Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
αv Integrin, p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase, and Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Are Functionally Linked in Invasive Breast Cancer Cells*

We reported previously that endogenous p38 MAPK activity is elevated in invasive breast cancer cells and that constitutive p38 MAPK activity is important for overproduction of uPA in these cells (Huang, S., New, L., Pan, Z., Han, J., and Nemerow, G. R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 12266–12272). However, it is unclear how elevated endogenous p38 MAPK activity is maintained in invasive breast cancer cells. In the present study, we found that blocking αv integrin functionality with a function-blocking monoclonal antibody or down-regulating αv integrin expression with αv-specific antisense oligonucleotides significantly decreased the levels of active p38 MAPK and inhibited cell-associated uPA expression in invasive breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. These results suggest a function link between αv integrin, p38 MAPK activity, and uPA expression in invasive tumor cells. We also found that vitronectin/αv integrin ligation specifically induced p38 MAPK activation and uPA up-regulation in invasive MDA-MB-231 cells but not in non-invasive MCF7 cells. Finally, using a panel of melanoma cells, we demonstrated that the cytoplasmic tail of αvintegrin subunit is required for αv integrin ligation-induced p38 MAPK activation.
Tourists’ Perspective on Ecotourism Destination Competitiveness: The Role of Tangible Components

In this evolving digitalized ecosphere, ecotourism is one of the important catalysts in tourism and the government has been looking forward to the opportunities in promoting the uniqueness of ecotourism attraction through Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign. Moreover, the development of ecotourism destination should be implemented in a way that maximizes destination competitiveness. In our study, we examine the relationship between the tangible components of ecotourism destination competitiveness, namely, accessibility accommodation, cultural heritage, entertainment, infrastructure, natural resources, range of activities, and special events offered with ecotourism destination competitiveness, from the demand side point of view. A total of 225 respondents comprising tourists both international and domestic tourists visited Gunung Gading National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia took part voluntarily in this study. To assess the developed model, WarpPLS (version 6.0) was applied based on path modelling and then bootstrapping to generate the standard error of the estimate and p-values. Interestingly, the findings suggested that accessibility, natural resources, infrastructure and range of activities had a significant positive impact on ecotourism destination competitiveness, whereas no significant impact found among accommodation, cultural heritage, entertainment, and special events. Implications of these findings were further discussed.
Economy in fertilizer use in maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) sequence under rainfed condition in Himchal Pradesh

A Held study was conducted for 3 years during rainy season ( kharif ) 1993-94 to winter season ( rabi ) 1995-96 under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh to determine the appropriate combination of fertilizer scheduling along with appropriate time of farmyard manure application. The cumulative application of farmyard manure to both maize ( Zea mays L.)and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paul.)crops @ 10 tonnes/ha in each season gave significantly higher grain yield, followed by farmyard manure applied directly,and the lowest yield with its residual effect in both maize and wheat crops. Although during the first year both the crops responded to N 120 P 60 40 in maize and N 80 P 40 K 40 in wheat, during the second and third years the crops responded to N 90 P 45 K 30 in maize and N 60 P 30 K 30 in wheat. There is possibility of economizing fertilizer by 25% of NPK in both maize and wheat under rainfed condition without compromising with grain-yield production.
Humidity levels drive reproductive modes and phylogenetic diversity of amphibians in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Aim The diversity of reproductive modes among amphibians constitutes a striking example of how differences in the biology of species provide important explanations for species distribution patterns on a broad scale. We hypothesize that sites with a higher humidity level will support more modes of reproduction than drier sites and will consequently exhibit a higher phylogenetic diversity. Furthermore, if there is a gradient in the tolerance of reproductive modes to desiccation, there will be a nested pattern in the composition of reproductive modes among sites.
Níveis de concentrado e farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu sobre as características da carcaça de tourinhos confinados = Concentrate levels and babassu mesocarp bran on carcass characteristics of feedlot bulls

Objetivou-se avaliar as caracteristicas da carcaca de tourinhos alimentados em confinamento com niveis de concentrado (65 e 71%) associados ou nao a inclusao de 35% de farelo do mesocarpo de babacu (FMB) na fracao concentrada da dieta. Foram utilizados 28 tourinhos, com idade inicial de 21 meses e 356,7±19,2 kg de peso corporal inicial. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com os tratamentos em arranjado fatorial 2x2. Os pesos de carcaca quente e fria nao foram alterados pelo nivel de concentrado da dieta e pela inclusao do FMB no concentrado, apresentando valores medios de 256,39 e245,87 kg, respectivamente. Os rendimentos de carcaca quente e carcaca fria foram menores para as dietas que associaram o menor nivel de concentrado e 35% de FMB na fracao concentrada da dieta. A espessura de gordura subcutânea, a conformacao e a maturidade fisiologica da carcaca nao foram alteradas pelo nivel de concentrado e pela inclusao do FMB, com valores medios de3,6 mm, 10,89 e 12,93 pontos, respectivamente. A inclusao de 35% de FMB no concentrado associado aos diferentes niveis de concentrados nao alteraram o peso dos cortes comerciais. A inclusao de 35% de farelo do mesocarpo de babacu na fracao concentrada de dietas com elevada proporcao de concentrado para tourinhos confinados nao altera as principais caracteristicas da carcaca de interesse economico, proporcionando producao de carcaca com adequada qualidade.
Digital storytelling of English advertisement in ESP teaching in Indonesia

