Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The stability of stratified spatially periodic shear flows at low P\'eclet number

This work addresses the question of the stability of stratified, spatially periodic shear flows at low P\'eclet number but high Reynolds number. This little-studied limit is motivated by astrophysical systems, where the Prandtl number is often very small. Furthermore, it can be studied using a reduced set of "low-P\'eclet-number equations" proposed by Lignieres [Astronomy & Astrophysics, 348, 933-939, 1999]. Through a linear stability analysis, we first determine the conditions for instability to infinitesimal perturbations. We formally extend Squire's theorem to the low-P\'eclet-number equations, which shows that the first unstable mode is always two-dimensional. We then perform an energy stability analysis of the low-P\'eclet-number equations and prove that for a given value of the Reynolds number, above a critical strength of the stratification, any smooth periodic shear flow is stable to perturbations of arbitrary amplitude. In that parameter regime, the flow can only be laminar and turbulent mixing does not take place. Finding that the conditions for linear and energy stability are different, we thus identify a region in parameter space where finite-amplitude instabilities could exist. Using direct numerical simulations, we indeed find that the system is subject to such finite-amplitude instabilities. We determine numerically how far into the linearly stable region of parameter space turbulence can be sustained.
Defects in Ca2+ release associated with local expression of pathological ryanodine receptors in mouse muscle fibres

Non‐Technical Summary Calcium ions flowing through the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) calcium channel trigger contraction of skeletal muscle cells. Close to 300 mutations of the gene encoding RyR1 are responsible for several muscular diseases in human. Properties of pathological mutant RyR1s have so far been essentially assessed from studies in cultured cells and in differentiated native muscle fibres from a few available transgenic mouse models. We show that functional properties of mutant RyR1s can be reliably assessed following in vivo expression in adult mouse muscles. The Y523S, R615C and R2163H RyR1 mutants produce a similar over‐sensitive activation of the calcium flux whereas I4897T RyR1 mutants are responsible for a depressed Ca2+ flux. The alterations appear to result from inherent modifications of RyR1 channel function and not from indirect changes in the muscle fibre homeostasis. The present strategy will help understand the physio‐pathological defects underlying alterations of muscle function in affected patients.
Adenosine Release during Seizures Attenuates GABAA Receptor-Mediated Depolarization

Seizure-induced release of the neuromodulator adenosine is a potent endogenous anticonvulsant mechanism, which limits the extension of seizures and mediates seizure arrest. For this reason several adenosine-based therapies for epilepsy are currently under development. However, it is not known how adenosine modulates GABAergic transmission in the context of seizure activity. This may be particularly relevant as strong activation of GABAergic inputs during epileptiform activity can switch GABAA receptor (GABAAR) signaling from inhibitory to excitatory, which is a process that plays a significant role in intractable epilepsies. We used gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings to investigate the role of seizure-induced adenosine release in the modulation of postsynaptic GABAAR signaling in pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus. Consistent with previous reports, GABAAR responses during seizure activity transiently switched from hyperpolarizing to depolarizing and excitatory. We found that adenosine released during the seizure significantly attenuated the depolarizing GABAAR responses and also reduced the extent of the after-discharge phase of the seizure. These effects were mimicked by exogenous adenosine administration and could not be explained by a change in chloride homeostasis mechanisms that set the reversal potential for GABAARs, or by a change in the conductance of GABAARs. Rather, A1R-dependent activation of potassium channels increased the cell's membrane conductance and thus had a shunting effect on GABAAR currents. As depolarizing GABAAR signaling has been implicated in seizure initiation and progression, the adenosine-induced attenuation of depolarizing GABAAR signaling may represent an important mechanism by which adenosine can limit seizure activity.
The antecedents and consequences of relational capabilities in strategic alliance management : a study of Thai manufacturing sector

