Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beyond Student Evaluation of Teaching: Identifying and addressing academic staff development needs

Student evaluation of teaching is a commonly accepted means of obtaining feedback on the quality of university teaching. However, its usefulness in contributing to improved teaching performance is dependent on the extent to which staff respond to and apply the information obtained in this way. This paper reports the results of a project designed to extend the application of student evaluations by using them as the basis for staff development. Survey findings from 87 staff and 127 students indicate the priorities for academic and course development perceived by each group. Booklets based on these perceived needs were developed by collaborative staff-student groups and made available to enable staff to improve their teaching in response to student evaluations.
A Social Dilemma Perspective on Cooperative Behavior in Organizations

This study investigates groups' ability to manage resources under high and low scarcity. We offer a contingency model to reconcile competing predictions in the literature: Cooperative group behavior is moderated by group communication and the distribution of resources. A sample of 208 undergraduate students role-played I of 4 "division managers" in a fictional organization. They made independent organizational resource withdrawal decisions. Three independent variables were manipulated: (a) level of resource replenishment, (b) group communication prior to decision making, and (c) access to the resource. Our findings indicated strong support for the hypothesized effect of communication and moderate support for the effect of resource distribution. Results suggest that a decline in scarcity increases cooperation only when groups are allowed to communicate and when there is equal access to resources. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for group behavior in organizations are discussed, and future directions for research are offered.
Dynamic Interplay between O-Linked N-Acetylglucosaminylation and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3-dependent Phosphorylation*

O-GlcNAcylation on serine and threonine side chains of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins is dynamically regulated in response to various environmental and biological stimuli. O-GlcNAcylation is remarkably similar to O-phosphorylation and appears to have a dynamic interplay with O-phosphate in cellular regulation. A systematic glycoproteomics analysis of the affects of inhibiting specific kinases on O-GlcNAcylation should help reveal both the global and specific dynamic relationships between these two abundant post-translational modifications. Here we report the O-GlcNAc perturbations in response to inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a pivotal kinase involved in many signaling pathways. By combining immunoaffinity chromatography and SILAC (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture)-based quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified 45 potentially O-GlcNAcylated proteins. Quantitative measurements indicated that at least 10 proteins had an apparent increase of O-GlcNAcylation upon GSK-3 inhibition by lithium, whereas surprisingly 19 other proteins showed decreases. O-GlcNAcylation changes on a subset of the proteins were confirmed by follow-up experiments. By combining a new O-GlcNAc peptide enrichment method and β-elimination followed by Michael addition with DTT, we also mapped the O-GlcNAc site (Ser-55) of vimentin, which showed an apparent increase of O-GlcNAcylation upon GSK-3 inhibition. Based on the MS data, we further investigated potential roles of O-GlcNAc on host cell factor-1, a transcription co-activator, and showed that dynamic regulation of O-GlcNAcylation on host cell factor-1 influenced its subcellular distribution. Taken together, these data indicated the complex interplay between phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation that occurs within signaling networks.
Neviditelná skupina aneb Co s postdoktorandy

Sděleni si klade za cil: (1) upozornit na situaci, kdy vysoke skoly v Ceske republice produkuji desitky absolventů doktorskeho studia rocně a malo se zajimaji o jejich dalsi osud; (2) charakterizovat pojem postdoktorand a přibližit výzkumy, ktere tuto skupinu vysokoskolaků zkoumaji; (3) předložit udaje o absolventech doktorskeho studia pedagogiky v Ceske republice; (4) diskutovat domaci kontext, který ovlivňuje uplatněni postdoktorandů; (5) shrnout zahranicni poznatky o systematicke praci s postdoktorandy. V prvni casti je charakterizovana soucasna situace v CR i v zahranici. Druha cast přispěvku popisuje výzkumnou sondu o poctech uspěsných absolventů doktorskeho studia Pedagogika. Třeti cast je věnovana zamysleni nad domacim kontextem, který ovlivňuje uplatněni postdoktorandů. Ctvrta cast shrnuje zahranicni zkusenosti se systematickou praci s postdoktorandy. Ukazalo se, že v letech 1999–2011 uspěsně dokoncilo doktorske studium v programu Pedagogika v CR 549 osob. Soustavna prace s postdoktorandy je na třech velkých ceských univerzitach (Univerzita Karlova, Masarykova a Palackeho) teprve v pocatcich. Z uvedeneho vyplýva, že v CR bude třeba pravidelně sledovat, kde postdoktorandi pracuji, nakolik se věnuji vědecke cinnosti a jak vypada jejich kvalifikacni růst. Kromě toho bude třeba (s oporou o zahranicni zkusenost) propracovat system, který postdoktorandům umožni různými cestami se zdokonalovat ve svých znalostech a dovednostech.
A Giant Fast Asleep? Party Incentives and the Politicisation of European Integration

