Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY ARE DIVERSITY STRATEGIES ALL OR NOTHING? MOVING AWAY FROM A WINNER TAKES ALL APPROACH TOWARD A FIT FOR PURPOSE APPROACH A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Psychology

Various strategies have been brought forward as possible solutions to address the challenges arising from increased levels of diversity and intergroup relations. Some have been favoured more (or less) than others within public and political arenas across national contexts. Research on diversity strategies (i.e., multiculturalism, interculturalism, and colourblindness) has indicated mixed results regarding their costs and benefits for intergroup outcomes. An initial exploratory investigation examines whether each strategy is deemed by White Americans as more (or less) suitable for a variety of societal challenges (Study 1). Emerging from these patterns, an experiment examines White and African Americans’ preference of these diversity strategies in response to three challenges relating to poor performance (Study 2). The results revealed that, contrary to Study 1, White Americans did not display preference for specific strategies in response to the challenges. However, African Americans indicated clear preference for each strategy depending on the challenge. Specifically, across three social contexts, African Americans chose multiculturalism to address the challenge of ethnic subgroups underperforming, interculturalism for the challenge of poor performance due to a lack of social cohesion and cooperation, and colourblindness for the challenge of poor performance due to a lack of individual motivation. The patterns derived from Study 1 and the hypotheses supported in Study 2 both indicate an absence of a single, clear winner-takesall strategy for managing diversity; instead, participants’ selections of diversity strategies varied in response to the particularities of any given challenge at play. Results therefore suggest that, instead of judging and subsequently labelling diversity strategies as entirely good or bad, it may be more logical to examine/recognize which strategy best manages specific societal challenges, based on each strategy’s central components and aims.
Charge transport and trapping phenomena in off‐stoichiometric silicon dioxide films

The electrical characteristics of off‐stoichiometric silicon dioxide films have been investigated. The off‐stoichiometric oxide films studied had an excess atomic silicon (Si) content in the range of 1%–6%. Raman spectroscopy and photoconductivity measurements indicate that the excess Si is present as amorphous Si islands or small crystallites embedded in silicon dioxide (SiO2) forming a two‐phase material. These films differ in structure from previously reported films where dual dielectric layers of stoichiometric SiO2 and Si‐rich SiO2 with ≥13% excess atomic Si were used. These dual dielectric films were observed to produce electron injection from contacting electrodes via the Si‐rich SiO2 layer into the SiO2 at lower average electric fields. This injection mechanism was believed to be due to localized electric field enhancement near the SiO2–Si‐rich SiO2 interface caused by the curvature of the tiny Si islands in the SiO2 matrix. The current versus voltage characteristics of the off‐stoichiometric oxid.
Properties of Potato Starch in Relation to Varieties and Environmental Factors

An extensive assortment of potato varieties in connection with different growing conditions was analyzed concerning several starch quality criteria. Significant variations were evident for starch content, phosphorus content of starch, and granule size distribution. On the contrary, amylose content varied only little. Environment had influence on starch content and viscosity behaviour. Fertilization effects could not be observed. This underlines the significant variety effect. The results clearly point out that an improved accentuation of potato starch quality is possible. In connection with a selected variety spectrum and altered separation strategies new markets for potato starch utilizers can be opened within short time.
Excess Control Rights, Corporate Governance and Cash Flow Sensitivity of Cash

This study investigates the effects of excess control rights of the ultimate controlling shareholder on the management of corporate cash holdings. The results show that firms are more inclined to build up large cash reserves when the control rights of the ultimate controlling shareholder exceed its cash-flow ownership. Additional analysis suggests that cash flow sensitivity of cash −when corporate insiders have larger excess control rights− originates from severe agency problems that occur in these firms rather than from the financial constraints they face or from a precautionary savings behavior. These findings provide empirical support to the argument that firms experiencing excess control rights accumulate cash to foster the entrenchment of their controlling shareholders and to facilitate their extraction of private benefits using the cash at their free disposal.
CO2 Extinction Coefficient 1700–3000 Å

The CO2 extinction coefficient in the 1700–3000 A region has been measured using a 2‐m spectrometer in conjunction with a multiple‐path absorption cell. The results show excellent agreement with other recent observations to a long‐wavelength limit of about 1950 A. At longer wavelengths the present results indicate considerably lower cross sections; the extinction cross section is dominated by Rayleigh scattering in the region longward of 2035 A, with values determined reasonably accurately by calculations using the measured refractive index and depolarization factor.
Scutellarein Aggravated Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Gut Microbiota-Dysbiosis Mice

