Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Polishing-Induced Subsurface Impurity Defects on Laser Damage Resistance of Fused Silica Optics and Their Removal with HF Acid Etching

Laser-induced damage on fused silica optics remains a major issue that limits the promotion of energy output of large laser systems. Subsurface impurity defects inevitably introduced in the practical polishing process incur strong thermal absorption for incident lasers, seriously lowering the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). Here, we simulate the temperature and thermal stress distributions involved in the laser irradiation process to investigate the effect of impurity defects on laser damage resistance. Then, HF-based etchants (HF:NH4F) are applied to remove the subsurface impurity defects and the surface quality, impurity contents and laser damage resistance of etched silica surfaces are tested. The results indicate that the presence of impurity defects could induce a dramatic rise of local temperature and thermal stress. The maximum temperature and stress can reach up to 7073 K and 8739 MPa, respectively, far higher than the melting point and compressive strength of fused silica, resulting in serious laser damage. The effect of impurity defects on laser damage resistance is dependent on the species, size and spatial location of the defects, and CeO2 defects play a dominant role in lowering the LIDT, followed by Fe and Al defects. CeO2 defects with radius of 0.3 μm, which reside 0.15 μm beneath the surface, are the most dangerous defects for incurring laser damage. By HF acid etching, the negative effect of impurity defects on laser damage resistance could be effectively mitigated. It is validated that with HF acid etching, the number of dangerous CeO2 defects is decreased by more than half, and the LIDT could be improved to 27.1 J/cm2.
[An evaluation of the relationship between blood glucose level and prognosis in acute phase of head injuries].

BACKGROUND We evaluated the relationship between blood glucose level and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and prognosis in acute phase of head injuries. METHODS The study included 62 patients (26 females, 36 males; mean age 61 years; range 4 to 76 years) who were admitted within the first three hours following isolated head injuries. Initial GCS scores were determined and blood glucose levels were measured. Cranial computed tomography (CT) findings were classified as cerebral edema, fracture, contusion, hemorrhage, and multiple pathologies. Relationships were sought between GCS scores, outcome, CT findings, and blood glucose levels. RESULTS Cranial CT findings were cerebral edema in 15 patients (24.2%), hemorrhage in nine patients (14.5%), fractures in four patients (6.5%), contusion in two patients (3.2%), and multiple injuries in 32 patients (51.6%). The mean GCS score was 8 (range 3 to 13), which was 8 or lower in 37 patients (59.7%), and above 8 in 25 patients (40.3%). The mean blood glucose level was 219 mg/dl (range 136 to 397 mg/dl) in the study group. It was 293 mg/dl in those with a GCS score of 8 or lower, of which 18 patients died. Significant inverse relationships were found between (i) blood glucose level and GCS scores (p<0.01), and (ii) GCS scores and mortality (p<0.01). Blood glucose levels were significantly correlated with mortality (p<0.01). Computed tomography findings were not correlated with mortality and blood glucose levels. CONCLUSION High blood glucose levels in acute phase of head injuries may be a sign for poor prognosis.
The impact of internationalization policies on Chinese State-owned Enterprises performance: A case study of Jianhuai Automobile (JAC) in Anhui province of China.

The importance of SOEs performance in economic development cannot be overemphasized. The role of SOEs is assumed to be the key element of the Chinese economic performance. Recently Chinese economic development is on its booming stage and in this era of development SOEs consider being key partner. However, the earlier studies done on Chinese organizations were mostly aimed to highlight the SOEs financial performance, only few of them focused on government support and reforms towards SOEs. The Aim of this study was to utilize the framework of various prospects, for instance internationalization strategy, government support, outward foreign direct investment and strategic alliance etc. This study comprised on the brief and comprehensive case study of Anhui JiangHuai Automobile (JAC) in Hefei, Anhui province. The result from this study clearly indicates that by defining the contributing factors for the SOEs development in China, which enables the government to improve the performance of SOEs and give the best policies and future prospective reforms
Tuberculosis: the beginning of the end?

