Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Political Environment and the Dynamics of Public Attitudes: A Panel Study

At the micro-level, political socialization research has emphasized the persistence of political orientations learned prior to adulthood. This emphasis has led to an implicitly conservative bias in macro-level theory-a preoccupation with the continuity of prevailing political values across generations. Results are presented here which address these two issues. These results are based on a two-wave panel study of young adults and their parents for the period 1965-1973. A high degree of persistence in partisan attachments and fairly stable political trust orientations are found for both cohorts. It is also shown, however, that reactions to the Vietnam War and race issues systematically affected political outlooks. Consistent with classical theories of generational succession, the potential impact of major issues upon political orientations appears greatest for young adults. Nevertheless, the evidence indicates that a capacity for life-long political learning exists, and historical occurrences may influence basic political attitudes throughout the life cycle.
A report on the development and implementation of a preceptorship training programme for registered nurses.

BACKGROUND Clinical supervision represents an important aspect in the development of nursing students’ clinical skills. At the School of Nursing (SoN) the clinical supervisors employed by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) have limited contact sessions with students in the clinical setting. However, with the increase in student numbers a need was identified to strengthen the support given to nursing students in the service setting. OBJECTIVE A preceptorship training programme for nurses was developed in 2009, aimed at improving the clinical teaching expertise of professional nurses. The planning phase, based on a preceptorship model, represents a collaborative undertaking by the higher education institution and the nursing directorate of the Provincial Government Western Cape. METHOD A two-week, eight credit, short course was approved by the university structures and presented by staff members of the school. The teaching and learning strategies included interactive lectures, small group activities and preceptor-student encounters in simulated and real service settings. Some of the course outcomes were: applying the principles of clinical teaching and learning within the context of adult education, understanding the preceptor role and managing RESULTS To date, fifty-four participants have attended the course. Following an internal review of the pilot programme in 2010, relevant adjustments to the programme were made. CONCLUSION It is recommended that all the stakeholders be involved in the development and implementation of a contextually relevant preceptorship training programme. It is further recommended that the school embarks on an extensive programme evaluation.
Bizarre leiomyomas of the uterus: a comprehensive pathologic study of 24 cases with long-term follow-up.

A series of 24 bizarre (symplastic, pleomorphic) leiomyomas was analyzed to determine their spectrum of gross and microscopic features and to establish their clinical behavior by obtaining long-term follow-up. Patients' ages ranged from 25 to 51 years (mean 40.7). Maximum dimension of the tumors was about 1-14 cm (mean 4.2), with 83% measuring <5.5 cm and 8% > or = 10 cm. Grossly, the tumors generally resembled ordinary leiomyomas; one third had yellow or tan areas, two had hemorrhages, and a few had focal softening, cavitation or myxoid change. When evaluable (50%), the tumor border was generally circumscribed. Cellularity was 1+ in 21%, 2+ in 58%, and 3+ in 21%. Two tumors were predominantly of epithelioid cell type. Bizarre giant cells were unifocal in 12.5%, multifocal in 37.5%, and diffusely distributed in 50%. More than one third of the tumor contained giant cells in 67%. Degenerative changes occurred in 38%, usually hydropic change. One had infarct-type necrosis. None had tumor cell necrosis. Fibrinoid change of blood vessels occurred in 21%, usually accompanied by chronic inflammation. Mitosis counts ranged from zero to 2.8 mitotic figures (MFs)/10 high-power fields (HPFs) (mean 0.8) by the average count method. By the highest count method, the range was 0-7 MFs/10 HPFs (mean 1.6), with 13% having none and 29% having > or = 2 MFs/10 HPFs. Some pyknotic and karyorrhectic nuclei resembled abnormal MFs. Treatment was hysterectomy in 20 and myomectomy in six (including two with subsequent hysterectomy). Complete follow-up was available in 100%, ranging from 1 to 18.9 years (mean 11.2). Postoperative intervals were > or = 10 years in 58% and > or = 5 years in 83% of cases. All patients were alive and well. Although three patients subsequently developed unrelated second primary malignant neoplasms, none developed recurrence or metastasis of bizarre leiomyoma. Bizarre leiomyomas have a wider range of morphologic changes and mitotic activity than previously documented. This study firmly establishes the benign behavior of bizarre leiomyomas, even for those tumors with high cellularity, numerous widely distributed bizarre cells, and mitosis counts in the 2-7 MFs/10 HPFs range by the highest count method.
The effect of Nigella sativa L. (black cumin seed) on intractable pediatric seizures.

