Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Open Strategic Planning in Universities: A Case Study

This paper introduces a case study in which the crowdsourcing model has been used to implement the open strategy concept in an Australian university. This model helps the organisation to include more stakeholders and provide the opportunity of a transparent planning process. The paper explains an IT artefact and accompanying conceptual design supporting an internally open strategic planning process of a university. It also explains the result of the case study in accordance to the suitability of the crowdsourcing model for implementation of an open strategy approach, challenges which were faced during the study, and root causes. It concludes with some recommendations for future research and practices.
Assessing the outcome of stroke: a comparison between MRI and clinical stroke scales

Objectives – To assess the correlation of diffusion‐weighted (DWI) and perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI) findings with the severity of acute neurologic deficit and their ability to predict short and long‐term clinical outcomes of stroke. The ability of DWI and PWI to predict the outcome was compared with the ability of clinical stroke scales to predict the outcome.
Participation of MAPK, PKA and PP2A in the regulation of MPF activity in Bufo arenarum oocytes

Summary The objectives of the present paper were to study the involvement and possible interactions of both cAMP-PKA and protein phosphatases in Bufo arenarum oocyte maturation and to determine if these pathways are independent or not of the MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade. Our results indicated that the inhibition of PKA by treatment with H-89, an inhibitor of the catalytic subunit of PKA, was capable of inducing GVBD in a dose-dependent manner by a pathway in which Cdc25 phosphatase but not the MAPK cascade is involved. The injection of 50 nl of H-89 10 μM produced GVBD percentages similar to those obtained with treatment with progesterone. In addition, the assays with okadaic acid (OA), a PP2A inhibitor, significantly enhanced the percentage of oocytes that resumed meiosis by a signal transducing pathway in which the activation of the MEK–MAPK pathway is necessary, but in which Cdc25 phosphatase was not involved. Treatment with H-89, was able to overcome the inhibitory effect of PKA on GVBD; however, the inhibition of Cdc25 activity with NaVO3 was able to overcome the induction of GVBD by H-89. Although the connections between PKA and other signalling molecules that regulate oocytes maturation are still unclear, our results suggest that phosphatase Cdc25 may be the direct substrate of PKA. In Xenopus oocytes it was proposed that PP2A, a major Ser/Thr phosphatase present, is a negative regulator of Cdc2 activation. However, in Bufo arenarum oocytes, inhibition of Cdc25 with NaVO3 did not inhibit OA-induced maturation, suggesting that the target of PP2A was not the Cdc25 phosphatase. MAPK activation has been reported to be essential in Xenopus oocytes GVBD. In B. arenarum oocytes we demonstrated that the inhibition of MAPK by PD 98059 prevented the activation of MPF induced by OA, suggesting that the activation of the MAPK cascade produced an inhibition of Myt1 and, in consequence, the activation of MPF without participation of the Cdc25 phosphatase. Our results suggest that in incompetent oocytes of B. arenarum two signal transduction pathways may be involved in the control of MPF activation: (1) the inhibition of phosphatase 2A that through the MEK–MAPK pathway regulates the activity of the Myt1; and (2) the inhibition of AMPc–PKA, which affects the activity of the Cdc25 phosphatase.
A generic multimodule phantom for testing geometry of a linac c‐arm as a part of quality control in radiotherapy

Purpose: To develop an assumption‐free methodology for testing geometry of linacs. Methods: The problem of projecting a fiducial positioned in a predefined point in a 3D space and attached rigidly to a treatment table of a radiotherapeutic device onto an imaging plane with unknown characteristics from a source with unknown coordinates is formulated. The problem of determining these unknowns is formulated as an optimization problem. The problem of determining the gantry/the collimator rotation axis and angle from projection of additional fiducials is also formulated and solved. Analytical methodology is developed for determining isocenter position and an error of estimating isocenter position. The developed methodology is tested in simulations. Results: Very good agreement between preset and calculated values of quantities of interest was found in the simulations. In all cases, the proposed schemes enabled determination of the geometric characteristics of a radiotherapeutic device with accuracy better than one hundredth of a millimeter and one hundredth of a degree. Conclusions: A concept of a multimodule multifiducial phantom has been introduced. Analytical framework has been developed to extract geometric characteristics of radiotherapy devices from projection images of a phantom. The phantom design and the methodology developed have been tested in simulations.
Broadband Single-Layer Slotted Array Antenna in SIW Technology

