bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of TGF-β1-CD147 positive feedback loop in hepatic stellate cells promotes liver fibrosis
Authors: Li Hai-Yan , Ju Di , Zhang Da-Wei , Li Hao , Kong Ling-Min , Guo Yanhai , Li Can , Wang Xi-Long , Chen Zhi-Nan , Bian Huijie 
Published: November 2015

AbstractActivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) initiates HBV-associated fibrogenesis. The mechanism of TGF-β1 modulating HSC activation is not fully uncovered. We hypothesized a positive feedback signaling loop of TGF-β1-CD147 promoting liver fibrogenesis by activation of HSCs. Human HSC cell line LX-2 and spontaneous liver fibrosis model derived from HBV transgenic mice were used to evaluate the activation of molecules in the signaling loop. Wound healing and cell contraction assay were performed to detect the CD147-overexpressed HSC migration and contraction. The transcriptional regulation of CD147 by TGF-β1/Smad4 was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. We found that a positive reciprocal regulation between TGF-β1 and CD147 mediated HSC activation. CD147 over-expression promoted HSC migration and accelerated TGF-β1-induced cell contraction. Phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in cooperation with Smad4 mediated the TGF-β1-regulated CD147 expression. Smad4 activated the transcription by direct interaction with CD147 promoter. Meanwhile, CD147 modulated the activated phenotype of HSCs through the ERK1/2 and Sp1 which up-regulated α-SMA, collagen I and TGF-β1 synthesis. These findings indicate that TGF-β1-CD147 loop plays a key role in regulating the HSC activation and combination of TGF-β receptor inhibitor and anti-CD147 antibody might be promised to reverse fibrogenesis.
Surface hydrogenation regulated wrinkling and torque capability of hydrogenated graphene annulus under circular shearing
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Liu Silin , Datta Dibakar , Li Zhonghua 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWrinkles as intrinsic topological feature have been expected to affect the electrical and mechanical properties of atomically thin graphene. Molecular dynamics simulations are adopted to investigate the wrinkling characteristics in hydrogenated graphene annulus under circular shearing at the inner edge. The amplitude of wrinkles induced by in-plane rotation around the inner edge is sensitive to hydrogenation and increases quadratically with hydrogen coverage. The effect of hydrogenation on mechanical properties is investigated by calculating the torque capability of annular graphene with varying hydrogen coverage and inner radius. Hydrogenation-enhanced wrinkles cause the aggregation of carbon atoms towards the inner edge and contribute to the critical torque strength of annulus. Based on detailed stress distribution contours, a shear-to-tension conversion mechanism is proposed for the contribution of wrinkles on torque capacity. As a result, the graphane annulus anomalously has similar torque capacity to pristine graphene annulus. The competition between hydrogenation caused bond strength deterioration and wrinkling induced local stress state conversion leads to a U-shaped evolution of torque strength relative to the increase of hydrogen coverage from 0 to 100%. Such hydrogenation tailored topological and mechanical characteristics provides an innovative mean to develop novel graphene-based devices.
Grain boundary resistance to amorphization of nanocrystalline silicon carbide
Authors: Chen Dong , Gao Fei , Liu Bo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUnder the C displacement condition, we have used molecular dynamics simulation to examine the effects of grain boundaries (GBs) on the amorphization of nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-SiC) by point defect accumulation. The results show that the interstitials are preferentially absorbed and accumulated at GBs that provide the sinks for defect annihilation at low doses, but also driving force to initiate amorphization in the nc-SiC at higher doses. The majority of surviving defects are C interstitials, as either C-Si or C-C dumbbells. The concentration of defect clusters increases with increasing dose and their distributions are mainly observed along the GBs. Especially these small clusters can subsequently coalesce and form amorphous domains at the GBs during the accumulation of carbon defects. A comparison between displacement amorphized nc-SiC and melt-quenched single crystal SiC shows the similar topological features. At a dose of 0.55 displacements per atom (dpa), the pair correlation function lacks long range order, demonstrating that the nc-SiC is fully amorphilized.
IL-36α: a novel cytokine involved in the catabolic and inflammatory response in chondrocytes
Authors: Conde Javier , Scotece Morena , Abella Vanessa , Lois Ana , López Verónica , García-Caballero Tomás , Pino Jesús , Gómez-Reino Juan Jesús , Gómez Rodolfo , Lago Francisca , Gualillo Oreste 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRecent studies confer to IL-36α pro-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about the expression and function of IL-36α in cartilage. This study sought to analyze the expression of IL-36α in healthy and OA cartilage. Next, we determined the effects of recombinant IL-36α on catabolism and inflammation in chondrocytes. For completeness, part of the signaling pathway elicited by IL-36α was also explored. IL-36α expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Expression of MMP-13, NOS2 and COX-2 was also determined in OA articular chondrocytes treated with recombinant IL-36α. IκB-α and P-p38 was explored by western blot. We observed a low constitutive expression of IL-36α in healthy human chondrocytes. However, OA chondrocytes likely expressed more IL-36α than healthy chondrocytes. In addition, immune cells infiltrated into the joint and PBMCs express higher levels of IL-36α in comparison to chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes, treated with IL-36α, showed significant increase in the expression of MMP-13, NOS2 and COX-2. Finally, IL-36α stimulated cells showed NFκB and p38 MAPK activated pathways. IL-36α acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine at cartilage level, by increasing the expression of markers of inflammation and cartilage catabolism. Like other members of IL-1 family, IL-36α acts through the activation of NFκB and p38 MAPK pathway.
Production of Human Albumin in Pigs Through CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockin of Human cDNA into Swine Albumin Locus in the Zygotes
Authors: Peng Jin , Wang Yong , Jiang Junyi , Zhou Xiaoyang , Song Lei , Wang Lulu , Ding Chen , Qin Jun , Liu Liping , Wang Weihua , Liu Jianqiao , Huang Xingxu , Wei Hong , Zhang Pumin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPrecise genome modification in large domesticated animals is desirable under many circumstances. In the past it is only possible through lengthy and burdensome cloning procedures. Here we attempted to achieve that goal through the use of the newest genome-modifying tool CRISPR/Cas9. We set out to knockin human albumin cDNA into pig Alb locus for the production of recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA). HSA is a widely used human blood product and is in high demand. We show that homologous recombination can occur highly efficiently in swine zygotes. All 16 piglets born from the manipulated zygotes carry the expected knockin allele and we demonstrated the presence of human albumin in the blood of these piglets. Furthermore, the knockin allele was successfully transmitted through germline. This success in precision genomic engineering is expected to spur exploration of pigs and other large domesticated animals to be used as bioreactors for the production of biomedical products or creation of livestock strains with more desirable traits.
Enhancement of maximum reach on spectrum‐sliced ASE systems employing self‐seeded reflective‐SOAs transmitters
Authors: Duarte U.R. , Romero M.A. 
Published: November 2015

