Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Consequences of Parental Separation and Divorce for the Economic, Social and Emotional Circumstances of Children in Botswana

The article analyses children's and mothers' accounts of the economic consequences of divorce for children in Botswana. Most of the mothers and children in the study reported experiences of economic hardship following divorce, although a few reported improvement or no change in their economic circumstances. The article traces the implications of economic hardship for the social and psychological well-being of children.
Action of Nicotine on the Heart

straight line obtained by joining the two points is produced backwards and cuts the axis at a distance from the origin which represents the amount of piperazine present in the original 1 ml. of the diluted urine (Fig. 1). With the apparatus used in this laboratory all known solutions were found to give results which were 5 Ag. too small. A constant correction of 5 plg. was therefore made for each determination. Dilution of the Urine and Blank Values. -Dilution of the urine 1 :25 brings the blank value due to naturally occurring substances within readable limits, and these values are eliminated by the procedure described above. Piperazine standard curves follow Beer's law for samples containing amounts up to 100 uAg. , and then the curve flattens slightly for amounts up to 200 lAg. The amount of piperazine present in the diluted sample must be between 0 and 200 pg. for the actual determination. Higher concentrations of piperazine give rise to rapid precipitation, and, if necessary, the urine must be further diluted. Colour Reaction. -Upon the addition of the final reagent a reddish-brown colour develops rapidly during the first 20 seconds and reaches its optimum in 10 minutes. After this period the colour increases slowly until precipitation takes place; hence it is essential to take the readings at exactly 10 minutes after the addition of the colour reagent. Reproducible results are given at room temperature (200 C.); higher temperatures increase the colour value in all tubes, and it is therefore necessary to prepare a standard curve appropriate to the temperature of the analytical conditions. The 1:2-naphthoquinone-4-sulphonic acid reagent gives consistent readings with a given quantity of piperazine for a period of two hours after preparation. After this time it slowly darkens and eventually precipitates, giving rise to erroneous results. The recovery of piperazine added to normal urine was found to be satisfactory.
Sleep Quantity and Quality in Relation to Daytime Functioning in Children

This study examined sleep in relation to daytime functioning in 32 typically developing children (8–12 y). Participants wore actigraphs for one week and then completed tasks designed to measure emotional functioning, short-term memory, working memory, and attention. Results revealed that children slept approximately 1 h less per night than recommended. Older children had shorter sleep durations, higher sleep efficiencies, and later sleep onset times. Examination of the relationships between sleep and daytime functioning revealed that small variations in sleep were significantly associated with differences in emotional functioning and attention. Results highlight the need to increase awareness about the importance of sleep in children.
Submarine cable electrical voltages to probe the Earth's deep interior

Geomagnetic field variations are often used for the study of the deep interior of the Earth. On the other hand, the geoelectric field has seldom been employed for these studies although it has sensitivity to phenomena that the geomagnetic field variations does not have. A reason for this is the smallness of the electric field of deep Earth origin if it is measured at the Earth's surface. Thousand kilometer scale trans-oceanic submarine cables are very attractive tool to measure such small but global scale geoelectric field, and the observation of the electric field from deep Earth is possible only when such long cables are used. In this paper, we show the capability of submarine cable electrical voltages to probe the Earth's deep interior, especially for the phenomena related with the toroidal magnetic field in the core.
Improved Model for Increased Surface Recombination Current in Irradiated Bipolar Junction Transistors

Current gain degradation in irradiated bipolar junction transistors is primarily due to excess base current caused by enhanced carrier recombination in the emitter-base space-charge region (SCR). Radiation-induced traps at the interface between silicon and the bipolar base oxide facilitate the recombination process primarily above the sensitive emitter-base junction. This leads to an increase in surface recombination current in the SCR, which is a non-ideal component of the BJT's base current characteristic under active bias conditions. In this paper, we derive a precise analytical model for surface recombination current that captures bias dependencies typically omitted from traditional models. This improved model is validated by comparisons to these traditional approaches.
Contributions of Self‐Efficacy Theory to Career Counseling: A Personal Perspective

The author provides a brief overview of A. Bandura's (1977, 1997) self-efficacy theory, followed by a discussion of the value of this theory to career counselors, which includes particularly useful features of the concept of self-efficacy and suggestions for its application in career assessment and counseling, with a special focus on group interventions.
Exploring a Practice-Based Approach to Foreign Language Teacher Preparation: A Work in Progress

