bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CUL4A facilitates hepatocarcinogenesis by promoting cell cycle progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Pan Yingfang , Wang Bo , Yang Xiaoyun , Bai Fuxiang , Xu Qun , Li Xueen , Gao Lifen , Ma Chunhong , Liang Xiaohong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCUL4A, a member of the CULLIN family, functions as a scaffold protein for an E3 ubiquitin ligase. It was reported that the CUL4A gene showed amplification in some human primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). However, the exact role of CUL4A in HCC remains unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression and function of CUL4A in HCC development. Through immunohistochemistry study, we showed increased CUL4A expression in HCC tissues. Statistical analysis disclosed an inverse correlation between CUL4A expression and tumor differentiation grade and patient survival, but a positive correlation with hepatocyte proliferation as well as lymphatic and venous invasion. CUL4A expression in HCC tissues was associated with HBeAg status in patients and upregulated by HBV in HCC cell lines. Further functional assay showed that CUL4A overexpression significantly promoted growth of H22 tumor homografts in BALB/c mice. Consistently, CUL4A knockdown inhibited the proliferation of established HCC cells, accompanied by S-phase reduction and Cyclin A and Cyclin B1 repression. Furthermore, CUL4A siRNA ameliorated the motility of HCC cell lines with altered expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated molecules. Taken together, our findings indicate that CUL4A plays a pivotal role in HCC progression and may serve as a potential marker for clinical diagnosis and target for therapy.
Genome-wide association study-identified SNPs (rs3790844, rs3790843) in the NR5A2 gene and risk of pancreatic cancer in Japanese
Authors: Ueno Makoto , Ohkawa Shinichi , Morimoto Manabu , Ishii Hiroshi , Matsuyama Masato , Kuruma Sawako , Egawa Naoto , Nakao Haruhisa , Mori Mitsuru , Matsuo Keitaro , Hosono Satoyo , Nojima Masanori , Wakai Kenji , Nakamura Kozue , Tamakoshi Akiko , Takahashi Mami , Shimada Kazuaki , Nishiyama Takeshi , Kikuchi Shogo , Lin Yingsong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe genotyped 2 SNPs (rs3790844 T/C and rs3790843 G/A) in the NR5A2 gene that were identified in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of pancreatic cancer in populations of mainly European ancestry and we examined their associations with pancreatic cancer risk in a case-control study of 360 patients and 400 control subjects in Japan. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.80). For rs3790843, the multivariable-adjusted OR was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.41–1.36) and 0.60 (95%CI: 0.33–1.08) for subjects with the AG and AA genotype, respectively, compared to subjects with the GG genotype. The per allele OR was 0.78 (0.62–0.99) (P = 0.046). For rs3790844, the multivariable-adjusted OR was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.37–1.14) and 0.47 (95%CI: 0.27–0.83) for subjects with the CT and CC genotype, respectively, compared to subjects with the TT genotype. The per allele OR was 0.70 (0.56–0.89) (P = 0.003). Our case-control study found that rs3790843 and rs3790844 in the NR5A2 gene are associated with pancreatic cancer risk in Japanese subjects. The direction of association is consistent with the prior findings from GWASs.
Water Lubrication of Stainless Steel using Reduced Graphene Oxide Coating
Authors: Kim Hae-Jin , Kim Dae-Eun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLubrication of mechanical systems using water instead of conventional oil lubricants is extremely attractive from the view of resource conservation and environmental protection. However, insufficient film thickness of water due to low viscosity and chemical reaction of water with metallic materials have been a great obstacle in utilization of water as an effective lubricant. Herein, the friction between a 440 C stainless steel (SS) ball and a 440 C stainless steel (SS) plate in water lubrication could be reduced by as much as 6-times by coating the ball with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The friction coefficient with rGO coated ball in water lubrication was comparable to the value obtained with the uncoated ball in oil lubrication. Moreover, the wear rate of the SS plate slid against the rGO coated ball in water lubrication was 3-times lower than that of the SS plate slid against the uncoated ball in oil lubrication. These results clearly demonstrated that water can be effectively utilized as a lubricant instead of oil to lower the friction and wear of SS components by coating one side with rGO. Implementation of this technology in mechanical systems is expected to aid in significant reduction of environmental pollution caused by the extensive use of oil lubricants.
Enteral siRNA delivery technique for therapeutic gene silencing in the liver via the lymphatic route
Authors: Murakami Masahiro , Nishina Kazutaka , Watanabe Chie , Yoshida-Tanaka Kie , Piao Wenying , Kuwahara Hiroya , Horikiri Yuji , Miyata Kanjiro , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Kataoka Kazunori , Yoshida Masayuki , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Yokota Takanori 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAn efficient targeting delivery technology is needed for functional oligonucleotides to exert their potential effect on the target gene without an adverse effect in vivo. Development of enteral delivery systems for nucleic acids is a major challenge because of their large molecular size and instability. Here, we describe a new enteral delivery technique that enables small interfering RNA (siRNA) selectively delivered to the liver to silence its target Apolipoprotein B gene expression. A nuclease-resistant synthetic siRNA was conjugated with α-tochopherol and administered as lipid nanoparticle to the large intestine of the mice in a postprandial state. The selective transport into the liver, effective gene silence and consequently significant reduction in serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, were demonstrated. The chylomicron-mediated pathway via the lymphatic route was suggested as major mechanism. This unique approach may provide a basis for developing oral and rectal delivery systems for nucleic acids targeting liver.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell aggregate: an optimal cell therapy for full-layer cutaneous wound vascularization and regeneration