In choosing this topic, I'm capitalizing on the long-standing relationship between tuberculosis and the American Clinical and Climatologic Association, particularly the concern in the early days of the Climatologic Association that altitude and climate influenced the outcome of this disease. The second reason for choosing this topic is to demonstrate a career opportunity for at least some of our members as they enter the last third of their lives. The paper is organized in the following way: First, I will show data to demonstrate the continuing importance of tuberculosis as a global killer; then highlight the neglect of this disease, and finally, I will discuss how this small group I spoke of is tackling this problem. In conclusion, I will return to the question in the title "Is this the beginning of the end? " On to the importance of tuberculosis! Tuberculosis (TB) is the second largest infectious disease killer worldwide. As shown on Table 1, there were 1.7 million deaths worldwide due to tuberculosis in 1999 (1). To examine this number in context, there were 56 million deaths worldwide in the same time period in a total population of 6.0 billion. Communicable diseases accounted for 17.4 million of those deaths. Since acute respiratory infections and diarrheal disease are of multiple etiology, tuberculosis ranks second only to HIV/AIDS as leading killers which are linked to
Exploring the Multi-Sensory Based Memorable Tourism Experiences : a Study of Adam&Eve Hotel in Turkey

Tourism business executives should discover critical ways to create a memorable experience by appealing to consumers’ multi-sensory organs emotionally and rationally. From this point of view determining the most successful multi-sensory brand experience concept, which the customers fi nd most satisfying, is becoming a critical marketing strategy. So this study aims to fi nd the sensory based memorable tourism experiences, attributes/specifi c elements of the hotel business. With this aim, Adam&Eve Hotel, a themed hotel in Antalya, was chosen as the study sample. In this exploratory research, comments which were made electronically on Tripadvisor. com, known as the world’s most visited online social travel information channel about the holiday experience, constituted the search data and the data was subjected to content analysis via Nvivo Software and the critical multi-sensory organs that create memorable tourism experiences were defi ned. The analysis of the results has been performed on the basis of fi ve sensory stimuli: 1) tactile, 2) gustatory, 3) olfactory, 4) visual, and 5) auditory. The fi ndings also revealed that nearly 70 percent of the recalled emotions and feelings from sensations related to visual stimuli which were detailed with the components like decor, interior/exterior design, etc.
Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides prevent platelet‐derived growth factor‐stimulated smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and neointimal hyperplasia in the endothelial‐denuded artery in vivo

Ganoderma lucidum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent or treat a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. We previously demonstrated that a glucan‐containing extract of Reishi polysaccharides (EORP) has the potent anti‐inflammatory action of reducing ICAM‐1 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and LPS‐treated mice. In the present study, we examined whether EORP inhibited platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF)‐stimulated HASMC proliferation and the mechanism involved. EORP dose‐dependently reduced cell numbers and DNA synthesis of PDGF‐treated HASMCs in vitro. EORP also arrested cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase, and this was associated with decreased expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK2, CDK4, and p21Cip1 and upregulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. The anti‐proliferative effect of EORP was partly mediated by downregulation of PDGF‐induced JNK phosphorylation. In in vivo studies, the femoral artery of C57BL/6 mice was endothelial‐denuded and the mice were fed a diet containing 100 mg/kg/day of EORP. On day 14, both cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive cells) in the neointima and the neointima/media area ratio (0.67 ± 0.03 vs. 1.46 ± 0.30) were significantly reduced. Our data show that EORP interferes with the mitogenic activation of JNK, preventing entry of HASMCs into the cell cycle in vitro and reducing cell proliferation in the neointima and decreasing the neointimal area in vivo. Thus, EORP may represent a safe and effective novel approach to the prevention and treatment of vascular proliferative diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3063–3071, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bicarbonate attenuates intracellular acidosis

Background: This study was prompted by concern that administration of bicarbonate for correction of lactate acidosis aggravates a low intracellular pH (pHi). In healthy subjects we evaluated skeletal muscle pHi using 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy during 5‐minute rhythmic handgrip to provoke intracellular acidosis.
Expression of NLRP7 (PYPAF3, NALP7) protein in endometrial cancer tissues.