This article describes the implementation of a practice-based approach to foreign language (FL) teacher preparation. After briefly framing the discussion in relation to the literature on the practice-based approach in teacher education - including Phase I of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Research Priorities - we present the implementation and integration of this approach in the context of FL teacher preparation. The successes and challenges encountered throughout the implementation experience are discussed, and recommendations are made for practice-based course design in FL teacher preparation programs and for future research on the practice-based approach.Cet article décrit l'exécution d'une approche à la formation des en-seignants basée sur la pratique. Après un résumé de recherches précédentes - y compris la Phase I du projet « Research Priorities » de l'American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) - l'application de cette approche dans la formation des enseignants de langues étrangères est présentée. Fondés sur cette étude exploratoire, les réussites et défis de l'exécution de cette approche sont examinés. Dans la perspective de cette expérience, des conseils sur le planning d'un cursus de préparation des enseignants de langues étrangè res basé sur la pratique sont proposés. Des directions de recherche futures sont suggérées d'après les résultats de cet étude.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism modulates the human in vivo metabolism of bradykinin.

BACKGROUND Bradykinin is a cardioprotective peptide metabolized by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE gene determines plasma ACE levels. The D allele is associated with cardiovascular disease, which may relate to enhanced angiotensin II production or to increased bradykinin degradation to the inactive metabolite bradykinin 1-5 (BK1-5). Therefore, we determined the effect of the ACE I/D polymorphism on human bradykinin metabolism in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS Bradykinin (400 ng/min) was infused into the brachial artery of volunteers with ACE I/I, I/D, or D/D genotypes (n=9 each). The bradykinin and BK1-5 levels in forearm venous return were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Plasma ACE activity was highest in those with the D/D genotype (36.8+/-6.2 U/mL), intermediate in those with the I/D genotype (25.3+/-3.3 U/mL), and lowest in those with the I/I genotype (20.3+/-2.3 U/mL; P=0.017 for effect of number of D alleles). Bradykinin concentrations were 726+/-242, 469+/-50, and 545+/-104 fmol/mL in I/I, I/D, and D/D subjects, respectively (P>0. 10). Significant correlations existed between the number of D alleles and BK1-5 concentrations (1113+/-290, 1520+/-318, and 1887+/-388 fmol/mL in the I/I, I/D, and D/D groups, respectively; P=0.027) and the ratio of BK1-5 to bradykinin (1.87+/-0.35, 3.09+/-0. 40, and 4.31+/-0.97 in the I/I, I/D, and D/D volunteers, respectively; P=0.010). The venous blood BK1-5:bradykinin ratio correlated with plasma ACE activity (r(2)=0.16, P=0.039), and total kinin concentration correlated with net tissue plasminogen activator release across the forearm (r(2)=0.20, P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS The ACE D allele has a significant effect on the in vivo degradation of bradykinin in humans. The ratio of BK1-5:bradykinin may serve as a marker for tissue ACE activity.
Microbes on the Cliff: Alpine Cushion Plants Structure Bacterial and Fungal Communities

Plants affect the spatial distribution of soil microorganisms, but the influence of the local abiotic context is poorly documented. We investigated the effect of a single plant species, the cushion plant Silene acaulis, on habitat conditions, and microbial community. We collected soil from inside (In) and outside (Out) of the cushions on calcareous and siliceous cliffs in the French Alps along an elevation gradient (2,000–3,000 masl). The composition of the microbial communities was assessed by Capillary-Electrophoresis Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (CE-SSCP). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to characterize the response of the microbial beta-diversity to soil parameters (total C, total N, soil water content, N-NH4+,N-NO3-, and pH). Cushions affected the microbial communities, modifying soil properties. The fungal and bacterial communities did not respond to the same abiotic factors. Outside the cushions, the bacterial communities were strongly influenced by bedrock. Inside the cushions, the bacterial communities from both types of bedrock were highly similar, due to the smaller pH differences than in open areas. By contrast, the fungal communities were equally variable inside and outside of the cushions. Outside the cushions, the fungal communities responded weakly to soil pH. Inside the cushions, the fungal communities varied strongly with bedrock and elevation as well as increases in soil nutrients and water content. Furthermore, the dissimilarities in the microbial communities between the In and Out habitats increased with increasing habitat modification and environmental stress. Our results indicate that cushions act as a selective force that counteracts the influence of the bedrock and the resource limitations on the bacterial and fungal communities by buffering soil pH and enhancing soil nutrients. Cushion plants structure microbial communities, and this effect increases in stressful, acidic and nutrient-limited environments.
FERNAND DUMONT AND THE VICISSITUDES OF CULTURAL POLICY IN QUÉBEC

