Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Female surgical sterilization at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

BACKGROUND Tubal ligation for sterilization is one of the common methods of contraception practiced by women in developing countries like Pakistan. This study was undertaken to study characteristics of couples undergoing surgical sterilization, and to identify ways of improving utililization of contraceptive services. MATERIAL AND METHODS Details of 1148 women who underwent tubal ligation at the reproductive health center Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi from January to December 2002 were recorded on a special proforma. The woman's age, duration of marriage, number of living children and the couple's educational status were recorded. Contraceptive use and duration, and associated medical conditions were documented. Data was entered in SPSS, frequency tables, means and standard deviations were obtained and comparative evaluation undertaken using non parametric methods, as indicated. RESULTS Out of the 4210 initial clients, 1163 (27.62%) underwent surgical sterilization. This included 1148 (98.69%) tubal ligations and 15 (1.31%) vasectomies. Of these, 608 (52.96%) were carried out in the immediate puerperium. The mean age of women was 33.1+/-3.55 years, they had been married for 14.84+/-4.22 years and 44.34% had already had 6 or more children. CONCLUSION Tubal ligation performed after careful selection and counseling, by experienced personnel under local anaesthesia is a safe procedure with very few complications. However older women with no history of contraception, who have already had 6 or more children, seem to avail it. Promotion of temporary contraceptives for birth spacing among younger couples is more likely to improve maternal and newborn health in addition to limiting the family size.
The silver locus product (Silv/gp100/Pmel17) as a new tool for the analysis of melanosome transfer in human melanocyte–keratinocyte co‐culture

Abstract: Melanosomes are melanocyte‐specific lysosome‐related organelles that are transferred to keratinocytes of the epidermis and anagen hair bulb. Transferred melanin forms supra‐nuclear caps that protect epidermal keratinocytes against UV irradiation. The mechanism(s) responsible for melanosome transfer into keratinocytes and their subsequent intra‐keratinocyte distribution has long remained one of the most enigmatic of heterotypic cell interactions. Although there have been many attempts to study this process, significant progress has been hindered by the absence of an adequate in vitro model. During our ongoing study of melanocyte–keratinocyte interactions in skin and hair follicle, we have developed a novel in vitro assay that exploits the specificity of Silv/Pmel17/gp100 expression for melanosome/melanin granules. Using matched cultures of keratinocytes and melanocytes isolated from normal healthy epidermis together with double immunofluorescence, we have determined that gp100 is a surprisingly useful tracker of transferred melanin. Moreover, transferred gp100 stained melanin granules emit a bright fluorescence signal, facilitating ready quantification of melanin transfer levels between melanocytes and keratinocytes. This quantitative approach was validated using known inducers and inhibitors of the melanocyte phenotype. This assay further confirmed that cytophagocytosis of melanocyte components (e.g. dendrite tips) by keratinocytes is one route for melanin incorporation into keratinocytes. Lastly, a role for the recently proposed filopodium as a direct conduit for melanin transfer was substantiated using this novel approach. In conclusion, this assay promises to significantly aid our investigations of the molecular basis of melanosome transfer and offers a new tool for the clinical evaluation of melanocyte modulators.
Promoting ecotourism product development in Kilim Geopark based on tourists' perceptions.

Langkawi is currently re-developing its brand as an international geopark tourism spot. Popular for its boating activities, KilimGeopark features its natural as attractions as its main products. With assistance from the government, tourism development helps spur the growth of local businesses. Successful community cooperation in offering services to the visitors is significant in sustaining such development. However, having an annually increasing number of tourists visiting the area has resulted in a dilemma between maintaining the environment’s sustainability and the local community’s economic gains. Given that high economic returns are based on tourist satisfaction, this study explores the levels of clients’ satisfaction with the tourism products and services offered in Kilim. The results indicate that tourists prefer exploring the new ecotourism products being offered. However, as a newly emerging tourism spot, there are many steps that must be undertaken to improve the services. With limitations in the product offered, this study’s results can provide insights to the main stakeholders.
Recombinant Adenovirus Coexpressing Covalent Peptide/MHC Class II Complex and B7-1: In Vitro and In Vivo Activation of Myelin Basic Protein-Specific T Cells1