A squintless slot-antenna array (2-D), built on a single substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is shown. The effort needed for designing a suitable feeding network in SIW technology is justified in view of obtaining lightweight, low-profile, and low-cost antennas for many applications, including direct broadcast satellite. A proper definition of an “H”-shaped subarray, made of four slot-pairs, is used to improve the input matching over a wide band. This choice allows remarkable simplification of the fabrication process, as the slots are cut directly in one of the metallic planes forming the SIW.
A Case–Control Study of Maternal Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Exposure and Cryptorchidism in Canadian Populations

Background: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants found in North American household products during the past four decades. These chemicals leach out in dust as products age, exposing individuals daily through inhalation and ingestion. Animal studies suggest that PBDEs disrupt sex hormones and adversely affect development of the reproductive system. Objectives: In the present study, we examined whether there is a link between maternal hair PBDE concentrations and the risk of cryptorchidism (undescended testes) in male infants; testis descent is known to be dependent on androgens. Methods: Full-term male infants were recruited through clinics in Montreal, Toronto, and London, Canada. Boys with cryptorchidism at 3–18 months of age (n=137) were identified by pediatric urologists and surgeons; similar-aged controls (n=158) had no genitourinary abnormalities as assessed by pediatricians. Eight BDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, -209) were measured by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) in maternal hair samples collected at the time of recruitment. Results: The ∑PBDE geometric mean for maternal hair was 45.35 pg/mg for controls and 50.27 pg/mg for cases; the concentrations of three BDEs (BDE-99, -100, and -154) were significantly higher in cases than controls in unadjusted models. In adjusted models, every 10-fold increase in the concentration of maternal hair BDE-99 [OR=2.53 (95% CI: 1.29, 4.95)] or BDE-100 [OR=2.45 (95% CI: 1.31, 4.56)] was associated with more than a doubling in the risk of cryptorchidism. BDE-154 [OR=1.88 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.28)] was also significant. Conclusions: Our results suggest that maternal exposure to BDE-99, -100, and -154 may be associated with abnormal migration of testes in the male fetus. This may be due to the anti-androgenic properties of the PBDEs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP522
Fluconazole and Itraconazole Resistance of Yeasts Isolated from the Bloodstream and Catheters of Hospitalized Pediatric Patients

Background: In critically ill children, Candida species and other yeasts appear as an important nosocomial pathogen. The emerging fungal pathogens are usually less susceptible to azole compounds, and the management of such infections could be problematic. Methods: 6,065 bloodstream cultures and 627 catheters from intensive care units and hospitalized oncology pediatric patients were studied. Antifungal susceptibility testing of isolates was performed according to the reference broth microdilution method describedby the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (M27-A). Results: We found a low activity of fluconazole (FCZ) and itraconazole (ITZ) against Candida glabrata, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. haemulonii. Resistant strains to FCZ and ITZ were detected. Conclusion: Results reveal the emergence of antifungal-resistant species and a change in the predominant role of C. albicans as a cause of candidemia in hospitalized children.
PID-1 is a novel factor that operates during 21U-RNA biogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

The Piwi–piRNA pathway represents a small RNA-based mechanism to silence invading DNA. It is unknown how transcripts are selected for generation of 21U-RNA, the piRNA class in C. elegans. Ketting and colleagues identify PID-1 as a 21U-RNA biogenesis factor and show that PID-1 affects an early step in the processing or transport of 21U precursor transcripts. The authors further show that maternal 21U-RNAs are essential to initiate silencing. This work provides novel insights into piRNA-induced silencing and small RNA biogenesis.
Vascular response to drug-eluting stent with biodegradable vs. durable polymer. Optical coherence tomography substudy of the NEXT.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to compare vascular healing response between everolimus-eluting stent (EES) and biolimus-eluting stent (BES) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS AND RESULTS In the NOBORI Biolimus-Eluting Versus XIENCE V/PROMUS Everolimus-Eluting Stent Trial (NEXT), a formal OCT substudy investigated 91 patients (55 EES-treated lesions in 48 patients and 51 BES-treated lesions in 43 patients) with 8-12 months follow-up imaging at 18 centers. A total of 980 frames with 8,996 struts in EES and 907 frames with 8,745 struts in BES were analyzed. Mean neointima thickness in EES and BES was 105±82μm and 91±80μm, respectively (P<0.001). With regard to stent-treated lesions, the percentage of struts not covered by neointima (3±7% vs. 9±10%, P<0.001) and the frequency of stent-treated lesions with any uncovered struts (n=28, 51% vs. n=42, 82%; P<0.001) were significantly lower in EES compared with BES. In addition, the percentage of malapposed struts (0.2±0.8% vs. 1.3±2.8%, P=0.006) and the frequency of stent-treated lesions with any malapposed struts (n=6, 11% vs. n=14, 27%; P=0.028) were significantly lower in EES compared with BES. CONCLUSIONS Incomplete vascular healing characterized by the presence of struts not covered by neointima and malapposed struts was less common in EES compared with BES.
RISIKOBEREITSCHAFT JUNGER FAHRER

