Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Consumption and Income Generation between Palm Wine and Other Industrial Beverages in Cross River State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to provide information on the level of consumption and income from palm wine and other industrial beverages in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 82 sampled palm wine retailers in three geopolitical zones in the State. Semi-structured questionnaire, personal observations and focus group discussions were used to obtain data from retailers. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study showed that consumption level of palm wine per day in the zones were in the order, Northern (33.3 L) > Central (24.8 L) > Southern (19.4 L). However, the consumption levels of palm wine from the Central and Southern Zones were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other. The Consumption level of other alcoholic beverages; Harp, Goldberg, Origin, Dry gin, Heineken, Stout, Gulder, and Star per day in the zones were in the order Northern (23.9 L)> Central (20.4 L) >Southern (17.6 L). The income level from palm wine was N1845.54, N1538.40 and N837.60 from the Northern, Central and Southern Zones, respectively. Total Performance Index based on taste, availability, and cost shows that mean daily consumption level of palm wine was higher than all the other alcoholic beverages in the study area. The study recommends that Government and other development stakeholders on economic and environment should play greater role in promoting potential entrepreneurship in palm wine as a viable alternative source of livelihood through creation of awareness and better incentives for sustainable management of this natural forest resource.
A concise forwarding information base for scalable and fast name lookups

Forwarding information base (FIB) scalability and its lookup speed are fundamental problems of numerous network technologies that uses location-independent network names. In this paper we present a new network algorithm, Othello Hashing, and its application of a FIB design called Concise, which uses very little memory to support ultra-fast lookups of network names. Othello Hashing and Concise make use of minimal perfect hashing and relies on the programmable network framework to support dynamic updates. Our conceptual contribution of Concise is to optimize the memory efficiency and query speed in the data plane and move the relatively complex construction and update components to the resource-rich control plane. We implemented Concise on three platforms. Experimental results show that Concise uses significantly smaller memory to achieve much faster query speed compared to existing solutions of network name lookups.
Influence of Dietary Fat and Indomethacin on the Growth of Transplantable Mammary Tumors in Rats 1

Studies were designed to determine if treatment with indomethacin influenced the growth of a transplantable, metastatic, rat mammary tumor. Female, Wistar-Furth inbred rats were fed either a standard chow diet or a semipurifled diet containing 2, 5, 10, or 20% stripped corn oil. Indomethacin was given in drinking water, and rats consumed between 2.5 and 3.0 mg indomethacin/kg body weight/day. Feeding of diets and initiation of treatment with Â¡ndomethacin were started when rats were weaned (21 days old) and continued until they were killed. Approximately 5 x 103 mammary tumor cells (DMBA-4) were injected into the fat pad of the sixth mammary gland which is adjacent to the right inguinal lymph node. Each dietary/treatment group consisted of at least 10 rats. Since indomethacin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, two other groups of non-tumor-bearing rats were used to determine if dietary fat and treatment with indomethacin either influenced prostaglandin E2 production (in vitro) by mononuclear cells from the spleen or altered serum levels of fatty acids. Results indicated that: (a) the rate of tumor growth in untreated rats was significantly greater when the dietary fat content was either 10 or 20% compared to diets containing either 2 or 5% fat; (b) the tumor growth-promoting effects of 10 and 20% fat diets were completely abrograted in rats treated with indomethacin; (c) treatment with indomethacin also inhibited tumor growth in rats fed diets containing either 2 or 5% fat; (d) synthesis of prostaglandin E2 by mononuclear cells from the spleens of untreated rats increased as the dietary fat content increased; (e) in indomethacin-treated rats, prostaglan din E2 synthesis was inhibited in all dietary groups and was not dependent on dietary fat; and (f) in both untreated and indo methacin-treated rats, the serum concentrations of oleic and linoleic acids were influenced to the same extent by dietary fat.
Association of Different Genetic Types of Francisella-Like Organisms with the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni) and the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) in Localities Near Their Northern Distributional Limits

ABSTRACT Dermacentor andersoni and Dermacentor variabilis from allopatric and sympatric populations near their northern distributional limits were examined for the presence of Francisella species using molecular techniques that targeted 373 bp of the 16S rRNA gene. Although there was no evidence for the presence of Francisella tularensis in any tick, Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) were common in D. andersoni and D. variabilis adults and immatures. A significantly greater proportion of female ticks contained FLEs compared to male ticks. In addition, significantly more D. variabilis adult individuals contained multiple FLE sequence types than did D. andersoni adults. Ten different types of FLEs were identified based on the sequence data, which has implications for diagnostic tests and epidemiological studies of F. tularensis in tick populations in Canada. The three most prevalent types of FLEs have been detected previously in D. andersoni or D. variabilis from other parts of their distributional ranges, whereas the other seven FLE types have not been reported previously. A comparison of the FLEs from both allopatric and sympatric populations of these two tick species provided insight into the relative host-specificity and the modes of transmission of these tick-borne bacteria. In general, each FLE type was specific for one tick species, suggesting vertical transmission of each bacterium. However, there were a few instances of potential cross-transfer of two FLE types to the other tick species at locations where D. andersoni and D. variabilis occurred in sympatry, suggesting that there may be occasional horizontal transmission of some FLEs.
Using cave deposits as geologic tiltmeters: Application to postglacial rebound of the Sierra Nevada, California

