Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leadership Interaction in Global Virtual Teams: Roles Models and Challenges

Despite the value of virtual teams in delivering global public relations programmes across geographical boundaries, accessing participants from diverse cultures and providing 24-hour work cycles, global virtual teams are fraught with problems. Their geographical isolation, technology, different time zones and lack of visual cues mean leaders struggle to ensure these teams reach their potential. This longitudinal study explores leadership interactions in an annual public relations global virtual team learning project, GlobCom, which brings together an established supervisory team of lecturers and ad hoc teams of senior public relations students from 12 universities in 12 countries. The ongoing venture involves a live industry brief from an international client that requires competitive PR proposals to be developed by the student teams under real-time challenges. The study analyses interactions among the established supervisory global virtual team of lecturers and the interactions among the student virtual team leaders and their team mentor. The action research uses empirical data and applied integrated leadership theory, including interpersonal, group and organisational analysis, within a public relations organisational paradigm, to understand how leaders could improve interaction within these global virtual teams. The researcher is both a lecturer and team mentor to the student team leaders and has ongoing access to both the supervisory team and student team leaders. Action research is carried out within a pragmatic framework using empirically-derived data of team leader emails and online posts that are interpreted though a qualitative thematic analysis. This analysis shows how leaders can elicit actions, adopt roles specific to virtual teams and improve team participation. It offers insights into how relational interaction, combined with a task-related approach, can help virtual teams achieve their goals. The research identifies six specific action-eliciting interactive leadership styles and their levels of efficacy in each team stage. A new leadership tool, called DEPIQA, which is created from the empirical data, can be used to develop and monitor the leadership styles and moves research beyond the current simple division of passive and constructive interaction styles.
Diagnosis and management of isolated angiitis of the central nervous system

Isolated angiitis of the central nervous system (IAC) is usually a fatal inflammatory disease with a predilection for small blood vessels. Recurrent cerebral infarction leading to death within a few years is the usual course, but this may be significantly altered by aggressive immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Other diseases may, however, present with similar clinical and angiographic features. Because antemortem diagnosis suggests a therapy, establishing the criteria for diagnosis is important. This report describes clinical, angiographic, and biopsy features, and therapy of five succesfully treated patients with IAC. The following specific criteria are recommended for establishing an antemortem diagnosis of IAC: (1) clinical pattern of headaches and multifocal neurologic deficits present for at least 6 months, unless the deficits are severe at onset or rapidly progressive; (2) cerebral angiography demonstrating segmental arterial narrowing; (3) exclusion of systemic inflammation or infection; and (4) leptomeningeal/parenchymal biopsy demonstrating vascular inflammation or exclusion of alternate diagnoses. Based upon the successful management of these five previously unreported patients, as well as others in the literature, the following treatment regimens are recommended for the initial 6 weeks of therapy: (1) prednisone 40 to 60 mg/day, and (2) cyclophosphamide 100 mg/day.
Genomic expression patterns of mitral valve tissues from dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate global genome expression patterns of mitral valve tissues from dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). SAMPLE POPULATION Anterior mitral valve leaflets of 4 dogs with severe DMVD and 4 healthy control dogs. PROCEDURES Transcriptional activities of 23,851 canine DNA sequences were determined by use of an oligonucleotide microarray. Genome expression patterns of tissue from dogs with DMVD were evaluated by measuring the relative amount of complementary RNA hybridization to the microarray probes and by comparing it with gene expression from healthy control dogs. RESULTS 229 transcripts were differentially expressed (>or= 2-fold change). In dogs with DMVD, expression of 159 transcripts was upregulated and expression of 70 transcripts was downregulated. Of the 229 transcripts, 152 genes could be specifically identified. These genes were grouped into 1 of 9 categories on the basis of their primary physiologic function. Grouping revealed that pathways involving cell signaling, inflammation, extracellular matrix, immune function, cell defense, and metabolism were generally upregulated. Inflammatory cytokines and the serotonin-transforming growth factor-beta pathway were identified as contributory to the pathophysiologic aspects of DMVD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Evaluation of global expression patterns provides a molecular portrait of mitral valve disease, yields insight into the pathophysiologic aspects of DMVD, and identifies intriguing genes and pathways for further study.
Anterior Knee Pain: A Review

