Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Effectiveness in its Broader Context: Assessing Case Study Methodologies for Evaluating Collaborative Conservation Governance

Abstract Collaborative forms of governance are increasingly favored in conservation and potentially offer a range of practical and outcome-based benefits. However, tools for critically assessing whether and how collaboration enhances the attainment of conservation objectives are lagging behind the enthusiasm. We use a framework that considers effectiveness in relation to capacity of key actors and institutions to achieve outcomes and respond to emergent problems, robustness over time (i.e. adapting to changes while still achieving objectives), context-specific drivers of change, and the structure of networks and institutions to assess common approaches for evaluating effectiveness. Network analysis performs well in terms of structure, while action research and the diagnostic method offer deep insights into capacity and context. Scenario planning performs well in understanding robustness and context but performs better when combined with a diagnostic. The evaluation reveals important insights for approaching and standardizing investigations of collaborative governance regimes and their effectiveness.
PPG Sensor and Device for Continuous Mobile Human Vital Signs Monitoring

We present a novel PPG optical sensor and device with ambient optical, electrical and electromagnetic noises cancellation, thus allowing only the useful optical signals to be received by health monitoring device. Sensor and methodology has been integrated into a prototype standalone device for noninvasive, continuous, wearable, remote and mobile monitoring of blood pressure and other human vital signs, such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, etc. This small device allows the user to read, store, process and transmit all the measurements to a remote location.
Inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Scandinavian researchers have contributed to the present understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Important epidemiological data and family risk factors have been reported from all the Nordic countries, original twin studies mainly from Denmark and Sweden, and relationships to cancer and surgery mostly from Sweden. In collaboration with the industry, development of medical compounds was for a long time in the front line of international research, and the Scandinavian countries participated in the clinical breakthrough of biologic treatment. At present, many Nordic centers are working in the forefront of IBD research. An increasing number of young investigators have entered the scene along with the extended distribution of University clinics and research laboratories in these countries. This presentation of IBD gives a brief overview in the fields of clinical epidemiology and molecular biology. Many areas are covered by International collaborations with partners from Nordic centers. IBD was a topic focused by the founders of Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. After 50 years one may state that the journal’s history reflects important pieces of scientific knowledge within these diseases. The early scope of Johannes Myren for IBD was shown through his work in the original World Association of Gastroenterology (OMG), and after 50 years we can clearly support the view that global perspectives in IBD are increasingly important.
Oxidative modulation of voltage-gated potassium channels.

SIGNIFICANCE Voltage-gated K+ channels are a large family of K+-selective ion channel protein complexes that open on membrane depolarization. These K+ channels are expressed in diverse tissues and their function is vital for numerous physiological processes, in particular of neurons and muscle cells. Potentially reversible oxidative regulation of voltage-gated K+ channels by reactive species such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) represents a contributing mechanism of normal cellular plasticity and may play important roles in diverse pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. RECENT ADVANCES Studies using various protocols of oxidative modification, site-directed mutagenesis, and structural and kinetic modeling provide a broader phenomenology and emerging mechanistic insights. CRITICAL ISSUES Physicochemical mechanisms of the functional consequences of oxidative modifications of voltage-gated K+ channels are only beginning to be revealed. In vivo documentation of oxidative modifications of specific amino-acid residues of various voltage-gated K+ channel proteins, including the target specificity issue, is largely absent. FUTURE DIRECTIONS High-resolution chemical and proteomic analysis of ion channel proteins with respect to oxidative modification combined with ongoing studies on channel structure and function will provide a better understanding of how the function of voltage-gated K+ channels is tuned by ROS and the corresponding reducing enzymes to meet cellular needs.
Tobit Kalman Filter With Time-Correlated Multiplicative Sensor Noises Under Redundant Channel Transmission

