Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parenting with Learning Difficulties: Lessons for Practitioners

SUMMARY Parents with learning difficulties form an underserved needs group whose numbers are steadily increasing and are likely to continue to do so as a result of deinstitutionalization, community care and the acceptance of 'ordinary life' principles as a basis for service provision. This article reviews the research literature on parenting by people with learning difficulties in order to draw out the lessons for practitioners and to assist them in developing a clearer view of their aims and approach when working with these families. Case vignettes from an ongoing study of mothers and fathers with learning difficulties are used to illustrate the common themes. The authors conclude that service providers still have much to learn about how best they can secure and uphold the citizenship rights of these parents as well as protect the welfare of their children. The true prevalence of parents with learning difficulties is unknown and possibly unknowable. At the moment, as Whitman et al. (1986) have observed, 'the mentally retarded parent represents an invisible and underserved special-needs population'. Most researchers agree, however, that their numbers are steadily increasing and will probably continue to do so as a result of changing attitudes towards sexuality, deinstitutionalization, decreased segregation and wider opportunities for independent living and participation in the community (Haavik and Menninger, 1981; Rosenberg and McTate, 1982). This trend calls for recognition in the planning and delivery of services and in the approach of practitioners working in this field. Already, for example, Lancashire County Council have been censured by the Local Government Ombudsman for maladministration in failing to provide the level of counselling and support needed by a mother with learning difficulties. The Ombudsman reccomended that the Council 'need to ensure that their social workers have a clearer view of what their aims are at any one time when working with such clients' (Report by the Local Government Ombudsman, 1991). In this paper, we set out to review some of the main practice principles that emerge from the literature on parents with learning difficulties, and to illustrate the pressing need for a new deal for these families by drawing on case material from an ongoing study of their experiences of child-rearing and parenthood (Booth and Booth, 1992).
Evaluating the Social Constructionist Paradigm in Housing Research

This article considers the contribution of ? social constructionist? research to housing studies. The first part of the paper discusses ? positivist? epistemologies that have provided an implicit foundation for the majority of housing research. It then examines the philosophical suppositions that underpin ? social constructionism? This is followed by a summary of the major criticisms that can be levelled against the new research agenda, alongside a review of recent examples of housing research that draw upon social constructionism. Finally, the paper considers the future of theoretical housing research and speculates as to what can be achieved by methods based upon a social constructionist epistemology.
Maturation of Spinal Motor Neurons Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Our understanding of motor neuron biology in humans is derived mainly from investigation of human postmortem tissue and more indirectly from live animal models such as rodents. Thus generation of motor neurons from human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells is an important new approach to model motor neuron function. To be useful models of human motor neuron function, cells generated in vitro should develop mature properties that are the hallmarks of motor neurons in vivo such as elaborated neuronal processes and mature electrophysiological characteristics. Here we have investigated changes in morphological and electrophysiological properties associated with maturation of neurons differentiated from human embryonic stem cells expressing GFP driven by a motor neuron specific reporter (Hb9::GFP) in culture. We observed maturation in cellular morphology seen as more complex neurite outgrowth and increased soma area over time. Electrophysiological changes included decreasing input resistance and increasing action potential firing frequency over 13 days in vitro. Furthermore, these human embryonic stem cell derived motor neurons acquired two physiological characteristics that are thought to underpin motor neuron integrated function in motor circuits; spike frequency adaptation and rebound action potential firing. These findings show that human embryonic stem cell derived motor neurons develop functional characteristics typical of spinal motor neurons in vivo and suggest that they are a relevant and useful platform for studying motor neuron development and function and for modeling motor neuron diseases.
Engaged pedagogy: a study of the use of reflective journals in accounting education

This paper provides a report on a study of innovation in postgraduate education in which a reflective learning journal was used for formal assessment purposes in a management accounting course. Prompted by the discourse on the shortcomings of accounting education in terms of learning processes, learning experiences and learning outcomes, the reflective journal was designed to address concerns related to poor uptake of teaching and learning innovations in the discipline and recognised deficiencies in the generic competencies of accounting graduates. Utilising action research methods, the incremental approach to the implementation of the assessment activity is described and evaluated based on an analysis of 73 journal submissions across a five‐year period. The results, while based on a sample of limited size, indicated a dichotomy in surface versus deep approaches to learning in reference to the assessment task, but with improvements in student performances and learning outcomes when more radical change to the learning journal assessment item was introduced.
Osteochondral Grafting: Effect of Graft Alignment, Material Properties, and Articular Geometry