ObjectiveTo establish whether there is consensus in the areas of definition, classification, assessment, diagnostic tests, and management of anterior knee pain. Data sourcesA Medline search for the years 1988–1995 was performed using the terms patellofemoral joint, knee joint and pain, injury and rehabilitation, and anterior knee pain. In addition, references from selected papers were examined. Study selectionA total of 77 references specifically related to anterior knee pain were reviewed in the areas of definition, classification, assessment, diagnostic tests, and management. Although a small number of these papers were analytic in their study design, most of the papers reviewed were descriptive. Data extractionDefinitive statements on anterior knee pain in the areas noted herein were extracted and summarized. Similar statements were then grouped as indicative of general consensus. Independent and divergent statements were also summarized for each area of anterior knee pain. Data synthesisMost of the literature related to anterior knee pain is subjective in nature and demonstrates limited consensus among experts. There is no generally accepted definition or classification of anterior knee pain. There was some agreement on the assessment, use of diagnostic tests, and management of anterior knee pain, but there are no definitive or objective management outcome criteria. ConclusionsThe scientific literature on anterior knee pain is sparse. This review supports a need for the development of consensus guidelines for anterior knee pain. A consensus approach to anterior knee pain could result in the more efficient use of high-yield diagnostic tests, the use of more effective and standardized protocols for assessment and treatment, increased patient satisfaction, and recommendations on fitness counseling and early prevention.
Two pathways for removal of nonhomologous DNA ends during double-strand break repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During repair of a double-strand break (DSB) by gene conversion, one or both 3' ends of the DSB invade a homologous donor sequence and initiate new DNA synthesis. The use of the invading DNA strand as a primer for new DNA synthesis requires that any nonhomologous bases at the 3' end be removed. We have previously shown that removal of a 3' nonhomologous tail in Saccharomyces cerevisiae depends on the nucleotide excision repair endonuclease Rad1/Rad10, and also on the mismatch repair proteins Msh2 and Msh3. We now report that these four proteins are needed only when the nonhomologous ends of recombining DNA are 30 nucleotides (nt) long or longer. An additional protein, the helicase Srs2, is required for the RAD1-dependent removal of long 3' tails. We suggest that Srs2 acts to extend and stabilize the initial nascent joint between the invading single strand and its homolog. 3' tails shorter than 30 nt are removed by another mechanism that depends at least in part on the 3'-to-5' proofreading activity of DNA polymerase delta.
Anatomic and technical considerations for optimizing recovery of urinary function during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

Purpose of reviewThe advent of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy purported fewer complications including postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI). PPI is associated with worse quality of life. We evaluate recently reported robot-assisted radical prostatectomy surgical techniques aimed at limiting PPI, describe their anatomic basis and summarize their outcomes. Recent findingsRARP techniques to reduce PPI include bladder neck preservation, bladder neck reconstruction, urethral length preservation, periurethral suspension stitch, posterior reconstruction, combined anterior and posterior reconstruction, preservation of the endopelvic fascia, complete anterior preservation, selective suturing of dorsal venous complex and nerve sparing approach. Outcomes of reconstructive techniques seem to be conflicting, whereas outcomes of techniques aiming to preserve the native urinary continence system seem to hasten urinary function recovery. However, few of these techniques have been shown to affect long-term urinary continence. SummarySurgical techniques preserving the natural urinary continence mechanism appear to improve short-term urinary continence, whereas techniques reconstructing pelvic anatomy have mixed results. The search for the ideal technique to minimize PPI remains hampered by the lack of prospective multi-institutional studies and the long-term follow up. Although reconstructive techniques are safe with few drawbacks, meticulous surgical technique and preservation of the natural continence mechanism should remain the mainstay of PPI prevention.
How to investigate neurovesical dysfunction in children with anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE Neurovesical dysfunction (NVD) is common in children with anorectal malformation (ARM). NVD is mainly related to tethered cord or iatrogenic injury but how to investigate it is still debated. We evaluate the usefulness of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urodynamics (UDS) for ARM. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 89 children were screened for sacral, spinal or urological anomalies using sacrum x-ray, MRI, renal and spinal ultrasound, uroflowmetry and/or 4-hour voiding observation. UDS was performed in 60 patients with suspected NVD. Mean +/- SD followup was 9.8 +/- 5.2 years. RESULTS Of the 89 patients 29 presented with urinary tract anomalies. The prevalence of sacral (53 cases) and spinal cord (54) anomalies was no different between patients with low, intermediate and high ARM. Spinal cord tethering was present in 13 patients with a normal sacrum x-ray. NVD was found in 31 of the 89 patients (hyperreflexia 21 and hypo-areflexia 10), and was associated with sacral and spinal anomalies in 23, occult spinal dysraphism without bone lesion in 3 and sacral anomalies in 5. The incidence of NVD was 40% of cases with low and 51% with high ARM. CONCLUSIONS Because tethered cord occurs in children without sacral anomalies as well as in those with low ARM, we recommend evaluation of all patients using MRI. When MRI is positive UDS should be performed. We agree with a previous suggestion to evaluate all males with rectourethral fistula and females with cloaca malformations. Finally we recommend a noninvasive evaluation for all other children and UDS when neurogenic dysfunction is suspected.
Connexin hemichannel‐mediated CO2‐dependent release of ATP in the medulla oblongata contributes to central respiratory chemosensitivity