Authors: An Yulin , wei Wei , Jing Huan , Ming Leiguo , Liu Shiyu , Jin Yan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCutaneous wounds are among the most common soft tissue injuries. Wounds involving dermis suffer more from outside influence and higher risk of chronic inflammation. Therefore the appearance and function restoration has become an imperative in tissue engineering research. In this study, cell-aggregates constructed with green fluorescent protein-expressing (GFP+) rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) were applied to rat acute full-layer cutaneous wound model to confirm its pro-regeneration ability and compare its regenerative efficacy with the currently thriving subcutaneous and intravenous stem cell administration strategy, with a view to sensing the advantages, disadvantages and the mechanism behind. According to results, cell-aggregates cultured in vitro enjoyed higher expression of several pro-healing genes than adherent cultured cells. Animal experiments showed better vascularization along with more regular dermal collagen deposition for cell-aggregate transplanted models. Immunofluorescence staining on inflammatory cells indicated a shorter inflammatory phase for cell-aggregate group, which was backed up by further RT-PCR. The in situ immunofluorescence staining manifested a higher GFP+-cell engraftment for cell-aggregate transplanted models versus cell administered ones. Thus it is safe to say the BMMSCs aggregate could bring superior cutaneous regeneration for full layer cutaneous wound to BMMSCs administration, both intravenous and subcutaneous.
Hepatitis B virus efficiently infects non-adherent hepatoma cells via human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide
Authors: Okuyama-Dobashi Kaori , Kasai Hirotake , Tanaka Tomohisa , Yamashita Atsuya , Yasumoto Jun , Chen Wenjia , Okamoto Toru , Maekawa Shinya , Watashi Koichi , Wakita Takaji , Ryo Akihide , Suzuki Tetsuro , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Moriishi Kohji 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) has been reported as a functional receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, HBV could not efficiently infect HepG2 cells expressing NTCP (NTCP-HepG2 cells) under adherent monolayer-cell conditions. In this study, NTCP was mainly detected in the basolateral membrane region, but not the apical site, of monolayer NTCP-HepG2 cells. We hypothesized that non-adherent cell conditions of infection would enhance HBV infectivity. Non-adherent NTCP-HepG2 cells were prepared by treatment with trypsin and EDTA, which did not degrade NTCP in the membrane fraction. HBV successfully infected NTCP-HepG2 cells at a viral dose 10 times lower in non-adherent phase than in adherent phase. Efficient infection of non-adherent NTCP-HepG2 cells with blood-borne or cell-culture-derived HBV was observed and was remarkably impaired in the presence of the myristoylated preS1 peptide. HBV could also efficiently infect HepaRG cells under non-adherent cell conditions. We screened several compounds using our culture system and identified proscillaridin A as a potent anti-HBV agent with an IC50 value of 7.2 nM. In conclusion, non-adherent host cell conditions of infection augmented HBV infectivity in an NTCP-dependent manner, thus providing a novel strategy to identify anti-HBV drugs and investigate the mechanism of HBV infection.
Enhancing the sensitivity of a micro-diaphragm resonating sensor by effectively positioning the mass on the membrane
Authors: Kim Jinsik , Kim Hye Jin , Cho EunAe , Shin Hyun-Joon , Park Jung Ho , Hwang Kyo Seon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe detection of biomarkers in the liquid phase using mechanical sensors is difficult because of noise caused by the liquid. To reduce and verify the side effects of liquid loading, we performed calculations and experiments to determine the shift in resonant frequency according to the loading conditions. A 2-μm-thick piezoelectric rectangular micro-diaphragm with a 500 × 500 μm membrane was used. These dimensions were determined such that there would be an analogous resonant frequency shift ratio in both (1, 1) and (2, 2) modes. By calculating and measuring the resonant frequency, we verified that the resonant frequency of the sensor would change only through contact with the liquid, even the resonant frequency change by only liquid much higher than the changes caused by the nanoparticles. The real signal constituted only 0.017% of the initial resonant frequency. To enhance the sensitivity by reducing the unexpected surface stress in the liquid, the liquid was dropped onto the surface of the micro-diaphragm. This resulted in an improvement of more than 10 times the sensitivity in both modes. In addition, by controlling the position in the micro-diaphragm resonating sensor, more sensitive positions with large displacements were determined according to each mode.
The coffee-machine bacteriome: biodiversity and colonisation of the wasted coffee tray leach
Authors: Vilanova Cristina , Iglesias Alba , Porcar Manuel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMicrobial communities are ubiquitous in both natural and artificial environments. However, microbial diversity is usually reduced under strong selection pressures, such as those present in habitats rich in recalcitrant or toxic compounds displaying antimicrobial properties. Caffeine is a natural alkaloid present in coffee, tea and soft drinks with well-known antibacterial properties. Here we present the first systematic analysis of coffee machine-associated bacteria. We sampled the coffee waste reservoir of ten different Nespresso machines and conducted a dynamic monitoring of the colonization process in a new machine. Our results reveal the existence of a varied bacterial community in all the machines sampled and a rapid colonisation process of the coffee leach. The community developed from a pioneering pool of enterobacteria and other opportunistic taxa to a mature but still highly variable microbiome rich in coffee-adapted bacteria. The bacterial communities described here, for the first time, are potential drivers of biotechnologically relevant processes including decaffeination and bioremediation.
Library interior design, costs, and implications for the future
Authors: Bell Brigitte , Cottrell Terrance Luther 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the impact that library interior design can have on patron satisfaction with library service offering, in light of cost concerns from both patrons and library managers alike.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper provides insight from library design researchers and the authors’ experiences with how to simultaneously design effective spaces and advocate for funding for construction and remodeling.