This paper examines the role of the intellectual in relation to cultural policy in Québec, with particular attention given to the contributions made by Fernand Dumont. It is argued that because of its status as an “imagined community” rooted in a social movement – but still within the structure of a provincial government bent on expanding its powers – Quebec’s cultural policy differs markedly from that of states whose administrative structures have been more stable and routinized. In particular, not only have intellectuals and artists played an active part in the formation of cultural policy, but culture itself has been defined in a broad and holistic sense. The paper maintains that Fernand Dumont embodied the engaged, culturally astute intellectual within Québec, and that an examination of how his policy work was informed by his views on identity and culture sheds light on the dilemmas facing intellectuals who wish to become involved in public service.
Exploring Valued Patterns of Stance in Upper-Level Student Writing in the Disciplines

Drawing on the appraisal framework from systemic functional linguistics (SFL), this article examines patterns of stance in a corpus of 92 high- and low-graded argumentative papers written in the context of an upper-level course in economics. It interprets differential patterns of stance in students’ texts in light of interview commentaries from the instructors, exploring how their judgments of students’ levels of “critical reasoning” and “analytic rigor,” among other qualities, may be influenced by recurring configurations of stance. As a methodological contribution, the article demonstrates how appraisal analysis of student writing, when used alongside instructor interviews, can reveal types of stances that are tacitly valued in the specific context. Results suggest the need for greater awareness among faculty in the disciplines of what is “going on” when they are reading student work and how they can make their expectations and judgments more explicit to students when assigning and evaluating writing.
Transcriptome Analysis and Gene Identification in the Pulmonary Artery of Broilers with Ascites Syndrome

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension, also known as Ascites syndrome (AS), remains a clinically challenging disease with a large impact on both humans and broiler chickens. Pulmonary arterial remodeling presents a key step in the development of AS. The precise molecular mechanism of pulmonary artery remodeling regulating AS progression remains unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings We obtained pulmonary arteries from two positive AS and two normal broilers for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and pathological observation. RNA-seq analysis revealed a total of 895 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 437 up-regulated and 458 down-regulated genes, which were significantly enriched to 12 GO (Gene Ontology) terms and 4 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways (Padj<0.05) regulating pulmonary artery remodeling and consequently occurrence of AS. These GO terms and pathways include ribosome, Jak-STAT and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways which regulate pulmonary artery remodeling through vascular smooth cell proliferation, inflammation and vascular smooth cell proliferation together. Some notable DEGs within these pathways included downregulation of genes like RPL 5, 7, 8, 9, 14; upregulation of genes such as IL-6, K60, STAT3, STAT5 Pim1 and SOCS3; IKKα, IkB, P38, five cytokines IL-6, IL8, IL-1β, IL-18, and MIP-1β. Six important regulators of pulmonary artery vascular remodeling and construction like CYP1B1, ALDH7A1, MYLK, CAMK4, BMP7 and INOS were upregulated in the pulmonary artery of AS broilers. The pathology results showed that the pulmonary artery had remodeled and become thicker in the disease group. Conclusions/Significance Our present data suggested some specific components of the complex molecular circuitry regulating pulmonary arterial remodeling underlying AS progression in broilers. We revealed some valuable candidate genes and pathways that involved in pulmonary artery remodeling further contributing to the AS progression.
On Goodness in Schools: Themes of Empowerment

Empowerment is a wildly overused word that has become part of the rhetoric of today's educational discourse and exchange. With overuse, its currency as a tool of expression has been diminished. We nod when others use it, assuming we share the same meanings but rarely inquiring explicitly about what is meant. Let me begin by saying what I mean. Empowerment refers to the opportunities a person has for autonomy, responsibility, choice, and authority. And let me reveal three of my assumptions about empowerment in action.
Family ties of gated pores: evolution of the sensor module

The six‐transmembrane channels are thought to be composed of two modules: pore and sensor. Whereas the modular design of the pore has been established, the modularity of the sensor remains hypothetical. As a first step toward establishing the modularity of this region, we searched for genes where the sensor is found independent of the pore and have identified new members of the sensor superfamily. Analysis of these sensors reveals a motif shared among not only these newly discovered members and voltage‐gated, transient receptor potential, and polycystin channel sensors, but also MscL, a bacterial mechanosensitive channel. Mutational analyses presented here and in previous studies demonstrate that highly conserved residues within this motif are required for normal channel activity; mutations of residues within this motif in different subfamilies lead to consistent channel phenotypes. Previous studies have demonstrated that peptides containing this motif and the adjacent conserved transmembrane domain elicit channel activities when reconstituted into lipid membranes. These data provide evidence for the modularity of the sensor, imply a model for its evolution, suggest a common origin for mechano‐and voltage‐sensing, and may offer a glimpse of the properties of the first sensor/channel. —Kumánovics, A. , Levin, G. , Blount, P. Family ties of gated pores: evolution of the sensor module. FASEB J. 16, 1623–1629 (2002)
Environmental Contamination with Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide, and Methotrexate: A Study of 51 Canadian Centres.

