Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Income Risk Perception and Management by Rural Farm Households, Taking Part in Sugarcane Contract Farming in Lao PDR

This research aimed to examine income risk perception and management of sugarcane contract farming at farm household level in Lao PDR. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, employing purposive sampling with a total target group of thirty respondents that included older people from the village and heads of the sugarcane grower group as the key informants. The target group also included twenty five farm households who were planting and harvesting at least one hectare of contract farming sugarcane during a single season in 2014. In-depth interviews, group interviews and observation techniques were employed. Data collection was done during October-December, 2014. Content analysis was employed for the data analysis while descriptive analytic methods were used to present the results. The results indicated the sources of income risk to rural farm households engaging in sugarcane contract farming. These risks included the high cost of clearing land; in particular land containing large trees, the high cost of sugarcane stalk, which was often supplied contaminated with soil and tree branches, the high cost of fertilizer and also labor costs caused by annual inflation. Households were aware of the income risks from sugarcane contract farming and used their own strategies to manage them. These strategies would include reducing the amount of inputs, using their own labor, renting out their land to others and diversification in to other crops and livestock.
Urinary exosomal proteins as (pan‐)cancer biomarkers: insights from the proteome

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from cells under both physiological and pathological conditions, and may, thus, be present in biofluids. Urine is one of the most accessible biofluids implemented in clinical diagnostics. Recent mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic analyses have enabled high‐throughput, deep proteome profiling of urinary EVs for the discovery, quantification and characterization of cancer‐specific exosome biomarkers. The protein cargo of urine exosomes is emerging as an attractive source for biomarkers, not only for urological cancers, such as prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, but potentially also for nonurological cancers, including gastric, lung, oesophageal and colorectal cancer. More recently, exosome proteomics dissected protein cargo in the lumen and at the surface of EVs, and unexpectedly indicated that RNA‐ and DNA‐binding proteins might also be present on vesicular surfaces. Here, we analyse MS‐based proteomic data on urinary exosomes from cancer patients, and discuss the potential of urinary exosome‐derived biomarkers in cancer.
A framework for planning academic library spaces

Purpose – The focus on designing spaces for users in the last decade or so signifies the gradual change in the mission of libraries from provision of resources to that of a pro-active partner in learning. Planning for user space in support of learning is far more complex as it needs to take into account the variety of users’ needs and behaviour. Before specifying the actual layout and design of users’ spaces it is important to consider all the major factors that affect the use of the intended library space. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide to library planning base on the experience of the authors at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The framework for planning library spaces developed at NTU Libraries consists of four components – collaborative space, sanctuary space, interaction space and community space. Discussion on the rationale of these spaces and suggestions for their implementation will assist others in asking appropriate questions on the.
CSPG4-Specific CAR T Cells for High-Risk Childhood B Cell Precursor Leukemia

The advent of CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has proven to be a powerful asset in the arsenal of cancer immunotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and certain B cell lymphomas. However, a sizable portion of patients treated with CD19-CAR T cells relapse with CD19-negative cancer cells, necessitating the quest for back-up antigens. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) expression has been reported on leukemic blasts bearing the ill-fated MLL 11q23 rearrangement. We aimed at exploring the use of CSPG4-specific CAR T cells against mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged leukemic blasts, using the precursor B cell leukemia cell line KOPN8 (MLL–MLLT1 translocation) as a model. First, we confirmed CSPG4 expression on KOPN8 cells. Bulk T cells electroporated with mRNA encoding a CSPG4-specific CAR upregulated activation markers and secreted the Th1 cytokines TNF and IFNγ in an antigen-specific manner upon co-culture with KOPN8 cells. More importantly, CSPG4-specific CAR T cells evinced specific degranulation towards KOPN8 cells and specifically lysed KOPN8 target cells in chromium lysis experiments. CSPG4 is a well-established CAR target in cutaneous melanoma. Here, we provide proof-of-principle data for the use of CSPG4-specific CAR T cells against MLL-translocated leukemias.
Evaluation of botanicals for onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) control at Gum Selassa, South Tigray, Ethiopia