BACKGROUND Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 7 (NLRP7) (pyrin-containing apoptotic protease activating factor-1-like protein 3; PYPAF3, NACHT domain-, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing 7; NALP7) has been thought to contribute to innate immunity and inflammation. Although expression of NLRP7 in human seminoma tissues and several cancer cell lines has been demonstrated, the pathophysiological and prognostic importance in cancer tissues has not been defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS A series of 70 endometrial cancer cases that had undergone curative resection was studied to determine the correlation between NLRP7 expression and clinico-pathological characteristics in human endometrial cancer tissue. Tissue specimens were evaluated for NLRP7 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS NLRP7 expression was positive in cancer cells in 7 cases (10%). There was a statistical relationship between the depth of tumor invasion and NLRP7 expression (p=0.0326). NLRP7 expression showed a trend for being associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION Tumor-produced NLRP7, associated with myometrial invasion, might provide additional prognostic information in endometrial cancer patients.
Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP/p97) Is Required for Poliovirus Replication and Is Involved in Cellular Protein Secretion Pathway in Poliovirus Infection

ABSTRACT Poliovirus (PV) modifies membrane-trafficking machinery in host cells for its viral RNA replication. To date, ARF1, ACBD3, BIG1/BIG2, GBF1, RTN3, and PI4KB have been identified as host factors of enterovirus (EV), including PV, involved in membrane traffic. In this study, we performed small interfering RNA (siRNA) screening targeting membrane-trafficking genes for host factors required for PV replication. We identified valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97) as a host factor of PV replication required after viral protein synthesis, and its ATPase activity was essential for PV replication. VCP colocalized with viral proteins 2BC/2C and 3AB/3B in PV-infected cells and showed an interaction with 2BC and 3AB but not with 2C and 3A. Knockdown of VCP did not suppress the replication of coxsackievirus B3 or Aichi virus. A VCP-knockdown-resistant PV mutant had an A4881G (a mutation of E253G in 2C) mutation, which is known as a determinant of a secretion inhibition-negative phenotype. However, knockdown of VCP did not affect the inhibition of cellular protein secretion caused by overexpression of each individual viral protein. These results suggested that VCP is a host factor required for viral RNA replication of PV among membrane-trafficking proteins and provides a novel link between cellular protein secretion and viral RNA replication.
Modulation of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide-DNA adduct levels in human white blood cells by CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism.

The modulation of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (BPDE)-DNA adduct levels by polymorphisms in the CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes was assessed in leukocytes of Caucasian males. Eighty-nine coke oven workers (35 smokers, 36 ex-smokers and 18 non-smokers) were recruited from job categories with different exposure levels to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), together with 44 power plant workers (all smokers) not exposed to PAH. BPDE-DNA adducts were detected in 69 of 133 (52%) DNA samples with a 100-fold variation (range 0.2-44 adducts/10(8) nt) and a median of 1.6 adducts/10(8) nt. All samples with the GSTM1 active genotype (n = 59) and five out of 74 samples with GSTM1*0/*0 (7%) showed non-detectable adducts (<0.2 adducts/10(8) nt) and 69 of 74 subjects with GSTM1*0/*0 (93%) had detectable adducts (>0.2 adducts/10(8) nt). The difference in adduct level between the GSTM1*0/*0 and GSTM1 active genotypes was highly significant (P < 0.0001). No significant difference in adduct level between the GSTT1*0/*0 and GSTT1 active genotypes was seen. All heterozygotes (CYP1A1*1/*2) from subjects of GSTM1 active type did not have detectable adducts. Among the GSTM1-deficient individuals (n = 69), 42 with the CYP1A1*1/*1 genotype showed a lower adduct level (median 1.3, range 0.2-4.1 adducts/10(8) nt) compared with 26 individuals with heterozygous mutated CYP1A1*1/*2 genotypes (median 2.5, range 0.4-6.1 adducts/10(8) nt, P < 0.015). One individual with low PAH exposure and the rare combination CYP1A1*2A/*2A-GSTM1*0/*0 showed an extremely high level of 44 adducts/10(8) nt. Significant differences in detectable adduct levels were found between the CYP1A1*1/*1 and CYP1A1*1/*2 genotypes in the exposed group low + medium (P = 0.01) and for all adduct levels, detectable and non-detectable (set at a fixed value), in highly exposed individuals and in ex-smokers (P = 0.03), whereas no such differences were observed in the control group. Mutated CYP1A1*1/*2 increased the adduct level in non-smokers from the exposed group (1.4 versus 2.2 adducts/10(8) nt), but had no effect on the smokers from the exposed group (2.3 versus 2.8 adducts/10(8) nt). When all variables were dichotomized, statistical evaluation showed that CYP1A1 status (P = 0.015), PAH exposure (P = 0.003) and smoking (P = 0.006) had significant effects on adduct levels which increased in the order: CYP1A1*1/*1 < CYP1A1(*1/*2 or *2A/*2A); environmental exposure < occupational exposure; non-smokers < smokers, whereby adducts increased with cigarette dose and the duration of smoking. Higher levels of BPDE-DNA adducts in individuals with the combined CYP1A1(1/*2 or *2A/*2A)-GSTM1*0/*0 genotype suggest that these genotype combinations are at increased risk for contracting lung cancer when exposed to PAH.
Characterization of a novel KRAS mutation identified in Noonan syndrome

