bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Histone Demethylase KDM4D Promotes Hepatic Fibrogenesis by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dong Fangyuan , Jiang Shuheng , Li Jun , Wang Yahui , Zhu Lili , Hu Xiaona , Huang Yiqin , Jiang Xin , Zhou Qi , Zhang Zhigang , Bao Zhijun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidence has revealed the pivotal role of epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of liver disease. However, the epigenetic mechanism that accounts for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation in liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. In this study, primary HSCs were used to screen the differentially expressed histone H3 lysine methyltransferases and demethylases during HSC activation. KDM4D was identified as a remarkable up-regulated histone H3 demethylase during HSC activation. The overexpression profile of KDM4D was further confirmed in three fibrosis animal models and human fibrotic liver tissues. In vitro genetic silencing of Kdm4d impaired the collagen gel contraction and migration capacity of primary HSCs. In established CCl4-induced mice model, Kdm4d knockdown inhibited fibrosis progression, and promoted fibrosis reversal, with enhanced thinning and splitting of fibrotic septa, as well as a dramatic decrease in collagen area. Whole gene transcriptome analysis showed the regulatory role of KDM4D in Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. Mechanistically, KDM4D catalyzed histone 3 on lysine 9 (H3K9) di-, and tri-demethylation, which promoted TLR4 expression, and subsequently prompted liver fibrogenesis by activating NF-κB signaling pathways. KDM4D facilitates TLR4 transcription through demethylation of H3K9, thus activating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways in HSCs, contributing to HSC activation and collagen crosslinking, further, hepatic fibrosis progression.
An in-depth look at DNA crystals through the prism of molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kuzmanic Antonija , Dans Pablo D. , Orozco Modesto 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTX-ray crystallography has been traditionally considered as the primary tool for the determination of biomolecular structures and its derived models are taken as the gold standard in structural biology. However, contacts formed through the crystal lattice are known to affect the structures, especially in the case of small and flexible molecules, like DNA oligos, introducing drastic changes in the structure with respect to the solution phase. Furthermore, it is still unknown why molecules crystallize in certain symmetry groups and how the associated lattice impacts their structure. The role of crystallization additives and whether they are just innocuous and unspecific catalyzers of the crystallization process also remains unclear. On account of a massive computational effort and the use of the latest generation force field, we were able to describe with unprecedented level of detail the nature of intermolecular forces that participate in the stabilization of B-DNA crystals in various symmetry groups and in different solvent environments. We showed that the stability of the crystal lattice and the type of crystallization additives are tightly coupled, and certain symmetry groups are only stable in the presence of a specific crystallization additive (i.e., spermine). Additives and crystal contacts induce small but non-negligible changes in the physical properties of DNA.
Rac1 Activated by DOCK1 in Combination with Rab31 Promotes the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Xie Guijun , Lv Peilin , Li Man , Kong Lingju 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes. It’s a fundus lesion with specific changes, and its specific molecular mechanism is still unclear.MethodsAll target proteins and markers expression in the study was verified by qPCR and western bloting. The morphology and behavior of human retinal epithelial cells ARPE-19 were analyzed using immunofluorescent and apoptosis detection assays, respectively. And, Small GTPase activity was detected by the GST-pull assay.ResultsWe found that DOCK1 showed high expression in high glucose-induced DR. Moreover, its high expression is positively correlated with Rab31 in tissues. DOCK1 promotes the activation of Rac1 and promotes apoptosis of retinal epithelial cells. Rab31 promotes the degradation of TJ proteins by promoting the transport of TJ proteins from the plasma membrane to the endosomes, thereby affecting the tight junctions of epithelial cells. Inhibition of Rac1 activity can effectively reduce cell apoptosis. Similarly, inhibition of Rab31 activity can significantly inhibit the degradation of TJ proteins.ConclusionThis study based on the high glucose-induced DR cell model reveals the role of two mutually synergistic signaling pathways through the important cytological phenomena of apoptosis and damage of tight junctions. One is the degradation of TJ proteins caused by Rab31-mediated vesicle trafficking, and the other is the apoptosis of retinal epithelial cells mediated by DOCK1-Rac1.
Close proximity interactions support transmission of ESBL-K. pneumoniae but not ESBL-E. coli in healthcare settings
Authors: Duval Audrey , Obadia Thomas , Boëlle Pierre-Yves , Fleury Eric , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Guillemot Didier , Temime Laura , Opatowski Lulla ,   the i-Bird Study group
Published: September 2018