DIE HOHE RISIKOBEREITSCHAFT JUNGER KRAFTFAHRER WIRD OFT ALS ENTSCHEIDEND FUER DIE HOHE UNFALLBELASTUNG DIESER ALTERSGRUPPE ANGESEHEN. ZUR UEBERPRUEFUNG DIESER THESE REFERIEREN UND DISKUTIEREN DIE AUTOREN DER VORLIEGENDEN VEROEFFENTLICHUNG ZUNAECHST DIE BEREITS VORHANDENE LITERATUR UND BERICHTEN ANSCHLIESSEND UEBER ERGEBNISSE EINER EIGENEN EMPIRISCHEN UNTERSUCHUNG. DABEI WURDE EINE GRUPPE JUENGERER UND EINE GRUPPE AELTERER KRAFTFAHRER ZUNAECHST WAEHREND EINER FAHRT IM STRASSENVERKEHR BEOBACHTET, ANSCHLIESSEND BEFRAGT UND EINEM PERSOENLICHKEITSTEST UNTERZOGEN. WAEHREND DER FAHRTEN ZEIGTEN DABEI ZUM BEISPIEL RUND 43 PROZENT DER JUNGEN FAHRER EIN EHER RISKANTERES FAHRVERHALTEN, WAEHREND RUND 57 PROZENT DIESER ALTERSGRUPPE - WIE AUCH IN ANDEREN MERKMALEN - DEN AELTEREN FAHRERN AEHNLICH WAREN. IN DER SPAETEREN BEFRAGUNG ALLERDINGS AEUSSERTEN FAST ALLE JUNGEN FAHRER MEHR FREUDE AN RISKANTEN SITUATIONEN UND DAMIT MEHR RISIKOBEREITSCHAFT ALS DIE AELTEREN FAHRER. INSGESAMT KONNTEN AUCH IN DIESER UNTERSUCHUNG - INSBESONDERE IM GESCHWINDIGKEITSVERHALTEN - DREI PHASEN DER EINGEWOEHNUNG ALS KRAFTFAHRER GEFUNDEN WERDEN. - EINE ANFANGSPHASE DER PERSOENLICHEN UNSICHERHEIT UND DES ANPASSUNGSDRUCKES VON AUSSEN; - EINE PHASE DER ZUNAECHST VERSUCHSWEISEN ANPASSUNG AN DIE TATSAECHLICHEN ODER VERMEINTLICHEN ANFORDERUNGEN; - EINE ABSCHLIESSENDE PHASE, IN DER EINE FLEXIBLERE ANPASSUNG GELINGT. (A)
IONIC LIQUIDS

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of several cyclic onium based ionic liquids (ILs), including mono-and dicationic derivatives of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2. 2]octane (DABCO), a dialkyl 15 morpholinium salt and a Brønsted acidic IL, as enhancers of the in vitro transdermal permeation and skin retention of diltiazem through and into hairless rat skin. The drug was used as both the hydrochloride salt (DZHCl) and the free base (DZB) to highlight the relationship between the enhancement effect and the physico-chemical characteristics of the active agent. Permeation tests were carried out using Gummer-type diffusion cells and excised rat skin with a 0.005 M aqueous 20 solution of diltiazem hydrochloride or diltiazem free base with and without the addition of 1% w/w ionic liquids. At the end of the permeation experiments with diltiazem hydrochloride, a suitable extraction procedure allowed for the determination of the drug content retained in the skin. Depending on the ionic liquid structure, a significant enhancement in diltiazem hydrochloride levels in the receiving phase was observed, and the transdermal permeation of the diltiazem free base was 25 markedly increased by treatment with all of the ionic liquids. N -dodecyldabco bromide was the best enhancer for both salified and free base
A Measure of Lean Quality Improvement for Hospital Staff Nurses