Censored measurements arise frequently in engineering practice involving a large number of low-cost off-the-shelf sensors. On the other hand, sensor measurements often suffer from intermittent failures in data transmissions, and an effective way to improve the transmission reliability is to adopt the redundant channel transmission protocol. In this paper, the Tobit Kalman filtering problem is investigated for linear discrete time-varying systems with censored measurements, intermittent failures and time-correlated multiplicative measurement noises under the redundant channel transmission protocol. The Tobit regression model is first modified to take into account the complexities contributed by measurement noises, intermittent failures as well as the redundant channels. Then, an optimal Tobit Kalman filter is designed based on the modified Tobit regression model. In the developed algorithm for the filter design, several new terms are introduced to reflect addressed the complexities, all of which can be calculated recursively or off-line. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed filter.
Indirect involvement of delta opioid receptors in cholecystokinin octapeptide-induced analgesia in mice.

Sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8; Asp-Tyr-SO3H-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) produced analgesia in mice when administered i.c. v. and tested in the acetic acid-induced writhing assay. The ED50 was found to be 0.03 nmol/mouse which was about 3, 24 and 714 times more potent than morphine. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin and U50,488H [trans-(+/-)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrolidinyl)cyclohexyl] benzeneacetamidel], respectively. When administered i.t. , CCK-8 produced partial analgesia of up to 22 to 23% at low doses ranging from 15 to 60 ng/mouse and hyperalgesia at doses over 120 ng/mouse. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, inhibited the analgesia induced by CCK-8 (i.c.v. and i.t.) but potentiated hyperalgesia induced by CCK-8 (i.t.). Apparent pA2 value for CCK-8 (i.c.v.) against naloxone (s.c.) was 5.88 which was significantly different from those for morphine-naloxone and U50,488H-naloxone but was not significantly different from that for [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin-naloxone. Studies using highly selective opioid antagonists showed that CCK-8-induced analgesia was significantly antagonized by the delta receptor antagonist, ICI154,129 [(Allyl)2-Tyr-gly-gly-psi-(CH2S)-Phe-Leu] but not by beta-funaltrexamine, a highly selective mu receptor antagonist or nor-binaltorphimine, a highly selective kappa receptor antagonist. Opioid receptor binding study using [3H]-[D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (+unlabeled [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin) in mouse brain membrane preparations revealed that there were no changes in the maximum binding or Kd of delta opioid binding sites in the presence of CCK-8 (1 microM) in vitro. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Macro- and micro-nutrient intake of adolescent Greek female volleyball players.

Adequate nutrition is critically important for the achievement of the adolescent athlete's optimal performance. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the adequacy of macro- and micro-nutrients in the adolescent Greek female volleyball players' diet. The subjects of the study consisted of 16 players who were members of the Junior National Team (NP) and 49 players who participated in the Junior National Championship (CP). Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record. Protein intake (16.0 +/- 4.9% of total energy intake) was satisfactory, whereas fat consumption (37.5 +/- 11.1%) was above recommended values and at the expense of carbohydrate intake (45.9 +/- 12.5%). There were no significant differences between NP and CP concerning the intake of macronutrients, except for the fat intake (when this is expressed in grams per day and grams per kilogram of body weight and the saturated fat intake, which were both higher in NP compared to CP players (p < .05). The mean energy intake was 2,013 +/- 971 and 1,529 +/- 675 kcal for NP and CP, respectively (p < .05). NP, in particular, consumed fat and especially saturated fatin orderto meet their energy needs. As for micronutrients, the volleyball players fell short of meeting the RDA values for calcium, iron, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, B, B, and B2. There was no difference between NP and CP in micronutrient intake. In conclusion, subjects in the current study lacked proper nutrition in terms of quantity and quality.
Asking the Right Questions With Animal Models: Methionine- and Choline-Deficient Model in Predicting Adverse Drug Reactions in Human NASH