Field studies were conducted for two consecutive years (2013 and 2014) to determine the effectiveness of different plant extracts and synthetic chemical insecticides for the control of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) at Adigudom, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Two chemical insecticides including dimethoate 40% E.C and Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate 5 EC), and five botanical extracts obtained from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), Mexican marigold (Tagetus minuta L.), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca Graham) and Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.) were tested for their controlling effect on onion thrips. The population dynamics of the thrips was monitored and population counts were made before and after the application of each of the treatments. The two years combined analysis indicated that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in onion bulb yield where dimethoate, Tree tobacco, Karate, and Mexican marigold recorded significantly higher onion bulb yield than the control. Thirty and 37% more bulb yield was obtained in the Tree tobacco and dimethoate treated plots than in the control. Karate has had the highest effect in reducing thrips pest population in year one, though was on par with that of dimethoate, did well in the second year contributing to significant yield improvement against the control. There was no statistically significant difference among treatments in plant height, leaf number and bulb weight. From among the botanicals tested, tree tobacco had the best performance in controlling onion thrips and was comparable to those of dimethoate and Karate.
Hypolipidemic activity of the methanolic extract of Ficus thonningii (Blume) leaves in hypercholesterolemic-induced rats.

Ficus thonningii has been reported to have nutritional and ethno-rnedical uses especially by the Igede-speaking people of Benne State, Nigeria. Therefore, this study: was carried out to assess effects of methanolic leaf extract of Ficus thonningii (MEFT) against cholesterol-induced hyperlipidaemia in rats. Adult rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 and 2 were orally administered 5 nil/kg/day of distilled water. Groups 3-6 received 10 rug/kg/day of simvastatin, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day of extract respectively, for 30 days. Cholesterol (400' mg/kg/ day) was also given to allthe groups except group 1for 30 days. On day 31, blood samples were collected for the determination of serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-c), and high density lipoprotein (HDL-c). MEFI' (200 rug/kg) significantly lowered TG, TC, LDL-c and VLDL-c levels. At this dose the extract also significantly increased HDL-c levels when compared with the cholesterol treated group. These suggest the extract to possess preventive or therapeutic effects on dietinduced hyperlipidaemia. KEYWORDS : hyperlipidaemia, lipoproteins, athrogenic index, cardiovascular diseases
1 Modulation of motor cortex activity when observing 2 rewarding and punishing actions 3 4 5 6

31 32 Interpreting others’ actions is essential for understanding the intentions and goals in 33 social interactions. Activity in the motor cortex is evoked when we see another person 34 performing actions, which can also be influenced by the intentions and context of the 35 observed action. No study has directly explored the influence of reward and punishment 36 on motor cortex activity when observing others’ actions, which is likely to have 37 substantial relevance in different social contexts. In this experiment, EEG was recorded 38 while participants watched movie clips of a person performing actions that led to a 39 monetary reward, loss or no change for the observer. Using the EEG mu rhythm as an 40 index of motor resonance, our results demonstrate that observation of rewarding actions 41 produce significantly greater motor cortex activity than punishing or neutral actions, with 42 punishing actions producing greater activity than neutral ones. In addition, the dynamic 43 change in the mu rhythm over sensorimotor cortex is modulated by reward and 44 punishment, with punishing actions producing a prolonged suppression. These findings 45 demonstrate that the associated reward value of an observed action may be crucial in 46 determining the strength of the representation of the action in the observer’s brain. 47 Consequently, reward and punishment is likely to drive observational learning through 48 changes in the action observation network, and may also influence how we interpret, 49 understand, engage in and empathize with others’ actions in social interaction. 50 51
Infection prevention measures used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: evidences for practice

This integrative review aimed to identify and assess evidence available about the use of high-efficiency air filters, protective isolation and masks for infection prevention in patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation during hospitalization. LILACS, PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were used to select the articles. Of the 1023 identified publications, 15 were sampled. The use of HEPA filters is recommended for patients submitted to allogeneic transplantation during the neutropenia period. The level of evidence of protective isolation is weak (VI) and the studies evaluated did not recommend its use. No studies with strong evidence (I and II) were evaluated that justify the use of masks, while Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations should be followed regarding the use of special respirators by immunocompromised patients. The evidenced data can support decision making with a view to nursing care.
Brassinosteroids Act as a Positive Regulator of Photoprotection in Response to Chilling Stress1

