Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constraints on Grain Formation around Carbon Stars from Laboratory Studies of Presolar Graphite

We report the results of an investigation into the physical conditions in the mass outflows of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) carbon stars that are required for the formation of micron-sized presolar graphite grains, with and without previously formed internal crystals of titanium carbide (TiC). A lower mass limit of 1.1 M☉ for stars capable of contributing grains to the solar nebula is derived. This mass limit, in conjunction with a mass-luminosity relation for carbon stars, identifies the region of the H-R diagram relevant to the production of presolar graphite. Detailed dynamical models of AGB outflows, along with constraints provided by kinetics and equilibrium thermodynamics, indicate that grain formation occurs at radii from 2.3 to 3.7 AU for AGB carbon stars in the 1.1-5 M☉ range. This analysis also yields time intervals available for graphite growth that are on the order of a few years. By considering the luminosity variations of carbon stars, we show that grains formed during minima in the luminosity are likely to be evaporated subsequently, while those formed at luminosity maxima will survive. We calculate strict upper limits on grain sizes for graphite and TiC in spherically symmetric AGB outflows. Graphite grains can reach diameters in the observed micron size range (1-2 μm) only under ideal growth conditions (perfect sticking efficiency, no evaporation, no depletion of gas species contributing to grain growth), and then only in outflows from carbon stars with masses ≲2.5 M☉. The same is true for TiC grains that are found within presolar graphite, which have mean diameters of 24 ± 14 nm. In general, the mass-loss rates that would be required to produce the observed grain sizes in spherically symmetric outflows are at least an order of magnitude larger than the maximum observed AGB carbon star mass-loss rates. These results, as well as pressure constraints derived from equilibrium thermodynamics, force us to conclude that presolar graphite and TiC must form in regions of enhanced density (clumps, jets) in AGB outflows having small angular scales. As shown in the companion paper by Croat et al., the enrichment of 12C in many AGB graphites, and the overabundances of the s-process elements Mo, Zr, and Ru in the carbides found within them, often greatly exceed the values observed astronomically in AGB outflows. These observations not only lend further support to the idea that the outflows are clumpy, but also imply that the outflowing matter is not well mixed in the circumstellar envelope out to the radii where grain condensation takes place.
Role of oxidative stress in intermittent hypoxia‐induced immediate early gene activation in rat PC12 cells

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) occurs in many pathophysiological conditions. The molecular mechanisms associated with IH, however, have received little attention. Previous studies have reported that the c‐fos gene via formation of activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) transcription factor contributes to adaptive responses to continuous hypoxia. In the present study, using a cell culture model we examined whether IH activates c‐fos and AP‐1 and if so, by what mechanisms. Experiments were performed on rat phaeochromocytoma cells exposed to 21% O2 (normoxia) or 60 and 120 cycles of IH, each cycle consisting 15 s of hypoxia followed by 4 min of normoxia. IH resulted in a significant elevation of c‐fos mRNA as well as transcriptional activation. IH was more potent and induced a longer lasting activation of c‐fos than comparable cumulative duration of continuous hypoxia. IH increased AP‐1 activity and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA, an AP‐1‐regulated downstream gene, and these effects were prevented by antisense c‐fos. Superoxide dismutase mimetic, a potent scavenger of superoxide anions, prevented IH‐induced c‐fos, AP‐1 and TH activations. IH increased superoxide anion levels in mitochondria as evidenced by decreased aconitase enzyme activity and increased levels of hydrogen peroxide, a stable dismutated product of superoxide anions. Complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain was markedly inhibited in IH exposed cells. Pharmacological inhibitors of complex I mimicked the effects of IH during normoxia and occluded the effects of IH on c‐fos activation, suggesting the involvement of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in the generation of superoxide anions during IH. These results suggest IH‐induced c‐fos‐mediated transcriptional activation involves oxidative stress.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE PATHOLOGY OF PRESBYCUSIS.

The light microscopic findings in several recently acquired human temporal bones have prompted me to restudy the problem of deafness from aging and to formulate a new classification for presbycusis. The evidence suggests that there are four pathological types. Although more detailed anatomical and clinical studies are needed to support the concepts to be presented, they do provide an improved basis for understanding the clinical manifestations of deafness of aging and suggest avenues for further study of this important problem. The underlying pathological mechanisms in the aging ear are much more complex than previously conceived and it is safe to predict that our present ideas certainly will be amended as new evidence is accumulated. I now believe that, in addition to the sensory and the neural kinds of presbycusis which have been described previously, 1,2 there are also metabolic and mechanical types. It is not surprising that more than one
EIGHT IMPERATIVES FOR THE NEW IT ORGANIZATION

