Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene expression analysis of immunostained endothelial cells isolated from formaldehyde‐fixated paraffin embedded tumors using laser capture microdissection—A technical report

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) allows microscopic procurement of specific cell types from tissue sections that can then be used for gene expression analysis. In conventional LCM, frozen tissues stained with hematoxylin are normally used to the molecular analysis. Recent studies suggested that it is possible to carry out gene expression analysis of formaldehyde‐fixated paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues that were stained with hematoxylin. However, it is still unclear if quantitative gene expression analyses can be performed from LCM cells from FFPE tissues that were subjected to immunostaining to enhance identification of target cells. In this proof‐of‐principle study, we analyzed by reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and real time PCR the expression of genes in factor VIII immunostained human endothelial cells that were dissected from FFPE tissues by LCM. We observed that immunostaining should be performed at 4°C to preserve the mRNA from the cells. The expression of Bcl‐2 in the endothelial cells was evaluated by RT‐PCR and by real time PCR. Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and 18S were used as house keeping genes for RT‐PCR and real time PCR, respectively. This report unveils a method for quantitative gene expression analysis in cells that were identified by immunostaining and retrieved by LCM from FFPE tissues. This method is ideally suited for the analysis of relatively rare cell types within a tissue, and should improve on our ability to perform differential diagnosis of pathologies as compared to conventional LCM. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Jaycustomer behavior: an exploration of types and motives in the hospitality industry

Christopher Lovelock originated the term “jaycustomer” behavior to refer to customers who deliberately act in a thoughtless or abusive manner, causing problems for the firm, employees, or other customers. An overview of existing literature reveals the focal concentration of empirical research regarding the listing or categorization of jaycustomer behaviors has been on individual forms. While the need for a development of a typology of general or all‐embracing jaycustomer behaviors has been recognized, and forwarded by a small number of researchers, such efforts have been anecdotal or conceptual in nature, or have emerged as part of wider research. The aim of this study is to advance understanding of the different forms of jaycustomer behaviors through providing empirical insights that explore and describe the activities and motivations of such “deviant” or “dysfunctional” customer behaviors through garnering empirical insights from both customer‐contact employees and customers themselves. After a review of existing literatures and a discussion of the research design and approach adopted, the findings from over 100 in‐depth interviews, utilizing critical incident technique, are presented and the implications of the study discussed.
Human resources metrics dashboard

This article focuses in all the research, contextualization, definition, analysis and implementation process of the human resources metrics dashboard for an organization in the technology business, using Meta4 technologies. It was developed a business study, some of the key concepts where deepened and defined, metrics were studied and selected, in order to justify the proposed solution. This solution will be the primary support to human resources management, simplifying and justifying the decision making process.
“Migrating” to new service providers: Toward a unifying framework of consumers’ switching behaviors

This article explores the applicability of a model of migration from the human geography literature as a unifying, theoretical framework for understanding consumers’ service provider switching behaviors. Survey data from approximately 700 consumers are used to examine the usefulness of the push, pull, and moorings (PPM) migration model. The PPM migration model performs better than an alternative model; all three categories of antecedents to switching (migration)—push, pull, and mooring variables—have significant direct, and some moderating, effects on switching intentions.
Impact of Agency's Climate on Burnout

Social work agencies can play a vital role in reducing burnout of Social Workers today. Determining what agencies could do to lighten the emotional load on its workers is an important topic for Social Workers as well as the clients they serve. This quantitative study surveyed 48 licensed social workers to examine which aspects of an agency’s culture contribute to its workers’ experience of burnout. Results indicate that the majority of the respondents, 52% (25) indicated that they have already experienced burnout in some form while working at their current agencies. Respondents also felt that the single most important factor in reducing burnout in social workers involved the support they received from their agencies regarding their work/life balance. This study indicated some clear steps that need to be taken by social work agencies. Creating a work environment where conversation and support between coworkers is encouraged and recommended, understanding the significance of workers taking time for their home lives and diversifying workloads can enhance the work experience for social workers and improve the quality of services clients receive. It is clear after analyzing the findings of this study that more research should be conducted on a larger scale to maintain the strongest social workers in the profession.
Financial System: Shock Absorber or Amplifier?