Secondary calcite shelfstone deposits in caves can be used to precisely measure tilting over geologic timescales. Calcite deposited along the edges of former pools can be surveyed to within a single millimeter, and can be dated using uranium‐series disequilibrium. Two caves in the southern Sierra Nevada, California, contain tilted calcite deposits of glacial age. A third cave contains a similar but untilted deposit of older interglacial age. The cave deposits record glacio‐isostatic rebound of the Sierra Nevada, following melting of an ice cap ∼15,000 years ago. Models of crustal flexure beneath mapped ice thickness reproduce the observed tilting with an effective elastic thickness (Te) of approximately 5 km.
Competence to give informed consent for medical procedures.

This study shows that referrals to psychiatry for evaluation for competence to give informed consent generally were made on patients who refused medical treatment. In this sample of referred patients, the only patients found to be incompetent to give informed consent were those with organic brain syndromes. No one with either schizophrenia or depression was found to be incompetent. It is possible that schizophrenic and depressed patients may generally be competent to give informed consent to medical treatment. This finding might be true notwithstanding the fact that many such patients have been found in other studies to be incompetent to consent to voluntary psychiatric treatment. For example, a patient may have delusions that others can read his mind and thoughts, but he still can understand that he needs dialysis for renal failure. Alternatively, it may be relatively rare that an emergency procedure is necessary before a patient's psychosis can be brought under control and consequently internists and surgeons themselves may prefer to wait. The significance of the results is unclear. Because of active interest in the doctrine of informed consent for psychiatric and medical patients by both physicians and attorneys and the few studies within this population, there is a strong need for more study regarding competence to give informed consent. Further study is especially important for psychotic patients for whom psychiatric consultation is not requested. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Involvement of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase in insulin‐ or IGF‐1‐induced membrane ruffling.

Insulin, IGF‐1 or EGF induce membrane ruffling through their respective tyrosine kinase receptors. To elucidate the molecular link between receptor activation and membrane ruffling, we microinjected phosphorylated peptides containing YMXM motifs or a mutant 85 kDa subunit of phosphoinositide (PI) 3‐kinase (delta p85) which lacks a binding site for the catalytic 110 kDa subunit of PI 3‐kinase into the cytoplasm of human epidermoid carcinoma KB cells. Both inhibited the association of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) with PI 3‐kinase in a cell‐free system and also inhibited insulin‐ or IGF‐1‐induced, but not EGF‐induced, membrane ruffling in KB cells. Microinjection of nonphosphorylated analogues, phosphorylated peptides containing the EYYE motif or wild‐type 85 kDa subunit (Wp85), all of which did not inhibit the association of IRS‐1 with PI 3‐kinase in a cell‐free system, did not inhibit membrane ruffling in KB cells. In addition, wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI 3‐kinase activity, inhibited insulin‐ or IGF‐1‐induced membrane ruffling. These results suggest that the association of IRS‐1 with PI 3‐kinase followed by the activation of PI 3‐kinase are required for insulin‐ or IGF‐1‐induced, but not for EGF‐induced, membrane ruffling.
The Influence of the Insertion Technique on the Pullout Force of Pedicle Screws: An Experimental Study