Osteochondral grafting for cartilage lesions is an attractive surgical procedure; however, the clinical results have not always been successful. Surgical recommendations differ with respect to donor site and graft placement technique. No clear biomechanical analysis of these surgical options has been reported. We hypothesized that differences in graft placement, graft biomechanical properties, and graft topography affect cartilage stresses and strains. A finite element model of articular cartilage and meniscus in a normal knee was constructed. The model was used to analyze the magnitude and the distribution of contact stresses, von Mises stresses, and compressive strains in the intact knee, after creation of an 8-mm diameter osteochondral defect, and after osteochondral grafting of the defect. The effects of graft placement, articular surface topography, and biomechanical properties were evaluated. The osteochondral defect generated minimal changes in peak contact stress (3.6 MPa) relative to the intact condition (3.4 MPa) but significantly increased peak von Mises stress (by 110%) and peak compressive strain (by 63%). A perfectly matched graft restored stresses and strains to near intact conditions. Leaving the graft proud by 0.5 mm generated the greatest increase in local stresses (peak contact stresses = 6.7 MPa). Reducing graft stiffness and curvature of articular surface had lesser effects on local stresses. Graft alignment, graft biomechanical properties, and graft topography all affected cartilage stresses and strains. Contact stresses, von Mises stresses, and compressive strains are biomechanical markers for potential tissue damage and cell death. Leaving the graft proud tends to jeopardize the graft by increasing the stresses and strains on the graft. From a biomechanical perspective, the ideal surgical procedure is a perfectly aligned graft with reasonably matched articular cartilage surface from a lower load-bearing region of the knee.
How Do Underlying "Self" and "Other" Dimensions Define Adult Attachment Styles?

Les hypotheses relatives aux dimensions qui sous-tendent le modele a quatre prototypes de styles d'attachement chez l'adulte a fait l'objet de deux etudes. Dans une premiere etude (N = 225) les associations entre les evaluations des styles d'attachement et les mesures standardisees des representations de soi et des autres ont ete examinees. Dans une seconde etude, des mesures d'anxiete et d'evitement ont ete ajoutees aux analyses. Les resultats des analyses de correlation et des analyses de regression hierarchique appuient la conclusion, contraire aux hypotheses postulees par le modele, que des dimensions qualitativement differentes de la representation de soi et de l'autre sous-tendent differents styles d'attachement. Les resultats sont discutes en termes de defaut d'equivalence des mesures de soi et de l'autre proposees pour evaluer les quatre styles d'attachement. La discussion insiste egalement sur la necessite de poursuivre l'exploration des dimensions qui fondent l'attachement, en considerant les styles d'attachement comme complementaires plutot que mutuellement exclusifs.
The paradigm of ethical development for civilized leadership in Africa

The leadership question in Africa has, for a long time, been on the front burner. Many problems plaguing African societies have been hung on the neck of poor leadership. Excellent leadership seems to be a rarity in Africa. This perhaps explains why certain awards have been instituted to reward outstanding leadership in Africa. At times, some of these awards could not be made simply because there was no worthy candidate to be so honoured. The paper considers the leadership question in Africa and a possible panacea for it within the framework of the Paradigm of Ethical Development (Salawu, 2004; 2006b). This paradigm promotes an advanced and organized state of human social development brought about by the cultivation of mind for the higher ideals of the society. The contention of this paper is that African oral ethics is indispensable for inculcating in Africans, right from childhood, the values of good citizenry and leadership, necessary to create a Civilization.
Tau stabilizes microtubules by binding at the interface between tubulin heterodimers