BACKGROUND Despite the availability and use of numerous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), nearly 15% of childhood epilepsy cases are resistant to treatment. However, in traditional medicine, Nigella Sativa L. ("black cumin seed") has been known for its anticonvulsant effects. This plant is naturally distributed in Iran and has been widely used as a natural remedy for a long time. In this study the efficacy of this agent in reducing the frequency of seizures in childhood refractory epilepsy was assessed. MATERIAL/METHODS In this double-blinded crossover clinical trial conducted on children with refractory epilepsy, the aqueous extract of black seed was administered as an adjunct therapy and the effects were compared with those of a placebo. Twenty-three children were entered in the study and 20 remained in the study (13 months to 13 years old, 10 boys and 10 girls). All patients were receiving constant treatment for at least one month before the study. They received extract (40 mg/kg/8 h) or placebo for a period of four weeks and between these periods for two weeks they received only their pre-existing anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). RESULTS The mean frequency of seizures decreased significantly during treatment with extract (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that the water extract of Nigella sativa L. has antiepileptic effects in children with refractory seizures.
Comparison between known propagation models using least squares tuning algorithm on 5.8 GHz in Amazon region cities

This paper presents a performance comparison between known propagation Models through least squares tuning algorithm for 5.8 GHz frequency band. The studied environment is based on the 12 cities located in Amazon Region. After adjustments and simulations, SUI Model showed the smaller RMS error and standard deviation when compared with COST231-Hata and ECC-33 models.
Food Insecurity and Financial Access during an Economic Recession: Evidence from the 2008 SIPP

ABSTRACT This study examines the association between financial access, unemployment, and household food insecurity during the economic recession (N = 14,417). The unbanked lack financial access to smooth their consumption during times of financial stress. The dependent variable is food insecurity, the independent variable is banked status, and unemployment experience is a moderator. The results of this study, using Survey of Income and Program Participation data, indicate financial access and unemployment are significantly related to food insecurity for the general population, but there is no evidence that financial access mitigates food hardship for the unemployed. Policy implications are discussed.
Subgaleal haemorrhage in the newborn: A call for early diagnosis and aggressive management

Subgaleal haemorrhage (SGH) is an important cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the neonate. Its increased prevalence in recent years has coincided with the rise in the number of births assisted by vacuum extraction. Three deaths in Australia within the last 7 years have been the subject of two coronial inquests. Subsequent coronial reports have highlighted that neonatal death from SGH can be prevented if appropriate attention is paid to identification of risk factors, early diagnosis, close observation and aggressive treatment. To prevent unnecessary deaths, all involved in the care of the baby after birth need to be aware of the importance of prompt diagnosis, monitoring and early treatment of SGH.
Occurrence of Semicircular Canal Involvement in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Objectives To study the occurrence of each variant of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPVV) and to present some specific clinical features and the results of their treatment by appropriate repositioning maneuvers. Study Design A retrospective review of the records of patients with BPPV. Setting Neurotology clinic of the ear, nose, and throat department of a general hospital. Patients One hundred twenty-two patients were included in the study, 54 male and 68 female, mean ages 61.8 and 59.6 years, respectively, ranging in age from 25 years to 86 years and with symptoms lasting for an average of 124 days. The diagnosis of each type of BPPV was based on the history of the patients and on the positive results of the appropriate provoking maneuver. Methods From all the patients, a comprehensive history was obtained, followed by clinical examination of the ears, nose, and throat and a complete audiologic and neurotologic examination, including electronystagmography. All patients were treated with an appropriate repositioning maneuver, depending on the type of BPPV. Results Of 122 patients, 110 had posterior canal involvement, 10 had horizontal canal involvement, and only 2 had the anterior canal variant. The canalith repositioning procedure was immediately successful in 106 patients and in 8 more patients proved successful after its repetition in a second session, resulting in a total success rate of 93.4%. Conclusions All the BPPV variants shared the same clinical and demographic characteristics and responded equally well to treatment. However, differential diagnosis was necessary to apply the appropriate canalith repositioning procedure. Although data from clinical and histologic studies do not fully account for the observed relative occurrence of each variant of BPPV, a satisfactory explanation may be provided by the anatomic location of each semicircular canal and additionally by self-treatment of most cases of the horizontal and the anterior canal variety.
Optimising antiemesis in cancer chemotherapy.