Previous studies have demonstrated that an MHC class II molecule with an antigenic peptide genetically fused to its β-chain is capable of presenting this peptide to CD4+ T cells. We hypothesized that covalent peptide/class II complex may direct the accessory molecules to exert their function specifically onto T cells in a TCR-guided fashion. To test this hypothesis, we generated several recombinant adenoviruses expressing covalent myelin basic protein peptide/I-Au complex (MBP1–11/I-Au) and the costimulatory molecule B7-1. Functional studies demonstrated that adenovirus-infected cells are capable of activating an MBP1–11-specific T cell hybridoma. Coexpression of the B7-1 molecule and MBP1–11/I-Au by the same adenovirus leads to synergy in T cell activation elicited by virus-infected cells. Furthermore, studies in syngeneic mice infected with the various adenoviruses revealed that MBP1–11-specific T cells are specifically activated by the coexpression of B7-1 and MBP1–11/I-Au in vivo. In conclusion, the coexpression of the covalent peptide/class II complex and accessory molecules by the same adenovirus provides a unique strategy to modulate the epitope-specific T cell response in a TCR-guided fashion. This approach may be applicable to investigate the roles of other accessory molecules in the engagement of the TCR class II molecule by substituting B7-1 with other accessory molecules in the recombinant adenovirus.
v-Crk Modulation of Growth Factor-induced PC12 Cell Differentiation Involves the Src Homology 2 Domain of v-Crk and Sustained Activation of the Ras/Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway (*)

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) elicit contrasting actions on PC12 pheochromocytoma cells; NGF causes neuronal differentiation, and EGF induces proliferation. However, ectopic expression of the Src homology 2 (SH2) and SH3-containing oncogenic adaptor protein v-Crk in PC12 cells results in EGF-inducible neuronal differentiation (Hempstead, B. L., Birge, R. B., Fajardo, J. E., Glassman, R., Mahadeo, D., Kraemer, R., and Hanafusa, H.(1994) Mol. Cell. Biol. 14, 1964-1971). Here we show that v-Crk complexes with both the tyrosine-phosphorylated EGF receptor and the Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor SOS in PC12 cells and is involved in an pathway analogous to that of Grb2. Expression of v-Crk results in an enhanced and sustained activation of Ras and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase following EGF or NGF stimulation, implying that v-Crk can couple divergent tyrosine kinase pathways to Ras. To investigate the causal relationship between EGF receptor binding, MAP kinase activation, and neurite outgrowth, we stably expressed two v-Crk SH2 point mutants, v-Crk(R273N) and v-Crk(H294R) in PC12 cells. Mutations within the SH2 domain of v-Crk block binding of v-Crk to the tyrosine phosphorylated EGF receptor, compromise v-Crk's ability to cause EGF-dependent neurite outgrowth, and act in a dominant negative manner for NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. However, the kinetics of MAP kinase activation in EGF- or NGF-treated v-Crk(R273N)PC12 cells was comparable with that in v-CrkPC12 cells. These data are consistent with a model in which v-Crk regulates the strength of a tyrosine kinase signal leading to prolonged activation of Ras and MAP kinase. However, the experiments with the SH2 mutants suggest that sustained activation, by itself, may not be sufficient to switch the fate of v-CrkPC12 cells from proliferation toward differentiation.
TMT's Characteristics, Organizational Slack, and Organizational Performance : A Review of Prior Literature

In this manuscript, we aim to reconcile mutually contradictory arguments concerning the influence of organizational slack on innovation by taking into account the moderating effects of the characteristics of top management teams (TMTs). Building on prior upper echelons research, we argue that organizational slack positively influences innovation to the extent that the members of the TMT have a high level of education, job functions that are output-oriented, or short organizational (or industry) tenure. Our argument informs future research on organizational slack, upper echelons theory, and the resource-based view.
Ultrastructure of the Rat Pancreas after Experimental Duct Ligation. II. Duct and Stromal Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Deletion

Ligation of the pancreas in rats was followed by rapid atrophy of the distal part of the gland, where deletion of the acinar cells by apoptosis and simultaneous extensive proliferation of duct cells resulted in the lobules being converted into groups of closely packed small ducts within 5 days. We found no ultrastructural evidence that cells lining these small ducts arose from acinar cells by a process of dedifferentiation, as has been suggested by some investigators. During the succeeding weeks, some of the ductal lining cells developed islet cell or partial acinar cell differentiation. The latter soon died by apoptosis, and some ductlike and islet cells were also deleted by this means. Most of the apoptotic bodies formed in the ducts were phagocytosed by intra-epithelial macrophages. In the longer term, continuing apoptosis eventually resulted in the disappearance of many ducts, only their thickened basal laminae remaining. Differentiation of stromal fibroblasts into contractile rnyofibro-blasts may have contributed to shrinkage of the duct-obstructed glandular tissue, and apoptosis of endothelial cells probably accounted for the associated reduction of the capillary bed.
Small business finance in Italy