Arterial , a major determinant of breathing, is detected by chemosensors located in the brainstem. These are important for maintaining physiological levels of in the blood and brain, yet the mechanisms by which the brain senses CO2 remain controversial. As ATP release at the ventral surface of the brainstem has been causally linked to the adaptive changes in ventilation in response to hypercapnia, we have studied the mechanisms of CO2‐dependent ATP release in slices containing the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata. We found that CO2‐dependent ATP release occurs in the absence of extracellular acidification and correlates directly with the level of . ATP release is independent of extracellular Ca2+ and may occur via the opening of a gap junction hemichannel. As agents that act on connexin channels block this release, but compounds selective for pannexin‐1 have no effect, we conclude that a connexin hemichannel is involved in CO2‐dependent ATP release. We have used molecular, genetic and immunocytochemical techniques to demonstrate that in the medulla oblongata connexin 26 (Cx26) is preferentially expressed near the ventral surface. The leptomeninges, subpial astrocytes and astrocytes ensheathing penetrating blood vessels at the ventral surface of the medulla can be loaded with dye in a CO2‐dependent manner, suggesting that gating of a hemichannel is involved in ATP release. This distribution of CO2‐dependent dye loading closely mirrors that of Cx26 expression and colocalizes to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive cells. In vivo, blockers with selectivity for Cx26 reduce hypercapnia‐evoked ATP release and the consequent adaptive enhancement of breathing. We therefore propose that Cx26‐mediated release of ATP in response to changes in is an important mechanism contributing to central respiratory chemosensitivity.
Does Fiscal Decentralization Improve Healthcare Outcomes? Empirical Evidence from China

Since the late 1970s, China has adopted a variety of economic reforms that have led to its overall economic success. The Tax Sharing System (TSS) reform, as part of the gradual fiscal decentralization policy, was initiated in 1994. The conventional theory claims that fiscal decentralization could result in various potential benefits including increased responsiveness of local governments to deliver public goods. However, very little empirical work has examined the impact of fiscal decentralization on health outcomes in China. In this study, we use the infant mortality rate (IMR) as an indicator of healthcare outcomes and provide a quantitative measurement of the impact of fiscal decentralization on infant mortality at the provincial government level. We measure fiscal decentralization as both a dummy and a ratio and estimate the infant mortality rate production function using both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Panel Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) approaches. We find that, contradictory to the predictions made by the conventional theories, fiscal decentralization has generated an overall adverse impact on the IMR in China.
A specific targeting domain in mature exotoxin A is required for its extracellular secretion from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A number of Gram‐negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, actively secrete a subset of periplasmic proteins into their surrounding medium. The presence of a putative extracellular targeting signal within one such protein, exotoxin A, was investigated. A series of exotoxin A truncates, fused to beta‐lactamase, was constructed. Hybrid proteins, which carry at their N‐ termini 120, 255, 355 or the entire 613 residues of the mature exotoxin A, were stable and were secreted into the extracellular medium. Hybrid proteins which carry residues 1–30 and 1–60 of the mature exotoxin A were unstable; however, they could be detected entirely within the cells after a short labeling period. A hybrid with beta‐lactamase was constructed which carried only the N‐terminal residues 1–3 and region 60–120 of exotoxin A. It was also secreted into the culture medium, suggesting that a specific 60 amino acid domain contains the necessary targeting information for translocation of exotoxin A across the outer membrane. The secretion of the hybrid proteins is independent of the passenger protein, since a similar exotoxin A‐murine interleukin 4 hybrid protein was also secreted. The extracellular targeting signal between amino acids 60 and 120 is rich in anti‐parallel beta‐sheets. It has been shown previously to be involved in the interaction of the exotoxin A with the receptors of the eukaryotic cells. In the three‐ dimensional view, the targeting region is on the toxin surface where it is easily accessible to the components of the extracellular secretion machinery.
Transient conformational states of aminoacyl-tRNA during ribosome binding catalyzed by elongation factor Tu.