In this study, a measure of Lean management was developed and tested. Items were identified using the Delphi technique with literature review and expert responses. Twenty-five nurses pilot-tested the instrument and then 212 nurses in 5 hospitals completed the instrument, and their responses were subjected to exploratory factor analysis. The 75-item instrument includes 12 factors describing Lean management conceptualization. Reliability and validity are acceptable for a new instrument.
Differences in the response sensitivity of stomatal index to atmospheric CO2 among four genera of Cupressaceae conifers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The inverse relationship between stomatal density (SD: number of stomata per mm(2) leaf area) and atmospheric concentration of CO2 ([CO2]) permits the use of plants as proxies of palaeo-atmospheric CO2. Many stomatal reconstructions of palaeo-[CO2] are based upon multiple fossil species. However, it is unclear how plants respond to [CO2] across genus, family or ecotype in terms of SD or stomatal index (SI: ratio of stomata to epidermal cells). This study analysed the stomatal numbers of conifers from the ancient family Cupressaceae, in order to examine the nature of the SI-[CO2] relationship, and potential implications for stomatal reconstructions of palaeo-[CO2]. Methods Stomatal frequency measurements were taken from historical herbarium specimens of Athrotaxis cupressoides, Tetraclinis articulata and four Callitris species, and live A. cupressoides grown under CO2-enrichment (370, 470, 570 and 670 p.p.m. CO2). KEY RESULTS T. articulata, C. columnaris and C. rhomboidea displayed significant reductions in SI with rising [CO2]; by contrast, A. cupressoides, C. preissii and C. oblonga show no response in SI. However, A. cupressoides does reduce SI to increases in [CO2] above current ambient (approx. 380 p.p.m. CO2). This dataset suggests that a shared consistent SI-[CO2] relationship is not apparent across the genus Callitris. Conclusions The present findings suggest that it is not possible to generalize how conifer species respond to fluctuations in [CO2] based upon taxonomic relatedness or habitat. This apparent lack of a consistent response, in conjunction with high variability in SI, indicates that reconstructions of absolute palaeo-[CO2] based at the genus level, or upon multiple species for discrete intervals of time are not as reliable as those based on a single or multiple temporally overlapping species.
Mitochondrial DNA Variation among Muscidifurax spp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), Pupal Parasitoids of Filth Flies (Diptera)

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing analyses were used to characterize an amplicon of 625 bp in 4 of the 5 nominate species of Muscidifurax Girault & Sanders, pupal parasitoids ofmuscoid flies. A single polymorphic nucleotide site was observed among 2 samples of M. raptor Girault & Sanders. No sequence variation was observed among 3 samples of M. raptorellus Kogan & Legner. The sequence of M. uniraptor Kogan & Legner was identical to that of M. raptorellus. Nucleotide divergence among the Muscidifurax spp. ranged from 0.14 to 0.18 substitutions per nucleotide. Muscidifurax zaraptor Kogan & Legner exhibited multiple haplotypes, 2 of which were characterized by sequencing and 4 others by PCR-RFLP. The sequenced haplotypes differed by 0.08 nucleotide substitutions per site. Restriction site analysis indicated that nucleotide divergence ranged from 0.03 to 0.10 among all 6 haplotypes. Analysis of progeny from individual females indicated that the observed variation in M. zaraptor was caused by multiple haplotypes within individuals rather than differentiation among individuals. These results bring to question the specific status of M. uniraptor and indicate that the genus is native to the Western Hemisphere, and not introduced with their primary host, Musca domestica L. , as previously proposed. Heteroplasmy and translocation of a portion of the mitochondrial genome to the nuclear genome are discussed as possible causes for the variation observed in M. zaraptor.
The interstellar medium in Andromeda's dwarf spheroidal galaxies – II. Multiphase gas content and ISM conditions