meant by "more effective. " This unqualified assertion is likely to confuse the many people who already use or recommend All-Bran as an "effective" means of avoiding constipation whatever its soluble:insoluble fibre ratio or influence on plasma lipids, mineral absorption, faecal bulking, bowel transit time, etc. Furthermore, it is difficult to see why "wholemeal bread and crispbreads" are the only items to be recommended for a weight reducing diet from a list which includes acceptable alternatives such as granary bread, Hovis, HiBran, and Vitbe (presumably Vitbe Wheatgerm). Appreciation of patient preference appears to be totally forsaken in these inflexible recommendations for breakfast cereals and bread, which thus ignore the possibility of including suitable second best choices in an attempt to encourage dietary compliance. An important opportunity to stimulate the growing interest in nutrition among medical practitioners has been missed. Nutrition educators who hope to be heeded must avoid the traditionally condescending attitude which is scattered throughout this series of articles. ANNE BRUCE
Properties of 5‐hydroxytryptamine3 receptor‐gated currents in adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurones

1 Responses to 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) were examined on rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones maintained in tissue cultures, by use of whole cell recording techniques. 2 5‐HT (usually 10 μm) evoked a depolarization associated with an increase in membrane conductance in 40% of DRG neurones. There was a considerable variation in the size and persistence of this response between different batches of cells. 3 The 5‐HT response was mimicked by applying the agonists 2‐methyl‐5‐HT (10 μm) and phenylbiguanide (10 μm). Responses were blocked by ICS 205–930 (100 nm), but not by methysergide (0.1–1.0 μm). 4 5‐HT currents could be carried by sodium and caesium ions, but not by choline ions. The amplitude and duration of the 5‐HT responses were dependent on the concentration of divalent cations in the extracellular solution: both became greater when calcium and magnesium concentrations were decreased. 5 Staurosporine, a putative antagonist of protein kinases, inhibited responses to 5‐HT.
Obesity Among Secondary School Students in Bahrain

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and factors associated with it in Bahraini secondary school students. A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 825 students (417 boys and 408 girls) aged 15 to 21 years was obtained from secondary schools. Obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI = Wt/Ht2). The findings revealed that 15.6% of boys and 17.4% of girls were either overweight or obese (BMI ≥25). Family size, parents education, and family history of obesity were significantly associated with obesity among boys, while family history was the only socio-economic factors statistically associated with obesity among girls. Meal patterns such as eating between meals, number of meals per day, and method of eating were not associated with obesity in students. Boys who ate alone were 3 times more likely to be obese than those who ate with family members (odd ratio = 3.4). Measures to prevent and control obesity among children are suggested.
The Osteocutaneous Scapular Flap for Mandibular and Maxillary Reconstruction

Microfil injections in 8 cadavers and clinical experience with 26 patients have demonstrated a reliable blood supply to the lateral border of the scapula based on branches of the circumflex scapular artery. This tissue has been used successfully for reconstruction of a variety of defects resulting from maxillectomy and mandibular defects from cancer and benign tumor excisions. Advantages of this tissue over previous reconstructive methods include the ability to design multiple cutaneous panels on a separate vascular pedicle from the bone flap allowing improvement in three-dimensional spatial relationships for complex mandibular and maxillary reconstructions. The lateral border of the scapula provides up to 14 cm of thick, straight corticocancellous bone that can be osteotomized where desired. The thin blade of the scapula provides optimum tissues for palate and orbital floor reconstruction. There have been no flap failures and minimal donor-site complications.
Association between white matter fiber structure and reward‐related reactivity of the ventral striatum

Individual responsiveness to rewards or rewarding stimuli may affect various domains of normal as well as pathological behavior. The ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens (NAcc) constitutes a key brain structure in the regulation of reward‐appetitive behavior. It remains unclear, however, to which extent individual reward‐related BOLD response in the NAcc is dependent on individual characteristics of connecting white matter fiber tracts. Using tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) this combined DTI ‐ fMRI study investigated this question by correlating NAcc BOLD signal upon receipt of a monetary reward with different white matter characteristics (FA, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity). The results show that increased integrity of white matter as assessed by FA in the cingulate and corpus callosum, the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, the anterior thalamic radiation and the anterior limb of the internal capsule was positively correlated with reward‐related activation in the NAcc. There were no negative correlations as well as no significant results regarding axial and radial diffusivity. These findings indicate that microstructural properties of fiber tracts connecting, amongst others, the cortex with the striatum may influence intensity of reward‐related responsiveness of the ventral striatum by constraining or increasing efficiency in information transfer within relevant circuitries involved in processing of reward. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1469–1476, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors Affecting Perceptions and Responsiveness to Climate Variability Induced Hazards