Hooghe and Marks recently introduced a new research agenda for the study of European integration focusing on politicisation, that is, the inclusion of mass public attitudes in the politics of European integration. The overall aim of this article is to respond to this new research agenda. Unlike the existing literature, which focuses on Euro-sceptical extreme left or right-wing parties, the article argues that the explanation for politicisation or the lack of it should be found in the incentives the issue offers for mainstream political parties. Denmark serves as a crucial case study to show the limitations of the existing literature and the need to focus on the incentives of mainstream political parties. Empirically, the article argues that expectations about the impending politicisation of European integration are misplaced. The giant is fast asleep because those who could wake it up generally have no incentive to do so and those who have an incentive cannot.
Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Wellness in Social Work: Effects of Contemplative Training

The demands placed on human service workers in supporting people through challenging circumstances can contribute to high levels of stress and burnout. Self-care practices implemented regularly may decrease the impact of the high levels of stress while also serving as strategies for coping during particularly stressful times. The interconnections between contemplative practices, including mindfulness, as coping and preventative strategies for self-care practice among human service workers are beginning to emerge. We used a multimethod study to examine the effectiveness of eight weeks of contemplative practice training in increasing self-care, awareness, and coping strategies for 12 human service workers. Paired t-tests conducted on pre- and post-training scores on the Perceived Stress Scale and the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale showed that mindfulness was significantly increased and that stress significantly decreased over the intervention. Thematic analysis from participant journaling and a focus group discussion suggests that time, permission, and place for learning and practicing mindfulness-based activities are necessary. A meditative model is presented to illustrate how enhanced awareness through mindfulness practice can increase self-care which can, in turn, positively affect the service human service workers provide to their clients.
Sensory Input Drives Multiple Intracellular Information Streams in Somatosensory Cortex

Stable perception arises from the interaction between sensory inputs and internal activity fluctuations in cortex. Here we analyzed how different types of activity contribute to cortical sensory processing at the cellular scale. We performed whole-cell recordings in the barrel cortex of anesthetized rats while applying ongoing whisker stimulation and measured the information conveyed about the time-varying stimulus by different types of input (membrane potential) and output (spiking) signals. We found that substantial, comparable amounts of incoming information are carried by two types of membrane potential signal: slow, large (up–down state) fluctuations, and faster (>20 Hz), smaller-amplitude synaptic activity. Both types of activity fluctuation are therefore significantly driven by the stimulus on an ongoing basis. Each stream conveys essentially independent information. Output (spiking) information is contained in spike timing not just relative to the stimulus but also relative to membrane potential fluctuations. Information transfer is favored in up states relative to down states. Thus, slow, ongoing activity fluctuations and finer-scale synaptic activity generate multiple channels for incoming and outgoing information within barrel cortex neurons during ongoing stimulation.
Mitochondrial Superoxide Contributes to Blood Flow and Axonal Transport Deficits in the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive decline in cognitive functions and the deposition of aggregated amyloid β (Aβ) into senile plaques and the protein tau into tangles. In addition, a general state of oxidation has long been known to be a major hallmark of the disease. What is not known however, are the mechanisms by which oxidative stress contributes to the pathology of AD. Methodology/Principal Findings In the current study, we used a mouse model of AD and genetically boosted its ability to quench free radicals of specific mitochondrial origin. We found that such manipulation conferred to the AD mice protection against vascular as well as neuronal deficits that typically affect them. We also found that the vascular deficits are improved via antioxidant modulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme primarily responsible for the production of nitric oxide, while neuronal deficits are improved via modulation of the phosphorylation status of the protein tau, which is a neuronal cytoskeletal stabilizer. Conclusions/Significance These findings directly link free radicals of specific mitochondrial origin to AD-associated vascular and neuronal pathology.
The relationship between performance on the Infectious Diseases In-Training and Certification Examinations.