This research investigates the antecedents and consequences of relational capabilities in the context of strategic alliance projects between MNE subsidiaries and local suppliers in the Thai manufacturing sector. The need to understand the relational capabilities approach is recognised in management literature, especially the ambiguous effects of the relational and economic dimensions, on relational capabilities in cross-cultural alliance projects. In particular, academics have highlighted the importance of relational capabilities, trust and transaction cost factors in that they play important roles in determining alliance success, especially in the context of cross-cultural alliances. A theoretical framework is developed which, first, explores the antecedents and barriers of relational capabilities and second, examines the multiple mediation effect of these on the link between inter-organizational conditions and alliance performance. The research design is aligned with quantitative methodology. The theoretical frameworks were tested using the data obtained from 156 strategic alliance projects between MNE subsidiaries and local suppliers in the Thai manufacturing sector with hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrapping technique. The empirical results indicate that inter-personal trust, inter-organizational trust and asset specificity are antecedents of relational capabilities, while HR distance between alliance partners is not a barrier of these capabilities. Moreover, the empirical outcomes in relation to the indirect effect of the relational and economic dimensions on alliance performance through knowledge sharing routines and complementary capability are supported. However, the remaining hypotheses pertaining to the expectation that effective governance mechanisms are mediators on those relationships are rejected. This is explained by the fact that trust-based relationships are so deeply embedded in the Thai manufacturing sector that they predominate over such mechanisms. The contribution of this research is twofold: first, in terms of academic advancement, it combines the arguments of trust and TCE to provide a holistic view in explaining antecedents and consequences of relational capabilities. Second, in terms of practical contribution, it improves the understanding of practitioners both purchasing managers of MNE subsidiaries and sales managers, regarding the alignment of trust and asset specificity with relational capabilities to achieve better performance in cross-cultural strategic alliance projects.
Vertical Integration in High-Transaction Cost Sectors: the Case of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Industry

Economic theory provides various explanations for vertical integration but transaction costs seem to be a major determinant of backward, forward and lateral integration. The paper studies integration trends in the newly emerging Bulgarian pharmaceutical sector, seeking transaction cost explanations to the forward integration taking place in it. We hypothesize that asset specificity, above all, determines many of the organizational transformations and adaptations Bulgarian pharmaceutical companies are undergoing. Having special attributes, their products and assets seem to favor a larger size of the companies. Furthermore, as a low-trust, high-transaction cost economy, the Bulgarian economy dictates that a larger scale of operations be internalized within firms rather than carried out by the market.
MK-801 disrupts acquisition of contextual fear conditioning but enhances memory consolidation of cued fear conditioning

The effects of pre-training or post-training subcutaneous injections of multiple doses of the non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonist (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5 H-dibenzo[a, d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) on cued and contextual fear conditioning were examined in F344 rats. Pre-training injections of MK-801 (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg) disrupted contextual fear conditioning but not cued fear conditioning. Post-training injections of MK-801 did not disrupt cued or contextual fear conditioning. In fact, the 0.3 mg/kg dose of MK-801 enhanced cued fear conditioning. Finally, rats were tested for MK-801-induced alterations in sensitivity to pain using the formalin test for nociception. MK-801 did not reduce sensitivity to pain. These results suggest that NMDA receptors are involved in acquisition of contextual fear conditioning but not in memory consolidation of the learned response.
Chronic binge alcohol consumption alters myogenic gene expression and reduces in vitro myogenic differentiation potential of myoblasts from rhesus macaques.

Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with skeletal muscle myopathy. Previously, we demonstrated that chronic binge alcohol (CBA) consumption by rhesus macaques accentuates skeletal muscle wasting at end-stage of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. A proinflammatory, prooxidative milieu and enhanced ubiquitin proteasome activity were identified as possible mechanisms leading to loss of skeletal muscle. The possibility that impaired regenerative capacity, as reflected by the ability of myoblasts derived from satellite cell (SCs) to differentiate into myotubes has not been examined. We hypothesized that the inflammation and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle from CBA animals impair the differentiation capacity of myoblasts to form new myofibers in in vitro assays. We isolated primary myoblasts from the quadriceps femoris of rhesus macaques that were administered CBA or isocaloric sucrose (SUC) for 19 mo. Proliferation and differentiation potential of cultured myoblasts were examined in vitro. Myoblasts from the CBA group had significantly reduced PAX7, MYOD1, MYOG, MYF5, and MEF2C expression. This was associated with decreased myotube formation as evidenced by Jenner-Giemsa staining and myonuclei fusion index. No significant difference in the proliferative ability, cell cycle distribution, or autophagy was detected between myoblasts isolated from CBA and SUC groups. Together, these results reflect marked dysregulation of myoblast myogenic gene expression and myotube formation, which we interpret as evidence of impaired skeletal muscle regenerative capacity in CBA-administered macaques. The contribution of this mechanism to alcoholic myopathy warrants further investigation.
Microaerophily and oxygen toxicity.

INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE. 108 EXAMPLES OF MICROAEROPHILES . 108 Aquatic Chemoorganotrophic Microorganisms. 108 Aquatic Chemolithotrophic Microorganisms . 109 Pathogenic Microorganisms . 109 Nitrogen Fixers. 111 GROWTH OF MICROAEROPHILES . 112 Effect of Population Density. 112 Effect of Media Supplements on Aerotolerance . 113 Toxic Forms of Oxygen in Culture Media . 114 Stability of Aerotolerance 115 AEROTACTIC BEHAVIOR OF MOTILE MICROAEROPHILES 116 THEORIES FOR EXPLAINING MICROAEROPHILY . 117 High Sensitivity to Toxic Forms of Oxygen in Culture Media . 117 Excessive Metabolic Generation of Toxic Forms of Oxygen . 118 Low Respiratory Rates. 119 Iron Deficiency . 120 Lack of Protective Enzymes. t 20 Occurrence of Unusually Oxygen-Sensitive Cell Constituents. 121 Reliance on Oxygen-Labile Substrates. 124 CONCLUDING REMARKS . 125
A High Order Numerical Scheme for Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations

To solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in a generalized coordinate system, a high order solver is presented. An exact projection method/fractional-step scheme is used in this study. Convective terms of the Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations are solved using fifth-order WENO spatial operators, and for the diffusion terms, a sixth-order compact central difference scheme is employed. The third-order Runge-Kutta (R-K) explicit time-integrating scheme with total variation diminishing (TVD) is adopted for the unsteady flow computations. The advantage of using a WENO scheme is that it can resolve applications using less number of grid points. Benchmark cases such as, driven cavity flow, Taylor-Green (TG) vortex, double shear layer, backward-facing step, and skewed cavity are used to investigate the accuracy of the scheme for two dimensional flow.
IgE, IgA, and IgG responses to common yeasts in atopic patients