In the past few decades, great conceptual and technological advances have been made in the field of toxicology, but animal model-based research still remains one of the most widely used and readily available tools for furthering our current knowledge. However, animal models are not perfect in predicting all systemic toxicity in humans. Extrapolating animal data to accurately predict human toxicities remains a challenge, and researchers are obligated to question the appropriateness of their chosen animal model. This paper provides an assessment of the utility of the methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet fed animal model in reflecting human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the potential risks of adverse drug reactions and toxicities that are associated with the disease. As a commonly used NASH model, the MCD model fails to exhibit most metabolic abnormalities in a similar manner to the human disease. The MCD model, on the other hand, closely resembles human NASH histology and reflects signatures of drug transporter alterations in humans. Due to the nature of the MCD model, it should be avoided in studies of NASH pathogenesis, metabolic parameter evaluation, and biomarker identification. But it can be used to accurately predict altered drug disposition due to NASH-associated transporter alterations.
Sine-Reference Band (SRB)-Controlled Average Current Technique for Phase-Cut Dimmable AC–DC Buck LED Lighting Driver Without Electrolytic Capacitor

This paper presents a phase-cut dimmable ac–dc buck LED driver for electrolytic capacitor-less LED lighting applications. In the driver, the sine-reference band (SRB)-controlled average current technique is proposed to perform rectified sine-average current control and phase-cut dimming control. The rectified sine-average current control can regulate the average value of sine-wave LED current, maintaining a high power factor (PF) over a wide range of ac input voltage and output LED load. The phase-cut dimming control not only makes the LED driver compatible with two types of phase-cut dimmers, namely, leading-edge and trailing-edge dimming types, but also eliminates visible dimming flicker at the ac line frequency. Fabricated in a 0.35 μm CMOS process, experimental results show the line regulation of ±2.36% over 90 to 260 VAC and the load regulation of ±0.65% within the load range of 10 to 36 LEDs. The PF exceeds 0.95 under all conditions, and the peak efficiency of 90.7% is achieved. The analysis of the flicker frequency verifies that the proposed dimmable LED driver completely eliminates visible flicker owing to the phase dimming variations without an output electrolytic capacitor.
Alzheimer-like tau phosphorylation induced by wortmannin in vivo and its attenuation by melatonin.

AIM To investigate the in vivo induction of Alzheimer-like tau phosphorylation by wortmannin and the attenuation by melatonin. METHODS Stereotaxic technique was used for administrating wortmannin or melatonin into rat lateral ventricle. The phosphorylation of tau was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot, and ultrastructural alteration in neuronal processes was detected by electron microscopy. RESULTS Level of phosphorylated tau at paired helical filament-1 (PHF-1) epitope was elevated at 1 h, peaked at 6 h, and then decreased at 12 h and 24 h after injection of wortmannin 10 mumol/L. The increased tau phosphorylation at particular epitope determined at 6 h was arrested by preinjection of melatonin 10 mumol/L or 100 mumol/L for 12 h. The wortmannin-induced hyperphosphorylation of tau was mainly detected in pyramidal neuron of hippocampus, and swelled axons and depredated myelin sheaths were also seen in the same region of the brain. CONCLUSION Wortmannin induced in vivo Alzheimer-like hyperphosphorylation of tau at Ser396/404, and melatonin inhibited partially the pathological processes.
The "resource curse" with a shade of anthracite: indigenous peoples and extractive companies of Kuzbass in a conflict situation

The article discusses research on social costs of the Russian model of coal extrac-tivism. Through the case of one of the most notorious and acute conflicts between indigenous population – the Shors – and coal mining companies operating in the Kemerovo region (Rus-sia), it describes key conflict discourses, explores practices of coping with the conflict as well as the implications thereof, and identifies the potential for indigenous communities’ post-conflict recovery. The article draws on the authors’ multi-year observation of conflicts unfold-ing in the regions of extensive coal mining. In Russian social anthropology scholarship, conflicts over resources on the land of indigenous peoples have not been much elaborated on in terms of experiencing trauma, overcoming it, and undergoing post-conflict recovery; the case study presented in the article partly fills this gap.
Dentin Matrix Protein 4, a Novel Secretory Calcium-binding Protein That Modulates Odontoblast Differentiation*