BACKGROUND The Infectious Diseases Society of America In-Training Examination (IDSA ITE) is a feedback tool used to help fellows track their knowledge acquisition during fellowship training. We determined whether the scores on the IDSA ITE and from other major medical knowledge assessments predict performance on the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Infectious Disease Certification Examination. METHODS The sample was 1021 second-year fellows who took the IDSA ITE and ABIM Infectious Disease Certification Examination from 2008 to 2012. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine if ABIM Infectious Disease Certification Examination scores were predicted by IDSA ITE scores, prior United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, ABIM Internal Medicine Certification Examination scores, fellowship director ratings of medical knowledge, and demographic variables. Logistic regression was used to evaluate if these same assessments predicted a passing outcome on the certification examination. RESULTS IDSA ITE scores were the strongest predictor of ABIM Infectious Disease Certification Examination scores (β = .319), followed by prior ABIM Internal Medicine Certification Examination scores (β = .258), USMLE Step 1 scores (β = .202), USMLE Step 3 scores (β = .130), and fellowship directors' medical knowledge ratings (β = .063). IDSA ITE scores were also a significant predictor of passing the Infectious Disease Certification Examination (odds ratio, 1.017 [95% confidence interval, 1.013-1.021]). CONCLUSIONS The significant relationship between the IDSA ITE score and performance on the ABIM Infectious Disease Certification Examination supports the use of the ITE as a valid feedback tool in fellowship training.
Neuromuscular Function, Hormonal, and Mood Responses to a Professional Rugby Union Match

Abstract West, DJ, Finn, CV, Cunningham, DJ, Shearer, DA, Jones, MR, Harrington, BJ, Crewther, BT, Cook, CJ, and Kilduff, LP. Neuromuscular function, hormonal, and mood responses to a professional rugby union match. J Strength Cond Res 28(1): 194–200, 2014—We examined the recovery time-course of neuromuscular function (NMF), the testosterone and cortisol hormonal milieu, and mood for 60 hours after a competitive match in professional rugby union players (n = 14). Thirty-six hours prematch (19:30 hours kick-off), baseline saliva samples (testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone to cortisol [T/C] ratio), countermovement jump performances (peak power output [PPO]), and mood disruption (Brief Assessment of Mood Questionnaire) were collected and was repeated at 12, 36, and 60 hours postmatch. Peak power output decreased below baseline at 12 hours (baseline 6,100 ± 565 W vs. 12 h 5,680 ± 589 W; p = 0.004) and 36 hours (5,761 ± 639 W; p < 0.001) but had recovered at 60 hours (5,950 ± 505 W; p = 0.151). Cortisol concentrations increased from baseline at 12 hours (baseline 0.40 ± 0.09 µg·dl−1 vs. 12 h 0.60 ± 0.20 µg·dl−1; p = 0.004) and 36 hours (0.60 ± 0.20 µg·dl−1; p = 0.027) but were similar at 60 hours postmatch. Testosterone concentrations decreased from baseline at 12 hours (baseline 214 ± 84 pg·ml−1 vs. 12 h 151 ± 56 pg·ml−1; p = 0.023) and 36 hours (173 ± 71 pg·ml−1; p = 0.016) but were similar at 60 hours postmatch. The T/C ratio decreased from baseline at 12 hours (baseline 551 ± 219 vs. 12 h 266 ± 123; p = 0.001) and 36 hours (310 ± 148; p = 0.027) before returning to baseline at 60 hours postmatch. Mood disturbance increased at 12 hours (p = 0.031) before returning to baseline at 36 and 60 hours postmatch. There were no relationships between changes in PPO, testosterone, cortisol, T/C ratio, and mood. In conclusion, postmatch changes in NMF, salivary hormones, and mood disturbance were identified in professional rugby union players. Players and coaches can expect reduced NMF and hormonal disruption for 36 hours before recovering at 60 hours postmatch, with mood recovered by 36 hours postmatch. Knowledge of these recovery time-courses may prove useful for player training program design and postmatch recovery strategies.
BonXai: Combining the simplicity of DTD with the expressiveness of XML Schema