This paper identifies two types of market failures. The first concerns a coordination problem associated with panics. The problem in analysing this type of market failure from a policy perspective is that there is no widely accepted method for selecting equilibria. The second market failure concerns the incompleteness of financial markets. The essential problem here is that the incentives to provide liquidity lead to an inefficient allocation of resources. The paper outlines three manifestations of market failure associated with liquidity provision: financial fragility, contagion and asset price bubbles. The framework developed allows some insight into the question of when the financial system acts a shock absorber and when it acts as an amplifier. Having identified when there is a market failure, the paper looks at whether there are policies that can correct the undesirable effects of such failures.
Controlling Shareholders' Opportunism: The Case of Share Repurchase and Cash Dividends

This study examines how share repurchase and dividend policies are influenced by controlling shareholders in an emerging market. Share repurchase can be utilized opportunistically by controlling shareholders, particularly when they exercise voting rights in excess of cash-flow rights. The evidence of Korean firms shows that firms with a big wedge between the voting rights and cash-flow rights repurchase more shares, while firms with a small wedge distribute more cash dividends. In addition, we find that cash flows are significantly lower for firms with share-repurchase only than for those with neither share repurchase nor dividends. Overall, our results indicate that controlling shareholders use share repurchase as a temporary opportunism.
Quality of Service in Wireless Sensor Networks (QOS in WSN)

In this paper, we discuss about concept of Quality of Service (QoS) in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and different methods to improve data security network. The most useful methods for network traffic control are Differentiated Services (DS), Integrated Services, Multi-Protocol Labeled Switching (MPLS), Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) and Traffic Engineering. Quality of Service is responsible for data transfer between different parts of the network and it guarantees some series of transport properties on the network [14].
Intraocular lens tilt and decentration measured by Scheimpflug camera following manual or femtosecond laser-created continuous circular capsulotomy.

PURPOSE To compare intraocular lens (IOL) decentration and tilt following a circular capsulotomy created with a femtosecond laser (laser CCC) to a manually performed continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (manual CCC). METHODS In a prospective, randomized study, a laser CCC (Alcon LenSx Inc) was performed in 20 eyes from 20 patients and a manual CCC was performed in 25 eyes from 25 patients. Intraocular lens decentration and tilt were measured using a Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam, Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) 1 year after surgery. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and manifest refraction were also determined postoperatively. Between-group differences of IOL decentration and tilt as well as the correlation between IOL decentration and postoperative refractive changes and between IOL tilt and visual acuity were analyzed. RESULTS Horizontal and vertical tilt were significantly higher in the manual CCC group (P=.007 and P<.001, respectively). Lenses implanted after manual CCC showed greater horizontal and total decentration (P=.034 and P=.022, respectively). Significant differences were found in the homogeneity of dichotomized IOL vertical tilt and both horizontal and total decentration distribution (P=.008, P=.036, and P=.017, respectively). Total IOL decentration showed a significant correlation with changes in manifest refraction values between 1 month and 1 year after surgery (R=0.33, P=.032). A significant correlation was noted between IOL vertical tilt and CDVA (R(2)=0.17, β=-0.41, 95% confidence limit: -0.69 to -0.13, P=. 005). CONCLUSIONS Continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis created with a femtosecond laser resulted in a more stable refractive result and less IOL tilt and decentration than manual CCC.
A case report on asymptomatic ascending aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is a relatively rare but dreadful illness, often presenting with tearing chest pain and acute hemodynamic compromise. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential for survival. In the present review, a rare case of an asymptomatic ascending aortic dissection is reported. The general clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of aortic dissection will also be reviewed.
Agile versus Design-based Approach to ERP System Implementation : a Cross-case Study

Introduction ERP system adoptions run the risk of failure which grows with the complexity of company’s business processes and scale of operations. Among critical success factors for this kind of projects, the significant roles are played by an adequate definition of requirements, project team experience, and involvement of the adopting company resources [Finney, Corbett, 2007]. Considering model approaches to the ERP lifecycle, it appears that the pre-implementation analysis is themain stagewhich results in the agreement and definition of the requirements for the target system [Markus, Tanis, 2000; Ross, Vitale, 2000; Somers, Nelson, 2004]. In consequence, we may conclude that a good pre-implementation analysis is a critical precondition for a successful ERP adoption project. During pre-implementation analysis the modeling of enterprise and its business processes is performed, which are considered central activities in an ERP system adoption [Berio, Vernadat, 2001; Dalal et al., 2004]. Nonetheless, the character of these activities may vary depending on the level of national economy development. In particular, Themistocleous et al. [2011] suggest that, during pre-implementation analysis, companies from well-developed economies tend to focus on business-related issues, while firms from less developed countries put greater emphasis on system-related issues. Companies may also use different approaches to information gathering in pre-implementation analysis depending on the type of the system considered. Lech [2012] suggests that for highly configurable systems, the requirements-driven approach should be applied which includes a business process analysis, detailed requirements specification, and system prototype. For systems offering limited configurability, the system funcZarz1dzanie i Finanse Journal of Management and Finance Vol. 12, No. 3/2/2014
Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Increases the Cdt1-to-Geminin Ratio Inducing DNA Re-replication and Polyploidy*

