Coupled with findings from empirical data, the study identifies PTAs as a new strategic trade policy tool available to policy makers for promoting and influencing the home firms’ internationalization strategies.
Successful implementation of responsible business practice
Authors: Brookes Maureen , Altinay Levent , Ringham Kate 
Published: February 2014

Purpose
– The main aim of this paper is to introduce the articles of this issue.

Design/methodology/approach
– A critical content analysis of the papers selected for the issue was undertaken.

Findings
– The final articles for this issue examine a range of responsible business practices within hospitality and tourism businesses in diverse country settings. In addition, each article is followed by a commentary from an industry representative who reflects on the key message and/or value of the article for industry practice.

Research limitations/implications
– Although only one article examined the role of education specifically, collectively the articles in this special theme edition point to the critical role of education in implementing responsible business practices in the near future, as well as for ensuring the sustainability of these practices in the years to come. Additionally, these articles highlight the need for greater cooperation between different hospitality and tourism stakeholders in the development and implementation of responsible business practices.

Originality/value
– The current theme issue explores emerging issues in the implementation of responsible business practice in the context of hospitality and tourism industries in different country contexts.
Delivery by caesarean section and childhood cancer: a nationwide follow‐up study in three countries
Authors: Momen NC , Olsen J , Gissler M , Cnattingius S , Li J 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between delivery by caesarean section and risk of childhood cancer.DesignA population‐based, follow‐up study using register data from three countries.SettingDenmark, Sweden and Finland.PopulationChildren born in Denmark (1973–2007), Sweden (1973–2006) and Finland (randomly selected sample of 90%, 1987–2007; n = 7 029 843).MethodsExposure was delivery by caesarean section and the outcome was childhood cancer diagnosis. Follow‐up started from birth and ended at the first of the following dates: cancer diagnosis, death, emigration, day before 15th birthday or end of follow‐up. Cox regression was used to obtain hazard ratios.Main outcome measuresChildhood cancer diagnosis.ResultsA total of 882 907 (12.6%) children were delivered by caesarean section. Of these, 30.3% were elective (n = 267 603), 35.9% unplanned (n = 316 536) and 33.8% had no information on planning (n = 298 768). Altogether, 11 181 children received a cancer diagnosis. No evidence of an increased risk of childhood cancer was found for children born by caesarean section (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.99, 1.11). No association was found for any major type of childhood cancer, or when split by the type of caesarean section (elective/unplanned).ConclusionThe evidence does not suggest that caesarean section is a risk factor for the overall risk of childhood cancer and possibly not for subtypes of childhood cancer either.
Comparison of Two Methods of Estimating Reader Variability in QT Interval Measurements in Thorough QT/QTc Studies
Authors: Salvi Vaibhav , Karnad Dilip R. , Kerkar Vaibhav , Panicker Gopi Krishna , Natekar Mili , Kothari Snehal 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundTwo methods of estimating reader variability (RV) in QT measurements between 12 readers were compared.MethodsUsing data from 500 electrocardiograms (ECGs) analyzed twice by 12 readers, we bootstrapped 1000 datasets each for both methods. In grouped analysis design (GAD), the same 40 ECGs were read twice by all readers. In pairwise analysis design (PAD), 40 ECGs analyzed by each reader in a clinical trial were reanalyzed by the same reader (intra‐RV) and also by another reader (inter‐RV); thus, variability between each pair of readers was estimated using different ECGs.ResultsInter‐RV (mean [95% CI]) between pairs of readers by GAD and PAD was 3.9 ms (2.1–5.5 ms) and 4.1 ms (2.6–5.4 ms), respectively, using ANOVA, 0 ms (–0.0 to 0.4 ms), and 0 ms (–0.7 to 0.6 ms), respectively, by actual difference between readers and 7.7 ms (6.2–9.8 ms) and 7.7 ms (6.6–9.1 ms), respectively, by absolute difference between readers. Intra‐RV too was comparable.ConclusionsRV estimates by the grouped‐ and pairwise analysis designs are comparable.
Anti‐arthritis effects of (E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal are mediated by inhibition of the STAT3 pathway
Authors: Ban Jung Ok , Kim Dae Hwan , Lee Hee Pom , Hwang Chul Ju , Shim Jung‐Hyun , Kim Dae Joong , Kim Tae Myoung , Jeong Heon‐Sang , Nah Seong Su , Chen Hanyong , Dong Zigang , Ham Young Wan , Kim Youngsoo , Han Sang‐Bae , Hong Jin Tae 
Published: February 2014

