Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical Determination of Socio-economic Status and its Relationship with Selected Characteristics of Rural Male Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Determination of so cio-economic status (SES) is a very u seful concept i n understanding certain attributes of a per son. For effective extension s ervice, there i s the need t o kn ow the SES and associated characteristics o f f armers. T his p aper th erefore sought t o determine the SES of rur al m ale farmers in Kwara St ate a nd as well examining the relationship bet ween the SES score and farmers' personal characteristics. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to s ample 20 f armers from e ach of eight villages in each of the four zones that are Kwara State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). A total o f 6 40 respondents w ere sampled. D irect f ace-to-face interview methods w ith structured schedule were used for t he p urpose of data co llection. Data were analyzed using A NOVA, multiple regres sion, point-biserial correlation and t-test statistical tools. For t he f our AD P zones, 9 4 SES indi cators were collated. From this, only 46 SES items were found valid across the state. For zones A, B, C a nd D, the valid i tems were 66, 63, 69 and 7 1 r espectively. There was a positive relationship b etween SES a nd s ome selected pers onal characteristics of the rural male f armers in t he state. It was revealed t hat SES level wa s explained by a doption rate, l eadership position, co smopolitaness, educational l evel a nd attitude to innovation (R = 0.962). A mong the variables, a ttitude to innovation correlates p ositively (r = 0.973) w ith 2 SES than other personal construct for SE S. T his is followed by adoption (r = 0.936), cosmopoliteness (r = 0.931), le adership (r = 0.16) a nd educational l evel (r = 0.027). T he SES of rur al m ale farmers could therefore b e p redicted by any of the tested constructs.
Accuracy of Bone Resection in MAKO Total Knee Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Abstract Accurate component positioning and planning is vital to prevent malalignment of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as malalignment is associated with an increased rate of polyethylene wear and revision arthroplasty. The MAKO total knee robotic arm-assisted surgery (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) uses a preoperative computed tomography scan of the patient's knee and three-dimensional planning to size and orientate implants prior to bone resection. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the MAKO Total Knee system in achieving the preoperative plan for bone resection and final limb coronal alignment. A series of 45 consecutive cases was performed using the MAKO Total Knee system and Triathlon Total Knee implant (Stryker) between April 2018 and May 2019. The difference between what was planned and what was achieved for bone resection and coronal limb alignment was calculated. A total of 37 patients had their data captured using the MAKO system software. Mean difference from the plan for distal femoral cuts was 0.38mm (0.32) deep/proud, anterior femoral cuts 0.44mm (0.27) deep/proud and tibial cuts 0.37mm (0.30) deep/proud. In total, 99 out of 105 (94.29%) of bone resections were within 1mm of the plan. Mean absolute difference in final limb coronal alignment was 0.78° (0.78), with 78.13% being ≤1.00° of the plan, and 100% being ≤3.00° of the plan. The accuracy in achieving preoperatively planned bone resection and final limb coronal alignment using the MAKO Total Knee system is high. Future research is planned to look at whether this is associated with decreased rates of polyethylene wear and revision arthroplasty.
Evaluation of the fissure sealants applied to erupting permanent molars in accordance to eruption stages: A prospective study

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical success of different fissure sealants applied to erupting permanent first molars by taking into consideration the stages of tooth eruption. Materials and Methods: Two hundred healthy children between ages 5 and 8 with the inclusion criteria were examined. The erupting permanent first molars were evaluated and those at stage 3 or 4 were selected. An investigator placed three different fissure sealants (giomer, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic resin-based). At the end of 18 months, retention loss, development of new dental caries, localization of retention losses, marginal integrity, and marginal discoloration were evaluated. Results: The rate of tooth with total retention at stage 3 was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The development of dental caries in teeth at stage 4 was found to be significantly higher than that of stage 3 (P < 0.05). In terms of marginal integrity, the difference between stages of tooth eruption is similar (P > 0.05). Regarding marginal discoloration, fissure sealants applied at stage 3 were considered to be more successful than those applied at stage 4 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: We may conclude that the tooth eruption affects clinical success and giomer-based fissure sealants may not be an alternative for resin-based fissure sealants in erupting teeth.
The Effectiveness of the Use of Oregano and Laurel Essential Oils in Chicken Feeding