Hepatitis B virus X protein (pX) is implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis by an unknown mechanism. Employing the tetracycline-regulated pX-expressing 4pX-1 cell line, derived from the murine AML12 hepatocyte cell line, we demonstrate that pX induces partial polyploidy (>4N DNA). Depletion of p53 in 4pX-1 cells increases by 5-fold the polyploid cells in response to pX expression, indicating that p53 antagonizes pX-induced polyploidy. Dual-parameter flow cytometric analyses show pX-dependent bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation in 4pX-1 cells containing 4N and >4N DNA, suggesting pX induces DNA re-replication. Interestingly, pX increases expression of endogenous replication initiation factors Cdc6 and Cdtl while suppressing geminin expression, a negative regulator of rereplication. In comparison to a geminin knockdown 4pX-1 cell line used as DNA re-replication control, the Cdt1/geminin ratio is greater in 4pX-1 cells expressing pX, indicating that pX promotes DNA re-replication. In support of this conclusion, pX-expressing 4pX-1 cells, similar to the geminin knockdown 4pX-1 cells, continue to incorporate BrdUrd in the G2 phase and exhibit nuclear Cdc6 and MCM5 co-localization and the absence of geminin. In addition, pX expression activates the ATR kinase, the sensor of DNA re-replication, which in turn phosphorylates RAD17 and H2AX. Interestingly, phospho-H2AX-positive and BrdUrd -positive cells progress through mitosis, demonstrating a link between pX-induced DNA re-replication and polyploidy. Our studies high-light a novel function of pX that likely contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis.
A systematic review of components of community‐based organisation engagement

Community-based organisations (CBOs) are important for eliminating health disparities globally and translating research findings to inform interventions. Engagement is an integral part of partnerships between CBOs and community health researchers and impacts the quality and quantity of any desired outcome. Despite the acknowledged benefits of community-based organisation engagement (CBOE), there are variations in its operationalisation and paucity in the understanding of its use in community-scientific partnerships. To further understand CBOE, the aim of this study was to synthesise published literature relevant to the definitions and applications of CBOE and identify its key components. A systematic search was conducted in March 2017, and updated in June 2017. Keywords were varied to account for international differences in spelling and word usage. Five major databases, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Google Scholar, were used to identify potential research studies. A total of 32 studies were included in this review. Following the analysis of the literature, four salient themes emerged as components of CBOE: (1) Need (a consensus between all the parties in a partnership on the importance of a specified project and its proposed benefits to a target community); (2) Partnership Dynamics (the workings of a relationship between a CBO and a scientific/academic stakeholder); (3) Resources (include but are not limited to: personnel, money, work space, expertise and equipment); and (4) Outcomes (products of the partnership). This review provides a foundation for future research in applying CBOE to translational research and interventions. This analysis will assist community health researchers in planning partnerships with CBOs, and make necessary adjustments to improve study outcomes. Appropriate application of the components of CBOE in partnerships will assist researchers in addressing health disparities.
The surface membrane antigen phenotype of human blood basophils

Basophils are effector cells of allergic reactions and express a unique profile of cellular antigens (Ag). Using a combined toluidine‐blue/immunofluorescence staining method, we were able to study the cell membrane Ag phenotype of normal human blood basophils with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against established and novel CD antigens. According to previous findings, basophils express CD9 (p24), CDlla (LFA‐1 alpha‐chain), CDllb (C3biR), CDllc (CR4), CD13 (aminopeptidase N), CDwl7 (lactosylceramide), CD18 (beta‐chain of β2), CD25 (IL‐2R alpha‐chain), CD26 (dipeptidylpeptidase), CD31 (PECAM), CD35 (CR1), CD38 (T10), CD43 (leukosialin), CD44 (Pgp‐1), CD45 (pan‐leukocyte Ag), and CD63 (basophil activation Ag). Various novel CD Ags were detected on basophils, including membrane cofactor protein (MCP) (CD46), the N‐linked glycan CD47, decay‐accelerating factor (DAF) (CD55), membrane attack complex inhibitory factor (MACIF) (CD59), LFA‐3 (CD58), ICAM‐2 (CD 102), ICAM‐3 (CD50), C5a receptor (CD88), MIC‐2/E2 (CD99), and the interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) R type II (CD121b). These data provide further evidence that basophils express a unique profile of surface membrane receptors for cytokines and immunomodulating compounds, as well as adhesion molecules and surface glycolipids.
How adaptable is the hydraulic system of European beech in the face of climate change-related precipitation reduction?