In an overview of the future role of the IT organization, the authors examine the business and technological changes that are effecting change in many IT units. There are four major process changes in the way firms operate ? reengineering operational processes, reengineering support processes, rethinking managerial information flows, and redesigning network processes ? that all have a major impact on the IT unit. A distributed computing environment, new development software methods, capabilities like the Internet and other networks, new entrants in the computer industry, and outsourcing are the technological changes affecting the IT organization. The authors cite eight imperatives in which IT organizations must excel in order to succeed: Achieve two-way strategic alignment. Management and IT must work together to ensure that their initiatives are aligned. Develop effective relationships with line management. Communication between IT and line personnel will ensure integration of business and technology capabilities. Deliver and implement new systems. Systems delivery will include not only development but also procurement and integration. Build and manage infrastructure. IT units must develop an architecture, establish standards, communicate the value of the infrastructure, and operate the increasingly complex infrastructure. Reskill the IT organization. New skills ? not just technical skills but business skills ? will be needed. Manage vendor partnerships. IT managers must be informed buyers and negotiators. Build high performance. The IT unit must meet increasingly demanding performance goals. Redesign and manage the federal IT organization. Firms must establish the placement of IT decision-making power and the distribution of managerial responsibilities. Rockart et al. also examine the new role of IT management in ensuring that all line managers understand the potential of IT and how to use it effectively and that business strategies are effectively implemented. Success is dependent on line managers' response in planning and implementing new IT-based processes.
Understanding and Modeling Freight Stakeholder Behavior

This project developed a conceptual model of private-sector freight stakeholder decisions and interactions for forecasting freight demands in response to key policy variables. Using East Central Wisconsin as a study area, empirical models were developed for selected elements of this conceptual model that are fundamentally significant to the production/attraction, spatial distribution, and modal split of freight movements. The empirical results formulated the recommendations to the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) on freight planning and demand model enhancement.
Mechanism of arsenite toxicity in embryonic stem cells

Environmental arsenite exposure has been linked to cancer as well as other diseases, presenting an important and serious public health problem. Toxicity of inorganic arsenite (iAs) has been investigated using animal models and cell culture, yet its developmental effects are poorly understood. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of iAs toxicity to ascertain insight into development and differentiation processes using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The results showed that iAs exposure affected morphology and integrity of ESC colonies as well as inhibited cell growth in a concentration‐dependent manner, excluding concentrations <1 μM iAs which stimulated ESC growth. ESCs self‐renewal and pluripotency was also affected as evident from the downregulation of transcription circuitry, Oct4, Nanog, Sox2 and Klf4 resulting in non‐specific differentiation. ESCs exposed to iAs randomly differentiated into three germ layers, mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm, as judged by transcriptional expression of Brachyury, Gata4 and FGF2, as well as translational expression of BRACHYURY, GATA4 and TUJ1 respectively. The differentiated cells represented osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic and neurogenic lineages as evident from upregulation of Col1, Sox9, Col2, Myog, Notch, Nes and Nef. Although iAs caused slight apoptosis with a concomitant increase in ROS levels, the exposed ESCs had significant Bcl2 expression, which could be involved in the protection against apoptosis. Further analysis revealed upregulation of Jun and P38 in ESCs with an increase in iAs concentration. These observations indicated that iAs stress caused random differentiation of ESCs via JNK/P38 pathways. These findings suggest that iAs exposure may cause teratogenicity during early fetal development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of Murine Airway Eosinophilia and Th2 Cells by Antigen-Conjugated CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides as a Novel Antigen-Specific Immunomodulator1

The characteristic features of bronchial asthma reflect the orchestrated activity of Th2 cells. Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG) have recently been highlighted as an immunomodulator that biases toward a Th1-dominant phenotype. We have previously reported that intratracheal coadministration of CpG and allergen inhibited airway eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness in a synergistic manner. To substantiate the synergism between CpG and Ag, we introduced a covalently linked conjugate between CpG and Ag and examined the efficacy on airway eosinophilia and Th2 cytokine production. We found that the conjugated form of CpG plus Ag was 100-fold more efficient in regulating airway eosinophilia than the unconjugated mixture. The inhibitory effects lasted for at least 2 mo. The inhibition of airway eosinophilia by the conjugate was Ag specific and associated with an improvement of the airway hyperresponsiveness and the unresponsiveness of the Ag-specific Th2 cells in the regional lymph nodes. The CpG-Ag conjugate was 100-fold more effective than the unconjugated mixture for inducing in vitro Th1 differentiation in an IL-12-dependent manner. Our data show that CpG conjugated to Ag can work as a novel Ag-specific immunomodulator and imply that inhalation of allergen-CpG conjugate could be a desensitization therapy for patients with bronchial asthma.
Muscle Fiber and Satellite Cell Apoptosis in the Aging Human Thyroarytenoid Muscle: A Stereological Study with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