Study Design. The pullout strength of a typical pedicle screw was evaluated experimentally for different screw insertion techniques. Objective. To conclude whether the self-tapping insertion technique is indeed the optimum one for self-tapping screws, with respect to the pullout strength. Summary of Background Data. It is reported in the literature that the size of the pilot-hole significantly influences the pullout strength of a self-tapping screw. In addition it is accepted that an optimum value of the diameter of the pilot-hole exists. For non self-tapping screw insertion it is reported that undertapping of the pilot-hole can increase its pullout strength. Finally it is known that in some cases orthopedic surgeons open the threaded holes, using another screw instead of a tap. Methods. A typical commercial self-tapping pedicle screw was inserted into blocks of Solid Rigid Polyurethane Foam (simulating osteoporotic cancellous bone), following different insertion techniques. The pullout force was measured according to the ASTM-F543–02 standard. The screw was inserted into previously prepared holes of different sizes, either threaded or cylindrical, to conclude whether an optimum size of the pilot-hole exists and whether tapping can increase the pullout strength. The case where the tapping is performed using another screw was also studied. Results. For screw insertion with tapping, decreasing the outer radius of the threaded hole from 1.00 to 0.87 of the screw's outer radius increased the pullout force 9%. For insertion without tapping, decreasing the pilot-hole's diameter from 0.87 to 0.47 of the screw's outer diameter increased its pullout force 75%. Finally, tapping using another screw instead of a tap, gave results similar to those of conventional tapping. Conclusion. Undertapping of a pilot-hole either using a tap or another screw can increase the pullout strength of self-tapping pedicle screws.
Human immunonodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus: sero-prevalence, co-infection and risk factors among prison inmates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Published data on HIV, HBV, and HCV in correctional facilities in Nigeria is scarce. We set out to establish the seroprevalence, co-infection, and risk factors for these infections for the first time among prison inmates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY In a cross-sectional study conducted between April and May, 2007, blood samples were collected from 300 male prisoners of a mean age of 29.2 years, in the state's four medium-security prisons (overall population: 587). Prior to the study, ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained and structured questionnaires were administered. Samples were analyzed for HIV, HBsAg, and HCV using anti-HIV 1+2-EIA-avicenna, Shantest-HBsAg ELISA, and anti-HCV-EIA-avicenna, respectively. Specimens initially reactive for HIV were retested with vironostika microelisa. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values < or = 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Of the 300 subjects, 54 (18.0 %), 69 (23.0 %), and 37 (12.3 %) tested positive for HIV, HBV, and HCV, respectively. Co-infections were eight (2.7 %) for HIV/HBV and two (0.7 %) for HBV/HCV. Those aged 21-26 years were more likely to be infected with HIV and HBV, while those aged 33-38 years had the highest HCV infection. Associated risk factors included duration in prison, previous incarceration (for HIV, HBV and HCV), intra-prison anal sex, multiple sex partners (for HIV and HBV), ignorance of transmission modes, blood transfusion, and alcohol consumption (for HBV and HCV). No inmate injected drugs. CONCLUSIONS The overall outcome represents the need for prison-focused intervention initiatives in Nigeria. Injected drug use is an unlikely major transmission mode among Nigerian inmates.
Processed dairy beverages pH evaluation: consequences of temperature variation.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the pH from processed dairy beverages as well as eventual consequences deriving from different ingestion temperatures. STUDY DESIGN 50 adults who accompanied children attended to at the Dentistry School were randomly selected and they answered a questionnaire on beverages. The beverages were divided into 4 groups: yogurt (GI) fermented milk (GII), chocolate-based products (GIII) and fermented dairy beverages (GIV). They were asked which type, flavor and temperature. The most popular beverages were selected, and these made up the sample. A pH meter Quimis 400A device was used to verify pH. The average pH from each beverage was calculated and submitted to statistical analysis (Variance and Tukey test with a 5% significance level). RESULTS for groups I, II and III beverages, type x temperature interaction was significant, showing the pH averages were influenced by temperature variation. At iced temperatures, they presented lower pH values, which were considered statistically significant when compared to the values found for the same beverages at room temperature. CONCLUSION All dairy beverages, with the exception of the chocolate-based type presented pH below critical level for enamel and present corrosive potential; as to ingestion temperature, iced temperature influenced pH reducing its values, in vitro.
Optimization of the expression of equistatin in Pichia pastoris.

To improve the expression of equistatin, a proteinase inhibitor from the sea anemone Actinia equina, in the yeast Pichia pastoris, we prepared gene variants with yeast-preferred codon usage and lower repetitive AT and GC content. The full gene optimization approximately doubled the level of steady-state mRNA and protein accumulated in the culture medium. The removal of a short stretch of 12 additional nucleotides from the multiple cloning site (MCS) sequence in the vector pPIC9 had an enhancement effect similar to full gene optimization (factor 1.5) at the mRNA level. However, at the protein level, this increase was 4- to 10-fold. The optimized gene without the MCS sequence yielded 1.66 g/L active protein in a bioreactor and was purified by a new two-step procedure with a recovery of activity that was >95%. This production level constitutes an overall improvement of about 20-fold relative to our previously published results. The characteristics of the MCS sequence element are discussed in the light of its apparent ability to act as negative expression regulator.
The Halloween Effect on Energy Markets: An Empirical Study

Seasonal anomalies play an important role in the global economic system. One of the most frequently empirically observed anomalies is the Halloween effect. Halloween effect describes the anomaly in the financial markets, which is that the returns of different assets in the summer period generally are lower than the returns in the winter period. This study tests the hypothesis of the existence of the Halloween effect on the energy markets over the period from 1985 to 2016. The sample includes series of prices for various energy resources. The econometric estimation showed that for a range of energy markets, returns during the summer period are higher than the returns in winter ones. The difference in returns is statistically significant, which speaks in favor the Halloween effect.
Technology-enhanced maintenance of treatment gains in eating disorders: efficacy of an intervention delivered via text messaging.