AbstractAntibiotic-resistance of hospital-acquired infections is a major public health issue. The worldwide emergence and diffusion of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP), is of particular concern. Preventing their nosocomial spread requires understanding their transmission. Using Close Proximity Interactions (CPIs), measured by wearable sensors, and weekly ESBL-EC– and ESBL-KP–carriage data, we traced their possible transmission paths among 329 patients in a 200-bed long-term care facility over 4 months. Based on phenotypically defined resistance profiles to 12 antibiotics, new bacterial acquisitions were tracked. Extending a previously proposed statistical method, the CPI network’s ability to support observed incident colonization episodes of ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP was tested. Finally, mathematical modeling based on our findings assessed the effect of several infection-control measures. A potential infector was identified in the CPI network for 80% (16/20) of ESBL-KP acquisition episodes. The lengths of CPI paths between ESBL-KP incident cases and their potential infectors were shorter than predicted by chance (P = 0.02), indicating that CPI-network relationships were consistent with dissemination. Potential ESBL-EC infectors were identified for 54% (19/35) of the acquisitions, with longer-than-expected lengths of CPI paths. These contrasting results yielded differing impacts of infection control scenarios, with contact reduction interventions proving less effective for ESBL-EC than for ESBL-KP. These results highlight the widely variable transmission patterns among ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae species CPI networks supported ESBL-KP, but not ESBL-EC spread. These outcomes could help design more specific surveillance and control strategies to prevent in-hospital Enterobacteriaceae dissemination.Author summaryTracing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) dissemination in hospitals is an important step in the fight against the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Indeed, understanding ESBL spreading dynamics will help identify efficient control interventions. In the i-Bird study, patients and hospital staff from a French long-term care facility in France carried a wearable sensor to capture their interactions at less than 1.5 meters, every 30 seconds over a 4-month period. Every week, patients were also swabbed to detect carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Based on the analysis of these longitudinal data, this study shows that ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) mostly spreads during close-proximity interactions between individuals, while this is not the case for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC), suggesting that ESBL-KP but not ESBL-EC may be controlled by contact reduction interventions.
A CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutation in the zebrafish orthologue ofPPP2R3Bcauses idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Seda Marian , Crespo Berta , Corcelli Michelangelo , Osborn Daniel P. , Jenkins Dagan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIdiopathic scoliosis (IS) is the deformation and/or abnormal curvature of the spine that develops progressively after birth. It is a very common condition, affecting approximately 4% of the general population, yet the genetic and mechanistic causes of IS are poorly understood. Here, we focus onPPP2R3B, which encodes a protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit that has been linked to regulation of autophagy. We found thatPPP2R3Bis expressed at sites of chondrogenesis within human foetuses, including the vertebrae. We also demonstrated prominent expression in myotome and muscle fibres in human foetuses, and zebrafish embryos and adolescents. As there is no rodent orthologue ofPPP2R3B, we used CRIPSR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing to generate a series of frameshift mutations in zebrafishppp2r3b. Adolescent zebrafish that were homozygous for this mutation exhibited a fully penetrant kyphoscoliosis phenotype which became progressively worse over time, mirroring IS in humans. These defects were associated with reduced mineralisation of vertebrae, resembling osteoporosis. Electron microscopy demonstrated abnormal mitochondria adjacent to muscle fibres, suggestive of abnormal mitophagy.
Descriptive analysis in time and space of recorded data for Buruli Ulcer occurrence in Victoria over 22 years
Authors: Avumegah Michael S. , Tay Ee Laine , Alexandersen Soren , Michalski Wojtek P. , O’Brien Daniel P. , Jeanne Isabelle , Athan Eugene 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundBuruli ulcer (BU) is a subcutaneous necrotic infection of the skin caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. There has been increasing BU incidence in Victoria, Australia. The aim of this study to provide an epidemiological update of BU cases in Victoria to understand the pattern of distribution over time and space and attempt to identify local risk factors.MethodsA comprehensive descriptive epidemiological analyses were performed on BU notification data from 1994 to 2016. In addition, retrospective temporal, spatial and spatio-temporal analyses were conducted to understand the distribution of cases. Quantum GIS was used to generate maps. Demographic, new housing settlements and historical rainfall data were analysed to assess their effects on BU incidence in Victoria.FindingsThere were a total of 902 patients notified from 1994-2016. The incidence rate was 0.8/100,000 persons in Victoria. Space and time analyses showed that the most likely disease cluster was the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas with incidence rate 50 times higher than the State of Victoria rate. Gender was not a risk factor, but age was, with increased susceptibility among the over 60 year old group. There was an unusual high risk in the 15-24 age group in Point Lonsdale. Correlation analyses indicated that increase in population and construction of new settlements might be some of the reasons contributing to the rise in cases in Victoria.InterpretationThe findings agreed with published works in Australia of the increase in BU cases in Victoria. However, our findings also highlights the endemic nature of cases. The identified spatial disease clusters could be relevant for future environmental sampling studies or screening tests for M. ulcerans exposure.Author SummaryBuruli ulcer (BU) has been reported in 33 countries, mainly from the Tropics and Sub-tropics. Tropical cases are mainly within the West African region. Australia is the only country outside Africa in the top six highest incidence countries for BU. The exact mode of transmission remains unclear. Disease cases are rising in Australia, especially in Victoria for reasons that remains unclear. We have provided a descriptive epidemiological analyses in space and time of 22 years of recorded data on BU cases in Victoria from 1994 to 2016. We have also discussed demographic and new settlement dynamics over the study period. There were a total of 902 PCR-confirmed BU cases from 245 suburbs. Five suburbs on the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas were identified as the most endemic locations in Victoria. Spatial analyses detected a wider disease cluster area on the Peninsulas. We propose environmental sampling for risk factors analyses should focus on the endemic regions and some secondary clusters.
The development of Hong Kong students’ civic attitudes under Chinese sovereignty
Authors: Kennedy Kerry J. , Li Lijuan Joanna , Ng Hoi Yu 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The recent mobilization of many Hong Kong youth to engage in what are regarded as radical political activities is not a new area of investigation. Much has been discussed about this growing political activism and localism often giving an impression that Hong Kong youth are radical and disengaged from China as a nation. Yet little is known about the possible antecedents of such disengagement. The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there is empirical evidence of growth or decline in civic trust and national attitudes amongst Hong Kong young adolescents over the ten-year period from 1999 to 2009.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study latent profile analyses were used to classify cohorts of Hong Kong secondary students according to the levels of their self-reported trust in civic institutions and attitudes toward the nation. The cohorts were separated by a ten-year gap. Comparisons were made across groups and across the ten-year time span, in order to trace changes in civic attitudes of young adolescents following the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