Abstract The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of essential oils of oregano, laurel and their combination on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and intestinal morphology as replacers of antibiotic growth promoters, as well as on the antioxidant capacity and mineral content of breast and thigh meat. A total of 256 day-old broiler chickens were randomized into 4 groups with 4 replicates. Control group received a basal corn-soybean diet, whereas the other experimental groups received the basal diet plus 25 mg/kg oregano essential oil, 2.5 mg/kg laurel essential oil or their combination, respectively. Chickens had free access to water and feed. Body weight gain and feed to gain ratio was calculated for the total fattening period and mortality was daily recorded. Intestinal microbiota was enumerated by conventional techniques with selective agar media at the end of the trial at both ileum and caecum. Also, evaluation of intestinal morphology was carried out in small intestine and caecum. At the end of the trial, birds were slaughtered, their carcasses were processed and samples of breast and thigh meat were analyzed for moisture, fat and protein content. Total phenolic content was determined in feeds and breast and thigh meat in order to assess its antioxidant capacity. Mineral content of breast and thigh meat was evaluated by ICP-MS. The results of the trial showed that the group that received oregano or the mixture of oregano and laurel presented better BW and FCR and mortality compared to control group. Bacterial counts for the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were higher in the experimental groups compared to the control group at both ileum and caecum, and total coliforms were lower in caecum in the experimental groups compared to control. Higher values for villus height were found for the oregano supplemented groups compared to control or laurel ones. Oregano supplemented groups showed higher antioxidant capacity of breast and thigh meat compared to control and laurel groups, however no changes in mineral content were noted among the different groups. In conclusion, oregano essential oil alone or as a mixture with laurel essential oil can be used to improve growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens.
Selective herbivory by amphipods inhabiting the brown alga Zonaria angustata

The feeding preferences of small, invertebrate herbivores inhabiting the brown alga Zonaria angustata were examined. The 2 most common herbivores, the amphipods Tethygeneia sp. and Hyale rubra, consumed Z. angustata, strongly preferring the meristematic region at the apex of each branch. Amphipod preference for new growth and the extent of damage to plants in the field suggest that they may cause considerable damage to 2. angustata. In contrast to the common preconceptions about the diets of such herbivores, amphipods did not consistently prefer to consume the most abundant epiphytes of 2. angustafa ahead of the host macroalga itself. Z. angustata was not a homogeneous food source for amphipods. Amphipod feeding was negatively correlated with the density of phlorotannin-containing physodes in, but not with toughness of, the tissues at the apex of each branch. This correlation indicated that the pattern of damage to Z. angustata was most likely a result of within-plant vanation in the amount of secondary chemicals This variation occurred over only a few millimetres but influenced amphipod feeding due to their ability to select between algal tissues at a very small scale.
Targeted Toxin Gene Therapy Of Breast Cancer Stem Cells Using CXCR1 Promoter And bFGF 5′UTR

Background Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are cells with a higher ability to metastasis and resistance to conventional treatments. They have a phenotype of (CD44high/CD24low) and the unlimited ability for proliferation. Development of strategies to target the BCSC population may lead to the establishment of more effective cancer therapies. Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is a potent cytotoxic protein. CXCR1 promoter provides BCSC and HER2 specificity on transcription level. 5′UTR of the basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF 5ʹUTR) provides tumor specificity on translation level. Here, we utilized a mutant form of PE encoding DNA “PE38”, CXCR1 promoter and bFGF 5ʹUTR to target BCSCs. Methods The stemness of SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231 and MCF10A cell lines were evaluated based on the expression of the CD44high/CD24low stem cell signature and the ability to form mammospheres. Then, the cell lines were transfected with constructs encoding luciferase/PE38 under the control of the CMV/CXCR1 promoter with or without bFGF 5′UTR. Luciferase protein expression was evaluated using dual-luciferase reporter assay. PE38 transcript expression was measured by real-time PCR, and the cytotoxic effect of PE38 protein expression was determined by MTT assay. Results The percentage of CD44high/CD24low population did not correlate to mammosphere forming efficiency (MFE). Given that the percentage of CD44 high/CD24 low is not a conclusive BCSC profile, we based our work on the mammosphere assay. However, in comparison with MCF10A, the two tumorigenic cell lines had higher MFE, probably due to their higher BCSC content. Reporter assay and real-time PCR results demonstrated that CXCR1 promoter combined with bFGF 5ʹUTR increased BCSC-specific gene expression. Meanwhile, tightly regulated expression of PE38 using these two gene regulatory elements resulted in high levels of cell death in the two tumorigenic cell lines while having little toxicity toward normal MCF10A. Conclusion Our data show that PE38, CXCR1 promoter and bFGF 5ʹUTR in combination can be considered as a promising tool for killer gene therapy of breast cancer.
Effect of premature ejaculation on depression and sexual functions in female partners: A report from Eastern Turkey