This paper discusses the benefits of by using digital storytelling in order to improve the polytechnic learners in learning activity of English for Specific Purposes. In this case, digital storytelling is used as advertising media for promoting agricultural products in English registered in Technology of Agricultural Product study program at PDD UNS, Indonesia. The subjects of this research were fourth semester learners of Technology of Agricultural Product in PDD UNS who followed English 2 class. The data were collected from the learners’ surveys and the video projects. The method of this research was descriptive qualitative research to evaluate the learners English public speaking in product advertisement by using digital storytelling. The result shows that digital storytelling is a useful learning approach to improve both non-linguistic skills and productive linguistic skills in English advertisement. There were some weaknesses of by using digital storytelling in English learning. The learners would have some difficulties if there was no internet access. Besides, electronic tools such as handycam or camera recorder is needed to record the video. Then, a video-editing skill also can be determining whether the video plot is good or not. According to the result which has shown above, it can be stated that the activeness of the learners depend on how the lecturer bring the material during teaching learning process. Through the attractive teaching method or technique, it can help the learners to build their self-confidence.
The effect of active and passive confining pressure on compressive behavior of STCC and CFST

In this paper, an experimental study was conducted on the compressive behavior of steel tube confined concrete (STCC) and concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns with active and passive confinement. To create active confinement in the STCC and CFST specimens, an innovative method was used in this study, in which by applying pressure on the fresh concrete, the steel tube was laterally pretensioned and the concrete core was compressed simultaneously. Of the benefits of this technique are improving the composite column behavior, without the use of additives and without the need for vibration, and achieving high prestressing levels. To achieve lower and higher prestressing levels, short and long term pressures were applied to the specimens, respectively. Nineteen STCC and CFST specimens in three groups of passive, short-term active, and longterm active confinement were subjected to axial compression, and their mechanical properties including the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and axial strain were evaluated. The results showed that the proposed method of prestressing the STCC columns led to a significant increase in the compressive strength (about 60%), initial modulus of elasticity (about 130%) as well as a significant reduction in the axial strain (about 45%). In the CFST columns, the prestressing led to a considerable increase in the compressive strength, a small effect on the initial and secant modulus of elasticity and an increase in the axial strain (about 55%). Moreover, increased prestressing levels negligibly affected the compressive strength of STCCs and CFSTs but slightly increased the elastic modulus of STCCs and significantly decreased that of CFSTs.
Covid-Induced Economic Uncertainty

Assessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is essential for policymakers, but challenging because the crisis has unfolded with extreme speed. We identify three indicators – stock market volatility, newspaper-based economic uncertainty, and subjective uncertainty in business expectation surveys – that provide real-time forward-looking uncertainty measures. We use these indicators to document and quantify the enormous increase in economic uncertainty in the past several weeks. We also illustrate how these forward-looking measures can be used to assess the macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, we feed COVID-induced first-moment and uncertainty shocks into an estimated model of disaster effects developed by Baker, Bloom and Terry (2020). Our illustrative exercise implies a year-on-year contraction in U.S. real GDP of nearly 11 percent as of 2020 Q4, with a 90 percent confidence interval extending to a nearly 20 percent contraction. The exercise says that about half of the forecasted output contraction reflects a negative effect of COVID-induced uncertainty.
Effects of Hydrocele on Morphology and Function ofTestis

Hydrocele is generally believed as innocent. But there is increasing evidence of noxious influences of hydrocele on testis resulting in morphological, structural and functional consequences. These effects are due to increased intrascrotal pressure and higher temperature-exposure of the testis. Increased intrascrotal pressure can cause testicular dysmorphism and even testicular atrophy. The testicular dysmorphism is reversible by early hydrocele surgery, but when persist, possibly indicate negative influence on future spermatogenesis. Spermatic cord compression by hydrocele is responsible for testicular volume increase. Such testes lose 15%-21% volume after hydrocele surgery. Tense scrotal hydrocele can cause acute scrotal pain from testicular compartment syndrome, which is relieved by evacuation of hydrocele. Higher resistivity index of subcapsular artery of testis and higher elasticity index of testicular tissue are caused by large hydrocele. As an aftermath, testis suffers ischaemia with long-term effect on spermatogenesis. High pressure of hydrocele along with ischaemia and oedema is found to result in histopathological damage to testis like total/partial arrest of spermatogenesis, small seminiferous tubules, disorganized spermatogenetic cells, basement membrane thickening and low fertilty index in children. Higher temperature exposure of testis interferes with spermatogenesis. In adults it results in lower quality of semen in the form of oligospermia and low motility of sperms. Congenital hydrocele can be observed upto 2 y age and noncongenital hydrocele upto 1y period for spontaneous resolution in the absence of associated pathology indicating earlier operation like inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism, tense hydrocele, testicular torsion, testicular mass,etc. In adults with tense hydrocele early operation is indicated.
Analysis of banana value chain in Ethiopia: Approaches to sustainable value chain development

