Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mordant factors that affect the fluorescence and counting of somatic cells by instruments

Summary The requirement for accuracy in the counting of somatic cells in milk has been increased by the use of this measurement as a basis of payment for milk. This paper reports on several factors that can substantially affect efficiency of staining and cell detection in various types of fluorescent cell counters. These mordant factors include sample age, chemical preservative, other sample preservation treatments and reagent properties. Experiments were conducted in several laboratories with Fossomatic 215 and 360 cell counting instruments to measure the effect of these mordant factors on both cell fluorescence and cell count. Counting efficiency was as low as 20% for some instruments counting some particular samples, depending upon the combination of adverse mordant factors. The problem of poor counting efficiency was also not detected by calibration samples that had more favourable mordant treatments applied. The adverse mordant factors were shown to reduce the intensity of fluorescence of cells for all instruments. We suggest that a significant reduction in counting efficiency due to these adverse mordant factors is most likely to occur when the particular instrument already has an intrinsic inability to separate cell fluorescence properly from background noise. This paper also discusses quality control samples, the impact of various factors on discriminator curves and the use of appropriate measures to maintain good calibration adjustment.
Incorporating Mindfulness and Chat Groups Into an Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Mixed Female Sexual Problems

ABSTRACT The current randomized study evaluated an online cognitive behavioral therapy program for female sexual problems. PursuingPleasure (PP) consisted of six online modules that included psychoeducation, sensate focus, communication exercises, cognitive exercises, and e-mail contact with a therapist. PP incorporated mindfulness training and online chat groups as well as assessed partner sexual functioning. Participants demonstrated a completion rate of 57%, with 26 women with female sexual problems and related distress completing the program compared to a wait-list control group of 31 women also experiencing sexual problems and distress. Sexual problems reported by women in both groups included difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. The treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in all domains of female sexual response (except for sexual pain) and significant reductions in the reported frequency of sexual problems and distress. Partner sexual functioning showed positive change. Improvements in female sexual functioning and some improvements in male partner sexual functioning were maintained at three-month follow-up. Limitations and suitability of clients for this treatment approach for women who are geographically isolated, who are unable to attend face-to-face therapy, and who possess a high degree of motivation are discussed.
Silibinin Preferentially Radiosensitizes Prostate Cancer by Inhibiting DNA Repair Signaling

Radiotherapy, a frequent mode of cancer treatment, is often restricted by dose-related toxicity and development of therapeutic resistance. To develop a novel and selective radiosensitizer, we studied the radiosensitizing effects and associated mechanisms of silibinin in prostate cancer. The radiosensitizing effect of silibinin with ionizing radiation (IR) was assessed on radioresistant prostate cancer cell lines by clonogenic, cell cycle, cell death, and DNA repair assays. Tumor xenograft growth, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of tumor tissues, and toxicity-related parameters were measured in vivo. Silibinin (25 μmol/L) enhanced IR (2.5–10 Gy)-caused inhibition (up to 96%, P < 0.001) of colony formation selectively in prostate cancer cells, and prolonged and enhanced IR-caused G2–M arrest, apoptosis, and ROS production. Mechanistically, silibinin inhibited IR-induced DNA repair (ATM and Chk1/2) and EGFR signaling and attenuated the levels of antiapoptotic proteins. Specifically, silibinin suppressed IR-induced nuclear translocation of EGFR and DNA-PK, an important mediator of DSB repair, leading to an increased number of γ-H2AX (ser139) foci suggesting lesser DNA repair. In vivo, silibinin strongly radiosensitized DU145 tumor xenograft inhibition (84%, P < 0.01) with higher apoptotic response (10-fold, P < 0.01) and reduced repair of DNA damage, and rescued the mice from IR-induced toxicity and hematopoietic injury. Overall, silibinin enhanced the radiotherapeutic response via suppressing IR-induced prosurvival signaling and DSB repair by inhibiting nuclear translocation of EGFR and DNA-PK. Because silibinin is already in phase II clinical trial for prostate cancer patients, the present finding has translational relevance for radioresistant prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(12); 2722–34. ©2015 AACR.
Economic Analysis of Widespread Adoption of CSR and Sustainability Reporting Standards

This report provides an economic analysis for a widespread adoption of corporate social responsibility (or sustainability) disclosure and reporting standards in the United States. It is based on an extensive review of the academic literature in accounting, economics, finance, and management. We discuss possible economic consequences, including capital-market effects, real effects in firm behavior, and implementation issues related to the adoption of CSR standards. The report focuses on the economic effects of standards for disclosure and reporting, not on the economic effects of CSR activities and policies themselves. Our analysis yields a number of insights that are relevant to the current debate on CSR and sustainability reporting standards.
The human U4/U6 snRNP contains 60 and 90kD proteins that are structurally homologous to the yeast splicing factors Prp4p and Prp3p.