Scutellarein (SCU) is an herbal flavonoid, showing hepatoprotective potentials. The study was aimed to investigate whether the hepatoprotective effect of SCU is dependent on the integrity of gut microbiota. Mice received repeated intraperitoneal injections of CCl4, followed with or without SCU treatment (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg). Gut microbial community of mice was disrupted by administrating a cocktail of antibiotics (ampicillin, neomycin sulfate, metronidazole, and vancomycin) in drinking water. The results showed SCU plus antibiotics aggravated CCl4-induced chronic liver injury, as demonstrated by liver function analysis, histological analysis, and TUNEL assay. SCU activated CYP2E1 expression and worsened CYP2E1-mediated lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress as coadministered with antibiotics. Moreover, when gut microbiota was disrupted by antibiotics, SCU activated IκBα/NF-κB pathway and promoted the release of subsequent proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Remarkably, the 16 S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that SCU greatly decreased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and increased the relative abundance of Enterococcus in gut microbiota-dysbiosis mice. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Lactobacillus was positively correlated with SOD and negatively correlated with AST. Collectively, the hepatoprotective effect of SCU is reversed under antibiotics intervention, which may partly involve the activation of CYP2E1 and IκBα/NF-κB pathway and diminishment of Lactobacillus.
Characteristics and Dynamics of Full Arch Distalization Using Transpalatal Arches with Midpalatal and Interradicular Miniscrews as Temporary Anchorage Devices: A Preliminary Finite Element Analysis

Introduction Miniscrews have proved quite effective in fixed orthodontic treatment. They can be placed in areas like palatal interradicular zones or midpalatal suture. Despite the value of these methods and their ever-increasing use, their characteristics are not assessed before when implanted in palatal interradicular areas or in the midpalatal suture. We aimed to assess, for the first time, the dynamics of full arch distalization using such miniscrews. Methods A 3D model of maxilla with all permanent dentition was created from a CT scan volume. Tissues were segmented and differentiated. Afterward, miniscrews and appliances were designed, and the whole model was registered within a finite element analysis software by assigning proper mechanical properties to tissues and orthodontic appliances. The full arches were distalized using transpalatal arches with miniscrews as anchorage devices (in two different models). The extents of stresses and patterns of movements of various elements (teeth, miniscrews, appliances, tissues) were estimated. Results and Conclusions. Comparing the two models, it is obvious that in both models, the stress distribution is the highest in the TPA arms and the head of the miniscrew where the spring is connected. In comparison with the displacement in the X-axis, the “mesial in” rotation is seen in the first molar of both models. But there is one exception and that is the “mesial out” rotation of the right second molar. In all measurements, the amount of movement in Model 2 (with palatal interradicular miniscrews) is more than that in Model 1 (with midpalatal miniscrew). In the Y-axis, more tipping is seen in Model 2, especially the anterior teeth (detorque) and the first molar, but in Model 1, bodily movement of the first molar is more evident. Along the Z-axis, the mesial intrusion of the first molar and the distal extrusion of this tooth can be seen in both models. Again, the displacement values are higher in the second model (with interradicular miniscrews). In comparison with micromotion and stress distribution of miniscrews, in Model 1, maximum stress and micromotion is observed at the head of the miniscrew where it is attached to the spring. Of course, this amount of micromotion increases over time. The same is true for Model 2, but with a lower micromotion. As for the amount of stress, the stress distribution in both miniscrews of both models is almost uniform and rather severe.
The Role of Interfascial Plane Blocks in Paediatric Regional Anaesthesia: A Narrative Review of Current Perspectives and Updates

Regional anaesthesia has been increasingly used for analgesia in the perioperative period in paediatric anaesthesia for better pain control and improved patient outcomes. Interfascial plane blocks are considered as a subgroup of peripheral nerve blocks. The advent of ultrasound in modern regional anaesthesia practice has led to the evolution of various interfascial plane blocks. The ease of their performance and the low complication rates, compared with neuraxial anaesthesia, have led to their increased use in the perioperative period. Interfascial plane blocks are often incorporated in the multimodal analgesia regimen in the early recovery and ambulation after surgery protocols for various chest wall and abdominal surgeries. This achieves better pain control and decreases the requirements of opioids in the perioperative period, thereby facilitating early mobilization and discharge. This narrative review focuses on the relevant anatomic considerations, technique for the performance of each block along with its current applications and limitations, and includes a review of the current literature on various interfascial plane blocks in paediatric regional anaesthesia.
Role of the Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Noncritically Ill Patients during the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic

Background Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is currently not recommended in noncritically ill patients for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Indeed, the diagnosis is based on the RT-PCR test on a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and abnormal findings on the chest CT scan. However, the sensitivity of the NPS and the specificity of the chest CT scan are low. Results of BAL in case of negative NPS testing are underreported, especially in the subgroup of immunocompromised patients. Objectives The added value of BAL in the management of unstable, but noncritically ill patients, suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 infection despite one previous negative NPS and the side effects of the procedure for the patients and the health-care providers, were assessed during the epidemic peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Belgium. Methods This multicentric study included all consecutive noncritically ill patients hospitalized with a clinical and radiological suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection but with a negative NPS. BAL was performed according to a predefined decisional algorithm based on their state of immunocompetence, the chest CT scan features, and their respiratory status. Results Among the 55 patients included in the study, 14 patients were diagnosed with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, there was a relationship between the cycle threshold of the RT-PCR and the interval of time between the symptom onset and the BAL procedure (Pearson′s correlation coefficient = 0.8, p = 0.0004). Therapeutic management was changed in 33 patients because another infectious agent was identified in 23 patients or because an alternative diagnosis was made in 10 patients. In immunocompromised patients, the impact of BAL was even more marked (change in therapy for 13/17 patients). No significant adverse event was noted for patients or health-care staff. All health-care workers remained negative for SARS-CoV-2 NPS and serology at the end of the study. Conclusions In this real-life study, BAL can be performed safely in selected noncritically ill patients suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing significant clinical benefits that outweigh the risks.
NUCKS1 Promotes Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Upregulating CDK1 Expression

Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a predominant type of lung cancer with a high mortality rate. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1) in NSCLC and to identify the potential mechanisms. Materials and Methods The expression of NUCKS1 in several NSCLC cells was detected firstly. Then, NUCKS1 was overexpressed or silenced in both A549 and NCI-H460 cells, where cell proliferation, invasion and migration were, respectively, determined, using CCK-8, colony formation assay, transwell and wound healing assays. Cell cycle analysis was performed, and the expression-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Subsequently, NCI-H460 cells with NUCKS1 overexpression for the subsequent tumor-bearing experiment. And the NUCKS1 expression in tumor tissues was measured by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Additionally, the STRING database predicted that Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 (CDK1) would bind to NUSK1, which was verified by the co-immunoprecipitation assay. Then, CDK1 was silenced by transfection with short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-CDK-1 or by exposure to CDK1 inhibitor p2767-00. And the biological characteristics of proliferation, invasion and migration were examined. Results Results indicated that NUCKS1 was overly expressed in NSCLC cells, and its overexpression promoted proliferation, invasion and migration of both A549 and NCI-H460 cells while NUCKS1 knockdown displayed the opposite effects. Moreover, the results of the xenograft experiments revealed that NUCKS1-upregulation promoted the tumor growth. Furthermore, the immunoprecipitation assay verified CDK1’s interaction with NUCKS1, and CDK1 knockdown alleviates the impact of NUCKS1 overexpression on NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Conclusion Taken together, these findings demonstrated that NUCKS1 promotes proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC by upregulating CDK1, providing a novel putative target for the clinical treatment of NSCLC.
Concordance between systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in assisted reproduction: an overview

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Are systematic reviews published within a 3-year period on interventions in ART concordant in their conclusions? SUMMARY ANSWER The majority of the systematic reviews published within a 3-year period in the field of assisted reproduction on the same topic had discordant conclusions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have now replaced individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at the top of the evidence pyramid. There has been a proliferation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, many of which suffer from methodological issues and provide varying conclusions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We assessed nine interventions in women undergoing ART with at least three systematic reviews each, published from January 2015 to December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The systematic reviews which included RCTs were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was extent of concordance between systematic reviews on the same topic. Secondary outcomes included assessment of quality of systematic reviews, differences in included studies in meta-analyses covering the same search period, selective reporting and reporting the quality of evidence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Concordant results and conclusions were found in only one topic, with reviews in the remaining eight topics displaying partial discordance. The AMSTAR grading for the majority of the non-Cochrane reviews was critically low whilst it was categorized as high for all of the Cochrane reviews. For three of the nine topics, none of the included systematic reviews assessed the quality of evidence. We were unable to assess selective reporting as most of the reviews did not have a pre-specified published protocol. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We were limited by the high proportion of reviews lacking a pre-specified protocol, which made it impossible to assess for selective reporting. Furthermore, many reviews did not specify primary and secondary outcomes which made it difficult to assess reporting bias. All the authors of this review were Cochrane review authors which may introduce some assessment bias. The categorization of the review’s conclusions as beneficial, harmful or neutral was subjective, depending on the tone and wording of the conclusion section of the review. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The majority of the systematic reviews published within a 3-year period on the same topic in the field of assisted reproduction revealed discordant conclusions and suffered from serious methodological issues, hindering the process of informed healthcare decision-making. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All the authors are Cochrane authors. M.S.K. is an editorial board member of Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility group. No grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors was obtained.
CDC25B partners with PP2A to induce AMPK activation and tumor suppression in triple negative breast cancer