BACKGROUND Occupational exposure to hazardous drugs may lead to adverse reproductive effects. There is no safe exposure limit for health care professionals. OBJECTIVES To monitor levels of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and methotrexate contamination in oncology pharmacy and patient care areas in Canadian health care institutions. METHODS The study was conducted in 2014. Hospitals with at least 50 acute care beds were invited to participate. At each participating centre, 12 standardized sites (6 in pharmacy areas and 6 in patient care areas) were sampled. The samples were analyzed for the presence of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and methotrexate by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology. The limits of detection were 0.36 pg/cm(2) for cyclophosphamide, 0.95 pg/cm(2) for ifosfamide, and 0.97 pg/cm(2) for methotrexate. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to determine the median, 75th percentile, and maximum levels. RESULTS Fifty-one hospitals participated in this descriptive study, and a total of 584 samples were quantified. Overall, 294 (50%) of the samples were positive for cyclophosphamide, 125 (21%) for ifosfamide, and 54 (9%) for methotrexate. The most frequently contaminated sampling sites in pharmacy areas were the front grille inside the hood and the floor in front of the hood and, in patient care areas, the armrest and outpatient clinic counter. The 75th percentiles for surface concentration were 10.8 pg/cm(2) for cyclophosphamide, 1.59 pg/cm(2) for ifosfamide, and below the limit of detection for methotrexate. CONCLUSIONS Relative to 3 other multicentre studies conducted in Quebec over the past few years, the proportion of positive samples remained constant. Nonetheless, the 75th percentile surface concentration of antineoplastic drugs has been decreasing and seems to have reached a plateau. Local (country-specific or region-specific) and attainable goals for surface contamination with hazardous drugs should be set annually, so long as no health-based limit is known.
From research to implementation: finding leverage for prevention

This paper relates research on workplace bullying to the prevention measures which an organisation might consider implementing. The implications of collecting research information only from targets of bullying is highlighted, and discussed in relation to identifying bullies and targets. Incidence studies are used to track environmental patterns and processes. Included in such studies is the recent UK UNISON survey, where patterns of consistency are found between targets and non‐targets in attitude questions regarding the causes of bullying, but strong divergence of response regarding other parameters. The effectiveness of actions taken by targets of bullying is also reported. These find that reports of bullying stopping as a result of action by targets are rather rare, and advising targets to discuss the situation with the bully without professional support (such as from a personnel officer or union representative) is probably misguided as retaliation from the bully is likely.
Study on the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of nerve function in myasthenia gravis patients in Vietnam

Background: In Vietnam, there is limited research on the role of nerve conduction in myasthenia gravis and its association with clinical features. Objective: This study aims to describe the electrophysiological features in patients with myasthenia gravis. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from September 2019 to December 2021. The study included 33 myasthenia gravis patients who sought medical consultation or received inpatient treatment during this period. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classifies myasthenia gravis into five groups: I, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, and V. Notably, Group I involves pure ocular weakness, whereas Group a primarily impacts limb and axial muscles, and Group b mainly affects bulbar and respiratory muscles. Results: The study revealed that motor and sensory nerve conduction in the upper and lower limbs were within normal limits for the patient group under evaluation. Repetitive nerve stimulation testing at a frequency of 3 Hz showed positive results in 66.7% of myasthenia gravis patients. Myasthenia gravis patients displayed distinct clinical symptoms, with ptosis being the most common (87.9%). Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification indicated the highest proportion in subgroup IIa (24.2%), with myasthenia gravis predominating in limb and axial muscles (Group a) observed in 51.5% of cases. Needle electromyography showed no abnormalities in myasthenia gravis patients. There was an association between acetylcholine receptor antibody titers and the results of the 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation test in myasthenia gravis patients, with a significance of p = 0.002. Conclusion: Nerve conduction studies should be performed in patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders to aid in differential diagnosis and definitive diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.
Exercise Increases Insulin Content and Basal Secretion in Pancreatic Islets in Type 1 Diabetic Mice

Exercise appears to improve glycemic control for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the mechanism responsible for this improvement is unknown. We hypothesized that exercise has a direct effect on the insulin-producing islets. Eight-week-old mice were divided into four groups: sedentary diabetic, exercised diabetic, sedentary control, and exercised control. The exercised groups participated in voluntary wheel running for 6 weeks. When compared to the control groups, the islet density, islet diameter, and β-cell proportion per islet were significantly lower in both sedentary and exercised diabetic groups and these alterations were not improved with exercise. The total insulin content and insulin secretion were significantly lower in sedentary diabetics compared to controls. Exercise significantly improved insulin content and insulin secretion in islets in basal conditions. Thus, some improvements in exercise-induced glycemic control in T1D mice may be due to enhancement of insulin content and secretion in islets.