We make an inventory of the interstellar medium material in three low-metallicity dwarf spheroidal galaxies of the Local Group (NGC 147, NGC 185 and NGC 205). Ancillary HI, CO, Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph spectra, Ha and X-ray observations are combined to trace the atomic, cold and warm molecular, ionized and hot gas phases. We present new Nobeyama CO(1-0) observations and Herschel SPIRE FTS [CI] observations of NGC 205 to revise its molecular gas content. We derive total gas masses of M-g = 1.9-5.5 x 10(5) M-circle dot for NGC 185 and Mg = 8.6-25.0 x 10(5) M-circle dot for NGC 205. Non-detections combine to an upper limit on the gas mass of Mg = 0.3-2.2 x 10(5) M-circle dot for NGC 147. The observed gas reservoirs are significantly lower compared to the expected gas masses based on a simple closed-box model that accounts for the gas mass returned by planetary nebulae and supernovae. The gas-to-dust mass ratios GDR similar to 37-107 and 48-139 are also considerably lower compared to the expected GDR similar to 370 and 520 for the low metal abundances in NGC 185 (0.36 Z(circle dot)) and NGC 205 (0.25 Z(circle dot)), respectively. To simultaneously account for the gas deficiency and low gas-todust ratios, we require an efficient removal of a large gas fraction and a longer dust survival time (similar to 1.6 Gyr). We believe that efficient galactic winds (combined with heating of gas to sufficiently high temperatures in order for it to escape from the galaxy) and/or environmental interactions with neighbouring galaxies are responsible for the gas removal from NGC 147, NGC 185 and NGC 205.
Stress responses to conspecific visual cues of predation risk in zebrafish

Chemical communication relating to predation risk is a trait common among fish species. Prey fish under threat of predation can signal risk to conspecific fish, which then exhibit defensive responses. Fish also assess predation risk by visual cues and change their behavior accordingly. Here, we explored whether these behavioral changes act as visual alarm signals to conspecific fish that are not initially under risk. We show that shoals of zebrafish (Danio rerio) visually exposed to a predator display antipredator behaviors. In addition, these defensive maneuvers trigger antipredator reactions in conspecifics and, concomitantly, stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis, leading to cortisol increase. Thus, we conclude that zebrafish defensive behaviors act as visual alarm cues that induce antipredator and stress response in conspecific fish.
Impact of a Transposon Insertion in phzF2 on the Specialized Metabolite Production and Interkingdom Interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT In microbiology, gene disruption and subsequent experiments often center on phenotypic changes caused by one class of specialized metabolites (quorum sensors, virulence factors, or natural products), disregarding global downstream metabolic effects. With the recent development of mass spectrometry-based methods and technologies for microbial metabolomics investigations, it is now possible to visualize global production of diverse classes of microbial specialized metabolites simultaneously. Using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) applied to the analysis of microbiology experiments, we can observe the effects of mutations, knockouts, insertions, and complementation on the interactive metabolome. In this study, a combination of IMS and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to visualize the impact on specialized metabolite production of a transposon insertion into a Pseudomonas aeruginosa phenazine biosynthetic gene, phzF2. The disruption of phenazine biosynthesis led to broad changes in specialized metabolite production, including loss of pyoverdine production. This shift in specialized metabolite production significantly alters the metabolic outcome of an interaction with Aspergillus fumigatus by influencing triacetylfusarinine production.
Effectiveness of adding vildagliptin to the treatment of diabetic patients nonresponsive to the combination of metformin and a sulphonylurea.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of adding vildagliptin to the treatment of patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with a combination of metformin and a sulphonylurea. SUBJECTS AND METHODS 37 T2DM patients with HbA1c ranging from 7.7% to 12.4% (mean of 9.30 ± 1.38), despite the use of metformin in combination with a sulphonylurea, were additionally treated with vildagliptin (100 mg/day) for at least 6 months. RESULTS During triple oral therapy (TOT) HbA1c levels < 7% were achieved in 11 patients (29.7%), whereas levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 120 mg/dL were observed in 12 patients (32.4%). Both findings were observed in 10 patients (27.0%). Compared to nonresponsive subjects, lower mean baseline HbA1c and FPG levels were seen in responsive patients, but the difference was only statistically significant for fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Moreover, there was considerable overlap between the two groups. CONCLUSION Our preliminary results suggest that TOT with metformin, a sulphonylurea and vildagliptin may be useful for some T2DM patients nonresponsive to combination therapy with metformin and sulphonylurea.