Using survey data on Italian manufacturing firms, this paper examines firms' capital structure and their access to financial debt, notably bank loans. We find that the share of financial debt in total liabilities is, on average, smaller for small firms than for large ones. However, this is not because the typical small firm borrows less than a large firm, but because small firms are more likely not to borrow at all. For firms that do borrow, the share of financial debt varies little with firm size. The absence of financial debt on the balance sheet of many firms is mainly because they do not want to borrow, not because lenders do not want to lend. Thus, credit rationing does not appear to be a widespread phenomenon, but when it happens, lack of size and equity seems to play a key role.
Benchmarking small business performance: barriers and benefits

Benchmarking is now a commonplace term in business and many definitions have been proposed. Despite its increasing popularity there is growing evidence that it is often used incorrectly. ‘Benchmarking’ seems to be confused with competitive comparison studies, which are simply a component part of benchmarking. This paper reviews previous benchmarking studies in general, identifying the background to its growth, and benefits and barriers relating specifically to implementation by small businesses. Finally, the paper proposes strategies that can be adopted to make better use of benchmarking for small business. There are a number of barriers preventing businesses implementing benchmarking processes and the types of barriers may vary with business size. Large businesses have adopted benchmarking in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Although large businesses are well placed to take on new quality improvement processes, smaller firms may question their applicability. Previous studies indicate that performance measurement is rarely used by small businesses, as there are many barriers that prevent small businesses from undertaking benchmarking. Some of these barriers relate to lack of time, cost issues, lack of knowledge and poor strategic planning. Despite these barriers there are many benefits that can be derived from implementing benchmarking programs. Some of these benefits include identification of improved ways to meet customer needs and cost-effective collection of innovative ideas. This paper highlights that benchmarking is a huge and complex task, requiring dedication to ongoing effort and suggests that small businesses may require initial support in order to effectively implement benchmarking as a continuous improvement program.
The mechanism of market driving with a corporate brand: The case of a global retailer

The purpose of this thesis has been to analyse the mechanism of the market driving approach carried out by a global organisation with a corporate brand. Market driving is a new organisational approach to strategy that lacks a solid theoretical framework, but constitutes a reality of global firms such as IKEA, The Body Shop, Benetton, Dell, Hennes and Mauritz, Starbucks. In the literature, the market driving strategy is linked with the ability of a firm to produce a leap in customer value due to a unique business system and value proposition. Thus, the major focus is on the tangible organisational resources for value creation. In my study, I have analysed the ability of a firm to use the corporate brand as a major intangible resource for value generation. This thesis argues that a corporate brand provides a context and a mechanism for value creation in market driving. It has also broadened the concept of customer value to include all major organisational stakeholders. The study draws on the theories of market orientation, market driving, corporate branding and partly on the stakeholder theory. The basic premise is that the cross-fertilisation of these theories is beneficial for the development of a new theory in market driving, while corporate branding provides a relevant explanatory theory for a deeper understanding of the organisational driving forces of this phenomenon. The case study of IKEA in three markets - Russia, China and Poland - has been carried out using in-depth interviews with managers at corporate and local levels as well as local suppliers as major sources of evidence. The systematic combining of theory and empirical data has allowed the creation of a coherent conceptual framework for the study. It has been used to explain the dynamics of the market driving approach towards different stakeholders globally and locally. It has been shown that corporate branding provides a company with a powerful alignment mechanism for marketing processes and value amplification, allowing it to create a leap in stakeholder value. The broad stakeholder perspective taken by a firm allows it to develop an integrated market driving approach, in which the role of a corporate brand is to provide the basis for all strategies. (Less)
Induction of neutrophil apoptosis and secondary necrosis during endotoxin‐induced pulmonary inflammation in mice

