Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
After over 25 years of accrediting beaches, has Blue Flag contributed to sustainable management?

This paper examines the qualitative, quantitative, and geographical evolution (1987–2012) of the Blue Flag campaign and accreditation process in Spain, a leading coastal tourism destination heading the list of awards. The standard Blue Flag criteria for crowded, developed beaches are now adapting to new demands for natural beaches, but they still fail to capture essential sustainable tourism features, such as limiting user numbers, or preserving and restoring sand ecosystems. Given these shortcomings, some destinations are moving to alternative awards with a higher environmental commitment, such as EMS, ISO14001, and Eco-Management and Audit Schemes (EMAS). A cluster analysis of Blue Flag data for 983 beaches in Spain over 26 years revealed different behaviour patterns: established tourist areas that have always opted for the Blue Flag programme; tourist areas that adopted the Blue Flag early on but replaced it with ISO14001 and EMAS; recently developed destinations applying for the award to boost their tourism promotion; and tourist areas with no well-defined policy that have opted intermittently for Blue Flag. These profiles illustrate the different policies of Spain's Autonomous Regions, and they are useful for tourism managers to verify whether their destination's behaviour pattern contributes to sustainable tourism and matches strategic policies they have designed for them.
Submicron-size biodegradable polymer-based didanosine particles for treating HIV at early stage: an in vitro study

Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) hide themselves in macrophages at the early stage of infection. Delivering drug in a sustained manner from polymeric nanoparticles in those cells could control the disease effectively. The study was intended to develop poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based nanoparticles containing didanosine and to observe their uptake by macrophages in vitro. Various physicochemical evaluations related to nanoparticles, such as drug–excipient interaction, surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug loading, in vitro drug release and nanoparticle-uptake by macrophages in vitro were determined. Homogenising speeds and drug–polymer ratio varied drug loading and polydispersity index of nanoparticles, providing sustained drug release. Dimethyl sulphoxide/polyethylene glycol improved drug loading predominantly. Nanoparticle-uptake by macrophages was concentration dependent. Experimental nanoparticles successfully transported didanosine to macrophages in vitro, suggesting reduction of dose, thus minimising toxicity and side effects. Developed nanoparticle may control HIV infection effectively at an early stage.
Immunoglobulin A-specific serodiagnosis of acute human cytomegalovirus infection by using recombinant viral antigens

The immunoglobulin A-specific reactivities of recombinant viral proteins from nine different reading frames of human cytomegalovirus were evaluated in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments. Antigen fragments of reading frames pUL32, pUL44, and pUL57 were identified as preferable antigens for immunoglobulin A serodiagnosis. Application of autologous fusion proteins which combine these polypeptides may be useful especially for the early detection of acute secondary human cytomegalovirus infection.
Replication-deficient recombinant adenoviruses expressing the human immunodeficiency virus Env antigen can induce both humoral and CTL immune responses in mice.

An effective vaccine against infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is thought likely to require both a humoral and a CTL immune response. A non-replicating adenovirus vector system has been developed that can induce both a humoral and CTL response to HIV-1 envelope in mice. It is demonstrated that the stimulatory tat/rev 5' splice-donor site sequence is required for efficient expression of HIV-1 env by this adenovirus vector system. rev can be provided bicistronically or in trans to result in good expression of env in vitro. A humoral immune response was detected after two immunizations with a bicistronic recombinant adenovirus (RAd142). The response was dose dependent, 5x10(7) p.f. u. inducing a response in some, but not all, animals and 1x10(8) p.f. u. giving a consistent antibody response. However, CTLs were induced by the lower dose of virus and after only one immunization with the higher dose. A positive CTL response was also seen consistently when the two monocistronic adenoviruses (RAd501 expressing env and RAd46 expressing rev) were given together, although two immunizations were required to give approximately the same level of response as seen with the bicistronic virus. RAd501 on its own also gave a low CTL response when two immunizations were given. It is suggested that a lower level of env expression is required to produce a CTL response than a humoral response and that this nonreplicating adenovirus vector is a good system for inducing CTL.
Switchable ON-/OFF-Body Antenna for 2.45 GHz WBAN Applications

A switchable ON-/OFF-body antenna operating at the same frequency of 2.45 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band for wireless body area network (WBAN) applications is presented. P-i-n diodes are chosen to act as the switches between ON-body and OFF-body modes with the forward or reverse direct current (dc) voltage. To achieve the same operating frequency at ON-body and OFF-body modes, suitable slots are cut on the radiator to have size reduction at OFF-body mode, and it will have less effect at ON-body mode. Bias circuit is integrated in the antenna. Total size of the antenna is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi \times 24^{2}\times 3.2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>3</sup>. Specific absorption rate (SAR) value is also analyzed in this communication. Then, the antenna is fabricated to validate the design concept. Measured radiation pattern of ON-body mode is omni-direction with vertical polarization and OFF-body mode is with broadside, respectively. Communication links of ON-body mode, which assessed by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert S_{21}\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and the performance at OFF-body mode, are also studied in this communication.
Identification of the Interactions between Cytochrome P450 2E1 and Cytochrome b5 by Mass Spectrometry and Site-directed Mutagenesis*