Conformational transitions of Phe-tRNA(Phe) that take place during elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu)-dependent binding to the A site of Escherichia coli ribosomes were followed by transient fluorescence measurements. The fluorescence signal of proflavin replacing dihydrouracil at position 16 or 17 in yeast tRNA(Phe) was utilized to monitor changes of the conformation of the D loop. The ternary complex EF-Tu.GTP. Phe-TRNA(Phe)(Pf16/17) was purified by gel filtration. Upon binding of the complex to the A site of poly(U)-programmed, P-site-blocked ribosomes, the fluorescence changes in several steps. First, the rapid formation of an initial complex gives rise to a small fluorescence increase. Subsequent codon-anticodon recognition leads to a conformational rearrangement of the D loop of the tRNA that is reflected in a major fluorescence increase. Fluorescence-quenching data indicate an unfolding of the D loop in this state. The latter conformational state is short-lived, and the aminoacyl-tRNA refolds during the following rearrangement that occurs after GTP hydrolysis and accompanies the release of the aminoacyl-tRNA from EF-Tu.GDP and/or its accommodation in the A site. Further experiments show that the status of the P site influences the binding to the A site in that the two rearrangement steps are slowed down when the P site is unoccupied and even more so when it is occupied with the near-cognate tRNA(Leu2). In contrast, the occupancy of the E site has no influence on A-site binding, and vice versa, thus excluding any coupling between the two sites.
A quantitative rabbit model of vaccinia keratitis.

PURPOSE The goal of this study was to use multiple quantitative disease measures to evaluate the effect of various viral inocula on the development of vaccinia keratitis in rabbits. METHODS Trephined eyes of female rabbits were infected with 10(4), 10(5), 10(6), or 10(7) plaque-forming units (pfu) of the Dryvax strain of the vaccinia virus and scored daily for disease for 14 days according to a modification of the MacDonald-Shadduck scoring system. Ocular viral titers and vaccinia-specific antibody titers were determined by plaque assay and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS The amount of virus used for infection affected the severity of disease, with 10(4) pfu eliciting milder keratitis after delayed onset compared with higher amounts of virus. At inocula above 10(5) pfu the course and severity of corneal disease was not significantly different. The time to reach peak titers was delayed in the 10(4) group but peak titers were similar in all groups. Severe conjunctival chemosis interfered with scoring in animals infected with 10(6) or 10(7) pfu. Virus-specific antibody titers were similar in all groups at day 14. Body weights decreased less than 10% in all groups. CONCLUSIONS The course of vaccinia keratitis in rabbits paralleled that in humans. A viral inoculum of 10(5) pfu/eye was determined to be optimal for use in further studies of vaccinia keratitis.
Sentiment Across Asset Markets

In this paper, we study investor sentiment in five major asset markets: stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, and housing. Based on Thomson Reuter's sentiment measures extracted from 235 news and social media sources, we find that each market is predicted by its own sentiment. Cross-markets, kitchen sink regressions reveal that the stock market is influenced only by bond sentiment, while bond market is affected just by currency market, which is largely unexplained by others; the commodities are related to currencies and housing, and housing can be predicted by stock and bond sentiment. In an efficient information aggregation by the partial least square (PLS), the predictability of each market increases substantially by using information of all markets vs using only its own sentiment.
The Botnet Revenue Model

Botnets have always been an insidious threat. The development of the "Internet Of Things" and its for-profit exploitation contributed to botnets spread and sophistication, but also to the rise of maturity of both organizations and business models behind them. Cybercrime market had a recent major leap in quality, starting from payload development (malware), sophisticated enough to allow a high degree of customization and polymorphism, subsequently used by organizations more and more structured and specialized to provide real, efficient and profitable criminal cyberservices. The purpose of this paper is to describe the pillars of the supply chain of botnets, in order to highlight that the criminal market behind their spread is mature enough to prefer a revenue model based on service rentals, instead of direct monolithic implementation. We also describe a possible measure of botnets effectiveness in order to identify vulnerabilities. As we will see, an extension of the Pay-Per-Install business model (widely used) throughout the whole supply chain, is the natural evolution of what has already happened in the spread of many botnets, allowing the low-risk growth of other productive borderline sectors. This should be considered, in our opinion, as one of the major concern about the future trends of botnets diffusion and would simply confirm the maturity of this market in its recent meaning of "Cybercrime-As-a-Service".