This study was undertaken to analyze the differences in exposure and sensitization to five common environmental yeasts. The responses of IgG, IgA. and IgE to Candida albicans. C. utilis, Cryptococcus albidus, Rhodotorula rubra, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and purified S. cerevisiae enolase were analyzed by immunoblotting (IgE‐1B), and the cross‐reactivity of their IgE‐binding components by IgE‐1B inhibition. Twenty atopic subjects, with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis were included. In skin prick tests (SPT), 12 of the patients showed simultaneous reactivity to at least two of the five yeasts, four reacted to one of the yeasts, and four had no responses. Antigens run in SDS‐PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose were probed with enzyme‐labeled IgA‐, IgG‐, and IgE‐specific antibodies. The IgE immunoblotting revealed most IgE‐binding bands in C. albicans (11 bands) followed by C. utilis (eight bands), S. cerevisiae (five bands), R. rubra (five bands), and Cr. albidus (four bands). Six of the IgE‐binding bands of C. albicans and C. utilis shared molecular weight, and only two bands shared molecular weight with other yeasts. These were the 46‐kDa band, shared by all five yeasts, and a 13‐kDa band shared by four yeasts. Prominent IgE binding was seen to a 46‐kDa band of C. albicans (seven patients), C. utilis (five patients), and S. cerevisiae (one patient) and to corresponding weak bands of Cr. albidus and R. rubra (one patient). The possible cross‐reactivity of the 46‐kDa band was analyzed by IgE‐IB inhibition and densitometry, revealing clear C albicans inhibition of C. utilis (80%) and enolase (98%) (autoinhibition 100%). The strongest IgG responses were seen against S. cerevisiae and C albicans. The responses were mainly against mannans of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae, suggesting that most of the exposure is to these yeasts. Yeasts with different types of exposure, from saprophytic growth on human mucous membranes to exposure by air and food, were shown to cross‐react at the allergenic level. Atopic patients primarily sensitized by C albicans and S. cerevisiae may develop allergic symptoms by exposure to other environmental yeasts due to cross‐reacting IgE antibodies.
The Impact of Subconjuctivally Injected EGF and VEGF Inhibitors on Experimental Corneal Neovascularization in Rat Model

Aim and scope: To investigate the inhibitory effect of subconjunctival application of VEGF antibodies bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib, and HER2 antibody trastuzumab on corneal neovascularization in a rat model of experimental corneal neovascularization. Material and method: Thirty male Wistar albino rats were included in the study. A chemical burn was induced in central cornea of one eye of the rats by a 75% silver nitrate and 25% potassium nitrate stick. Rats were randomly divided into five groups so that each group contained 6 subjects. Right after the chemical burn, 0.1 ml serum physiologic was injected subconjuctivally in control group (group 1). 1.25 mg/0.05 ml bevacizumab was injected in group 2; 1.2 mg/0.1 ml trastuzumab was injected in group 3; 0.5 mg/0.05 ml ranibizumab was injected in group-4; and 0.3 mg/0.1 ml pegaptanib was injected in group 5. On the 8th day of the experiment, rat corneas were photographed by digital photo-camera. Later, eyes of the sacrificed rats were enucleated and corneal speciements were histopathologically analyzed. The percentages of neovascularization on corneal photographs were examined with digital image analysis. Results: The percentage of corneal neovascularization in all treatment groups was found to be significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Bevacizumab was found to be more effective than all other agents (p < 0.05). While the degree of inflammation and vascularization in bevacizumab and trastuzumab groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05), the difference was not significant in ranibizumab and pegaptanib groups (p > 0.05). In all treatment groups, fibroblast intensity was significantly lower than the control group. In terms of corneal thickness, no significant difference was observed between treatment and control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib, and trastuzumab were found effective for the inhibition of corneal NV. In our study we detected that the most effective agent was bevacizumab.
Simultaneous assessment of vessel size index, relative blood volume, and vessel permeability in a mouse brain tumor model using a combined spin echo gradient echo echo‐planar imaging sequence and viable tumor analysis

Combining multiple imaging biomarkers in one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session would be beneficial to gain more data pertaining to tumor vasculature under therapy. Therefore, simultaneous measurement of perfusion, permeability, and vessel size imaging (VSI) using a gradient echo spin echo (GE‐SE) sequence with injection of a clinically approved gadolinium (Gd)‐based contrast agent was assessed in an orthotopic glioma model.
An Integrative Model of Mobile Commerce Adoption