A self‐seeding wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network scheme employing a directly modulated reflective semiconductor optical amplifier at 1.25 Gbit/s is investigated, aiming long‐reach applications. Specifically, power penalty and bit error rate (BER) were measured as a function of the fibre length for downstream path. Optical transmission over 140 km, within the forward error correction limit (BER of 10−4), with a maximum power penalty of 2.7 dB is experimentally demonstrated. In contrast, a pre‐spectrum‐sliced source (PSSL) topology displays a similar penalty but its maximum reach is restricted to 80 km. Thus, the proposal enables an enhancement of 12 dB on power budget when compared with the PSSL topology, as well as eliminates the need for a shared broadband light source.
Implementation of a modified perturb and observe maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic system using an embedded microcontroller
Authors: Elbaset Adel A. , Ali Hamdi , Abd‐El Sattar Montaser , Khaled Mahmoud 
Published: November 2015

The conventional algorithm of perturb and observe (P&O) is widely applied due to its simplicity, low cost and easy implementation. However, it suffers from instabilities during rapid changes of weather and/or oscillation around maximum power point (MPP) at steady state. Instabilities occur due to the incorrect decision taken by the conventional P&O algorithm at the first step change in duty cycle during the rapid change in radiation. The reason for the steady‐state oscillation is the continuous perturbation and tradeoff between step sizes and the convergence time. This study presents a modified P&O algorithm to overcome such drawbacks. It uses a constant load technique to help the conventional P&O algorithm for recognising the cause of power change and to enable it in taking the right decision at first step change in duty cycle during rapid change of weather. The proposed algorithm is simulated using a single solar photovoltaic module of 80 W and a DC/DC boost converter. It is validated experimentally and implemented within an embedded microcontroller. The experimental setup presents a proposed model‐based design methodology that uses measurements’ data for MPP tracking systems’ design. It combines hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation and prototype testing using actual weather measurements. Simulation and experiments show excellent results.
Extremely high genetic diversity in a single tumor points to prevalence of non-Darwinian cell evolution
Authors: Ling Shaoping , Hu Zheng , Yang Zuyu , Yang Fang , Li Yawei , Lin Pei , Chen Ke , Dong Lili , Cao Lihua , Tao Yong , Hao Lingtong , Chen Qingjian , Gong Qiang , Wu Dafei , Li Wenjie , Zhao Wenming , Tian Xiuyun , Hao Chunyi , Hungate Eric A. , Catenacci Daniel V. T. , Hudson Richard R. , Li Wen-Hsiung , Lu Xuemei , Wu Chung-I 
Published: November 2015