Findings
– There are at least three major categories for the fiscal impact of design projects: large, medium and small scale. Research on design projects, however, ranges from the low 6 figures to over $50 million. This situation creates a case-by-case environment for library administrators looking for best practices.

Originality/value
– No library is exactly like another, and no library’s patrons have similar fiscal tolerance for interior design proposals and build-out projects. This paper provides guidance for library administrator searching for more information on how to advocate for and begin the process of library interior design with an aim of increasing utility and functionality of spaces.
Use of research in local alcohol policy-making
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Ugland Trygve , Baklien Bergljot 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– On-premise trading hours are generally decided at the local level. The purpose of this paper is to identify relevant advocacy coalitions and to assess to what extent and how these coalitions used research in the alcohol policy-making process concerning changes in on-premise trading hours in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach
– Theory-driven content analyses were conducted, applying data from city council documents (24 Norwegian cities) and Norwegian newspaper articles and broadcast interviews (n=138) in 2011-2012.

Findings
– Two advocacy coalitions with conflicting views and values were identified. Both coalitions used research quite extensively – in the public debate and in the formal decision-making process – but in different ways. The restrictive coalition, favouring restricted trading hours and emphasising public health/safety, included the police and temperance movements and embraced research demonstrating the beneficial health/safety effects of restricting trading hours. The liberal coalition of conservative politicians and hospitality industry emphasised individual freedom and industry interests and promoted research demonstrating negative effects on hospitality industry turnover. This coalition also actively discredited the research demonstrating the beneficial health/safety effects of restricting trading hours.

Originality/value
– Little is known about how local alcohol policy-making processes are informed by research-based knowledge. This study is the first to analyse how advocacy coalitions use research to influence local alcohol policy-making.
Flight MH370: How can Malaysia deal with it?
Authors: Guo Yan , Deng Shu , Gong Xuan 
Published: November 2015

Subject area
Crisis management.

Study level/applicability
Graduate and MBA.

Case overview
This case analyzes the event of disappearing flight MH370 belonging to Malaysia Airlines which attracted worldwide attention from a third-party perspective. This case describes clearly the entire process of the crisis, mainly focusing on the decisions made and action taken by the Malaysian Government, and then illustrates the assessment and diagnosis of the crisis.

Expected learning outcomes
This case not only provides a sample for the teaching of strategic and crisis management but also supplies effective guidance for the measures a nation can take regarding a huge crisis.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Familial support impacts incarcerated women
'
s housing stability
Authors: Harris James , Martin Ruth Elwood , Filek Heather , Macaulay Ann C , Buxton Jane A. , Buchanan Marla , Korchinski Mo , Moravan Veronika , Ramsden Vivian 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– This participatory health research project of researchers and women prisoners examined housing and homelessness as perceived by incarcerated women to understand this public health concern and help guide policy. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– A participatory research team designed and conducted a survey of 83 incarcerated women in BC, Canada. Using descriptive statistics, the authors examined socio-demographic factors related to social support networks and family housing and women’s housing preference upon release.