Significance Tau is an important microtubule-associated protein. Although the structure–function relationship of Tau has been intensively studied for many years primarily by molecular biology and biochemical approaches, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms by which Tau interacts with microtubules and promotes microtubule assembly. Here, we provide detailed insight into the Tau–microtubule association by using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. We show that Tau binds to microtubules by using small groups of residues, which are important for pathological aggregation of Tau. We further show that Tau stabilizes a straight protofilament conformation by binding to a hydrophobic pocket in between tubulin heterodimers. Our work is thus relevant to normal Tau action development and in Tau-related neurodegenerative diseases. The structure, dynamic behavior, and spatial organization of microtubules are regulated by microtubule-associated proteins. An important microtubule-associated protein is the protein Tau, because its microtubule interaction is impaired in the course of Alzheimer’s disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we show that Tau binds to microtubules by using small groups of evolutionary conserved residues. The binding sites are formed by residues that are essential for the pathological aggregation of Tau, suggesting competition between physiological interaction and pathogenic misfolding. Tau residues in between the microtubule-binding sites remain flexible when Tau is bound to microtubules in agreement with a highly dynamic nature of the Tau–microtubule interaction. By binding at the interface between tubulin heterodimers, Tau uses a conserved mechanism of microtubule polymerization and, thus, regulation of axonal stability and cell morphology.
DegU and Spo0A Jointly Control Transcription of Two Loci Required for Complex Colony Development by Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT Biofilm formation is an example of a multicellular process which depends on cooperative behavior and differentiation within a bacterial population. Our findings indicate that there is a complex feedback loop that maintains the stoichiometry of the extracellular matrix and other proteins required for complex colony development by Bacillus subtilis. Analysis of the transcriptional regulation of two DegU-activated genes that are required for complex colony development by B. subtilis revealed additional involvement of global regulators that are central to controlling biofilm formation. Activation of transcription from both the yvcA and yuaB promoters requires DegU∼phosphate, but transcription is inhibited by direct AbrB binding to the promoter regions. Inhibition of transcription by AbrB is relieved when Spo0A∼phosphate is generated due to its known role in inhibiting abrB expression. Deletion of SinR, a key coordinator of motility and biofilm formation, enhanced transcription from both loci; however, no evidence of a direct interaction with SinR for either the yvcA or yuaB promoter regions was observed. The enhanced transcription in the sinR mutant background was subsequently demonstrated to be dependent on biosynthesis of the polysaccharide component that forms the major constituent of the B. subtilis biofilm matrix. Together, these findings indicate that a genetic network dependent on activation of both DegU and Spo0A controls complex colony development by B. subtilis.
The Impact of Allergic Rhinitis on Asthma: Current View

Although allergic rhinitis and asthma have been assessed and treated as separate diseases, they often occur together. The connection between asthma and rhinitis is not a new discovery. This association has been recognized since earlier times. In the second century, Galen hypothesized that sinonasal disease caused lung disease through a direct anatomic connection. But, the nature of the link between the nose and the lung has been poorly understood until recent years (McFadden, 1986). Because the prevalence rates of rhinitis and asthma, as with all allergic diseases, are increasing worldwide, there is a growing interest in the interaction between upper and lower airways (Bousquet et al.,ARIA Workshop Group. World Health Organization, 2001). Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common atopic disease all over the world affecting almost 10% to 30% of population (Berger, 2003; Settipane, 2003). Although it generally is not considered a severe disorder, the socioeconomic costs of AR are substantial . It adversely affects quality of life of the patients, work productivity and school performance as well as increasing health care costs (Bachert et al., 2002; Meltzer et al., 2004). Patients who have asthma and rhinitis tend to have more severe disease with higher treatment costs. Treatment of rhinitis may improve asthma control, and early treatment of allergies may prevent the development of asthma (Marple, 2010). The connection between upper and lower airways has become a topic of great interest over the past few decades. It is now well established that rhinitis and asthma frequently co-exist, with approximately 20-50% of AR patients have concomitant asthma and over the 80% of asthmatics have nasal symptoms (Bousquet et al., 2003; Braunstahl & Fokkens, 2003). During this time of period, a body of evidence concerning the relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma lead to the concept of unified airways or “one airway one disease”. Recent advances in the understanding and knowledge of the underlying mechanisms has been integrated into the “Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma” international report (Bousquet et al., ARIA Workshop, 2001). This document have been provided an comprehensive overview of current knowledge on allergic rhinitis and asthma, and evidence-based guidelines for the treatment. Neverthless not all patients with rhinitis present with asthma, the reason why are unknown. The “united airway disease” hypothesis proposes that upper and lower airway disease are both manifestations of a single inflammatory process of entire respiratory tract (Togias, 2003).
The philosopher in the scanner (or: how can neuroscience contribute to social philosophy?)

Analytical philosophy has been challenged by experimental approaches that make use of, among other things, cognitive science methods. In this paper we illustrate the benefits of merging philosophy with neuroscience, using an example of research in the foundations of social science. We argue that designing novel experiments to answer specific philosophical questions has several advantages compared to relying passively on neuroscientists' data. In this particular case, the data redirect attention towards topics – such as inductive reasoning – that are relatively overlooked by mainstream social neuroscience.
The transformational model of social activity and economic analysis: a reinterpretation of the work of J.R. Commons

The work of J.R. Commons, I want to argue, bears a close relationship to, is clarified by and informs, recent developments in social theory. Specifically, recent developments in social theory, elaborated under the heading of critical realism, serve to organize or systematize Commons' work in such a way as to defend it against the commonly made criticisms of incoherence and irrelevance to more general or theoretical concerns. On the other hand Commons' work, based as it is upon practical case study and intervention, serves both to extend or ‘deepen’ existing critical realist accounts and demonstrate their relevance for political economy.
EcoRII can be activated to cleave refractory DNA recognition sites.