Immunoaffinity-purified human 25S [U4/U6.U5] tri-snRNPs harbor a set of polypeptides, termed the tri-snRNP proteins, that are not present in Mono Q-purified 20S U5 snRNPs or 10S U4/U6 snRNPs and that are important for tri-snRNP complex formation (Behrens SE, Lührmann R, 1991, Genes & Dev 5:1439-1452). Biochemical and immunological characterization of HeLa [U4/U6.U5] tri-snRNPs led to the identification of two novel proteins with molecular weights of 61 and 63kD that are distinct from the previously described 15.5, 20, 27, 60, and 90kD tri-snRNP proteins. For the initial characterization of tri-snRNP proteins that interact directly with U4/U6 snRNPs, immunoaffinity chromatography with an antibody directed against the 60kD protein was performed. We demonstrate that the 60 and 90kD tri-snRNP proteins specifically associate with the U4/U6 snRNP at salt concentrations where the tri-snRNP complex has dissociated. The primary structures of the 60kD and 90kD proteins were determined by cloning and sequencing their respective cDNAs. The U4/U6-60kD protein possesses a C-terminal WD domain that contains seven WD repeats and thus belongs to the WD-protein family, whose best-characterized members include the Gbeta subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. A database homology search revealed a significant degree of overall homology (57.8% similarity, 33.9% identity) between the human 60kD protein and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae U4/U6 snRNP protein Prp4p. Two additional, previously undetected WD repeats (with seven in total) were also identified in Prp4p, consistent with the possibility that 60kD/Prp4p, like beta-transducin, may adopt a propeller-like structure. The U4/U6-90kD protein was shown to exhibit significant homology, particularly in its C-terminal half, with the S. cerevisiae splicing factor Prp3p, which also associates with the yeast U4/U6 snRNP. Interestingly, U4/U6-90kD shares short regions of homology with E. coli RNase III, including a region encompassing its double-stranded RNA binding domain. Based on their structural similarity with essential splicing factors in yeast, the human U4/U6-60kD and 90kD proteins are likely also to play important roles in the mammalian splicing process.
Customer service attributes and customer satisfaction in Taiwanese rural hotels.

Tourism and Hospitality is a service-intensive industry that is dependent on the quality of customers' service experiences and their consequent assessments of satisfaction or dissatisfaction and behavioural intentions. The management of services and measurement of customer satisfaction is thus of crucial importance to the tourism industry and is becoming increasingly important as a result of the growing tourism and hospitality industry in Taiwan. This especially applies to the phenomenon of Taiwanese small rural hotels, which have been growing substantially from 65 hotels in 2003 to 3,407 hotels in 2012 and which present an area so far untapped by researchers.This study approaches customer satisfaction in Taiwanese rural hotels from a pragmatist perspective and using multi strategy research. First, the qualitative part of the study employs 13 semi structured interviews with hotel owners, experts, and customers in order to define the Taiwanese rural hotel product and to identify 21 customer service attributes. These attributes are then tested in a quantitative study by using self-administered two-part (before and after the service experience) questionnaires in 38 rural hotels in the three counties of Taiwan with the highest population of rural hotels. Results from 1,161 returned questionnaires (77.4 percent response rate) are then analysed using four popular conceptualisations of customer satisfaction: Expectancy Disconfirmation Paradigm (EDP), Perceived Performance Only (PPO), Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), and Revised Importance Performance Analysis (RIPA). In addition questionnaire data are quantitatively analysed using a variety of multivariate analysis techniques and results are computed against customers' overall satisfaction and return intentions. Overall customers currently appear to be neither satisfied nor unsatisfied with the rural hotel experience.This study provides empirical evidence that the methodological approach chosen for this study is adequate for conceptualising the Taiwanese rural hotel product and identifying its inherent customer service attributes. The proposed 21 service attributes present a framework that subsequent researchers in hospitality and tourism studies in the Taiwanese rural hotel context may want to consider when structuring their enquiries. Furthermore this study finds that all of the four tested approaches EDP, PPO, IPA, and RIPA are applicable for measuring customer satisfaction in a Taiwanese rural hotel context. However, they turn out differing results and findings indicate a superiority of process oriented approaches over the outcome oriented approach. This study emphasises the need for more research in this subject area and rethinking current approaches to measuring customer satisfaction.
Unraveling the routine dynamics of interfunctional coordination:: Solving “ad-hoc” customer problems in a high-tech industrial enterprise

