jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Steering civil society towards the market? A mixed-methods study of the governance arrangement of WISE in Flanders

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

In this article we analyse the interaction between government and civil society organisations (CSOs) in terms of ‘governance arrangements’, by which we refer to the set of formal and informal relations between actors of government and civil society and which encompasses the institutional context, vested interests and historical paths. This way, a complex picture emerges in which different types of relationships can be at work simultaneously. We use this framework here to examine how service-delivering CSO’s and governments jointly develop public policy as well as organise the implementation of these policies. We have collected data from WISE (Work Integration Social Enterprises) through survey research and further qualitative exploration. As part of a larger survey study on civil society, data was collected from 44 WISE. The qualitative study included 21 WISE and their two representative umbrella organisations (using policy documents and extensive interviews with senior management). WISE produce goods and services in order to provide labour that is adjusted to the needs of disadvantaged workers. In Flanders they have a long history, starting as private civil society initiatives that have gradually been institutionalised in a (post)corporatist welfare state. Recent regulatory reform has led to claims that these nonprofits are experiencing (renewed) pressures of marketisation that would lead to the dominance of a commercial logic (selling goods and services) over the social logic (providing adjusted labour). While these claims are usually examined from the perspective of governmental threat, we also look at the actions and strategies of CSO’s themselves. Two issues in particular are examined in this paper. Firstly, the strategies of CSO’s concerning the implementation of the new regulatory framework regarding the ‘reintegration’ of disadvantaged workers in the ‘mainstream’ labour market, and the selection of workers eligible for employment. While some strategies can be considered innovative (i.e. creating new organisational forms), mostly ‘soft’ strategies are employed (ranging from doing nothing to informal dialogue and ‘soft bending’ of the rules). Secondly, we look at the extent of commercialisation and managerialism in these CSOs, and whether these processes can be attributed to governmental policy or organisational strategies. Here, we see how the interaction of governmental policy (aiming for some level of performance measurement) and the commercial strategies and professionalisation of the CSO’s creates an increased tension between different institutional logics. While a definitive conclusion concerning marketisation is hard to make based on our data, some levels of marketisation can certainly be observed.
The prosurvival function of interferon-gamma-inducible GTPase (IRGM3) in coxsackievirus B3 infection

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Interferon-γ-inducible GTPase (IGTP, or IRGM3) is a p47 GTPase upregulated in coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-infected murine heart and inhibits CVB3-induced apoptosis through activation of the PI3 kinase/Akt pathway. However, the mechanism of this PI3K/Akt activation and other prosurvival functions of IGTP are unknown. In this study, using a doxcycycline-inducible Tet-On HeLa cell line that overexpresses IGTP, I have demonstrated that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is phosphorylated in response to IGTP expression and that transfection of a dominant negative FAK (FRNK) blocks Akt activation. Furthermore, induction of IGTP promoted the NF-κB activation as evidenced by its enhanced nuclear translocation and increased transcriptional activity. However, FRNK transfection and PI3K inhibitor both blocked the IGTP-induced translocation and NF-κB activation. Moreover, silencing NF-κB with siRNAs significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK and Akt. Finally, blocking this survival pathway by FRNK transfection or NF-κB siRNA reduced CVB3 replication and enhanced cell death during CVB3 infection. Taken together, these results suggest that FAK is a mediator upstream of PI3K/Akt and that NF-κB functions as a downstream effector. As viral infections including CVB3 can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activate a group of coordinated signal pathways termed ER stress response, additional prosurvival mechanisms of IGTP related to ER stress response was explored. It was demonstrated that IGTP expression suppressed either chemical- or CVB3-induced upregulation of GRP78, the ER stress marker. IGTP expression strongly inhibited the activation of both the PERK and ATF6 pathways of ER stress responses. The suppression of ER stress responses by IGTP also led to attenuated induction of proapoptotic genes CHOP and GADD34. These data were further supported by experiments using IGTP knockout mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, in which the ER stress response induced by CVB3 infection was not relieved after interferon-γ treatment due to the absence of IGTP. Moreover, blocking PI3K/Akt pathway with either the PI3K inhibitor or dominant negative Akt construct significantly diminished the inhibitory effect of IGTP on ER stress response as well as its prosurvival effect. Therefore, IGTP expression relieves the ER stress response via a PI3K/Akt dependent mechanism, which contributes to cell survival and host defense during CVB3 infection.
Biochemical and cell biological characterisation of Sumo E1 activating enzyme Aos1/Uba2