While the migration from DTD to XML Schema was driven by a need for increased expressivity and flexibility, the latter was also significantly more complex to use and understand. Whereas DTDs are characterized by their simplicity, XML Schema Definitions (XSDs) are notoriously difficult. In this paper, we introduce the XML specification language BonXai which possesses most features of XSDs, including its expressivity, while retaining the simplicity of DTDs. In brief, the latter is achieved by sacrificing the explicit use of types in favor of simple patterns expressing contexts for elements. The goal of BonXai is by no means to replace XML Schema, but rather to provide a simpler DTD-like alternative to schema designers that do not need the explicit use of types. Therefore, BonXai can be seen as a practical front-end for XML Schema. A particular strong point of BonXai is its solid foundation rooted in a decade of theoretical work around pattern-based schemas. We present in detail the formal model for BonXai and discuss translation algorithms to and from XML Schema.
Spatial continuities and discontinuities in two successive demographic transitions: Spain and Belgium, 1880-2010

This is a study of how the synergisms between cultural and structural factors, which played a major role during the historical fertility and nuptiality transition (first demographic transition or FDT), have continued to condition demographic innovations connected to the “second demographic transition” (SDT). The continuity or discontinuity from the “first” to the “second” demographic transition is studied for spatial aggregates over more than a century in two national contexts, i.e., Belgium and Spain. Special attention is paid to the role of successive secularization waves in shaping the geographical patterns of both transitions. The study also shows that the maps of the two aspects of the SDT, i.e., the “postponement” and the “non-conformism” transitions respectively, are shaped by different determinants. Explanations are offered using the “Ready, Willing, and Able” paradigm, which allows us to uncover the different conditioning and limiting factors involved. The “non-conformist” transitions (control of marital fertility during the FDT and rise of cohabitation and non-conventional family formation during the SDT) more closely mirror the history of secularization and the “Willingness” condition, whereas the fertility postponement aspect of the SDT mainly reflects female education and employment, or the “Readiness” condition. This generalization holds in both countries. However, in Belgium spatial continuity from FDT to SDT is connected to stable patterns of secularization, whereas in Spain it is linked to long standing differences with respect to female literacy and education.
Multimodular biosensors reveal a novel platform for activation of G proteins by growth factor receptors

Significance Long-held tenets in the field of signal transduction are that G proteins are activated exclusively by G protein-coupled receptors and that growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) do not have the wherewithal to do the same. In this work we created fluorescent biosensors derived from the multimodular signal transducer Gα-interacting vesicle-associated protein (GIV), an unusual protein that binds RTKs and activates G proteins, and used them in FRET and bimolecular fluorescent complementation assays to visualize RTK–GIV–G protein signaling complexes directly in single living cells. These studies not only provide evidence that GIV serves as a platform for transactivation of G proteins by growth factor RTKs but also illuminate the spatial and temporal dynamics of such noncanonical G protein signaling. Environmental cues are transmitted to the interior of the cell via a complex network of signaling hubs. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and trimeric G proteins are two such major signaling hubs in eukaryotes. Conventionally, canonical signal transduction via trimeric G proteins is thought to be triggered exclusively by G protein-coupled receptors. Here we used molecular engineering to develop modular fluorescent biosensors that exploit the remarkable specificity of bimolecular recognition, i.e., of both G proteins and RTKs, and reveal the workings of a novel platform for activation of G proteins by RTKs in single living cells. Comprised of the unique modular makeup of guanidine exchange factor Gα-interacting vesicle-associated protein (GIV)/girdin, a guanidine exchange factor that links G proteins to a variety of RTKs, these biosensors provide direct evidence that RTK–GIV–Gαi ternary complexes are formed in living cells and that Gαi is transactivated within minutes after growth factor stimulation at the plasma membrane. Thus, GIV-derived biosensors provide a versatile strategy for visualizing, monitoring, and manipulating the dynamic association of Gαi with RTKs for noncanonical transactivation of G proteins in cells and illuminate a fundamental signaling event regulated by GIV during diverse cellular processes and pathophysiologic states.
Does Retrograde Diastolic Flow in the Descending Aorta Signify Impaired Systemic Perfusion in Preterm Infants?