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction causing female sexual dissatisfaction that eventually leads to poor quality of life in both partners. Aims: To show the presence of depression, anxiety, sexual function disorders and their prevalence in spouses of males with PE living in Eastern Turkey. Materials and Methods: Ninety male patients suffering from PE who referred to the andrology clinic between January 2016 and March 2017 and diagnosed with PE (Acquired Premature ejaculation) according to the DSM-IV criteria and their partners were included in the study. Male patients answered the PE Profile, Arabic Index of PE, PE Diagnostic Tool, and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) Questionnaires. Spouses of male patients with PE answered the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory Questionnaires. SPSS software version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Our study revealed a positive correlation between the PE profile and partners' depression levels (P = 0.03). Also, the average ASEX Scale score of the both genders suggest that patients and partners believe they did not have a severe sexual function disorder. Conclusions: PE can cause psychological problems in both males and females. However, reflection of this pathology can vary from one society to another.
TFEB controls retromer expression in response to nutrient availability

The retromer complex is responsible for the endosomal sorting of numerous nutrient transporters. In this study, Curnock et al. show that in response to nutrient deprivation, retromer is transcriptionally regulated by TFEB and acts to support adaptive nutrient acquisition through endosomal recycling of the glutamine transporter, SNAT2 (SLC38A2).
Genetic Structure and Conservation of Teak (Tectona Grandis) Plantations in Côte d'Ivoire, Revealed by Site Specific Recombinase (SSR)

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f; Verbenaceae) is a diploid species (2n=36). It is native to the tropical deciduous forests of India, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. Snuffed for its aesthetic physical properties and its qualities, teak is becoming increasingly important in the forest plantation development in Côte d'Ivoire. To preserve the genetic resources of this species and ensure the supply of genetically superior quality germplasm for improvement and plantations, a core collection of superior genotypes with large genetic diversity is a prerequisite. This paper reports the use of site-specific recombinase (SSR) technology using microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the level of genetic variability, distribution of genetic variation and genetic relatedness in Tectona grandis grown in Côte d'Ivoire. The proportion of the total genetic variation resides within provenances (80.52 %) with 5.5 % of the variation occurring among populations of one region and 13.98 % among regions. The SSR markers showed a clear differentiation of the populations introduced in Côte d'Ivoire with an Fst = 0.21. The populations coming from the natural area were characterized by three clusters corresponding to South India, North India and Thailand. The study on the origin of African teak was close to North of India. However, Bambuku 7 population was an exception, as it seemed to have some affinity with Thailand populations. The use of SSR markers for conservation of teak forest diversity is discussed.
First report on induced spawning of Indian pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis)

Pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) belonging to the family cichlidae are commonly found in the brackishwater lakes and inland waters of India and Sri lanka. In recent years, aquaculture of pearl spot undertaken in experimental cages in India. However, commercial aquaculture is hampered due to sustainable seed production and slow growth in the nursery rearing phase. The present study evaluated the suitability of synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone for induced spawning of pearl spot. The present study evaluated the application of hCG with doses ranging between 1000 and 2000 IU, through different route of administration at different spawning periods in captive maintained pearl spot. Doses of hCG ranging between 1500 and 2000 IU through subcutaneous injection resulted in superior performance. The results of the present study indicate the possibility of evaluating other synthetic hormones for induced spawning of pearl spot in captivity. Administration of hCG through subcutaneous injection in pearl spot produced better performance in comparison to the dietary administration in inducing spawning.
A mediated model of relationship quality factors affecting behavioural intention at a luxury motor vehicle dealership

Purpose The aim of this study is to determine whether customer satisfaction, trust and commitment as relationship quality factors can be valuable to a luxury motor vehicle dealership in generating favourable behavioural intentions concerning post-purchase service and repair offerings. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive research design was followed, and self-administered questionnaires were fielded among customers of the luxury motor vehicle dealership. A total of 301 questionnaires were returned and the interrelationships between the constructs were examined using structural equation modelling. Findings It was discovered that customers who trust the dealership may be more committed, and commitment may strengthen the relationship between customer satisfaction and a favourable behavioural intention towards the dealership. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study add to the developing body of empirical literature on relationship quality and behavioural intention. Practical implications The study indicates how relationship quality factors can influence behavioural intentions of customers, assist in building long-term relationships with customers and retain current customers where post-purchase service and repairs of luxury goods are concerned. Originality/value The study provides an emerging market perspective of the interrelationships between relationship quality factors affecting behavioural intention regarding service and repairs of luxury goods.
Mechanisms controlling surface ozone over East Asia: a multiscale study coupling regional and global chemical transport models