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is a protein that is attached to lysine residues in a variety of target proteins. Sumoylation of proteins can alter their intracellular localisation, stability, activity and interaction with other proteins. The pathway of sumoylation is analogous to that of ubiquitination. The reaction is ATP dependent and requires the E1-activating enzyme (Aos1/Uba2), the E2-conjugation enzyme (Ubc9) and for most target proteins SUMO E3 ligases. The aim of this study was to characterise the SUMO E1 enzyme, a heterodimer consisting of the subunits Aos1 and Uba2. On one hand I characterised an Uba2 splice variant, which lacks one exon encoding 50 amino acids. Using RT-PCR I could determine the tissue specific distribution of the Uba2 splice variant. I furthermore showed that Uba2 variant protein is still able to form an active E1 enzyme complex with Aos1. I could demonstrate that variant Aos1/Uba2 complex is fully active in RanGAP1 sumoylation with SUMO1 or SUMO2. This finding was surprising in light of the missing amino acids, and will have implications for the understanding of E1 function. A large part of my work was dedicated to the identification and characterization of a novel SUMO substrate called ELKS. According to literature, ELKS proteins have been linked to intracellular membrane traffic and NFB signaling pathways. I identified ELKS in membrane fractions as a binding partner for the Aos1 subunit of the SUMO E1 enzyme and confirmed in vivo interaction with ELKS antibodies that I generated. Because recombinant proteins did not interact directly, I searched for potential bridging factors. Neither SUMO nor Ubc9 or Rab6 (one ELKS partner) mediated interaction between ELKS and Aos1. Performing a large scale immunoprecipitation and analysis by mass spectrometry, I could find several candidates, including nucleoporin RanBP2, a SUMO E3 ligase. This suggested that ELKS may be a target for sumoylation. Indeed, I could show that ELKS was SUMO-modified in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, RanBP2 enhanced ELKS sumoylation. By mass spectrometry I identified two SUMO acceptor sites in ELKS. Mutation of these two residues had no effect on ELKS localisation, but strongly inhibited ELKS induced NFB activation. In conclusion, work described in this thesis implicates sumoylation as an important mechanism for ELKS function in NFkB signaling.
A Search for the Viscous and Sawdust: (Mis)pronunciation in Nabokov's American Novels

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

Raised in an Anglophile family, Nabokov read English before he read Russian and called himself a “bilingual baby.” Yet he has described his “Conradical” switch, from writing in Russian to writing in English, as a loss that was “exceedingly painful—like learning anew to handle things after losing seven or eight fingers in an explosion.” Nabokov centers the pain of his American exile on his linguistic experience, giving it a violent physical image. However, not only was this loss self-imposed, it also made his fiction richer and gave him a new literary topic, inasmuch as multilingualism and the exile’s struggle with a new tongue become central themes in his American works. In Pnin and Ada especially, one can see the manner in which Nabokov develops characters in a way that mines linguistic complexities, and that would have been unthinkable had Nabokov not experienced a language switch himself.
High-Efficiency Power Conditioning System for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Modules

Field: Energy (Physical Sciences)

This paper presents a high-efficiency power conditioning system (PCS) for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) modules. The proposed PCS consists of a step-up DC-DC converter and a single-phase DC-AC inverter for the grid-connected PV modules. A soft-switching step-up DC-DC converter is proposed to generate a high DC-link voltage from the low PV module voltage with a high-efficiency. A DC-link voltage controller is presented for constant DC-link voltage regulation. A half-bridge inverter is used for the single-phase DC-AC inverter for grid connection. A grid current controller is suggested to supply PV electrical power to the power grid with a unity power factor. Experimental results are obtained from a 180 W grid-connected PV module system using the proposed PCS. The proposed PCS achieves a high power efficiency of 93.0 % with an unity power factor for a 60 Hz / 120 Vrms AC power grid.
Reliability of two‐dimensional echocardiography in diagnosing fungal endocarditis

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Abstract Although the techniques of M‐mode and two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography (echo) have been found to be useful in patients with bacterial endocarditis, the 2D findings of fungal endocarditis are not known. In this report, we present the case of a young female narcotic addict with Candida albicans endocarditis in whom we diagnosed a large vegetation by 2D echo. Decision for surgery was made solely on the basis of the 2D‐echo findings. We feel that 2D‐echo findings are reliable in diagnosing fungal endocarditis because, with this technique, the size, shape, mobility, and exact location of the vegetation can be better identified than by the M‐mode echo. In addition, early diagnosis of fungal endocarditis helps in treating the patients with medical and surgical therapy which may result in lower mortality.
Dendritic cells from human tissues express receptors for the immunoregulatory vitamin D3 metabolite, dihydroxycholecalciferol.