Abstract Banana is an important commercial fruit crop for smallholder farmers in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia. However, its sector is experiencing many constraints and limited attention given to productivity and marketing. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the banana value chain in order to identify constraints on productivity and marketing, and possibilities of improvements towards a sustainable value chain in Arba Minch. Data were collected through a survey, key informants’ interviews, and focus group discussions. Different analytical and statistical tools were used for data analysis. Results describe actors, supporters, and influencers of the existing banana chain. The current banana chain has three different distribution channels in Arba Minch. The channel that connects with rural consumers has the highest value share for farmers while the channel that includes traveling traders has the lowest value share for farmers. The marketing cooperative channel has an intermediate value share for farmers in the chain. Poor agronomic practice, diseases, pests, and climate change were the major constraints for the banana yield while limited market information, lack of cold store and refrigerated trucks, poor post-harvest handling, lack of alternative markets, and weak capacity of cooperatives were the main constraints for banana marketing in Arba Minch. Economic, social and environmental indicators have a moderate sustainability performance within the Ethiopian context. The chain has an advantage in terms of profitability, employment, emission of air pollutants and constraints in terms of coordination, value share, profit margin, market diversity, product and market information, transportation, waste management, and safety and hygiene.
Recent progress in electrophysiology and motility mapping of the gastrointestinal tract using multi-channel devices

ABSTRACT Motility of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is governed by a number of physiological mechanisms, including the bioelectrical slow-wave generated by the interstitial cells of Cajal, and innervation provided by the enteric nerves. Multi-channel mapping techniques involve the recording of both the temporal and spatial profiles of the physiological activities of the GI tract. The techniques have generated considerable evidence demonstrating the associations between slow-wave dysrhythmias, calcium transients, dysmotility and loss of digestive functions. This review highlights notable recent developments in GI multi-channel mapping techniques.
Effects of the Application of Biochar in Four Typical Agricultural Soils in China

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of biochar application on soils in the main tobacco-producing areas in China. The study was conducted in four study regions in China, where the same three experimental treatments were set up in each area, including a control (CK), a treatment involving the application of chemical fertilizer (F), and a treatment involving the application of biochar (B). We analyzed the basic physical and chemical properties, microbial diversity, and root system of tobacco plants. The results show that: Biochar increased the soil pH, which was most obvious in the study site in Shaowu City, Fujian Province (FUS), where the soil pH increased by 22.64% and 27.49% compared with soil under the CK and F treatments, respectively. Biochar increased the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content, and increased the soil content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; this effect was most obvious in FUS. The root activity in plots treated with biochar increased by 6.95% and 13.72% compared to the CK and F plots, respectively. Similarly, the number of root tips increased by 89.76% and 21.48% compared to the CK and F plots, respectively. In short, biochar improved the physical soil structure, increased the soil pH, and promoted the effectiveness of soil nutrients. Furthermore, biochar improved the bacterial soil diversity, enriched the population structure of soil bacteria, and promoted the healthy development of flue-cured tobacco roots. However, the demand for and types of biochar suitable for use in different tobacco-planting soils need further study.
Awaiting absolution – self-presentations in letters of application for debt reconstruction

ABSTRACT The article investigates how over-indebted persons present their case in personal letters attached to debt-reconstruction applications and how their narratives can be argued to contain features that help counteract negative expectations about their identity. The results reveal three types of narratives. These are: negotiating, in which the applicant communicates personal agency in relation to all areas of life, and the promise to start a new life and continue on the path of improvement is invoked as the main reason for being deserving of help; reimbursement-claiming, in which personal agency is communicated in relation to all aspects except for the applicant’s personal economy, and earlier achievements are invoked as the main reason for being deserving of help; and confessing, in which personal agency is communicated as located outside the applicant’s control, and a lack of possibilities to manage one’s own personal economy is invoked as the main reason for being deserving of help. The results also show that, although all three narrative categories can be considered counter-stories, confessing can be argued to have the greatest potential to counteract negative expectations and thereby help to repair the applicant’s identity.
Efficacy of newer insecticides on sucking pests in Bt cotton under Khandesh region of Maharashtra.