Mechanisms controlling surface ozone over East Asia: a multiscale study coupling regional and global chemical transport models M. Lin, T. Holloway, T. Oki, D. G. Streets, and A. Richter Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, USA Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany Received: 18 August 2008 – Accepted: 3 October 2008 – Published: 3 December 2008 Correspondence to: M. Lin (mlin26@wisc.edu) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
CRISPR Screening Identifies WEE1 as a Combination Target for Standard Chemotherapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with dismal prognosis, largely due to poor response rates to and rapid relapse after first-line pemetrexed (MTA)/cisplatin chemotherapy. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy sensitivity and duration represents a significant but still unmet clinical need. In this study, we reported on a kinome CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen that identified several G2–M checkpoint kinases, including WEE1, whose loss of function sensitizes MPM cells to standard chemotherapy. We further showed that deregulation of the G2–M checkpoint contributes to chemotherapy resistance, and that WEE1 inhibition synergizes with cisplatin/MTA, leading to enhanced MPM cell death in vitro and potent antitumor effects in vivo. Mechanistically, WEE1 blockage overrides chemotherapy-induced G2–M cell-cycle arrest and promotes premature mitotic entry, which causes DNA damage accumulation and ultimately apoptosis. Our results suggest a new therapeutic combination for MPM, and support the application of CRISPR/Cas9-based functional genomics in identifying novel therapeutic targets to potentiate existing cancer therapies.
Deubiquitinating enzyme USP10 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through deubiquitinating and stabilizing Smad4 protein

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most prevalent life‐threatening cancers, and the high mortality rate is largely due to the metastasis. The sustained activation of Smad4 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is closely associated with advanced HCC metastasis. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the aberrant activation of Smad4 and TGF‐β pathway remains elusive. In this study, using a functional screen of USPs siRNA library, we identified ubiquitin‐specific proteases USP10 as a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that sustains the protein level of Smad4 and activates TGF‐β signaling. Further analysis showed that USP10 directly interacts with Smad4 and stabilizes it through the cleavage of its proteolytic ubiquitination, thus promoting HCC metastasis. The suppression of USP10 by either shRNAs or catalytic inhibitor Spautin‐1 significantly inhibited the migration of HCC cells, whereas the reconstitution of Smad4 was able to efficiently rescue this defect. Overall, our study not only uncovers the regulatory effect of USP10 on the protein abundance of Smad4, but also indicates that USP10 could be regarded as a potential intervention target for the metastatic HCC in Smad4‐positive patients.
Listeria monocytogenes at the human–wildlife interface: black bears (Ursus americanus) as potential vehicles for Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is the causative agent of the foodborne illness listeriosis, which can result in severe symptoms and death in susceptible humans and other animals. L. monocytogenes is ubiquitous in the environment and isolates from food and food processing, and clinical sources have been extensively characterized. However, limited information is available on L. monocytogenes from wildlife, especially from urban or suburban settings. As urban and suburban areas are expanding worldwide, humans are increasingly encroaching into wildlife habitats, enhancing the frequency of human–wildlife contacts and associated pathogen transfer events. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of L. monocytogenes in 231 wild black bear capture events between 2014 and 2017 in urban and suburban sites in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and United States, with samples derived from 183 different bears. Of the 231 captures, 105 (45%) yielded L. monocytogenes either alone or together with other Listeria. Analysis of 501 samples, primarily faeces, rectal and nasal swabs for Listeria spp. , yielded 777 isolates, of which 537 (70%) were L. monocytogenes. Most L. monocytogenes isolates exhibited serotypes commonly associated with human disease: serotype 1/2a or 3a (57%), followed by the serotype 4b complex (33%). Interestingly, approximately 50% of the serotype 4b isolates had the IVb‐v1 profile, associated with emerging clones of L. monocytogenes. Thus, black bears may serve as novel vehicles for L. monocytogenes, including potentially emerging clones. Our results have significant public health implications as they suggest that the ursine host may preferentially select for L. monocytogenes of clinically relevant lineages over the diverse listerial populations in the environment. These findings also help to elucidate the ecology of L. monocytogenes and highlight the public health significance of the human–wildlife interface.
The Effect of Paradoxical Strategies on Firms' Positional Advantage and Performance: The Case of Indonesian Banking Industry

Recently, researchers on strategic management have been concerned with the increasingly uncertainty, yet becoming more important, task environment that erodes firms' positional advantage more rapidly. As a result, firms are facing paradox of strategy, which demands rapid, yet accurate, strategic commitment in the present of strategic uncertainty. This empirical research addresses questions regarding how banks are best configured in facing environment with highly strategic uncertainty, while maintaining their positional advantage and performance. To test the proposed hypotheses, questionnaires were distributed to 122 top management teams of Indonesian commercial banks. In contrast with earlier research that environmental uncertainty has a positive, significant effect to Indonesian banks' strategic flexibility, this research found that environmental uncertainty does not have any significant effect to Indonesian banks' strategy. This research also showed that in order to increase their performance, Indonesian banks should allocate most of their efforts and resources on increasing their strategic flexibility before they put any efforts and resources on creating positional advantage and maintaining strategic consistency. In addition, if the Indonesian banks have an intention to increase their position in the industry, they should also allocate most of their efforts and resources on being strategically flexible.