High-volume systemic-to-pulmonary ductal shunting occurs frequently in preterm infants and is indicated by diastolic flow reversal in the descending aorta (DAo). We studied the relationship between ductal diameter, diastolic DAo reversal, and left ventricular output (LVO); and superior vena caval (SVC) flow (upper body perfusion) and DAo flow (lower body perfusion) in preterm (<31 wk) infants. Echocardiographic assessments were performed at 5, 12, 24, and 48 h postnatal age (80 infants, median gestation 28 wk, 1060 g). Incidence of ductal patency fell from 100% at 5 h to 72% at 48 h; incidence of pure systemic-to-pulmonary shunting increased from 66% to 95% of infants with patent ducts. In infants with duct diameter greater than the median, 35–48% of infants had DAo flow reversal. In infants with duct diameter greater than median, DAo reversal was associated with 23–29% increases in LVO at 5–48 h, and 35% decreases in DAo flow volume at 24–48 h, but no differences in SVC flow. In conclusion, a large duct with left-to-right shunting is common in preterm infants. Retrograde DAo flow is a marker of high-volume shunt, evidenced by increased LVO. Preterm infants with high-volume ductal shunt may have preserved upper body perfusion but reduced lower body perfusion.
Life Span Theory in Developmental Psychology

Lifespan developmental psychology is an overarching framework, which considers the study of individual development (ontogenesis) from conception into old age. Efforts are made to highlight the uniqueness in developmental theory that emanates from a lifespan developmental framework. Models and definitions of successful (effective) development, which highlight individual and cultural variations, are a main focus of researchers in this field. The concept of lifespan developmental psychology was previously advanced to incorporate two approaches (i.e., wholistic person-centered and function-centered) to lifespan ontogenesis. Historical and societal contexts of theoretical arguments are discussed to embed the current issues surrounding lifespan psychology and its location in the larger field of developmental psychology. Five sequential but interrelated steps are presented to examine psychological theories of lifespan development. Two areas of human development are emphasized, intellectual functioning and personality, to illustrate lifespan research and theory. Work from these fields is presented to provide a theoretical umbrella under which lifespan research can be examined. The integrative role of lifespan theory in organizing and stimulating the study of personality development is offered. Keywords: five levels of analysis; intellectual functioning; lifespan development; personality
The Size Imperative? Longitudinal Tests

The theory of size as a cause of administrative intensity (the A/P ratio) is perhaps the most heavily researched topic in the study of organizations. Blau's version of this theory, like most others, is based on cross-sectional data. Using new panel data collected from 48 heterogeneous Japanese manufacturing firms in 1976 and 1983, this paper shows that prior size and complexity explain little of the variance in 1983 administrative intensity. We also find that in Japanese factories, as in U.S. school districts studied over time by previous researchers, changes in A/P ratios in declining size organizations are not simply the mirror image of what happens to personnel components in growing organizations. We conclude with a discussion of power versus efficiency explanations of this 'ratchet effect' and with a strong appeal that causal inferences in organization research be based more on longitudinal and panel data.
Perelman's reduced volume and a gap theorem for the Ricci flow

In this paper, we show that any ancient solution to the Ricci flow with the reduced volume whose asymptotic limit is sufficiently close to that of the Gaussian soliton is isometric to the Euclidean space for all time. This is a generalization of Anderson's result for Ricci-flat manifolds. As a corollary, a gap theorem for gradient shrinking Ricci solitons is also obtained.