Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The water retention curve for materials with deformable particles: Experimental study and predicting

One of the fundamental hydraulic characteristics in unsaturated materials is the water retention curve (WRC). It relates the suction evolution on the water content or on the degree of saturation. Its experimental determination is often difficult and requires specific techniques. In literature the subject was recently investigated. However, the materials which have been studied are, in general, constituted by undeformable particles material, such as sandy or silty soils. Moreover, a large number of materials are constituted by deformable particles. The purpose of this study is to present the experimental water retention curve for deformable materials as swelling clay and perlite. Then, a model based on the particle-size distribution curve is proposed. The fundamental idea is deduced from the Paris Model. The simulations of the experimental results have been done and particularly the material deformability degree effect on the corresponding WRC is quantified. Finally, the good agreement between the predicted WRC and the experimental one shows the practical useful of the proposal model. RESUME Une des proprietes fondamentales des materiaux non satures est la courbe de retention d'eau (WRC). Elle relie la teneur en eau ou le degre de saturation a la succion. Sa determination experimentale est souvent difficile et demande des moyens specifiques. Plusieurs travaux de recherches traitant la determination de la WRC sont deja publies dans la litterature. Cependant rares qui se sont interesses aux materiaux a microstructure deformable. Dans cette etude on presente l'etude experimentale de WRC pour des argiles gonflante et pour la perlite. Le modele de Paris pour la prediction de WRC est teste. L'accent est mis sur l'effet de la deformabilite de la microstructure sur la courbe de retention d'eau.
Experimental Therapeutics , Molecular Targets , and Chemical Biology The Cell Death – Inducing Activity of the Peptide Containing Noxa Mitochondrial-Targeting Domain Is Associated with Calcium Release

DNA damage stabilizes the p53 tumor suppressor protein that determines the cell fate by either cell cycle arrest or cell death induction. Noxa, the BH3-only Bcl-2 family protein, was shown to be a key player in p53-induced cell death through the mitochondrial dysfunction; however, the molecular mechanism by which Noxa induces the mitochondrial dysfunction to cause cell death in response to genotoxic agents is largely unknown. Here, we show that the mitochondrial-targeting domain (MTD) of Noxa is a prodeath domain. Peptide containing MTD causes massive necrosis in vitro through cytosolic calcium increase; it is released from the mitochondria by opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. MTD peptide–induced cell death can be inhibited by calcium chelator BAPTA-AM. Moreover, MTD peptide shows the potent tumor-killing activities in mice by joining with tumor-homing motifs. [Cancer Res 2009;69(21):8356–65]
Clinic and Cone beam computed tomography characterization of the bone maxilofacial lesions from Estomatology Clinic

Objetivo : Caracterizar as lesoes osseas da regiao maxilofacial conjugando seus aspectos clinicos aos imaginologicos, por tomografia computadorizada de feixe conico (TCFC), comparando estes achados da literatura. Material e Metodos : Foram selecionados 12 prontuarios da Clinica de Propedeutica Estomatologica do ICT-UNESP, apresentando lesoes osseas na regiao maxilofacial, com previa indicacao de exame por TCFC, realizados em tomografo i-CAT Next Generation (imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, EUA) na clinica de Radiologia da instituicao. Foram levantadas informacoes clinicas como sexo, faixa etaria e queixas principais. Avaliou-se as imagens de TCFC quanto: localizacao, arquitetura interna e limites da lesao, efeito nas corticais osseas, efeito nos dentes e estruturas de suporte dentario e os aspectos internos da lesao. As imagens foram avaliadas no software i-CAT Vision do tomografo em janelas de reconstrucao multiplanar (MPR). Resultados : Foram estudadas 04 lesoes correspondentes a cistos radiculares, 02 a tumores odontogenicos queratocisticos, 01 a odontoma composto, 01 a hamartoma odontogenico, 01 a displasia ossea focal, 01 tumor odontogenico cistico calcificante e 02 cicatrizes fibrosas. A TCFC auxiliou na conclusao dos diagnosticos, visto sua caracteristica de tridimensionalidade, houve, algumas vezes, divergencias em relacao aos achados descritos na literatura, eminentemente baseados radiografias bidimensionais. Conclusao : a TCFC e de grande valia na caracterizacao das lesoes osseas, observa-se uma necessidade na literatura de uma abordagem especifica para esta modalidade de imagens, diferente das radiograficas convencionais.
IL-13 / STAT 6 signaling plays a critical role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to the distant metastases. Compelling evidence has reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in promoting cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the precise molecular events that initiate this complex EMT process remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13) could induce an aggressive phenotype displaying EMT by enhancing the expression of EMT-promoting factor ZEB1. Importantly, STAT6 signaling inhibitor and STAT6 knockdown significantly reversed IL-13-induced EMT and ZEB1 induction in CRC cells, whereas ectopic STAT6 expression in STAT6null CRC cell line markedly promoted EMT in the present of IL-13. ChIP-PCR and Luciferase assays revealed that activated STAT6 directly bound to the promoter of ZEB1. Otherwise, we found IL-13 also up-regulated the stem cell markers (nanog, CD44, CD133 and CD166) and promoted cell migration and invasion through STAT6 pathway. We also found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of IL-13Rα1 could reverse IL-13-induced ZEB1 and EMT changes by preventing STAT6 signaling. Finally, we demonstrated positive correlation between IL-13Rα1 and ZEB1 at mRNA levels in human CRC samples. Taken together, our findings first demonstrated that IL-13/IL-13Rα1/STAT6/ZEB1 pathway plays a critical role in promoting EMT and aggressiveness of CRC.
The Price Puzzle Revisited: Can the Cost Channel explain a Rise in Inflation after a Monetary Shock?