Abstract Cell division cycle 25 (CDC25) dual specificity phosphatases positively regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinase/cyclin complexes. Here, we demonstrate that in addition to its role in cell cycle regulation, CDC25B functions as a regulator of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a major cellular Ser/Thr phosphatase, through its direct interaction with PP2A catalytic subunit. Importantly, CDC25B alters the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling (AMPK) by PP2A, increasing AMPK activity by inhibiting PP2A to dephosphorylate AMPK. CDC25B depletion leads to metformin resistance by inhibiting metformin-induced AMPK activation. Furthermore, dual inhibition of CDC25B and PP2A further inhibits growth of 3D organoids isolated from patient derived xenograft model of breast cancer compared to CDC25B inhibition alone. Our study identifies CDC25B as a regulator of PP2A, and uncovers a mechanism of controlling the activity of a key energy metabolism marker, AMPK.
Impact of Vitreal Tamponade on Functional Outcomes in Vitrectomy with ILM Peeling in Primary Macula-Involving Retinal Detachment: A Retrospective Analysis

Background To compare visual outcomes of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and failed SF6 gas tamponade requiring silicone oil (SO) in a second procedure with primary SO tamponade in fovea-involving retinal detachment (FiRD). Methods Retrospective analysis of 82 eyes with retinal detachment and mild, but without advanced proliferative retinopathy (PVR ≥C2) requiring vitrectomy for FiRD. Group 1 comprised 23 eyes that underwent SF6 tamponade resulting in re-detachment requiring revision surgery with secondary SO tamponade. Based on the intraoperative findings, group 2 patients had primarily received SO as vitreal tamponade (n=59). Patients receiving a scleral buckle surgery or with advanced PVR as well as patients with underlying vascular diseases and uveitis were excluded. Results Preoperative visual acuity (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters) was 13.5 ± 19.1 in group 1 and 14.0 ± 18.3 in group 2 (p=0.44). Twelve months after first surgery for FiRD, visual acuity was 49.8 ± 19.8 in group 1 and 51.7 ± 18.7 letters in group 2 (p=0.63). Re-detachment after SO removal requiring revision surgery developed in 17.4 (n=4) and 15.3% (n=9) cases. Conclusion Our findings suggest that if retinal traction is completely relieved at the end of surgery, vitrectomy with ILM peeling and SF6 may, if successful, improve the functional outcomes in instances with visual potential, ie, a foveal detachment of short duration despite the presence of a mild to moderate PVR, but with the inherent increased risk of re-detachment requiring further intervention and the use of a SO tamponade. Hence, secondary SO installation during re-vitrectomy after failed primary reattachment surgery results in similar functional outcomes as primary oil filling.
Knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine by nursing students at a University in South Africa

Background The increased popularity of complementary medicine has created the need for patients to receive accurate information from nurses who are front-line healthcare providers. Studies have demonstrated that patients are more likely to discuss other medication and therapy use with nurses, rather than with general practitioners or other health professionals. It is, therefore, important to determine nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine. Aim The aim of this study was to determine nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward the use of complementary medicine. Setting The study was conducted with Baccalaureus Curationis (nursing) students registered at a large public university in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods This research utilised a quantitative approach with a prospective, descriptive survey design. A convenience sample comprising registered Baccalaureus Curationis nursing students (n = 202) was utilized. Participants completed a 34-item, paper-and-pencil questionnaire to determine their knowledge, personal use and attitude toward complementary medicine modalities. Results Questionnaires were completed by 126 nursing students with 119 questionnaires included for analysis. Despite a reported lack of knowledge regarding complementary medicine and limited personal use, participants had an overall positive attitude towards complementary medicine. Almost half of the participants reported enquiring about its use in history taking and were willing to refer patients to a complementary medicine practitioner. Conclusion A positive attitude towards complementary medicine modalities might suggest a willingness from students to improve their knowledge of the various modalities and to refer to a complementary medicine practitioner when indicated.