Field: Immunology and Microbiology (Life Sciences)

Dendritic cells have been isolated from human tonsillar tissue and shown to act as accessory cells in a mitogenic response. The dendritic cells will induced receptors for the active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, in the responder E+ T cells. The dendritic cells themselves constitutively express receptors for the metabolite, and this distinguishes them from other non-T cells in lymphomedullary tissue. Expression of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor may be a dendritic cell property that facilitates their accessory cell role within the tissue microenvironment.
Tree diversity effect on fine root biomass: overyielding via density dependence rather than spatial root partitioning

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Complementarity in resource use leading to increased resource partitioning is the most commonly proposed mechanism for explaining the positive relationship between plant diversity and productivity. However, we still have a poor understanding of the relationship between plant diversity and root biomass. We used molecular method to identify tree species and to estimate the biomass of fine root (≤ 2 mm in diameter) for each tree species in soil cores sampled from the plots along a tree species gradient elaborated in subtropical forests. Our objectives were to examine whether spatial resource partitioning and symmetric proliferation are responsible for the relationship between aboveground tree species richness (SRA) and fine root biomass. We found that increasing SRA led to higher fine root biomass and a support for symmetric proliferation strategies, but this pattern only appeared in nutrient-rich upper soil layer. Structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that stand density was the dominant factor to mediate SRA effects on fine root biomass. Specifically, fine root biomass depended on the SRA × stand density interaction, with lower biomass at lower density and low richness, and this effect disappeared in higher density forests. Overall, we found inconsistent support for the vertical niche partitioning, indicating that greater soil volume filling is not the reason for belowground overyielding pattern. Alternatively, density-dependent biotic interactions affecting tree recruitment are an important driver affecting productivity in diverse subtropical forests but the usual root distribution patterns in line with the resource partitioning hypothesis are unrealistic in contexts where soil nutrients are heterogeneously distributed.
Oligodentate Silylphosphanides and Related Systems: A New Class of Molecular Aggregates

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

Abstract The structures of the self-assembled, solvent-free dipodal diphosphandiide [Is(tBu)Si(PRLi)2 LiCl] (Is = 2,4,6-iPr3C6H2; R = H, SiPh3), and of the tripodal systems EtSi[P(SiiPr3)M]3 (M = Li,Na) are presented.
Biomedical Research on Vulnerable Subjects in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Medical research involving human subjects can enhance the well-being of individual patients and provide enormous social benefits. It enables the acquisition of new scientific knowledge and the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic procedures but also raises significant ethical and legal issues. This kind of medical research is controversial and implies a clash of values that are not always easy to balance. Particularly contentious is research on subjects who are incapable of giving consent or are in a position of subordination and more susceptible to manipulation and mistreatment. Such subjects are considered vulnerable and under special protection. The paper deals with the legal framework of medical research on vulnerable subjects in Bosnia and Herzegovina (its entities: the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina). In the first part of the paper, the notion and basic forms of medical research will be explored, as well as the concept of vulnerability. Reference will be made to relevant international documents defining the standards of medical research on vulnerable subjects. The paper will also provide a comparative overview of provisions governing vulnerable subjects research adopted in different national legislations. In the second part of the paper, the legal framework of medical research on vulnerable subjects in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be analyzed, and suggestions for possible changes will be made.
CGE-LIF pour cartographie des glycanes : amélioration de méthode et création d'une base de données des N-glycanes

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Most biopharmaceuticals are glycoproteins whose inherent properties are highly dependent on their glycosylation patterns. Glycosylation is becoming a crucial quality attribute to control during biotechnological development as it can impact protein activity, stability and half-life in vivo. However the structural elucidation of glycans, which may possess broad structural heterogeneity, represents a substantial analytical challenge. CGE-LIF (Capillary Gel Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence) is a high-throughput analytical method allowing a monitoring of different types of released glycans and their distribution. It provides highly reproducible profiles where all major N-glycans including isomers are quantified. Thanks to the implementation of a new data processing method and to a modification in sample preparation, data processing is faster and migration times are harmonized: a given glycan now always elutes at the same migration time –irrespective of the protein analyzed. The working range of the method has been assessed in terms of precision and accuracy. Ranges were defined in terms of protein quantity to be loaded and maximum peak intensity ensuring linear and robust results. To aid unravelling the glyco-puzzle, a glycan database gathering 64 N-glycans frequently encountered in therapeutic antibodies was implemented. This database enables semi-automated identification of N-glycans based on their migration time calibrated against known migration times of DNA ladder fragments. The improvements set up in CGE-LIF allow quicker and more precise analyses, whether it is for glycosylation monitoring or for N-glycan identification in new proteins in development.
On the distribution of Hyptiotes paradoxus (Araneae: Uloboridae) in Estonia and Finland