Mobile commerce -- the consumers’ engagement in transactions with sellers using mobile devices -- differs from traditional or electronic commerce due to the possibility for location-independent, real-time transactions, and the unique attributes of mobile devices. This paper aims to understand what drives consumers to engage in mobile transactions by viewing m-commerce adoption as a multi-dimensional process consisting of three inter-related behaviors: (a) getting information (b) giving information, and (c) purchasing with mobile devices. Following the theory of planned behavior, each behavior is predicted through its attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Then, a set of attitudinal and control (self-efficacy and controllability) beliefs for each of the three proposed m-commerce behaviors is identified, resulting in an integrative model of the drivers of m-commerce adoption. Finally, two independent empirical studies with over 700 mobile users in the United States and the Republic of China validate the proposed integrative model of m-commerce adoption. Interestingly, the proposed m-commerce model substantially differs from both traditional and also electronic commerce since most of the proposed antecedents are IT-enabled mobile-specific antecedent factors. Implications for understanding and promoting the adoption of m-commerce are discussed.
Joining Forces: Making One Plus One Equal Three in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances

SYNERGY IN MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS, ALLIANCES The Elusive Equation Why Deals Go Sour THE PRECOMBINATION PHASE Strategic and Operational Preparation Psychological Preparation THE COMBINATION PHASE Leading the Combination The Transition Structure Managing Uncertainty and Stress The Clash of Cultures THE POSTCOMBINATION PHASE Building the New Organization and Culture Building Postcombination Teams REAPING THE REWARDS OF PRODUCTIVE COMBINATION Tracking and Learning from the Combination Joining Forces-Best Practices.
Randomized study of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine versus etoposide and cisplatin versus alternation of these two regimens in extensive small-cell lung cancer: a phase III trial of the Southeastern Cancer Study Group.

PURPOSE The trial was undertaken to determine (1) the relative efficacy/toxicity of two commonly used combination chemotherapy regimens in patients with extensive small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and (2) whether the rapid alternation of these two regimens could provide superior therapeutic results compared with either regimen alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase III trial, 437 eligible patients were stratified by performance status (PS) and sex and were randomly assigned to receive either 12 weeks of cisplatin and etoposide (EP); 18 weeks of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (CAV); or 18 weeks of alternation of these two regimens (CAV/EP). RESULTS There were no significant differences in treatment outcome for EP, CAV, or CAV/EP in terms of response rate (61%, 51%, 59%, respectively), complete response rate (10%, 7%, 7%, respectively), or median survival (8.6 months, 8.3 months, 8.1 months, respectively), with a non-statistically significant trend toward a longer median time to progression with alternating therapy (4.3 months, 4.0 months, 5.2 months, respectively). Crossover second-line chemotherapy given at progression produced low response rates and short survival, regardless of the regimen used. Myelosuppression was the dose-limiting toxicity for all patients, although the pattern and severity differed among the treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS The combination regimens EP and CAV can be considered equivalently effective induction therapies in extensive SCLC, and these two regimens are, to some degree, crossresistant. Alternating therapy provides no therapeutic advantage compared with the use of either of these regimens alone and should not be considered as standard treatment in this clinical setting.
Antibacterial screening of the stem bark and leaf extracts of Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C.B. Rob – an ethnomedicinally important tree of the Western Ghats

Abstract Introduction:Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C.B. Rob. , is an aromatic medicinal tree belongs to the family Lauraceae and rarely distributed in the Western Ghats. Ethnomedicinally, the bark is used by the traditional practitioners as a demulcent, emollient and in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, and to facilitate wound healing process. The leaf paste is applied to relieve respiratory diseases; cough and also used as a demulcent and an emollient. Methods: The petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts of stem bark and leaf were screened for potential antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion method against 8 clinical strains isolated from infectious sources belonging to Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus stubtilis and gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi and Proteus sp. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the three sequential extracts of the leaf and stem bark was carried out against clinical isolated strains using two fold agar dilution method. Results: Ethanol extract of stem bark exhibited significant antibacterial activity with 2.5mg/ml MIC against Bacillus subtilis (19.20 ± 1.52), Escherichia coli (16.40 ± 0.55) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.20 ± 0.84) indicating the potent drug for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. Among the tree sequential extracts of the leaf the ethanol extract showed potent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.40 ± 0.80) and may acting as a suitable drug for respiratory disorders. Conclusion: The obtained results justify the ethnomedicinal claims of Litsea glutinosa.