Brassinosteroids positively regulate photoprotection via the redox-PGR5-mediated pathway in response to chilling stress in tomato. Photoprotection is an important strategy adopted by plants to avoid photoinhibition under stress conditions. However, the way in which photoprotection is regulated is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutants of brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis (dwf) and related signaling through BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (bzr1) are more sensitive to (PSII and PSI photoinhibition, with decreased cyclic electron flow around PSI and lower nonphotochemical quenching, accumulation of PSII subunit S (PsbS), violaxanthin deepoxidase (VDE) activity, and D1 protein abundance. Chilling induced the accumulation of active BRs and activated BZR1, which directly activates the transcription of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG1 (RBOH1) and hydrogen peroxide production in the apoplast. While apoplastic hydrogen peroxide is essential for the induction of PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION5 (PGR5)-dependent cyclic electron flow, PGR5 participates in the regulation of chilling- and BR-dependent induction of nonphotochemical quenching, accumulation of D1, VDE, and PsbS proteins, transcription of genes involved in redox signaling, hormone signaling, and activity of several antioxidant enzymes. Mutations in BZR1 and PGR5 or suppressed transcription of RBOH1 compromised chilling- and BR-induced photoprotection, resulting in increased sensitivity to photoinhibition. These results demonstrate that BRs act as a positive regulator of photoprotection in a redox-PGR5-dependent manner in response to chilling stress in tomato.
Induced Social Power Improves Visual Working Memory

The possibility that social power improves working memory relative to conditions of powerlessness has been invoked to explain why manipulations of power improve performance in many cognitive tasks. Yet, whether power facilitates working memory performance has never been tested directly. In three studies, we induced high or low sense of power using the episodic recall task and tested participants’ visual working memory capacity. We found that working memory capacity estimates were higher in the high-power than in the low-power condition in the standard change-detection task (Study 1), in a variation of the task that introduced distractors alongside the targets (Study 2), and in a variation that used real-world objects (Study 3). Studies 2 and 3 also tested whether high power improved working memory relative to low power by enhancing filtering efficiency, but did not find support for this hypothesis. We discuss implications for theories of both power and working memory.
Molecular Phylogenetics of the Wrens and Allies (Passeriformes: Certhioidea), with Comments on the Relationships of Ferminia

ABSTRACT The superfamily Certhioidea is distributed on four continents and while comprising relatively few species, includes forms as diverse as creepers, nuthatches, gnatcatchers, and wrens. Previous attempts to infer the phylogeny of this lineage have focused on its higher-level relationships, consequently undersampling the New World wrens. This study reports the first nearly genus-level sampling of certhioids, based on concatenated and species tree analyses of 8520 bases of DNA sequence data from six gene regions. These analyses, while failing to completely resolve basal certhioid relationships, corroborate the monophyly of a diverse New World clade of gnatcatchers, gnatwrens, and wrens, and significantly improve our understanding of wren relationships. The inferred relationships among certhioids and wrens support an Old World origin for these lineages, with dispersal of the New World clade in the mid-Miocene, suggesting expansion and early diversification of the lineage through North America. This scenario suggests a minimum of six independent dispersal events into South America in this lineage, at least some likely to have been made prior to the Pliocene.
Nonunitary Spin-Triplet Superconductivity in UPt3 : Evidence from 195Pt Knight Shift Study

1Department of Physical Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531 2Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan 3Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan 4Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Toyama 939-0398, Japan (Received 4 September 1997 ) 195Pt Knight shift (KS) measurements covering the superconducting multiple phases for major field (H) orientations have been carried out on the high-quality single crystal UPt 3. For H . 5 kOe, the KS does not change below the superconducting transition temperature Tc down to 28 mK, regardless of major crystal orientations, which provides evidence that the odd-parity superconductivity with the parallel spin pairing is realized. By contrast, the KSdecreasesbelow Tc for Hb k b axis and Hb , 5 kOe and forHc k c axis andHc , 2.3 kOe, whereas the KS for Ha k a axis isT independent acrossTc down to Ha , 1.764 kOe. These novel findings entitle UPt 3 as the first spin-triplet oddparity superconductor including a nonunitarypairing characterized by the two-component d vector like db 1 idc at low T and lowH. [S0031-9007(98)05803-7]
The place of ICT in parent-teacher engagement at the early childhood level: Experiences from Ghana

The main focus of the study was to examine the extent to which ICT is used in the engagement of parents and teachers. The study is a quantitative research which employed the descriptive cross-sectional survey design. One hundred and seventy-two (172) participants comprising 158 parents and 14 teachers at an early childhood centre in the Central region of Ghana were involved in the study. A census selection was employed in selecting both parents and teachers. Data gathered were done with a researcher developed questionnaire of 12 items. This was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. The results of the study points to the use of smartphones and cell phones as the most common gadgets in sharing information between parents and teachers, and most information shared being announcements and home work. There was evidence of positive attitude on the part of both parents and teachers in the use of ICT in sharing information, though both parents and teachers expressed concerns relative to its use in the areas of inadequate ICT tools, lack of education in ICT use, and lack of promptness in response to information by both parents and teachers. Recommendations by participants in the direction of ICT being viable in effective parent-teacher engagement are also provided in the study.
The Local Chromatic Number