This paper explores whether the cost channel solves the price puzzle. We set-up a New Keynesian DSGE model and estimate it for the euro area by adopting a minimum distance approach. Our findings suggest that - under certain parameter restrictions which are not rejected by the data - the cost channel helps to generate an initial rise of inflation after a monetary contraction.
Asymmetric information and political budget cycles: the effect of the local diffusion of newspapers

This paper estimates the effect of the local diffusion of newspapers on Italian Regional public expenditure from 1984 to 2008. We exploit an original dataset that distinguishes economic from general-interest journals. We find 1) electoral increases of total and capital spending and decreases of current expenditure only after the introduction of electoral and fiscal reforms in the mid-90s; 2) press constrains, as expected, only the expenditure subject to electoral manipulation, i.e. total and capital spending, while after 1995 it also increases current expenditure; 3) general-interest press shows the largest coefficients, indicating stronger popularity concerns towards the newly informed voters.
Diffusion in MgO at high pressures: Constraints on deformation mechanisms and chemical transport at the core‐mantle boundary

High‐pressure experiments on diffusion in MgO were performed to model the rheological and chemical transport properties of the lower mantle. Lattice and grain boundary diffusion coefficients for Mg, O and Al were determined at 2273 K and pressures up to 25 GPa. The results for pure MgO are in excellent agreement with first‐principles calculations. In samples doped with Al2O3, cation vacancies were found to attach to Al impurities with a binding energy of ∼0.7 eV. Our results predict that a transition from diffusion creep to dislocation creep will occur in the deep lower mantle if the shear stress exceeds ∼1–10 MPa, for a grain size of ∼0.1–1 mm. Diffusion through periclase is fast enough to allow substantial chemical exchange across the core‐mantle boundary since core formation, with length scales of ∼1–10 km for lattice diffusion and 100 km for grain boundary diffusion.
Progress in Flow Battery Research and Development

The past few decades have shown a rapid and continuous exhaustion of the available energy resources which may lead to serious energy global crises. Researchers have been focusing on developing new and renewable energy resources to meet the increasing fuel demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A surge of research effort is also being directed towards replacing fossil fuel based vehicles with hybrid and electric alternatives. Energy storage is now seen as a critical element in future "smart grid and electric vehicle" applications. Electrochemical energy storage systems offer the best combination of efficiency, cost and flexibility, with redox flow battery systems currently leading the way in this aspect. In this work, a panoramic overview is presented for the various redox flow battery systems and their hybrid alternatives. Relevant published work is reported and critically discussed. A comprehensive study of the available technologies is conducted in terms of technical aspects as well as economic and environmental consequences. Some of the flow battery limitations and technical challenges are also discussed and a range of further research opportunities are presented. Of the flow battery technologies that have been investigated, the all-vanadium redox flow battery has received the most attention and has shown most promise in various pre-commercial to commercial stationary applications to date, while new developments in hybrid redox fuel cells are promising to lead the way for future applications in mechanically and electrically "refuelable" electric vehicles.
Global ocean mass variation, continental hydrology and the mass balance of Antarctica Ice Sheet at seasonal time scale

We attempt to quantify the Antarctica annual mass balance by estimating the seasonal water mass exchange among the main surface reservoirs (oceans, atmosphere, continents and ice sheets) using various data sources. These data include Topex‐Poseidon altimetry and in situ ocean temperature data, soil moisture and snow depth data, and atmospheric surface pressure data. We calculate the seasonal (annual) variations of ocean water mass, continental waters and atmospheric water vapor contributions respectively. We find that the observed ∼9 mm annual mean sea level variation caused by water mass exchange with the other reservoirs cannot be totally explained by the combined contributions of snow, soil moisture and atmospheric water vapor. A residual signal, of 3 mm amplitude, maximum at the end of December, is observed that we attribute to the Antarctica annual mass balance. This residue is consistent with existing understanding of Antarctica precipitation.
Satellite thermal surveys to detecting hidden active faults and fault termination, Case study of Quchan fault, NE Iran