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

In Estonia the spider Hyptiotes paradoxus has hitherto only been found in Saaremaa and no individuals have been found since 1934. In this paper several new findings in Saaremaa and the first finding on mainland Estonia is reported. The first finding of this species in Finland was on the Aland Islands in 2001. Four new localities on the Aland Island are reported on here.
Band 3 Campinas: A Novel Splicing Mutation in the Band 3 Gene (AE1 ) Associated With Hereditary Spherocytosis, Hyperactivity of Na+/Li+ Countertransport and an Abnormal Renal Bicarbonate Handling

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract We have studied the molecular defect underlying band 3 deficiency in one family with hereditary spherocytosis using nonradioactive single strand conformation polimorphism of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified genomic DNA of the AE1 gene. By direct sequencing, a single base substitution in the splicing donor site of intron 8 (position + 1G → T) was identified. The study of the cDNA showed a skipping of exon 8. This exon skipping event is responsible for a frameshift leading to a premature stop codon 13 amino acids downstream. The distal urinary acidification test by furosemide was performed to verify the consequences of the band 3 deficiency in α intercalated cortical collecting duct cells (αICCDC). We found an increased basal urinary bicarbonate excretion, associated with an increased basal urinary pH and an efficient distal urinary acidification. We also tested the consequences of band 3 deficiency on the Na+/H+ exchanger, by the measurement of Na+/Li+ countertransport activity in red blood cells. The Na+/Li+ countertransport activity was increased threefold to sixfold in the patients compared with the controls. It is possible that band 3 deficiency in the kidney leads to a decrease in the reabsorption of HCO−3 in αICCDC and anion loss, which might be associated with an increased sodium-lithium countertransport activity.
The Daily Mile: teachers’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to the delivery of a school-based physical activity intervention

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Objectives Children spend a significant amount of their time in a school environment, often engaged in sedentary activities. The Daily Mile is a physical activity intervention which aims to increase physical activity and fitness in children through the completion of an outdoor teacher-led walk or run during the school day. This study aimed to explore the barriers, facilitators and perceived benefits of the Daily Mile from the perspectives of teachers through the use of qualitative semi-structured interviews. It also aimed to identify important context-specific factors, which might require consideration for those who intend to adopt the Daily Mile. Setting Eight Local Authority primary schools in the City of Edinburgh and East Lothian, UK. Participants Thirteen teachers (eleven women) who teach children in primaries one to seven in a school which delivered the Daily Mile. Results Data were analysed using an interpretative thematic analysis. Teachers were positive and enthusiastic about the Daily Mile and perceived it to be beneficial to children’s health and fitness. A number of barriers to participation were identified including inadequate all-weather running surfaces and time constraints in an already full school curriculum. The perceived impact on learning time was identified as a concern for teachers, while other benefits were also identified including increased teacher–child rapport and perceived enhanced classroom concentration levels. Conclusion The Daily Mile appears to be a valuable addition to the school day, however important context-specific barriers to delivery of the Daily Mile exist, which should be considered when implementing the Daily Mile in schools.
Change in the Germination Performance of Tamarix Ramosissima Seeds Following Storage

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

The small seeds of Tamarix ramosissima , a pioneer shrub or small tree used for sand fixation and afforestation in desert areas, are suspected to have short longevity and as such not be suitable for storage. However, this has not been experimentally verified. In this investigation, germination of T. ramosissima seeds stored under different temperatures (room temperature (25°C), 5°C and -18°C) for different periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) were tested for moisture content and germination capacity. Seed moisture content and germination percentage decreased with increase of storage period and storage temperature. For seeds stored at room temperature, germination percentage decreased to 58% after 30 days and to 0% by 120 days. However, for seeds stored at -18°C for 120 days, germination percentage was 53%. These results indicate that T. ramosissima seeds have short longevity and are not suitable for long-term storage, particularly at room temperature. of plant adaptation to changing environments (Rajjou and Debeaujon, 2008). Although seeds of many plants can survive for long periods, some small seeds have short longevity (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). The rate of loss of seed viability is dependent on various biotic and abiotic factors, such as seed characteristics (Sano et al. , 2015; Kundu et al ., 2020),