Findings
– In total, 44 percent of participants reported no family home upon release while 31 percent reported lost family ties due to their incarceration. Most vulnerable subpopulations were women aged 25-34, aboriginal women and those with multiple incarcerations. Housing preferences differed between participants suggesting needs for varied options. Further implementation, evaluation and appraisal of social programs are required.

Research limitations/implications
– This study surveyed one correctional facility: future research could utilize multiple centers.

Practical implications
– Addressing housing instability among released incarcerated individuals is important fiscally and from a public health lens. Improved discharge planning and housing stability is needed through policy changes and social programs. A social support network, “Women in2 Healing,” has developed from the research group to address these issues.

Social implications
– Housing stability and recidivism are closely linked: providing stable housing options will lessen the social, fiscal and medical burden of individuals returning to crime, substance abuse, illness and poverty.

Originality/value
– Housing instability addresses an important social determinant of health and focussing on incarcerated women builds upon a small body of literature.
Do people choose to be homeless? An existentially informed hermeneutic phenomenological analysis
Authors: Wharne Simon 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– Homeless populations are a politically contentious problem and researchers struggle to achieve a balanced approach. They place emphasis on sharply contrasting factors, such as; institutional structures, ideologies or individual dispositions and differences. Central questions remain unanswered, i.e., is homelessness an outcome of society’s failings related to housing shortages, or a personal choice, as in the status of “intentional homelessness?” The purpose of this paper is to set aside assumptions, to explore experiences of homelessness and psychosis.

Design/methodology/approach
– An existentially informed hermeneutic phenomenological analysis; exploring transcribed narratives from semi-structured interviews with three men.

Findings
– These participants started to wander as a spontaneous response to distressing life experiences. Without any plan they travelled to new locations living on the street. Being contained and treated against their will in the psychiatric system was another source of distress. They did not choose homelessness through a rational calculation of their best interests. They felt at odds with society, which did not protect them and failed to meet their needs.

Research limitations/implications
– In qualitative research, findings are not generalisable to other settings.

Practical implications
– Homeless services should be enhanced by psychological expertise along with more person-centred emphatic approaches; the authors of social policies should consider their philosophical assumptions.

Social implications
– Systemised mental healthcare does not solve complex problems; fails to meet needs.

Originality/value
– The analysis informs the design of further research, prompts practitioners to review their understandings and provides grounds for the rewriting of policies.
Deploying telehealth with sheltered housing tenants living with COPD: a qualitative case study
Authors: Bailey Cathy , Cook Glenda , Herman Linda , McMillan Christine , Rose Jo , Marston Roy , Binks Eleanor , Barron Emma 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report on a small telehealth pilot in local authority sheltered housing in NE England. This explored the training and capacity building needed to develop a workforce/older person, telehealth partnership and service that is integrated within existing health, social care and housing services.

Design/methodology/approach
– A qualitative case study approach on the implementation and deployment of a pilot telehealth service, supporting sheltered housing tenants with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=4).

Findings
– Telehealth training and capacity building, needs to develop from within the workforce/older person partnership, if a usable and acceptable telehealth service is to be developed and integrated within existing health, care and housing services. To be adaptable to changing circumstances and individual need, flexible monitoring is also required.

Practical implications
– Service users and workforces, need to work together to provide flexible telehealth monitoring, that in the longer term, may improve service user, quality of life.

Originality/value
– The pilot explored a workforce/older person partnership to consider how to add and implement telehealth services, into existing health and housing services.
Social responsibility and reputation influences on the intentions of Chinese Huitang Village tourists
Authors: Su Lujun , Swanson Scott R. , Chen Xiaohong 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– This study aims to model and test the relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate reputation, customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach
– A total of 451 complete questionnaires were obtained from randomly approached ethnic Chinese leisure tourists. Following a two-step approach, a measurement model was estimated and then a structural model analyzed to test proposed hypotheses.

Findings
– CSR and reputation significantly impacted customer satisfaction, which, in turn, affected repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions. Customer satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between CSR and behavioral intentions in addition to corporate reputation.

Research limitations/implications
– The study considered only a limited number of lodging customers in a specific geographic area in China. Additional investigation across hospitality business types and cultures is needed.

Practical implications
– Investments in CSR activities in a Chinese hospitality consumption context can contribute to customer satisfaction and ultimately contribute positively to customer future behaviors.

Originality/value
– This study provides insights into the role that CSR may play for domestic Chinese hospitality customers. Little attention has been paid to the importance of corporate reputation in a tourism/hospitality context. This study contributes in helping to close this gap. Finally, this study embeds customer satisfaction within a framework of antecedents and consequences in an integrated causal model.