The interfunctional coordination involved in adequately responding to immediate customer needs and problems is central in business marketing theory and practice. However, the literature on interfunctional coordination has so far focused on the design of organizational coordination mechanism and performance. Hence, how interfunctional coordination occurs in spontaneous ways from the perspective of situated organizational members has not been well examined. We studied the dynamics and micro processes of interfunctional coordination in a High Tech Industrial company located in the Netherlands in response to the event of addressing ad-hoc customer field problems. In each of the eight events we studied, we analyzed the enactment strategies of the customer problem by members into the organization, how they caused breakdowns in the otherwise stable customer field problem solving routine, and how they set up a temporary coordination structure to solve the problem. We identified three distinct modes of interfunctional coordination and underlying routine dynamics: routine coordination, balanced coordination and ad-hoc coordination. This paper demonstrates that interfunctional coordination can occur programmed as well as spontaneous depending on the nature of the customer problem and how members enact the problem and are able to depart from existing routines to adequately respond to customer problems. We also contribute to the literature on organizational routines by showing how and when routines are malleable and to some extend uncover its temporal dynamics.
Strengthening Rural Extension Services to Facilitate Community towards Sustainable Development Goals in Three Districts in Indonesia

Rural areas in Indonesia vary in terms of socio-economics and cultural background, the landscape, physical climate, the resources, and the accessibility to extension services. Rural extension services play an important role in facilitating community development from on-farm to off farm activities. Rural extension systems have to address the increased demand for the services and to nd innovative approaches and strategies to facilitate community in the era of globalization. The paper aims to analyse the current status of rural extension systems in Indonesia, to analyse the role of stakeholders involved in extension systems, and to formulate plan and actions to strengthen rural extension systems. Assessment of rural extension systems was conducted by using a logical framework analysis models involving representatives from rural community groups and resource persons. Stakeholder dialogues and group discussions were conducted to gather information and to discuss the issues on rural extension. Data were analysed using stakeholders analysis to formulate strategy to strengthen rural extension systems. The results indicate that rural areas have shown changes in terms of socio-ecological aspects, land-uses, sources of income, and availability of resources. The changes are due to population increases that result in the need for more food, housing, education, jobs, and other public facilities. Community groups run small enterprise in rural areas for income generating activities. Engaging community and related stakeholders in the systems has positive effects for successful rural extension services. Stakeholder analysis showed that better collaborative extension services from service providers is needed to facilitate community. In terms of sustainable development goals, rural extension systems need the issues of food, health, water, gender, poverty and environment to be integrated into the services. Existing supports from local government, business sectors, civil society organizations, and universities are essentials to facilitate transformative changes in communities.
Effects Of Different Cement Factory Sections Products On Immunoglobulin Levels And Some Biochemical Parameters In Nigeria Cement Factory Workers.

Cement dust emission into the environment from various points is a major pollution problem in cement factory, with cement dust constituent differing at each point of production, therefore, suggesting toxicity implications at each points of production might differ. The present study determines the levels of serum immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgG, IgM, IgG) and total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspatase aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), total protein, albumin, creatinine, uric acid and gamma glutamyl transferase in forty five(45) cement factory workers working in different sections of the factory ( Crushing (13) , Milling(19) and Packing sections (13) ). Immunodiffussion method was used to determine serum IgA, IgG, IgM while ELISA method was used to determine serum IgE. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), alanine amino transferase(ALT), aspatase aminotransferse, total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine and uric acid were determined using Hitachi 902 auto analyser while gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) was determined using colorimetric method. The levels of IgM, IgA and IgE were not statistically different among the groups (p>0.05) while IgG was significantly higher in workers working in the packing section of the factory (p 0.05) though with a higher mean levels when compared with the general population. This study demonstrated that workers in cement factory working in different sections are susceptible to various diseases specific to their work area. (Effects Of Different Cement Factory Sections Products On Immunoglobulin Levels And Some Biochemical Parameters In Nigeria Cement Factory Workers.
Factors Affecting Sustainable Luxury Purchase Behavior: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the luxury realm as consumers are increasingly inclined toward sustainable orientation. Yet, very few studies have been performed in this domain to gain an in-depth understanding about sustainable luxury consumer behavior. This study is based upon an extensive review of literature and aims to fill this gap by classifying various factors pertaining to sustainable luxury purchase intention into four broad categories, namely, culture, self-oriented (personal) values, others-oriented (social) values and economic value. Going further, an integrated conceptual framework based on dual theoretical framework of theory of planned behavior (TPB) and Schwartz’s value theory is proposed in the study to provide a holistic view about the key determinants of sustainable luxury fashion consumption.
Biochemical Analysis of the Yeast Condensin Smc2/4 Complex