Noonan syndrome (NS) is the most common non‐chromosomal syndrome seen in children and is characterized by short stature, dysmorphic facial features, chest deformity, a wide range of congenital heart defects and developmental delay of variable degree. Mutations in the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways cause about 70% of NS cases with a KRAS mutation present in about 2%. In a cohort of 65 clinically confirmed NS patients of Japanese origin, we screened for mutations in the RAS genes by direct sequencing. We found a novel mutation in KRAS with an amino acid substitution of asparagine to serine at codon 116 (N116S). We analyzed the biological activity of this mutant by ectopic expression of wild‐type or mutant KRAS. NS‐associated KRAS mutation resulted in Erk activation and active Ras–GTP levels, and exhibited mild cell proliferation. In addition, kras‐targeted morpholino knocked‐down zebrafish embryos caused heart and craniofacial malformations, while the expression of mutated kras resulted in maldevelopment of the heart. Our findings implicate that N116S change in KRAS is a hyperactive mutation which is a causative agent of NS through maldevelopment of the heart. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fundamental behavioral properties, part I: extending the theory of centers for pattern language 3.0

Christopher Alexander explored the hidden quality in a town or a building and defined the concepts of wholeness and centers in his book, The Nature of Order. He said that the whole becomes lively when centers intensify each other and proposed fifteen fundamental properties that describe how centers intensify each other. These properties are geometrical so it is still unknown whether it will work for things that are hard to perceive only by shapes or spatial characteristics, such as human actions or society. In this paper, we present the fundamental behavioral properties of lively human actions, found through the investigation of human activity Pattern Languages on the basis of Alexander's theory of wholeness and center. Out of the 24 properties we found, we introduce 6 properties in this paper: 1. BOOTSTRAP, 2. SOURCE, 3. SPREADING, 4. ATTRACTION, 5. INVOLVING, and 6. TOGETHERNESS.
Fit for Continuous Integration: How Organizations Assimilate an Agile Practice

Despite being a cornerstone of agile development, surprisingly little is known about how organizations assimilate continuous integration (CI) and what organizational changes the practice implies. Through a systematic literature review complemented by case study research we address this gap and develop a conceptual framework describing organizational implications of CI assimilation. We employ adoption theory of technology-induced innovation as theoretical lens and argue that as organizations transform through the assimilation stages, ambiguity increases, forcing them to think in alternatives and take tradeoffs. To the existing body of knowledge on agile development assimilation we add an in-depth study of a distinct agile practice.
A New Decision-Making Approach for C2C Electronic Trade