Formation of calcified tissues is a well regulated process. In dentin, the odontoblasts synthesize several biomolecules that function as nucleators or inhibitors of mineralization. To identify genes that are odontoblast-specific, a subtractive hybridization technique was employed that resulted in the identification of a previously undescribed novel gene synthesized by the odontoblasts. Based on the nomenclature in our laboratory, this gene has been named dentin matrix protein 4 (DMP4). The protein encoded by mouse DMP4 cDNA contained 579 amino acids, including a 26-amino acid signal peptide. Analysis of the protein sequence demonstrated the presence of a Greek key calcium-binding domain and one conserved domain of unknown function in all the species examined thus far. Calcium binding property was confirmed by 45Ca binding assays and the corresponding change in conformation by far-ultraviolet circular dichroism. Northern analysis demonstrated high expression levels of a single 3-kb mRNA transcript in tooth, whereas low expression levels were detected in other tissues. In situ hybridization analysis showed high expression levels of DMP4 in odontoblasts and low levels in osteoblasts and ameloblasts during tooth development. Gain and loss of function experiments demonstrated that DMP4 had the potential to differentiate mesenchymal precursor cells into functional odontoblast-like cells.
Biomass‐water interactions correlate to recalcitrance and are intensified by pretreatment: An investigation of water constraint and retention in pretreated spruce using low field NMR and water retention value techniques

The underlying mechanisms of the recalcitrance of biomass to enzymatic deconstruction are still not fully understood, and this hampers the development of biomass based fuels and chemicals. With water being necessary for most biological processes, it is suggested that interactions between water and biomass may be key to understanding and controlling biomass recalcitrance. This study investigates the correlation between biomass recalcitrance and the constraint and retention of water by the biomass, using SO2 pretreated spruce, a common feedstock for lignocellulosic biofuel production, as a substrate to evaluate this relationship. The water retention value (WRV) of the pretreated materials was measured, and water constraint was assessed using time domain Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LFNMR) relaxometry. WRV increased with pretreatment severity, correlating to reduced recalcitrance, as measured by hydrolysis of cellulose using commercial enzyme preparations. Water constraint increased with pretreatment severity, suggesting that a higher level of biomass‐water interaction is indicative of reduced recalcitrance in pretreated materials. Both WRV and water constraint increased significantly with reductions in particle size when pretreated materials were further milled, suggesting that particle size plays an important role in biomass water interactions. It is suggested that WRV may be a simple and effective method for measuring and comparing biomass recalcitrance. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 33:146–153, 2017
Phospholipase A2 inhibitors

Purpose of review As the role of lipids and inflammation in the genesis and progression of the atherosclerosis disease is unquestionable, novel treatment modalities that target both aspects are currently under investigation. Recent findings For a long time atherosclerosis was regarded as a lipid-driven disease, but now it is evident that it also involves the simultaneous and combined effect of inflammation and immunological pathways. The secreted PLA2s and the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) have been associated with atherogenesis and its complications. These two enzymes produce biologically active metabolites that are involved in several phases of the atherosclerosis process. Summary In animal, pathological and epidemiological studies, the increased levels of these two phospholipases (i.e. PLA2s and Lp-PLA2) have been related with an increase in complex coronary lesions and increase in major cardiovascular clinical events, respectively. Therefore, inhibition of these enzymes has become the focus of research in this last decennium. Novel pharmacological inhibitors of those enzymes such as darapladib and varespladib emerge as promising therapeutical options for treating patients with coronary artery disease. Ongoing mechanistic and clinical outcome trials will further elucidate their role in this context.
Novobiocin sensitizes BCRP/MXR/ABCP overexpressing topotecan-resistant human breast carcinoma cells to topotecan and mitoxantrone.