To better understand the contributions that the structural maintenance of chromosome proteins (SMCs) make to condensin activity, we have tested a number of biochemical, biophysical, and DNA-associated attributes of the Smc2p-Smc4p pair from budding yeast. Smc2p and Smc4p form a stable heterodimer, the “Smc2/4 complex,” which upon analysis by sedimentation equilibrium appears to reversibly self-associate to form heterotetramers. Individually, neither Smc2p nor Smc4p hydrolyzes ATP; however, ATPase activity is recovered by equal molar mixing of both purified proteins. Hydrolysis activity is unaffected by the presence of DNA. Smc2/4 binds both linearized and circular plasmids, and the binding appears to be independent of adenylate nucleotide. High mole ratios of Smc2/4 to plasmid promote a geometric change in circular DNA that can be trapped as knots by type II topoisomerases but not as supercoils by a type I topoisomerase. Binding titration analyses reveal that two Smc2/4-DNA-bound states exist, one disrupted by and one resistant to salt challenge. Competition-displacement experiments show that Smc2/4-DNA-bound species formed at even high protein to DNA mole ratios remain reversible. Surprisingly, only linear and supercoiled DNA, not nicked-circular DNA, can completely displace Smc2/4 prebound to a labeled, nicked-circular DNA. To explain this geometry-dependent competition, we present two models of DNA binding by SMCs in which two DNA duplexes are captured within the inter-coil space of an Smc2/4 heterodimer. Based on these models, we propose a DNA displacement mechanism to explain how differences in geometry could affect the competitive potential of DNA.
Research for TRAN Committee - Overtourism: impact and possible policy responses

This study addresses the complex phenomenon of overtourism in the EU. By focusing on a set of case studies, the study reports on overtourism indicators, discusses management approaches implemented within different destinations and assesses policy responses. It concludes that a common set of indicators cannot be defined because of the complex causes and effects of overtourism. Avoiding overtourism requires custom-made policies in cooperation between destinations' stakeholders and policymakers
The induction of neoplasms in five strains of rats with acetylaminofluorene.

The variety of tumors observed in rats fed with acety]amlnofluorene suggests constitutional differences in response to this chemical. Wilson, DeEd and Cox (8), reported 29 carcinomas and 1 sarcoma in 39 rats of an inbred albino stock which had been fed 2-acetylaminofluorene in various concentrations. T h e most frequent sites were bladder and mammary gland. Bielschowsky (1) observed 105 neoplasms in 93 Wistar rats which ingested 4 mgm. daily for 30 weeks. The majority of neoplasms were malignant hepatomas, mammary cancer and cancer of the external acoustic duct. He observed no tumors of the urinary bladder, and found 23 of the 27 mammary cancers in intact females and the majority of mallgnarit hepatomas to be in male rats. Aside from sex a.s a differential in the localization of these tumors, Bielschowsky (2) in a second paper reported the induction of multiple adenomas of the thyroid and 1 macroscopic adenocarcinoma of the thyroid in 10 rats fed 2-acetylaminofluorene in combination with allylthiourea. Lopez (6) reported a glioma as well as hepatoma and mammary tumors in rats fed this chemical. Heiman (5) reported 4 salivary gland and 2 parathyroid tumors in Wistar rats following the introduction of the acetylamlnofluorene directly into the pharynx with a syringe and curved needle.
Partial Oxidation by Ozone to Remove Recalcitrance from Wastewaters - a Review

Xenobiotic organics produced by modern industrial processes resist conventional biological wastewater treatment. Ozone pretreatment to improve biodegradation via partial oxidation is a potential solution for this recalcitrance. Ozone forms no additional sludge, removes colour and has two modes of action that can be utilised according to the wastewater consitituents. The preozonation of a variety of wastewaters and model compounds is reviewed here. Of the industrial processes examined, the associated recalcitrant organic compounds were generally halogenated heterocyclic or nitrogenous aromatics, aliphatic polymers or polyaromatics. Initial optimisation of ozone dose ensured the occurrence of partial oxidation, where over 90% parent compound transformation was required to give best results in the subsequent biological process. Ozonation intermediate and end-products included ketones, aldehydes and organic acids that were more biodegradable than the parent compounds. Biodegradability improvement was assessed using TOC, COD, BOD, BOD/COD ratio and OUR. Actual process feasibility and performance was evaluated using various combined ozonation-biodegradation trials; textile dying and finishing effluent being one area of application. Kinetic studies of chemical and biological stages facilitated process optimisation and can assist scale-up. The main factors affecting ozonation performance were pH, the nature and concentration of oxidisable organics, ozone dose, competition between the target compound and biodegradable by-products, the presence of oxidant scavengers, and the efficiency of ozone mass transfer. The formation of toxic or recalcitrant by-products has been found to occur in some cases, necessitating knowledge of wastewater constituents and trials on a site-by-site basis.