In this paper, we propose a new decision-making approach for C2C electronic trade based on economic theory and relevant trust mechanisms in which we incorporate the element of trust and risk into a single model. During buying, an agent learns to select its partners based on the evaluation of trust on potential partners as well as on its own personal risk attitude. During selling, in order to increase the chance of winning a deal, an agent learns to attract customers by adjusting its profit rate, which is related to both risk and trust. The unique feature of our approach is that it provides a flexible decision-making model for trading agents. The approach aims at helping traders seek more profits and, at the same time, preventing themselves from frauds and deceptions during the trade. It is also a good starting point for exploring tradeoffs among risk, reputation and utility.
Predicting fault-prone modules with case-based reasoning

Software quality classification models seek to predict quality factors such as whether a module will be fault prone, or not. Case based reasoning (CBR) is a modeling technique that seeks to answer new questions by identifying similar "cases" from the past. When applied to software reliability, the working hypothesis of our approach is this: a module currently under development is probably fault prone if a module with similar product and process attributes in an earlier release was fault prone. The contribution of the paper is application of case based reasoning to software quality modeling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that case based reasoning has been used to identify fault prone modules. A case study illustrates our approach and provides evidence that case based reasoning can be the basis for useful software quality classification models that are competitive with discriminant models. The case study revisits data from a previously published nonparametric discriminant analysis study. The Type II misclassification rate of the CBR model was substantially better than that of the discriminant model. Although the Type I misclassification rate was slightly greater and the overall misclassification rate was only slightly less, the CBR model was preferred when costs of misclassification were considered.
The actvity of mouse Kupffer cells following intravenous injection of T4 bacteriophage.

The response of macrophages from the livers and spleens of mice given a single immunizing dose of T4 bacteriophage has been studied. Following their rapid removal from the circulation, phage particles were found to be concentrated in the liver to a level twelve times that for the spleen. Investigation of the fate of ingested phage showed that it was disposed of more rapidly in the liver than in the spleen, as measured by the disappearance of viable T4 particles and by the loss of radioactive label following injection of [131I]T4. It was also found that antigen-containing Kupffer cells could elicit little or no antibody synthesis on transfer into normal syngeneic recipients, or on incubation with lymphoid cells in vitro. It is suggested that these macrophages differ from other components of the reticulo-endothelial system in their treatment of T4 antigen, and may be concerned mainly with its breakdown and disposal rather than with providing a stimulus for the initiation of antibody synthesis.
Teaching Retailing and Merchandising: An Experiential Approach

The paper reports on an experiential approach to teaching retailing and merchandising through the operation of a student run store. This approach to learning proved to be both challenging and rewarding to students and instructor alike. Students gained real world knowledge and a new outlook on retailing as a career path, and instructors witnessed significant changes in students’ understanding of what retailing and merchandising are about. Further, instructors observed the implementation of concepts covered in class lectures during the operation of the retail store and completion of the Store Operation Report. In addition to the comments made by students regarding the outcome of the class in achieving its objectives, all students that took the course felt that it was rewarding and would recommend it to their peers.
TRAM-1, A Novel 160-kDa Thyroid Hormone Receptor Activator Molecule, Exhibits Distinct Properties from Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1*

Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate target gene transcription. We report the molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human cDNA encoding TRAM-1, athyroid hormone receptor activatormolecule, a ∼160-kDa protein homologous with SRC-1/TIF2, by far-Western-based expression screening. TRAM-1 binds to thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and other NRs in a ligand-dependent manner and enhances ligand-induced transcriptional activity of TR. The AF-2 region in NRs has been thought to play a critical role in mediating ligand-dependent transactivation by the interaction with coactivators. Surprisingly, TRAM-1 retains strong ligand-dependent interaction with an AF-2 mutant of TR (E457A), while SRC-1 fails to interact with this mutant. Furthermore, we identified a critical TRAM-1 binding site in rat TRβ1 outside of AF-2, as TRAM-1 shows weak ligand-dependent interaction with a helix 3 ligand binding domain TR mutant (K288A), compared with SRC-1. These results suggest that TRAM-1 is a coactivator that may exhibit its activity by interacting with subdomains of NRs other than the AF-2 region, in contrast to SRC-1/TIF2.