The local chromatic number ψ(G) of a graph G is a graph colouring parameter that is defined as ψ(G) = min c max v∈V (G) |c(Γ(v))| where the minimum is taken over all proper colourings c of G and Γ(v) denotes the closed neighbourhood of a vertex v. So unlike the chromatic number of a graph G which is the minimum total number of colours required in a proper colouring of G, the local chromatic number is minimum number of colours that must appear in the closed neighbourhood of some vertex G in a proper colouring. In this thesis we will examine basic properties of the local chromatic number, and techniques used to determine or bound it. We will examine a theory that was sparked by Lovasz’s proof [22] of the Kneser conjecture, using topological tools to give lower bounds on the chromatic number, and see how it is applicable to give lower bounds on the local chromatic number as well. The local chromatic number lies between the fractional chromatic number and the chromatic number, and thus it is particularly interesting to study when the gap between these two parameters is large. We will examine the local chromatic number for specific classes of graphs, and give a slight generalization of a result by Simonyi and Tardos from [33] that gives an upper bound on the local chromatic number for a class of graphs called Schrijver graphs. Finally we will discuss open conjectures about the chromatic number and investigate versions adapted to the local chromatic number.
Microvascular invasion is a major prognostic factor after pancreatico‐duodenectomy for adenocarcinoma

Microvascular invasion (MVI) has been proved to be poor prognostic factor in many cancers. To date, only one study published highlights the relationship between this factor and the natural history of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MVI, on disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), after pancreatico‐duodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. Secondarily, we aim to demonstrate that MVI is the most important factor to predict OS after surgery compared with resection margin (RM) and lymph node (LN) status.
A Roadmap for Understanding Memory: Decomposing Cognitive Processes into Operations and Representations

Abstract Thanks to patients Phineas Gage and Henry Molaison, we have long known that behavioral control depends on the frontal lobes, whereas declarative memory depends on the medial temporal lobes (MTL). For decades, cognitive functions—behavioral control, declarative memory—have served as labels for characterizing the division of labor in cortex. This approach has made enormous contributions to understanding how the brain enables the mind, providing a systems-level explanation of brain function that constrains lower-level investigations of neural mechanism. Today, the approach has evolved such that functional labels are often applied to brain networks rather than focal brain regions. Furthermore, the labels have diversified to include both broadly-defined cognitive functions (declarative memory, visual perception) and more circumscribed mental processes (recollection, familiarity, priming). We ask whether a process—a high-level mental phenomenon corresponding to an introspectively-identifiable cognitive event—is the most productive label for dissecting memory. For example, recollection conflates a neurocomputational operation (pattern completion-based retrieval) with a class of representational content (associative, high-dimensional memories). Because a full theory of memory must identify operations and representations separately, and specify how they interact, we argue that processes like recollection constitute inadequate labels for characterizing neural mechanisms. Instead, we advocate considering the component operations and representations of processes like recollection in isolation. For the organization of memory, the evidence suggests that pattern completion is recapitulated widely across the ventral visual stream and MTL, but the division of labor between sites within this pathway can be explained by representational content.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on neoadjuvant chemotherapy-induced toxicity in patients with locally advanced breast cancer: a randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial.

BACKGROUND antineoplastic treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) includes neodjuvant chemotherapy (NeoCT). However, side effects occur frequently, affecting the functional capacity and quality of life of patients as a result of the proinflammatory state of this therapy. In this work, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA Ω-3) were administered as they have been reported to modulate some molecular pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which is associated with toxicity secondary to the administration of anthracyclines. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the effects of PUFA Ω-3 on the toxicity, side effects, body composition, cardiometabolic profile and quality of life in women with LABC after NeoCT. METHODS fifty-three women with LABC were included in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients randomly received 2.4 g/day of PUFA Ω-3 (EPA 1.6 g and DHA 0.8 g) or placebo during NeoCT with adriamycin/cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel+/-trastuzumab. Adverse effects related to chemotherapy were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.03) and the Subjective Global Scale of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Body composition and cardiometabolic blood profile were also evaluated. RESULTS no significant differences were found between groups in the hematological and anthropometric toxicity parameters. Within the Edmonton scale, xerostomia presented a significant improvement (p = 0.032) in patients supplemented with PUFA Ω-3. CONCLUSION supplementation with PUFA Ω-3 showed no change in body composition, cardiometabolic profile or toxicity due to NeoCT. Only showed significant improvement in xerostomia.