The reaction cycles of cytochrome P450s (P450) require input of two electrons. Electrostatic interactions are considered important driving forces in the association of P450s with their redox partners, which in turn facilitates the transfer of the two electrons. In this study, the cross-linking reagent, 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), was used to covalently link cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) with cytochrome b5 (b5) through the formation of specific amide bonds between complementary charged residue pairs. Cross-linked peptides in the resulting protein complex were distinguished from non-cross-linked peptides using an 18O-labeling method on the basis that cross-linked peptides incorporate twice as many 18O atoms as non-cross-linked peptides during proteolysis conducted in 18O-water. Subsequent tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis of the selected cross-linked peptide candidates led to the identification of two intermolecular cross-links, Lys428(CYP2E1)-Asp53(b5) and Lys434(CYP2E1)-Glu56(b5), which provides the first direct experimental evidence for the interacting orientations of a microsomal P450 and its redox partner. The biological importance of the two ion pairs for the CYP2E1-b5 interaction, and the stimulatory effect of b5, was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Based on the characterized cross-links, a CYP2E1-b5 complex model was constructed, leading to improved insights into the protein interaction. The described method is potentially useful for mapping the interactions of various P450 isoforms and their redox partners, because the method is relatively rapid and sensitive, and is capable of suggesting not only protein interacting regions, but also interacting orientations.
The etiology of liver damage imparts cytokines transforming growth factor β1 or interleukin‐13 as driving forces in fibrogenesis

It is unknown whether transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) signaling uniformly participates in fibrogenic chronic liver diseases, irrespective of the underlying origin, or if other cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐13 share in fibrogenesis (e.g., due to regulatory effects on type I pro‐collagen expression). TGF‐β1 signaling events were scored in 396 liver tissue samples from patients with diverse chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Schistosoma japonicum infection, and steatosis/steatohepatitis. Phospho‐Smad2 staining correlated significantly with fibrotic stage in patients with HBV infection (n = 112, P < 0.001) and steatosis/steatohepatitis (n = 120, P < 0.01), but not in patients with HCV infection (n = 77, P > 0.05). In tissue with HBx protein expression, phospho‐Smad2 was detectable, suggesting a functional link between viral protein expression and TGF‐β1 signaling. For IL‐13, immunostaining correlated with fibrotic stage in patients with HCV infection and steatosis/steatohepatitis. IL‐13 protein was more abundant in liver tissue lysates from three HCV patients compared with controls, as were IL‐13 serum levels in 68 patients with chronic HCV infection compared with 20 healthy volunteers (72.87 ± 26.38 versus 45.41 ± 3.73, P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry results suggest that IL‐13–mediated liver fibrogenesis may take place in the absence of phospho–signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 6 signaling. In a subgroup of patients with advanced liver fibrosis (stage ≥3), neither TGF‐β nor IL‐13 signaling was detectable. Conclusion: Depending on the cause of liver damage, a predominance of TGF‐β or IL‐13 signaling is found. TGF‐β1 predominance is detected in HBV‐related liver fibrogenesis and IL‐13 predominance in chronic HCV infection. In some instances, the underlying fibrogenic mediator remains enigmatic. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Prevention of neuropathology in the mouse model of hurler syndrome

A defect of the lysosomal enzyme α‐L‐iduronidase (IDUA) interrupts heparan and dermatan sulfate degradation and causes neuropathology in children with severe forms of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI, Hurler syndrome). Enzyme substitution therapy is beneficial but ineffective on the central nervous system. We could deliver the missing enzyme to virtually the entire brain of MPSI mice through a single injection of gene transfer vectors derived from adenoassociated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) or 5 (AAV5) coding for human IDUA. This result was reproducibly achieved with both vector types in 46 mice and persisted for at least 26 weeks. Success was more frequent, enzyme activity was higher, and corrected areas were broader with AAV5 than with AAV2 vectors. Treatment presumably reversed and certainly prevented the accumulation of GM2 and GM3 gangliosides, which presumably participates to neuropathology. Lysosomal distension, which already was present at the time of treatment, had disappeared from both brain hemispheres and was minimal in the cerebellum in mice analyzed 26 weeks after injection. This study shows that pathology associated with MPSI can be prevented in the entire mouse brain by a single AAV vector injection, providing a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of gene therapy to stop neuropathology in Hurler syndrome. Ann Neurol 2004;56:68–76
Benefits of Using a Voice and EMG-Driven Actuated Glove to Support Occupational Therapy for Stroke Survivors