Findings
Three distinct groups were identified in both cohorts – Activists, who had negative attitudes to trust and toward the nation, Nationalists who had positive attitudes toward trust and the nation and Moderates who endorsed average responses to the, two variables. The gaps between the groups tended to be greater in the 2009 group compared to the 1999 groups suggesting greater polarization amongst adolescents on these measures.

Originality/value
Young adolescents cannot be assumed to be politically neutral or lacking social values. Citizenship education needs to take this into account so that values can be clarified and major issues can be discussed in a safe and supportive environment.
Perceived interviewee anxiety and performance in telephone interviews
Authors: Jeske Debora , Shultz Kenneth S. , Owen Sarah 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the role of interviewee anxiety as a predictor of perceived hireability (Study 1, n=82) and job suitability (Study 2, n=74).

Design/methodology/approach
Using an experimental design, participants were randomly allocated to one of two conditions (an audio recording of either a confident or anxious job candidate with identical scripts) and asked to take the role of an interviewer.

Findings
The anxious interviewee (played by an actor) was consistently rated as less hireable (in a combined sample based on Studies and 2), less suitable to the job and received less favorable hiring recommendations (as assessed in Study 2) than the confident interviewee (played by the same actor).

Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted with students who may have less interview experience than experienced interviewers.

Practical implications
The results suggest that anxiety has a negative biasing effect on perceived hireability and job suitability ratings. In other words, the behavioral manipulation of anxiety affects hireability ratings, independent of any subjective assessment of anxiety.

Originality/value
The findings provide evidence of an anxiety bias in telephone interview settings. The results highlight the importance of considering anxiety cues when training employment interviewers.
The role of brokers in a workplace development programme targeting SMEs
Authors: Halvarsson Lundkvist Agneta , Gustavsson Maria 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of a workplace development programme (WPDP) targeting small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) by focussing on the people who acted as brokers providing cross-boundary connections between its collaborating partners.

Design/methodology/approach
The material, from interviews with 32 individuals and 11 meetings, was analysed in a boundary-crossing framework, which provided tools to reveal how the roles of brokers at different levels (operative, strategic and national) of the WPDP affected its development.

Findings
The findings indicate that cross-boundary connections were made by persons who acted as brokers within and between different levels of the WPDP. The brokers who provided cross-boundary connections between different levels of the WPDP were found to play the most important role for the prompt development of the WPDP.