Climate warming will increase the drought exposure of many forests world-wide. It is not well understood how trees adapt their hydraulic architecture to a long-term decrease in water availability. We examined 23 traits characterizing the hydraulic architecture and growth rate of branches and the dependent foliage of mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees along a precipitation gradient (855-594 mm yr(-1) ) on uniform soil. A main goal was to identify traits that are associated with xylem efficiency, safety and growth. Our data demonstrate for the first time a linear increase in embolism resistance with climatic aridity (by 10%) across populations within a species. Simultaneously, vessel diameter declined by 7% and pit membrane thickness (Tm ) increased by 15%. Although specific conductivity did not change, leaf-specific conductivity declined by 40% with decreasing precipitation. Of eight plant traits commonly associated with embolism resistance, only vessel density in combination with pathway redundancy and Tm were related. We did not confirm the widely assumed trade-off between xylem safety and efficiency but obtained evidence in support of a positive relationship between hydraulic efficiency and growth. We conclude that the branch hydraulic system of beech has a distinct adaptive potential to respond to a precipitation reduction as a result of the environmental control of embolism resistance.
Supply chain integration: an international comparison of maturity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the uptake of supply chain integration (SCI) principles internationally and the resultant integration maturity. Design/methodology/approach – A rigorous supply chain diagnostics methodology called the Quick Scan is used to assess the integration maturity of 72 value streams located in New Zealand, Thailand and the UK. Findings – The majority of the organisations studied are struggling to turn the SCI concept into reality. Supply chains on average are poorly integrated. However, there exist a handful of exemplar cases that provide guidance; levels of integration maturity appear not to differ internationally. Research limitations/implications – Only three nations are compared, hence the sample is not fully representative of all countries and industries. There is a significant gap between supply chain rhetoric and practice; clear guidance on how to enable effective integration is required. National settings do not appear to affect the extent of application of supply chain management concepts. Practical implications – SCI is a very difficult undertaking. Indifferent practice is the norm. If organisations can attain even the middle ground of internal integration they will outperform many of their competitors. Originality/value – The paper presents an international benchmark of SCI maturity involving three triangulated measures of supply chain performance.
Task-Dependent Spatial Selectivity in the Primate Amygdala

Humans and other animals routinely encounter visual stimuli that indicate whether future reward delivery depends upon the identity or location of a stimulus, or the performance of a particular action. These reinforcement contingencies can influence how much attention is directed toward a stimulus. Neurons in the primate amygdala encode information about the association between visual stimuli and reinforcement as well as about the location of reward-predictive stimuli. Amygdala neural activity also predicts variability in spatial attention. In principle, the spatial properties of amygdala neurons may be present independent of spatial attention allocation. Alternatively, the encoding of spatial information may require attention. We trained monkeys to perform tasks that engaged spatial attention to varying degrees to understand the genesis of spatial processing in the amygdala. During classical conditioning tasks, conditioned stimuli appeared at different locations; amygdala neurons responded selectively to the location of stimuli. These spatial signals diminished rapidly upon stimulus disappearance and were unrelated to selectivity for expected reward. In contrast, spatial selectivity was sustained in time when monkeys performed a delayed saccade task that required sustained spatial attention. This temporally extended spatial signal was correlated with signals encoding reward expectation. Furthermore, variability in firing rates was correlated with variability in spatial attention, as measured by reaction time. These results reveal two types of spatial signals in the amygdala: one that is tied to initial visual responses and a second that reflects coordination between spatial and reinforcement information and that relates to the engagement of spatial attention.
Structural Comparison of Three Types of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec Integrated in the Chromosome in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The β-lactam resistance gene mecA ofStaphylococcus aureus is carried by a novel mobile genetic element, designated staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec(SCCmec), identified in the chromosome of a Japanese methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain. We now report identification of two additional types ofmecA-carrying genetic elements found in the MRSA strains isolated in other countries of the world. There were substantial differences in the size and nucleotide sequences between the elements and the SCCmec. However, new elements shared the chromosomal integration site with the SCCmec. Structural analysis of the new elements revealed that they possessed all of the salient features of the SCCmec: conserved terminal inverted repeats and direct repeats at the integration junction points, conserved genetic organization around the mecA gene, and the presence of cassette chromosome recombinase (ccr) genes responsible for the movements of SCCmec. The elements, therefore, were considered to comprise the SCCmec family of staphylococcal mobile genetic elements together with the previously identified SCCmec. Among 38 epidemic MRSA strains isolated in 20 countries, 34 were shown to possess one of the three typical SCCmec elements on the chromosome. Our findings indicated that there are at least three distinct MRSA clones in the world with different types of SCCmec in their chromosome.