Many mechatronic devices exist to facilitate hand rehabilitation, however few directly address deficits in muscle activation patterns while also enabling functional task practice. We developed an innovative voice and electromyography-driven actuated (VAEDA) glove, which is sufficiently flexible/portable for incorporation into hand-focused therapy post-stroke. The therapeutic benefits of this device were examined in a longitudinal intervention study. Twenty-two participants with chronic, moderate hand impairment [Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment Stage of Hand (CMSA-H = 4)] enrolled > 8 months post-stroke for 18 1-h training sessions ( $3\,\times$ week) employing a novel hand-focused occupational therapy paradigm, either with (VAEDA) or without (No-VAEDA) actuated assistance. Outcome measures included CMSA-H, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Action Research Arm Test, Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment (FMUE), grip and pinch strength and hand kinematics. All outcomes were recorded at baseline and endpoint (immediately after and four weeks post-training). Significant improvement was observed following training for some measures for the VAEDA group (n = 11) but for none of the measures for the No-VAEDA group (n = 11). Specifically, statistically significant gains were observed for CMSA-H (p = 0.038) and WMFT (p = 0.012) as well as maximum digit aperture subset (p = 0.003, n = 7), but not for the FMUE or grip or pinch strengths. In conclusion, therapy effectiveness appeared to be increased by employment of the VAEDA glove, which directly targets deficits in muscle activation patterns.
Why are Some Issues of Convertibles Callable and Others Not?

We develop a theoretical model to explain why some issues of convertible bonds include a call feature whereas others do not and then test the predictions of the model empirically. The reasoning in the model is that good firms do not need a call feature and therefore issue straight debt or non-callable convertibles. Bad firms issue callable convertibles, because a call might help them to avoid bankruptcy costs if their prospects deteriorate in a later period. A separating equilibrium for the model is demonstrated. The model predicts that the announcement of a non-callable convertible will have a smaller negative impact on the share price than that of a callable convertible; this is confirmed by the data, for which the price effects are -3.97% and -6.15% respectively. A second prediction is that announcing a call (and forcing conversion) conveys bad news to the market; we find that there is a significant short-term effect on the share price, but only if the call is made relatively quickly. Finally, we check whether issuing or calling a convertible is associated with abnormal subsequent performance over three years and find that it is not.
A Network-Agnostic Data Framework and API for CCN

We introduce the CCN Information and Data Framework (IDF). The IDF provides a Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) interface for reading and manipulating data "in the network. " We show how to use the IDF API through the UNIX file I/O API, thereby placing file I/O and network communication under a single, standard interface. The IDF effectively creates a name-based layer of abstraction upon which \emph{network-agnostic} applications can be built.
Understanding patient experiences with scarring alopecia: a qualitative study with management implications

Abstract Introduction: Alopecia can have a significant negative impact on patient’s lives. The objective of this study is to describe some of the emotional and psychological challenges that affect women with scarring alopecia (SA). Methods: A qualitative study design was used with open-ended, individual interviews with 10 women with biopsy-proven SA. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti analysis software. Results: Four overarching major themes (with several subthemes) emerged including the following: the negative emotional impact of SA, difficulties with concealing hair loss, negative experiences with diagnosis/management, and the importance of support from others. Patients reported that many of these issues were under-emphasized during doctor visits. Conclusion: Analysis of patient responses indicated that patients with SA contend with significant emotional and psychological sequelae of their diagnosis.
Fault Localization Using a Failed Execution Slice

Spectrum-based fault localization (SFL) is amongst the most promising methods. To further improve the effectiveness of traditional SFL methods, a novel approach is proposed in this paper for software fault localization by incorporating a failed execution slice (FES). The proposed method first calculates the suspiciousness scores of statements in the program under test using existing risk evaluation formulas. Since a selective failed execution slice can contribute to reduce the code detection scope in fault localization, a utility evaluation function f is then defined to choose a key FES from all failed execution slices. Finally, all statements contained in the generated key FES are sorted by their suspiciousness scores in descending order and then examined to locate the bug. Experiments on 11 well-known benchmark programs and 12 classic risk evaluation formulas are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Specific and Nonspecific Cell-Mediated Resistance to Influenza Virus in Mice

We found that influenza virus had the capacity to replicate in the peritoneal macrophages of normal mice, as revealed by the development of hemadsorption and the appearance intracellularly of S and V antigens. Cell-mediated resistance was studied in mice infected with influenza virus or a bacterial sytem of induction-elicitation. In the homologous system, mice were injected intraperitoneally or exposed by aerosol to a sublethal dose of an egg-adapted swine strain of influenza virus. In the heterologous system, they were infected repeatedly with Staphylococcus aureus and elicited by subcutaneous or aerosol administration of staphylococcal antigens. The peritoneal macrophages from mice specifically or nonspecifically immunized were significantly more resistant than those from normal mice. Also longer survival to in vivo challenge by the mouse-adapted virus, as compared with normal mice, was indicated in bacterially stimulated mice.
Interleaved LLC Resonant Converter With Hybrid Rectifier and Variable-Frequency Plus Phase-Shift Control for Wide Output Voltage Range Applications