BACKGROUND Novobiocin was shown to sensitize cancer cells to etoposide and alkylating agents. Human breast carcinoma cells exposed to topotecan (MCF7/TPT300 cells) developed resistance to both mitoxantrone and topotecan. An ATP-binding cassette family protein BCRP/MXR/ABCP was overexpressed in MCF7/TPT300 cells. In addition, topotecan efflux was markedly enhanced in the resistant cells. To investigate the possibility that novobiocin may enhance cytotoxicity in BCRP/MXR/ABCP overexpressing cells, we exposed MCF7/TPT300 cells to novobiocin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cytotoxicity tests of topotecan and mitoxantrone, as well as topotecan accumulation tests, were performed with or without novobiocin in MCF7/TPT300 cells. RESULTS Novobiocin enhances topotecan and mitoxantrone toxicity in MCF7/TPT300 cells at a clinically relevant concentration. Novobiocin enhanced cellular accumulation of topotecan and inhibited topotecan efflux in MCF7/TPT300 cells. CONCLUSION Novobiocin may enhance topotecan and mitoxantrone toxicity in topotecan-resistant breast carcinoma cells. Novobiocin may be useful to reverse topotecan or mitoxantrone resistance in the clinic.
A Building Block IC for Designing Emerging Hybrid and Multilevel Converters

This paper introduces a practical power management integrated circuit (IC) building block, i.e., IC module, which enables the implementation of various emerging hybrid and multilevel power converter topologies in low-power high-frequency applications, operating at switching frequencies up to 10 MHz. Compared to conventional buck- and boost-based topologies, the emerging multilevel and hybrid converters offer significant volume reduction and power processing efficiency improvements. These key factors are significant contributions for modern portable and/or small footprint electronics devices, where size is of great concern. The IC building block (ICBB) consists of two segmented half bridges as well as all the elements needed for implementing mixed-signal current programmed mode (CPM) control. Mixed-signal CPM compatibility coupled with a segmented power stage not only provide inherent current protection and simple controller implementation but also allows for dynamic efficiency optimization. Operation at high-switching frequencies and simple modular design with ICBB are enabled through the development of novel architectures for key functional blocks of the ICBB and a cost-effective solution for level shifting, providing communication between external control signals and module inputs. For example, solutions for high-frequency low-power current sensing and fast digital-to-analog conversion are introduced as well as a capacitive coupling and coding schemes for data transfer. Several identical custom-designed ICBB modules are fabricated in the 0.13- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS process, each providing up to 2 W of output power, while operating at a switching frequency of up to 10 MHz. The versatility and proper functionality of these modules are verified through simulation and experimental results.
Weekend and holiday increase in the onset of ischemic stroke in young women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronobiological analyses of stroke onset may throw some light on the mechanisms that trigger stroke. Observations may generate new hypotheses for identifying significant causal relationships. METHODS In the present study, both the circadian and the weekend and holiday versus workday times of the onset of ischemic cerebral infarction were determined for 723 consecutive subjects, aged 16 to 60 years, who were admitted for hospital treatment in the acute phase without any selection. RESULTS Among young adults (16 to 40 years) and women, more infarctions occurred during weekends and holidays than were expected. Young women in particular had an increased risk for brain infarction during weekends and holidays (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 3.63). In a multivariate analysis, age of 16 to 30 years (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.57 to 6.50), female sex (OR 1.71; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.63), and recent drinking of alcohol (P < .01) were associated with the onset of brain infarction during weekends and holidays, whereas current cigarette smoking was associated with the onset of brain infarction during workdays (P < .001). A morning increase in the onset of brain infarction was observed among middle-aged people during both weekends/holidays and workdays. Among young adults, however, an evening increase was also seen during weekends/holidays and workdays. CONCLUSIONS We found that young adults and women are frequently stricken by brain infarction during weekends and holidays and that the circadian distribution of the onset of brain infarction among young adults is different from that of middle-aged people. These observations suggest that there may be stroke-triggering activities that are associated with lifestyle.