The present study investigated the relationship between apoptotic and necrotic cell death and their role in pulmonary inflammatory response to endotoxin. Pulmonary administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused a rapid increase in the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α and inflammatory cell influx in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids. Control mice showed only resident alveolar macrophages with no apoptosis, whereas LPS‐treated mice showed clear apoptosis of BAL cells. Microscopic studies confirmed the presence of apoptotic neutrophils and macrophages ingesting apoptotic bodies. The number of apoptotic neutrophils increased concomitantly with the increase in neutrophil influx which peaked 1 day after the treatment. However, necrosis was not detected at this early time, but increased subsequently and peaked at day 3. The levels of necrosis and apoptosis were both elevated and prolonged at high LPS doses. Treatment of mice with phosphatidylserine (PS)‐containing liposome, known to inhibit macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, increased the level of apoptosis and necrosis caused by LPS, whereas control non‐PS liposome or saline treatment had no effects. We conclude that necrosis occurs secondary to apoptosis in LPS‐treated lung model and that this development is not the result of direct insult by LPS. Instead, our results and previous studies suggest that inefficient clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages contributes, at least in part, to the levels of apoptosis and necrosis induced by LPS. Because necrosis is associated with cell damage and release of histotoxic contents, this development is likely to play a role in determining the severity and duration of lung toxicity induced by endotoxin. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Interplay between Behavior and Morphology in the Evolutionary Dynamics of Resource Specialization

We analyze the consequences of diet choice behavior for the evolutionary dynamics of foraging traits by means of a mathematical model. The model is characterized by the following features. Consumers feed on two different substitutable resources that are distributed in a fine‐grained manner. On encounter with a resource item, consumers decide whether to attack it so as to maximize their energy intake. Simultaneously, evolutionary change occurs in morphological traits involved in the foraging process. The assumption here is that evolution is constrained by a trade‐off in the consumer’s ability to forage on the alternative resources. The model predicts that flexible diet choice behavior can guide the direction of evolutionary change and mediate coexistence of different consumer types. Such polymorphisms can evolve from a monomorphic population at evolutionary branching points and also at points where a small genetic change in a trait can provoke a sharp instantaneous and nongenetic change in choice behavior. In the case of weak trade‐offs, the evolutionary dynamics of a dimorphic consumer population can lead to alternative evolutionarily stable communities. The robustness of these predictions is checked with individual‐based simulations and by relaxing the assumption of optimally foraging consumers.
IR Image Upconversion Under Dual-Wavelength Laser Illumination

We investigate the use of dual-wavelength laser illumination in a nonlinear infrared-to-visible image upconversion system. We show how a two-wavelength laser illumination can combine the enhanced upconversion field-of-view (FOV) characteristic of broadband thermal or amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) illumination with the higher power intensity of a laser. By properly choosing the wavelength spectral spacing of only two laser wavelengths and their relative amplitudes, the FOV that can be upconverted in the nonlinear crystal can be enlarged up to an extent similar to broadband illumination and intensity homogenized. In this way, a step is taken towards image upconversion beyond the lab to practical longer range illumination-assisted outdoor applications. We provide an experimental verification in good agreement with our model's simulations for original infrared images in the eye-safe spectral region around 1550 nm upconverted to around 631 nm in a periodically poled LiNbO3 crystal.
Timing to the Statement: Understanding Fluctuations in Consumer Credit Use

We show that consumers spend 15% more per day in the first week following the receipt of a credit card statement than in the days just prior to the statement. This increase in spending includes both an increase in the likelihood that they use the credit card in the first weeks following their statement and an increase in transaction amount on days they use the credit card. In contrast to the effect on credit card spending, debit card spending is unaffected by credit card statement issuance, suggesting that consumers are not simply switching among modes of payment. Our estimates are based on exogenous variation from bank-assigned statement dates. We propose and test several alternative explanations to this spending puzzle: optimization of the free float, salience effect of the credit card statement, mental accounting, liquidity constraints, and automatic payments. We find that the consumers most apt to spend early in the credit card cycle tend to be those who do not revolve balances and are not close to their credit limit. Thus, this paper documents a puzzle with mixed support for several alternative explanations. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Susceptibility to retroactive interference: The effect of context as a function of age and cognition

Previous studies have shown that contextual cues improve memory performance and reduce interference in younger adults. However, it is not clear whether middle-aged and older adults can also benefit from contextual cues, or if this ability diminishes with ageing and cognitive decline. In order to test this question, we tested 69 middle-aged adults (aged 30–50 years) and 65 older adults (aged 65–85). Participants completed a retroactive interference paradigm with or without contextual cues. Cognitive functioning of older adults was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is a sensitive and highly validated tool to detect cognitive decline in older age. The results showed that while middle-aged adults were able to benefit from context to improve recognition and reduce interference, older adults were not able to benefit from it. However, when we compared older adults with lower (<26) and higher (≥26) scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, we found that older adults with high cognitive functioning could benefit from context advantage at retrieval to improve recognition compared to those with lower cognitive functioning. Yet, similar to older adults with lower cognitive functioning, they could not benefit from context advantage at encoding and hence were still susceptible to interference.