OBJECTIVE Given the lack of maintenance interventions for eating disorders, a program delivered via the short message service (SMS) and text messaging was developed to support patients after their discharge from inpatient treatment. METHOD The efficacy of the intervention was studied in a randomized controlled trial. Additionally, its impact on the utilization of outpatient treatment during follow-up was investigated. One hundred sixty-five female patients with bulimia nervosa or a related eating disorder not otherwise specified were randomly assigned to a control group (treatment as usual; TAU) or an intervention group (SMS-based maintenance intervention; SMS). After hospital discharge, participants in the intervention group submitted a weekly symptom report via text message for 16 weeks and received tailored feedback. Primary outcome was the rate of partial remission 8 months after discharge from inpatient treatment. RESULTS The difference in remission rates reached significance in the intent-to-treat analyses (SMS = 51.2%; TAU = 36.1%), χ²(1) = 3.81, p = . 05, and approached significance in the completer analysis (SMS = 59.2%; TAU = 43.5%), χ²(1) = 3.44, p = . 06. There were no differences in the utilization of outpatient treatment. Remission rates between the intervention and control groups were not significantly different among patients who used outpatient treatment (63.2% vs. 55.6%), χ²(1) = 0.44, p = . 51. A significant difference was found in those who did not utilize such treatment (54.5% vs. 30.3%), χ²(1) = 3.97, p = . 046. CONCLUSION The aftercare intervention was efficacious in enhancing treatment outcome after discharge from inpatient treatment.
5‐HT1A receptors are involved in short‐ and long‐term processes responsible for 5‐HT‐induced locomotor function recovery in chronic spinal rat

After thoracic spinal cord transection, a paraplegic syndrome occurs. Previous data showed that an acute administration of a 5‐HT2 agonist (quipazine) could promote motor function recovery in spinal rats. However, continuous subdural perfusion of quipazine via an osmotic pump over 1 month proved to be more effective. The present study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of 5‐HT1A receptors in such recovery. Motor performances and locomotor parameters were analysed in spinal animals receiving daily, for 1 month, a dose of the 5‐HT1A agonist 8‐OHDPAT. The results were compared to those obtained in spinal rats receiving either a placebo or quipazine in the same conditions. Using daily injections instead of continuous perfusion of either receptor agonist to spinal animals allowed characterization of short‐ and long‐term consequences of pharmacological stimulation of 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2 receptors on motor function recovery. Our data demonstrate that daily injections of a 5‐HT1A agonist induce long‐term, cumulative, positive effects on motor function recovery, as assessed by the improvement in the walking parameters observed before the ‘day‐test’ injection. This might involve use‐dependent processes depending on a chronic and/or repetitive stimulation of the spinal network for locomotion in relation to 5‐HT receptor activation. A further improvement in the motor parameters, transiently observed following the injection, suggests a more direct action of 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2 receptor activation on spinal neurons involved in motor pattern generation.
A technique for estimating the probability of clots in blood/contrast agent mixtures.

Blood that contaminates the contrast agent syringe during angiography may clot and is thus a potential source of emboli. The older, high-osmolality agents prevent clotting. Newer, low-osmolality agents, while possessing other advantages, are less effective in this regard. The time over which such mixtures do not contain clot can be determined by allowing gross clotting to take place, modeling the process mathematically and determining the clot-free time from the model. Blood-contaminated Omnipaque-300 (Winthrop-Breon, New York, NY) (iohexol), Isovue-300 (E.R. Squibb and Sons, New Brunswick, NJ) (iopamidol), Hexabrix (Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, MO) (ioxaglate sodium meglumine), Renografin-76 (E.R. Squibb and Sons, New Brunswick, NJ) (diatrizoate sodium meglumine), and saline were studied in glass and plastic syringes (80 samples of each agent). After deliberate blood contamination, Renografin and Hexabrix showed no clots during the 90-minute study period. There was, however, a 1.3% chance of clotting in Omnipaque (range 0.4%-4.0%) and a 1.9% chance of clotting in Isovue (range 0.6%-5.5%) at 5 minutes after contamination of these contrast agents in plastic syringes. The chance of clotting in glass containers was significantly greater. We conclude that Hexabrix is a substantially stronger anticoagulant than Omnipaque and Isovue. Furthermore, it appears that this method will allow determination of clotting risks for other combinations of contrast agent and container.