OBJECTIVE: This study determines the role of changes in numerical densities of apoptotic myonuclei and satellite cells in age-related remodeling of the thyroarytenoid muscle (TA). DESIGN: Changes in numerical densities of apoptotic myonuclei and satellite cells were estimated for the entire TA by using stereological techniques. RESULTS: There was an increase in NV apoptotic myonucleus, fiber type (P < 0.05) and in the percentage of apoptotic myonuclei (P < 0.05) in type 1 but not in type 2 muscle fibers. There was also an increase in NV apoptotic satellite cell, fiber type (P < 0.05) and in the percentage of apoptotic satellite cells (P < 0.05) in type 1 fibers but not in type 2 fibers. CONCLUSION: Apoptosis may contribute to age-related fiber loss and atrophy in the TA. SIGNIFICANCE: Therapeutic techniques based on decreasing the frequency of apoptosis may block age-related fiber loss and atrophy in the TA.
Security-Coded OFDM System Based on Multiorder Fractional Fourier Transform

This letter utilizes the fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) to achieve anti-multipath and anti-eavesdropping communication. Transmitting data are encoded by binary-resilient code and then decomposed into multiple orthogonal fractional-domains simultaneously to generate coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing based on multiorder FrFT (MFrFT-COFDM) symbols. In addition, transform-order (TO) signals are randomly spread by exploiting legitimate channel response and sent to the receiver in the physical layer. Due to channel reciprocity and spatial decorrelation, the legitimate user can access correct TOs, but the eavesdropper cannot. When all the TOs are correct, the MFrFT-COFDM can provide more reliable anti-multipath transmission than other related works because no additional interference is produced. However, as long as any one of the TO is wrong, the final decoding bit error rate will be 0.5. In order to retrieve desired data, the eavesdropper has to test a huge number of TO combinations, which is usually an impractical task. Computer simulations are carried out to validate this scheme.
Transfusion‐transmitted infections among multitransfused patients in Iran: a review

summary Transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTI) continue to be a major challenge for Blood transfusion organizations across the world. The problem is more serious in the developing countries with lower economic means. Multitransfused patients (MTPs) in these countries are at higher risk of infection, and studies of infection in these patients can be a useful index for examining the blood safety filters in place. The present article reviews the situation in Iran, where prevalence of the major viruses of concern, namely, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus, studied in these patients is reported over a 9‐year period. It is demonstrated that HCV is the most prevalent TTI and remains a major health problem for these patients.
Differences in retail strategies on the emerging organic market.

Purpose – The organic product market can be considered as an emerging market. Since the 1990s it has experienced rapid growth, and supermarket chains have become the sales channel with the largest market share and are the main driver for further growth. However, different supermarket retail groups have very different strategies concerning the marketing of organic products. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the different strategies of retailers who are active in the organic product market and to explain the drivers which may underlie them.Design/methodology/approach – The strategies of the three most important Belgian retailers that market organic products, and in particular organic beef, are analyzed. Data were collected through interviews with the retailers' staff and through observations in retail outlets. Also, GfK‐household panel data which recorded all purchases of 3,000 Belgian households and a postal survey with 529 respondents were used as data sources.Findings – The different stra.
Group Structure, Nest Size and Reproductive Success in the Cooperatively Breeding Cichlid Julidochromis ornatus: A Correlation Study

The effect of group size on reproductive success has long been studied in cooperatively breeding species, as it might provide an adaptive explanation for group-living in social species. Numerous studies have shown positive effects of subordinates on reproductive success (‘helper effect’), but these studies have also revealed the importance of controlling statistically, or experimentally, for the effect of other factors that might affect reproductive success. Here, we first examine the relationships between group size, body size of group members and nest size in the cooperatively breeding cichlid Julidochromis ornatus, in which unrelated helpers frequently participate in reproduction and their breeding nests inside rock crevices may be crucial for reproduction and survival of all group members. Then, we subsequently investigate the relationship between group size and reproductive success, while controlling for these factors. The results showed that group size was significantly related to body size of group members rather than nest size; and larger breeders had larger helpers. It was found that group size significantly increased group reproductive output. More importantly, reproductive success of male breeders did not depend on the presence of mature helpers, whereas female reproductive success increased when two males assisted her and tended to decrease when two females bred cooperatively. We conclude that breeding groups of J. ornatus have size hierarchical societies that relate to group size, and group composition of genetically unrelated and co-breeding members affects their reproductive success.
Generating Larger Tax Revenue in South Asia