Originality/value
Apart from unique empirical material depicting the development of a collaborative venture between national and regional stakeholders of the manufacturing industry, the value of this study is the attention given to the people behind the policymaking of publicly funded national WPDPs, revealing the complex business of developing policy-driven competence development activities to employees in SMEs.
Usage pattern of e-resources among management students in Nagpur, Maharashtra (India)
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Vandana Vandana , Batra D.K. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the usage pattern of electronic resources (e-resources) among management graduates. The respondents were asked about the types of e-resources they used, who their influencers were, their preferred place for surfing, the frequency of use, purpose for which they used e-resources, its benefits and the problems they faced while using e-resources. The findings of the study will help in enhancing the usage of e-resources among students who opt for management courses.

Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive research was conducted in Nagpur, Maharashtra (India). Data collected from 150 management students through purposive sampling were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and the responses were presented in tabular form.

Findings
The investigation reveals that students are well aware of e-resources and consider them to be very useful for their academic performance. Interestingly, students are found to be using non-paid resources more than paid ones because of a lack of search skills. Discipline-wise investigation reveals that students from the disciplines of information technology, economics and finance use e-resources more frequently than those studying subjects like marketing, operations and human resource management. Faculty and training have emerged as strong influencers that have persuaded students to use e-resources.

Research limitations/implications
The present study is limited to students studying management courses in Nagpur, Maharashtra (India).

Originality/value
This research will help institutions, librarians and publishers in gaining insight on the utilization patterns of e-resources. The uniqueness of this study lies in the fact that it has analyzed and presented the responses of management students belonging to different disciplines in management studies such as, marketing, finance, human resource management operations, economics and information technology regarding their usage patterns of e-resources.
Emotional intelligence towards entrepreneurial career choice behaviours
Authors: Othman Norasmah , Tengku Muda Tengku Nor Asma Amira 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess emotional intelligence levels and their contributions to entrepreneurial career choice behaviours among Malaysian public university students.

Design/methodology/approach
This study surveyed 369 respondents selected from a population of 87,503 Malaysian public university students using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Respondents were given a three-part questionnaire covering their personal information, their emotional intelligence in terms of self-awareness, emotion management, empathy and social skills and their entrepreneurial career choice behaviours.

Findings
The results indicate that the surveyed students have high levels of self-awareness and empathy, and moderate levels of emotion management and social skills. This indicates that these students are able to manage their emotions in making decisions and consider people’s emotions. The results also indicate that students who were able to manage their negative emotions were more likely to choose an entrepreneurial career.

Research limitations/implications
This study aims to help higher institutions focus on emotional intelligence in the entrepreneurship curriculum to help students recognise their potential in terms of entrepreneurial characteristics and behaviours. Students’ involvement in entrepreneurship can foster economic growth in developing countries. A limitation of this study is that it focuses only on second-year undergraduates from public universities in the Selangor area.

Originality/value
Few studies address emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial career choices among public university students, which this study addresses.
Learning style preferences of undergraduate students
Authors: Yousef Darwish Abdulrahman 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the use of Honey and Mumford’s Learning Styles Questionnaire (LSQ) to investigate the learning style preferences of undergraduate students at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) culture. It also investigates whether there are significant differences across the four dimensions of learning styles due to students’ demographics.

Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 200 undergraduate students at AURAK in the UAE. The majority of students were Arabic native-speakers. Descriptive statistics were used to present the main characteristics of respondents and the results of the study. The independent samples t-test, Mann–Whitney test and Kurskal–Wallis test were used to find out if there are significant differences across the four dimensions of learning styles due to students’ demographics.

Findings
The results of the study illustrated that undergraduate students at AURAK have preferences for the reflector (15.0), pragmatist (14.2), theorist (13.9) and activist (12.3) learning styles. Moreover, there are only significant differences between Emirati and non-Emirati students across the four learning styles and between single and married students in the theorist learning style.

Research limitations/implications
This study has a number of limitations. First, the findings of the study are based on the data collected from only one university. Second, the sample is limited to undergraduate students and, therefore, it excludes graduate students who might have different experiences. Third, the results are based on a self-reported questionnaire which might affect the reliability of the results. On the other hand, it has a number of implications for educators and students. Educators will benefit from the results of this study in the sense that they need to adopt teaching styles and strategies that match the learning styles of the majority of their students. Students themselves will benefit from knowing their own learning style.

Originality/value
The present study validates a learning style theory developed in a western culture in an Arabic culture.