Background and PurposeProducts of Maillard reactions between aminoacids and reducing sugars are known to have anti‐inflammatory properties. Here we have assessed the anti‐arthritis effects of (E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal and its possible mechanisms of action.Experimental ApproachWe used cultures of LPS‐activated macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) and human synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis for in vitro assays and the collagen‐induced arthritis model in mice. NO generation, iNOS and COX2 expression, and NF‐κB/IKK and STAT3 activities were measured in vitro and in joint tissues of arthritic mice, along with clinical scores and histopathological assessments. Binding of (E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal to STAT3 was evaluated by a pull‐down assay and its binding site was predicted using molecular docking studies with Autodock VINA.Key Results(E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal (2.5–10 μg·mL−1) inhibited LPS‐inducedNO generation, iNOS and COX2 expression, and NF‐κB/IKK and STAT3 activities in macrophage and human synoviocytes. This compound also suppressedcollagen‐induced arthritic responses in mice by inhibiting expression of iNOS and COX2, and NF‐κB/IKK and STAT3 activities; it also reduced bone destruction and fibrosis in joint tissues. A pull‐down assay showed that (E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal interfered with binding of ATP to STAT3. Docking studies suggested that (E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal bound to the DNA‐binding interface of STAT3 possibly inhibiting ATP binding to STAT3 in an allosteric manner.Conclusions and Implications(E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal exerted anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects through inhibition of the NF‐κB/STAT3 pathway by direct binding to STAT3. This compound could be a useful agent for the treatment of arthritic disease.
Increased frequency of the rs2066853 variant of aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Cannavo S. , Ferrau F. , Ragonese M. , Romeo P. D. , Torre M. L. , Puglisi S. , De Menis E. , Arnaldi G. , Salpietro C. , Cotta O. R. , Albani A. , Ruggeri R. M. , Trimarchi F. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryContextAryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway has a key role in cellular detoxification mechanisms and seems implicated in tumorigenesis. Moreover, polymorphisms and mutations of AHR gene have been associated with several human and animal tumours. Although AHR has been found differently expressed in pituitary adenomas, AHR gene mutation status has never been investigated in acromegalic patients.DesignIn this study, we evaluated patients with apparently sporadic GH‐secreting pituitary adenoma for AHR gene variants.Patients and MethodsSeventy patients with sporadic GH‐secreting pituitary adenoma (M = 27, age 59·1 ± 1·6 years) and 157 sex‐ and age‐matched controls were enrolled in the study. In all patients and controls, the exons 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 of AHR gene were evaluated for nucleotide variants by sequencing analysis.ResultsThe rs2066853 polymorphism was identified in the exon 10 of 18/70 acromegalic patients and 9/157 healthy subjects (25·7 vs. 5·7%, χ2 = 18·98 P < 0·0001), in homozygosis in one patient and in heterozygosis in the other 17 and in the 9 healthy subjects. Moreover, a heterozygous rs4986826 variant in exon 10 was identified in a patient with heterozygous rs2066853 polymorphism, and in the patient with homozygous rs2066853 variant. This second polymorphism was not detected in the control group. Patients with rs2066853 polymorphism showed increased IGF‐1 ULN (P < 0·05) and prevalence of cavernous sinus invasion (P = 0·05), thyroid (P = 0·02), bladder (P = 0·0001) or lymphohematopoietic (P < 0·05) tumours.ConclusionsAHR gene rs2066853 polymorphism is significantly more frequent in acromegalic patients than in healthy subjects and is associated with increased disease aggressivity. Moreover, the rs4986826 variant was detected in few patients with rs2066853 polymorphism, but its role is to be cleared.