Despite repeated attempts, South Asian countries have managed only limited and sporadic success in mobilizing larger tax revenue. Tax-to-GDP ratios in most countries in the region remain below cross country averages and are considered inadequate to meet their financing needs. Underperformance in tax revenue generation does not seem due to paucity of tax policy reforms. South Asian countries have undertaken considerable reforms in the last decade, and their tax structures have converged with the rest of the world. But they have been less successful in widening their tax base, in strengthening tax administration, and in improving compliance. Additionally, structural factors such as large share of agriculture, low literacy, and large informal sectors have hindered tax collection. Further efforts in the region to increase tax revenue ought to be wider in scope than before and should extend to the subnational and local governments. They should focus on simplifying tax systems, strengthening tax administration, and broadening the tax base. These efforts should be situated within a wider reform program that aims to strengthen governance, improve business environment and help formalize their economies.
Corporate Philanthropy: A Strategic Marketing Consideration

Considering the essential rudiments of a strategic marketing plan, firms explore internal and external means. Corporate philanthropy is quickly becoming a viable strategic option in development of marketing strategies. Firms looking to further brand development, market recognition, and enhanced customer perceptions can integrate philanthropic initiatives throughout the planning process. Implementing these initiatives in a complementary fashion to the overall business plan brings forth the latency of creating a distinctive competitive advantage for those choose to do so. This marketing phenomenon provides a cogent social and economic approach to furthering the myriad of business agendas necessary to have market sustainability.
Appropriating the Returns from Industrial R&D

In this paper, we describe the results of an inquiry into the nature of appropriability conditions in over one hundred manufacturing industries, and we discuss how this information has been and might be used to cast light on important issues in the economics of innovation and public policy. Our data, derived from a survey of high-level R&D executives, are informed opinions about the nature of an industry's technological and economic environment rather than quantitative measures of inputs and outputs.
[18F]FLT–PET Imaging Does Not Always “Light Up” Proliferating Tumor Cells

Purpose: [18F]FLT (3′-Fluoro-3′ deoxythymidine)–PET imaging was proposed as a tool for measuring in vivo tumor cell proliferation. The aim of this article was to validate the use of [18F]FLT–PET imaging for measuring xenograft proliferation and subsequent monitoring of targeted therapy. Experimental Design: In exponentially growing xenografts, factors that could impact the outcome of [18F]FLT–PET imaging, such as nucleoside transporters, thymidine kinase 1, the relative contribution of DNA salvage pathway, and the ratio of FLT to thymidine, were evaluated. The [18F]FLT tracer avidity was compared with other proliferation markers. Results: In a panel of proliferating xenografts, [18F]FLT or [3H]thymidine tracer avidity failed to reflect the tumor growth rate across different tumor types, despite the high expressions of Ki67 and TK1. When FLT was injected at the same dose level as used in the preclinical [18F]FLT–PET imaging, the plasma exposure ratio of FLT to thymidine was approximately 1:200. Thymidine levels in different tumor types seemed to be variable and exhibited an inverse relationship with the FLT tracer avidity. In contrast, high-dose administration of bromdeoxyuridine (BrdUrd; 50 mg/kg) yielded a plasma exposure of more than 4-fold higher than thymidine and leads to a strong correlation between the BrdUrd uptake and the tumor proliferation rate. In FLT tracer-avid models, [18F]FLT–PET imaging as a surrogate biomarker predicted the therapeutic response of CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991. Conclusions: Tumor thymidine level is one of the factors that impact the correlation between [18F]FLT uptake and tumor cell proliferation. With careful validation, [18F]FLT–PET imaging can be used to monitor antiproliferative therapies in tracer-avid malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1303–12. ©2011 AACR.
Smallpox, vaccination and adverse reactions to smallpox vaccine

Purpose of reviewPublic fear of the reintroduction of smallpox as a biological weapon or agent of bioterrorism has led to a renaissance of interest in smallpox, and a military and public health vaccination programme in the USA. Clinical experience from the last century together with novel immunobiological findings is the basis for current knowledge on smallpox as a disease. Pre-existing knowledge on smallpox vaccination, plus recent vaccination campaign-derived data, is the basis of current risk-benefit assessments. This article summarizes, from a dermatologist's point of view, current aspects of smallpox, smallpox vaccination and adverse reactions to vaccinia, the live virus smallpox vaccine. Recent findingsThe smallpox vaccination campaign in the USA has involved over 600 000 vaccinees, and has largely confirmed incidence data on complications. An increased rate of myopericarditis is the new finding in the current vaccination campaign. Immunodeficiencies, manifest atopic dermatitis lesions and a history of atopic dermatitis remain contraindications to vaccination. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are a key regulator of the human antiviral immune response and are recruited to inflamed skin in many skin diseases, but are depleted in atopic dermatitis lesions. The lack of plasmacytoid dendritic cell recruitment, together with the missing upregulation of antiviral peptides such as cathelicidin LL37 in atopic dermatitis lesions, is considered relevant for an atopic dermatitis patient's susceptibility to eczema vaccinatum. SummaryRecent experience from the US smallpox vaccination campaign has largely confirmed what was known in the 1960s. Current immunobiological research will enhance our understanding of the interaction between poxviruses and the skin's immune system.