Significance
A tumor comprising many cells can be compared to a natural population with many individuals. The amount of genetic diversity reflects how it has evolved and can influence its future evolution. We evaluated a single tumor by sequencing or genotyping nearly 300 regions from the tumor. When the data were analyzed by modern population genetic theory, we estimated more than 100 million coding region mutations in this unexceptional tumor. The extreme genetic diversity implies evolution under the non-Darwinian mode. In contrast, under the prevailing view of Darwinian selection, the genetic diversity would be orders of magnitude lower. Because genetic diversity accrues rapidly, a high probability of drug resistance should be heeded, even in the treatment of microscopic tumors.
Trawling disturbance on megabenthos and sediment in the Barents Sea: chronic effects on density, diversity, and composition
Authors: Buhl-Mortensen Lene , Ellingsen Kari E. , Buhl-Mortensen Pål , Skaar Kristian L. , Gonzalez-Mirelis Genoveva 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBottom-trawl fisheries are expanding into deeper habitats and higher latitudes, but our understanding of their effects in these areas is limited. The ecological importance of habitat-forming megabenthos and their vulnerability to trawling is acknowledged, but studies on effects are few. Our objective was to investigate chronic effects of otter trawl fishery on substratum and megabenthos on the shelf (50–400 m) and slope (400–2000 m) in the southern Barents Sea. The study area represents a wide range in the history of fishing intensity (FI). Physical impact of trawling, density of trawl marks (TMs), was quantified on 250 video transects from shelf and slope, and megabenthos (&gt;2 cm) composition was studied on 149 video transects from the shelf. The number of satellite-recorded vessels within grid cells 5 × 5 km was used as a proxy for FI in the TM analysis and for the megabenthos records within a 2-km radius around the transects. The effects of using different search area sizes were tested. Patterns in the density of TMs and megabenthos composition were compared with FI using linear regression and correspondence analysis. Occurrence of TMs was not directly related to FI but to bottom type, whereas megabenthos density and diversity showed a negative relation. For 79 of the 97 most common taxa, density was negatively correlated with FI. The sponges Craniella zetlandica and Phakellia / Axinella were particularly vulnerable, but also Flabellum macandrewi (Scleractinia), Ditrupa arietina (Polychaeta), Funiculina quadrangularis (Pennatulacea), and Spatangus purpureus (Echinoidea) were negatively correlated with FI, whereas asteroids, lamp shells, and small sponges showed a positive trend. Our results are an important step towards the understanding of chronic effects of bottom trawling and are discussed in relation to the descriptors “Biological diversity” and “Seafloor integrity” in the EU Marine strategic framework directive.
CFO financial expertise and corporate governance concerns
Authors: Sun Li , Johnson Grace , Rahman Fuad 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to examine the association between the financial expertise of the chief financial officer (CFO) and concerns about corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach
– Consistent with prior research, the authors used four variables, including certified public accountant (CPA) certification, Master of Business Administration degree, age of CFO and length of CFO tenure, to measure CFO’s financial expertise. The authors hypothesize a negative association between CFO expertise and concerns about corporate governance.

Findings
– Regression analysis revealed that the CPA certification is negatively associated with governance concerns at a significant level. The results suggest that stakeholders show less concerns about a company’s corporate governance mechanism when the CFO has a CPA certification. In particular, the results support the recommendation by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants that a CFO of a public firm should have a CPA certification.