EcoRII restriction sites [5'-CC(A/T)GG] in phage T3 and T7 DNA are refractory to cleavage by EcoRII, but become sensitive to cleavage in the presence of DNAs which contain an abundance of EcoRII sensitive sites (e.g. pBR322 or lambda DNA). Studies using fragments of pBR322 containing different numbers of EcoRII sites show that the susceptibility to EcoRII cleavage is proportional to the number of sites in the individual fragment. We postulate that EcoRII is the prototype of restriction endonucleases which require at least 2 simultaneously bound substrate sites for their activation. EcoRII sites are refractory when they occur at relatively low frequency in the DNA. The restriction enzyme can be activated by DNA with a higher frequency of sites.
Differences between coronary disease and stroke in incidence, case fatality, and risk factors, but few differences in risk factors for fatal and non-fatal events.

AIMS To compare incidence and mortality of coronary and stroke events, and risk factors for non-fatal and fatal events, respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS Incidence and mortality were compared in all coronary (n=559 341) and stroke (n=530 689) events in Sweden from 1987 to 2001. Data from 28 years of follow-up of a random sample of 7400 men aged 47-55 and free of disease at baseline were used to compare risk factors. Incidence and 28 days of case fatality were considerably higher for coronary disease than for stroke, especially for men. Incidence of coronary disease decreased, especially for men (P=0.0001 for both sexes), and mortality declined for both men and women during 1987-2001 (P=0.0001 for both sexes). Stroke incidence declined slightly (P=0.0001 for both sexes), and there was a decline of mortality (P=0.0001 for both sexes). Out-of-hospital mortality during the first 28 days was higher than in-hospital mortality for coronary events, whereas for stroke, in-hospital mortality was higher (in men) or the same (in women) as out-of-hospital mortality. High serum cholesterol was a strong risk factor for coronary events, but not for stroke. High blood pressure was a stronger risk factor for stroke. About 50% of men with both stroke and coronary disease died from coronary disease. CONCLUSION Several differences regarding incidence, mortality, prognosis, and risk factors for stroke and coronary disease point towards different pathologies.
Too Eager to Comply? OECD Education Policies and the Finnish Response

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has strongly influenced European education policy and the entire global neo-liberally toned discourse that nowadays prevails in the implementation of national education policy and educational reforms. The educational policy governance of the OECD is based on overall and supranational information management — the instruments of which in practice are published analyses, statistics and indicator publications, as well as country and thematic reviews. This article presents, first, four phases in the history of the OECD educational policy based strictly on an analysis of documentary material. These phases provide a context for the analyses of the connections of the OECD and Finnish education policies in which the country and thematic reviews of Finland are used as empirical material. Finland has, especially in recent years, attained a status of a model pupil in implementing the educational policy recommendations of the OECD. Thus, several connections between the OECD recommendations and the development of education policy in Finland can be found in the material. In this study Finland has a role of an example of the field of activity of supranational actors and the connections and influences between the OECD and Finland should not be considered unique. Similar rapprochement of politics and thinning out of the independent authority of nation-states can even be seen on a larger scale.
Formal Test Point Insertion for Region-based Low-Capture-Power Compact At-Speed Scan Test

Launch-Switching-Activity (LSA) is a serious problem during at-speed testing of integrated circuits, since localized LSA may lead to severe IR-drop and thus failures. The excessive LSA is conventionally mitigated by reducing the switching activity through special low-power test generation techniques, typically resulting in severe test pattern inflation and high test costs. This work introduces a novel concept of Low-Capture-Power Test Points (LCP-TPs), which are inserted to reduce switching activity in critical High-Capture-Power (HCP) regions. LCP-TPs also help in retaining high test compaction capability. An optimization- SAT based procedure is proposed to compute a small set of optimal LCP-TP locations for compact at-speed test sets with effective capture power reduction. Experimental results clearly demonstrate the advantages of LCP-TP insertion.
Molecular Mechanism of Isocupressic Acid Supresses MA-10 Cell Steroidogenesis

Consumption of ponderosa pine needles causes late-term abortions in cattle and is a serious poisonous plant problem in foothill and mountain rangelands. Isocupressic acid (IA) is the component of pine needles responsible for the abortifacient effect, its abortifacient effect may be due to inhibition of steroidogenesis. To investigate the more detail molecular mechanism, we used MA-10 cell, which is wild used to investigate molecular mechanism of steroidogenesis, to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of IA in more detail. In this report, we focus on the function of IA on important steroidogenic genes, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD). We found that IA does not affect enzyme activities of these genes but inhibits transcription of P450scc and translation of StAR and P450scc through attenuating cAMP-PKA signaling. Thus, steroid productions of cells were suppressed.