Smallholder farmers are heterogeneous in terms of resource endowments, production orientation and access to markets. An understanding of these factors and how they influence local perceptions and responsiveness to climate variability has potential to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The objective of this study was to understand the major factors that contribute to heterogeneity across households and across sites and to understand how different households respond to climate variability induced hazards. Cross-sectional data was collected using a household questionnaire from 300 randomly selected households from Seke and Murewa districts in Zimbabwe but only 299 questionnaires were used for analysis. Principal component analysis was used to identify uncorrelated factors. The multinomial logit model was used to determine the influence of household characteristics on farmers’ perceptions and logit model was used to ascertain the influence of socioeconomic factors and perceptions on responsiveness. Findings showed that households that are heterogeneous in religion; direct personal experiences; and access to weather information have different perceptions to climate variability induced hazards. Empirical results from multinomial regression analysis showed that socioeconomic factors such as distance to the market and access to credit information have a significant influence on perceptions but human capital-related and gender-related characteristics have an insignificant influence on farmers’ perceptions. Econometric investigation using logistic regression model revealed that socioeconomic factors have an influence on responsiveness but perceptions do not influence responsiveness; this could be so because there are other underlying factors related to adaptive capacity which are limiting farmers in responding to hazards. The overall conclusion is that differences in access to markets and credit result in heterogeneity in farmers’ perceptions. In terms of policy implications this means that improvement of access to markets and credit is very crucial to improve farmers’ responsiveness to climate variability induced hazards.
Prevalence and reliability of asthma symptoms in primary school children in Cape Town.

BACKGROUND Childhood asthma is believed to be a serious problem in Cape Town, South Africa. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and reliability of asthma symptoms and reported asthma in Cape Town schoolchildren aged mainly 7 and 8 years, and to assess underdiagnosis. METHOD A questionnaire was completed by parents of 1955 children, followed by 620 personal interviews repeating the questions. RESULTS The prevalence of recent wheeze (previous 12 months) (26.8%) was high by international comparison, but not that of reported asthma (10.8%). Among children with more than 12 recent attacks of wheeze, only 60% were reported as asthmatic and 55% as receiving regular treatment. Symptom prevalences varied with the respondent's familial relationship to the child. On some questions the interview produced higher wheeze prevalences than the self-administered questionnaire. Repeatability of questions varied: asthma over (kappa = 0.69), recent wheeze (kappa = 0.59), and recent sleep disturbance by wheeze (kappa = 0.56) were the most reliable. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence based on symptom reports may vary with the respondent and between self- and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Also, certain questions currently proposed for childhood asthma questionnaires may be unreliable. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that the prevalence of wheeze is high in this population, and that underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma are a problem.
Knowledge alliances and innovation performance: an empirical perspective on the role of network resources

This paper draws on the notion of network resources to examine the association between such resources, in the form of knowledge alliances, and the innovation performance of firms, as well as the extent to which the geographic location of network partners influences this performance. We find that innovation performance is associated with a combination of both network resources and the internal characteristics of firms. In particular, we find that regionally-based network resources are more strongly associated with superior innovation performance. Knowledge alliances with local rival firms and knowledge-intensive business service providers (KIBS) are most strongly associated with superior innovation performance. Our findings suggest that spatial proximity is significant for establishing effective knowledge alliances.
Biotic interactions mediate soil microbial feedbacks to climate change

Significance The land carbon–climate feedback is incorporated into the earth system models that inform current Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections. This feedback is driven by increases in soil microbial decomposition and carbon loss from soils under global change scenarios. The present study shows how trophic interactions in soil can mediate microbial responses to combined global change factors. As soil nitrogen deposition increases, the limitations on fungal growth are alleviated, stimulating total enzyme activity and decomposition rates. However, this process also affects the grazing activity of soil invertebrates. In the absence of nutrient limitation, top-down control by grazing isopods emerges as a dominant control, limiting any increases in fungal activity and carbon cycling. Decomposition of organic material by soil microbes generates an annual global release of 50–75 Pg carbon to the atmosphere, ∼7.5–9 times that of anthropogenic emissions worldwide. This process is sensitive to global change factors, which can drive carbon cycle–climate feedbacks with the potential to enhance atmospheric warming. Although the effects of interacting global change factors on soil microbial activity have been a widespread ecological focus, the regulatory effects of interspecific interactions are rarely considered in climate feedback studies. We explore the potential of soil animals to mediate microbial responses to warming and nitrogen enrichment within a long-term, field-based global change study. The combination of global change factors alleviated the bottom-up limitations on fungal growth, stimulating enzyme production and decomposition rates in the absence of soil animals. However, increased fungal biomass also stimulated consumption rates by soil invertebrates, restoring microbial process rates to levels observed under ambient conditions. Our results support the contemporary theory that top-down control in soil food webs is apparent only in the absence of bottom-up limitation. As such, when global change factors alleviate the bottom-up limitations on microbial activity, top-down control becomes an increasingly important regulatory force with the capacity to dampen the strength of positive carbon cycle–climate feedbacks.