The Quchan fault is located in Quchan - Shirvan area which is a part of Chenaran- Bojnourd plain in Kopeh-Dagh zone, NE Iran. The Quchan active fault with northwest – southeast trending is one of the most important strike-slip faults in the area which its activity led to the numerous historical and instrumental earthquakes. The Neo-tectonic activities of this fault are investigated by the drainage patterns, displacement of the waterways, the impact on the alluvial fan deposits and the Quaternary sediments cutting. Here, we aim to employ instrumental seismicity along with satellite imagery data, thermal images, shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) data plus field observations to explain the mechanism and active tectonics of the southeast Quchan fault termination. Processing Landsat-8 image synchronous with the maximum micro-seismic occurrences reveals that thermal anomaly is positive and corresponds to the major lineaments. Thermal anomaly images have also revealed three hidden faults which have not yet been distinguished in the field surveys. The continuous strike slip activity of the Quchan fault over the time resulted in the formation of compression zone and new thrusts along the southeastern end. By continuance of thrust activity, the anticline starts to accrete and the older thrusts are covered with folding sedimentary rocks, thus thrust loader continues until now. This research is the first successful attempt in Iran to detect hidden active faults and investigate fault termination by employing satellite thermal surveys.
Intravenous Transplantation of BMP2-Transduced Endothelial Progenitor Cells Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Background/Aims: Acute lung injury (ALI) and its aggressive stage, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are characterized by diffuse damage and increased permeability of the endothelial barrier, leading to alveolar infiltrates and interstitial edema. Enhancing endothelial integrity represents a novel therapeutic strategy for ALI/ARDS. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to participate in endothelial repair of ALI and also serve as a tool for gene therapy. Further, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is an essential signaling molecule that regulates the fate of different cell types. The aim of our study is to explore whether bone marrow-derived EPCs transduced with lentiviral-mediated BMP2 gene might benefit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in a rat model. Methods: Rats were divided randomly into five groups. The sham group was given normal saline via the trachea and right jugular vein. The other four groups underwent intratracheal-LPS-induced ALI followed after 30 min by treatment with either normal saline, EPCs, EPCs transduced with empty lentiviral vector (EPCs-null), or EPCs transduced with BMP2 (EPCs-BMP2) via the right jugular vein. Results: We found that the lung injury score, oxygenation, and inflammatory response were significantly ameliorated in the three EPC-treated groups (EPCs, EPCs-null, and EPCs-BMP2). In addition, EPCs-BMP2 further improved endothelium repair and capillary permeability, causing markedly reduced wet-to-dry lung-weight ratio and BALF protein content, and increased levels of BMP2 protein, BMP2 mRNA, and eNOS protein in lung tissues. Conclusion: Transplantation of BMP2-transduced EPCs effectively attenuates edema and protein exudation compared with EPCs alone in LPS-induced ALI via enhanced expression of BMP2 and eNOS.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through RAGE/p38 MAPK

Background: Mönckeberg’s calcification in diabetes, known as medial artery calcification, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains to be elucidated. We demonstrate that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) induce calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells through the receptor for AGE (RAGE)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Methods: We detected vascular calcification by von Kossa staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined by measuring p-nitrophenol. Osteocalcin concentrations were measured using ELISA. Western blotting for protein phosphorylation and real-time RT-PCR for expression of mRNA were used. Results: AGEs induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells. AGEs also induced the expression of Runx2 mRNA. In addition, AGEs increased ALP activity and osteocalcin secretion. Furthermore, AGEs induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and this phosphorylation was inhibited by the anti-RAGE blocking antibody. Increased ALP activity was inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor or anti-RAGE blocking antibody. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK inhibitor and anti-RAGE blocking antibody both inhibited AGE-induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells. Diabetic serum induced calcification of smooth muscle cells and the calcification was inhibited by RAGE blocking. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that AGEs induce calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells by osteoblast-like differentiation of smooth muscle cells through RAGE/p38 MAPK.
PHYSICS OF GASES, PLASMAS, AND ELECTRIC DISCHARGES: MHD from a Microscopic Concept and Onset of Turbulence in Hartmann Flow