The field studies on efficacy of newer insecticides on sucking pests in Bt cotton under in Khandesh region of Maharashtra, India showed that out of 9 treatments, all were significantly reduced by the test synthetic chemical insecticides in comparision with untreated control. Population of jassid, aphid, thrip was promisingly suppressed by thiamethoxam 25 WG, fipronil 80 WG, followed by fipronil 5 SC, acetamiprid 20 SP, lambdacyhalothrin 5 SC, imidacloprid and triazophos. Population of whiteflies was effectively suppressed by thiamethoxam 25 WG, acetamiprid 20 SP, fipronil 80 WG followed by fipronil 5 SC, imidacloprid 70 WG, imidacloprid 17.80 SL, lambdacyhalothrin 5 SC and triazophos 40 EC. The promising insecticides against mealy bugs were found to be acetamiprid 20 SP, thiamethoxam 25 WG, fipronil 80 WG, lambdacyhalothrin 5 SC, triazophos 40 EC followed by imidacloprid 17.80 SL, fipronil 5 SC and imidacloprid 70 WG.
Laying performance, egg quality and hatching results in two guinea fowl genotypes Legeleistung, Eiqualität und Brutergebnisse von zwei Perlhuhngenotypen

The guinea fowl is descended from wild guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) that inhabits southern Africa and Madagascar. The birds were domesticated about two thousand years B.C. in Greece. As in the past, today they are a source of meat and eggs, which are valued by consumers for their taste and nutritional value (AYORINDE, 1991; SWIERCZEWSKA et al., 1999). The interest in guinea fowl farming is growing in EU countries, particularly France, Belgium and Scandinavia (BAEZA et al., 2001). In some countries of western Africa, guinea fowl are the second most important source of poultry meat and eggs after chickens. Guinea fowl come in colour varieties, not breeds. The most popular domesticated varieties are pearl grey, lavender, black, and white. Grey guinea fowl are the most common in Poland. Compared to laying hens, guinea fowl begin to lay relatively late and produce fewer eggs. According to HIEN (2002), guinea fowl start egg production between 31 and 36 weeks of age depending on health condition. According to AYENI (1983), guinea fowl maintained under controlled conditions reached sexual maturity between 28 and 32 weeks of age. AYORINDE et al. (1989), who investigated laying performance in 4 colour varieties of guinea fowl, found that they came into lay at 28 weeks (pearl), 31 weeks (lavender), 33 weeks (black) and as late as 42 weeks (white), respectively. In Poland, guinea fowl managed under semi-intensive conditions commence lay in April, with peak egg production occurring in May and June (BERNACKI and HELLER, 2003). The laying period in guinea fowl should be at least 22 weeks (ROYTER and GUSEVA, 1987) and should not extend beyond 64 weeks of age due to the onset of moulting, which precedes a marked decline of egg production (ROYTER, 1991). Egg production ranges from 60 to 90 eggs per bird per year under extensive conditions (AYORINDE, 1991), and usually from 130 to 145 eggs under farm conditions (ROYTER and ARUTYUNYAN, 1990; ROYTER, 1991). Compared to chicken eggs, guinea fowl eggs are smaller, with thicker and stronger shell. In recent years, the quality of guinea fowl eggs was evaluated in Poland by BERNACKI and HELLER (2003), KUZNIACKA et al. (2004), NOWACZEWSKI et al. (2008), WILKANOWSKA and KOKOSZYNSKI (2010), and abroad by OKE
Adult attachment and jealousy of the partner–infant relationship at the transition to parenthood

Using data from a sample of 182 dual-earner different-gender couples who were followed across their transition to parenthood, we adopted a dyadic approach to examine associations between expectant mothers’ and fathers’ attachment anxiety and avoidance in the third trimester of pregnancy and their own and their partners’ jealousy of the partner–infant relationship at 3 months postpartum. Results of an actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) revealed that expectant mothers and fathers higher in attachment anxiety reported greater jealousy of the partner–infant relationship at 3 months postpartum. The partners of expectant mothers and fathers higher in attachment anxiety also reported greater jealousy of the partner–infant relationship. There were no parent gender differences in actor or partner paths linking attachment anxiety and jealousy. Attachment avoidance was not associated with one’s own or one’s partner’s jealousy of the partner–infant relationship. An exploratory mediation analysis revealed greater jealousy of the partner–infant relationship as a potential mechanism linking higher attachment anxiety to lower dyadic adjustment at 9 months postpartum. Overall, results suggest that attachment anxiety in either partner may precipitate maladaptive relationship dynamics in the early postpartum period that may ultimately interfere with the establishment and maintenance of healthy parent–child and coparenting relationships.