Originality/value
– The study is important in the following ways. First, the study delivers new evidence on the link between CFO financial expertise and corporate governance. This contributes to the CFO financial expertise literature and the corporate governance literature. Second, according to Standard and Poor’s, equity index investing has grown more popular over the past 30 years. The study delivers useful information to index investors who invest in S
&
P SmallCap 600 Index. Third, regulators have put a large amount of resources to discover ways to strengthen firms’ corporate governance. Thus, the results should be of interest to policy makers who design and implement guidelines on corporate governance mechanisms.
The relationship between ICTs and HPWPs across occupations
Authors: Bayo-Moriones Alberto , Calleja-Blanco Jonathan , Lera-López Fernando 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the specific relationship between information and communication technologies (ICT) and high performance work practices (HPWP) at employee level, both generally and per job category.Design/methodology/approach– Generalized ordered logit and logit models are estimated in relation to data from 31 European countries using the fourth European Working Conditions Survey.Findings– This paper reveals a generally positive association between ICT use and HPWP participation by workers but different results when ICT and HPWP variables are analysed separately. Worker autonomy and participation in autonomous teams are linked to greater ICT use, but the cases of job rotation and task variety are not so clear. Additionally, the authors find how worker occupation conditions such links and note divergences between high and low-skilled positions.Research limitations/implications– The cross-sectional nature of the data does not allow the authors to report causal relations.Practical implications– The results suggest that depending on the work practices to be considered, as well as occupation, some ICTs are more suitable than others.Originality/value– Two main features make this paper novel. First, previous studies on the link between ICT and HPWP made use of indexes, rendering the generation of assorted results impossible. Thus, the authors study how different ICT variables are related to different HPWPs at employee level. Second, the authors test whether employee occupation is a moderator in such relationships.
Mitigating inefficiencies in budget spending: evidence from an explorative study
Authors: Rausch Alexandra , Wall Friederike 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a greater flexibility in the budget time-structure, which allows for shifting budgetary funds beyond the budget year, does, in fact, mitigate inefficiencies in budget spending. Traditional budgets are usually tied to a finite time span, e.g. one year, and are heavily criticized both for hampering efficient resource allocation and also for encouraging dysfunctional budget spending behaviours such as wasteful spend-downs at the end of the budget year and inappropriate holding back of funds early on.

Design/methodology/approach
– A research framework is proposed which draws on critical perspectives developed in prior research and an analytical model put forward by Pollack/Zeckhauser that is adopted as the basis for the development of the hypotheses. In an explorative study, data from an empirical questionnaire survey administered to 219 practitioners, mainly managers, from Austria are then used to substantiate the hypotheses.

Findings
– Finite-period budgets and fully flexible budgets, which allow subordinates both to save unspent funds beyond the budget year and also to borrow funds from future budgets, cause inefficiencies in budget spending. Subordinates who are allowed to spend and save funds at their discretion without being threatened by the loss of funds or imminent debts seem to spend their budgets most efficiently.

Originality/value
– The present paper contributes to the management accounting literature by investigating a heavily criticized but rather underexplored area of budgeting and by subjecting theoretical propositions from prior research to explorative empirical testing. Enhanced understanding of the temporal effects of the budget cycle structure will help practitioners improve budget spending and should encourage further research.
The dynamics of regional and global expansion
Authors: Asmussen Christian Geisler , Nielsen Bo Bernhard , Osegowitsch Tom , Sammartino Andre 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to model and test the dynamics of home-regional and global penetration by multi-national enterprises (MNEs).Design/methodology/approach– Drawing on international business (IB) theory, the authors model MNEs adjusting their home-regional and global market presence over time. The authors test the resulting hypotheses using sales data from a sample of 220 of the world’s largest MNEs over the period 1995-2005. The authors focus specifically on the relationship between levels of market penetration inside and outside the home region and rates of change in each domain.Findings– The authors demonstrate that MNEs do penetrate both home-regional and global markets, often simultaneously, and that penetration levels often oscillate within an MNE over time. The authors show firms’ rates of regional and global expansion to be affected by their existing regional and global penetration, as well as their interplay. Finally, the authors identify differences in the steady states at which firms stabilize their penetration levels in the home-regional and the global space. The findings broadly confirm the MNE as an interdependent portfolio with important regional demarcations.Originality/value– The authors identify complex interdependencies between home-regional and global penetration and growth, paving the way for further studies of the impact of regions on MNE expansion.
Corporate decision to remain private in Mozambique: a qualitative study
Authors: Ibekwe Ibeawuchi 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to explore the views of chief finance officers (CFOs) of companies in Mozambique toward understanding corporate decisions to remain private despite the potential benefits of stock market listing.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research adopted a qualitative approach. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 35 CFOs of the top 100 companies in Mozambique.

Findings
– Although most of the CFOs interviewed were aware of the existence of the stock exchange of Mozambique, many of them had never considered listing their firms. The major themes that emerged for why they do not use the stock market include the need to maintain ownership and control, not to disclose proprietary information to potential competitors and no need for the stock market because of availability of other sources.

Practical implications
– The study is of interest to corporate managers interested in sourcing funds in a manner that meets the peculiar needs of the firm. It is also important for policy makers in the government who are interested in developing relevant financial institutions that meets the need of potential users.

Social implications
– New and growth companies drive economic growth through new product development and job creation on which the society depends. Their ability to do this in the long run greatly depends on their ability to access cheaper sources of funds that meet their peculiar needs.

Originality/value
– No research has either quantitatively or qualitatively addressed the issue of why firms in Mozambique choose to remain private despite the incentives and potential benefits of listing. Studies conducted in the developed countries are not expected to throw much light on the countries like Mozambique because of the cultural and institutional differences.