We derive higher order magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) equations from a microscopic picture using projection and perturbation formalism. In an application to Hartmann flow we find velocity profiles flattening towards the center at the onset of turbulence in hydrodynamic limit. Comparison with the system under the effect of a uniform magnetic field yields difference in the onset of turbulence consistent with observations, showing that the presence of magnetic field inhibits onset of instability or turbulence. The laminar-turbulent transition is demonstrated in a phase transition plot of the development in time of the relative average velocities vs. Reynolds number showing a sharp increase of the relative average velocity at the transition point as determined by the critical Reynolds number.
Sources of variability in measurements of copepod lipids and gut fluorescence in the California Current coastal zone

The spatial association of zooplankton nutritional state with particulate food abundance was tested along the central California coast in March 1986. Suspension-feeding copepods (Metn'da pacifica, Calanus pacificus californicus, Rhincalanus nasutus, Eucalanus cahfornicus) and suspended particulate matter were sampled at stations with median nearest neighbor distance of 19.6 km. In this field condition of relatively small horizontal gradients in food supply, copepod gut fluorescence, triacylglycerols and wax esters showed little or no association with spatial variations in particulate nitrogen, particulate carbon or chlorophyll a. In contrast, strong diel variation in gut fluorescence was observed including post-sunset increases in ingestion. For the conditions observed during this study, diel variations in feeding behavior explained more of the variance in copepod ingestion than did horizontal variations in food supply. Efficiency of extraction of copepod lipids by homogenization and by standng in chloroform: methanol was also compared. A new double development, single scan method for separation and analysis of zooplankton lipids by Thin Layer Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection is presented.
Port activities, hinterland congestion, and optimal government policies: The role of vertical integration in logistic operations

We study the implications of vertical integration in logistics and transport operations for welfare-optimal port access charges and hinterland congestion tolls. We show that, first, vertical integration of terminal operators and transport firms does not affect the optimal congestion toll rule for the hinterland, but it does imply higher optimal port access charges. Second, the government not only has an incentive to promote competition between downstream firms, it may also be beneficial to approve of vertical mergers in the logistic chain. Third, the government’s failure to respond to changes in industry market structure may have large welfare effects. Fourth, both under separation and integration, optimal port fees may imply subsidies if downstream firms enjoy a high degree of market power.
HRM in Development: Lessons and Frontiers

This article discusses contributions of human resources management (HRM) to strengthening state institutions in development settings. It also identifies leading practices and frontiers in HRM practice and research. “Technical” HRM expertise in development exists in matching organizational performance with staffing, advancing decentralization, international project management, and training, and research also shows extensive concerns with patronage and anti‐corruption. Frontiers are discussed in connection with strategic HRM, notably improved leadership development/talent management, workforce engagement in developing settings, re‐thinking/professionalization of appointee–executive relations, comprehensive HRM strategies, and increased leadership for HRM itself. Although development studies often raise HRM implications, relatively few focus on HRM in development in a comprehensive fashion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melanoma extracellular vesicles generate immunosuppressive myeloid cells by PD-L1 upregulation via TLR4 signaling.

Tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) convert normal myeloid cells into myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we show that EV from Ret mouse melanoma cells upregulate the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on mouse immature myeloid cells (IMC), leading to suppression of T cell activation. PD-L1 expression and the immunosuppressive potential of EV-generated MDSC were dependent on the expression of toll-like receptors (TLR). IMC from Tlr4-/- mice failed to increase T cell PD-L1 expression and immunosuppression with Ret-EV treatment, this effect was dependent on heat-shock protein 86 as HSP86-deficient Ret cells could not stimulate PD-L1 expression on normal IMC; IMC from Tlr2-/- and Tlr7-/- mice demonstrated similar results, although to a lesser extent. HSP86-deficient Ret cells slowed tumor progression in vivo associated with decreased frequency of tumor-infiltrating PD-L1+CD11b+Gr1+ MDSC. EV from human melanoma cells upregulated PD-L1 and immunosuppression of normal monocytes dependent on HSP86. These findings highlight a novel EV-mediated mechanism of MDSC generation from normal myeloid cells, suggesting the importance of EV targeting for tumor therapy.
Celebrity Endorsement as Drivers of Advertising Strategy: The Case of Toc Tien Endorsing Oppo

This study focuses on consumer perceptions of celebrity endorsement in Vietnam using the case of Toc Tien endorsing OPPO brand. Specifically, the research examines the impact of celebrity endorsement on viewers’ preference for advertising and purchase intention by using the structural equation method with a sample size of 304 respondents. We found some interesting results: attractiveness, expertise, familiarity, performance, likeability, and celebrity/product fit have a statistically significant positive relationship with advertising. Moreover, there was no evidence to show any linkage between trustworthiness and advertising. Findings indicate that viewers’ preference for advertising has a positive impact on purchase intention. Implications for marketers as well as suggestions for future research are also discussed.