A family of two-phase interleaved LLC (iLLC) resonant converter with hybrid rectifier is proposed for wide output voltage range applications. The primary sides of the two LLC converters are in parallel, and the connection of the secondary windings in the two LLC converters can be regulated by the hybrid rectifier according to the output voltage. Variable frequency control is employed to regulate the output voltage and the secondary windings are in series when the output voltage is high. Fixed-frequency phase-shift control is adopted to regulate the configuration of the secondary windings as well as the output voltage when the output voltage is low. The output voltage range is extended by adaptively changing the configuration of the hybrid rectifier, which results in reduced switching frequency range, circulating current, and conduction losses of the LLC resonant tank. Zero voltage switching and zero current switching are achieved for all the active switches and diodes, respectively, within the entire operation range. The operation principles are analyzed and a 3.5 kW prototype with 400 V input voltage and 150–500 V output voltage is built and tested to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method.
Contracting in Complex Operations: Toward Developing a Contracting Framework for Security Sector Reconstruction and Reform

Abstract : Scholarship on private military and security companies largely focuses on their regulation and oversight as security and reconstruction service providers. It gives scant attention, however, to their role as institutional reformers, advisors, and trainers. This report presents findings of an in-depth case study on the challenges of procuring advising and training services in Afghanistan. The study is grounded in the analysis of 77 confidential, semi-structured interviews with elite and mid-level officials embedded within the Afghan defense and interior ministries, national army, and national and local polices forces and further supported by 261 Afghanistan training and advising contract documents obtained via Freedom of Information Act request. We evaluate an existing contracting framework for the purchase and integration of complex products with this data and find that rules, relationship strategies, governance mechanisms, and mutual understanding are critical in security sector reform (SSR) training and advising contracts. However, reliance on the private sector to provide these services will likely remain high, thus, a sharper focus is necessary on mutually beneficial outcomes that retain flexibility and accountability over the long run. To achieve these outcomes, greater attention is needed to hiring the right people, contract design must balance requirements specificity with flexibility, and contract management activities must seek to bridge gaps among the critical actors involved with respect to roles, responsibilities, and critical capabilities. Successful outcomes will ultimately depend on hiring the right people, continuous communication and coordination, clearer metrics of performance, and greater accountability for fulfilling core mission goals.
Cis-2-dodecenoic acid receptor RpfR links quorum-sensing signal perception with regulation of virulence through cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate turnover

Many bacterial pathogens produce diffusible signal factor (DSF)-type quorum sensing (QS) signals in modulation of virulence and biofilm formation. Previous work on Xanthomonas campestris showed that the RpfC/RpfG two-component system is involved in sensing and responding to DSF signals, but little is known in other microorganisms. Here we show that in Burkholderia cenocepacia the DSF-family signal cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) negatively controls the intracellular cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) level through a receptor protein RpfR, which contains Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS)-GGDEF-EAL domains. RpfR regulates the same phenotypes as BDSF including swarming motility, biofilm formation, and virulence. In addition, the BDSF− mutant phenotypes could be rescued by in trans expression of RpfR, or its EAL domain that functions as a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase. BDSF is shown to bind to the PAS domain of RpfR with high affinity and stimulates its phosphodiesterase activity through induction of allosteric conformational changes. Our work presents a unique and widely conserved DSF-family signal receptor that directly links the signal perception to c-di-GMP turnover in regulation of bacterial physiology.
Influence of pasture-based feeding systems on fatty acids, organic acids and volatile organic flavour compounds in yoghurt

The influence of different pasture-based feeding systems on fatty acids, organic acids and volatile organic flavour compounds in yoghurt was studied. Pasture is the main source of nutrients for dairy cows in many parts of the world, including southeast Australia. Milk and milk products produced in these systems are known to contain a number of compounds with positive effects on human health. In the current study, 260 cows were fed supplementary grain and forage according to one of 3 different systems; Control (a traditional pasture based diet offered to the cows during milking and in paddock), PMR1 (a partial mixed ration which contained the same supplement as Control but was offered to the cows as a partial mixed ration on a feedpad), PMR 2 (a differently formulated partial mixed ration compared to Control and PMR1 which was offered to the cows on a feedpad). Most of the yoghurt fatty acids were influenced by feeding systems; however, those effects were minor on organic acids. The differences in feeding systems did not lead to the formation of different volatile organic flavour compounds in yoghurt. Yet, it did influence the relative abundance of these components.