Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global Analysis of Urban Population Distributions and the Physical Environment

Urbanization represents a significant recent change in the human habitat. The physical environment of modern urban areas is very different from the environments in which humans evolved and from those of the modern rural settlements that serve as population catchment areas for growing cities. In this sense, migration from rural to urban areas is a form of rapid environmental change that has affected a large fraction of the human population in the past century. This paper presents results of a global spatial analysis of modern urban population distribution with respect to several environmental parameters related to continental physiography and climate. Some of the differences between urban and rural population distributions can be illustrated by comparison of the areal extent of human population to spatial variations in local population density. The spatial distribution of population on Earth's potentially habitable landmass is extremely non-uniform. A large fraction of the current population lives in dense settlements occupying a very small fraction of the available land area. These dense populations span a wide range of climatic environments but are extremely localized with respect to continental physiography. The results of this analysis demonstrate the strong correspondence between continental physiography and settlement patterns and the extent to which humans have adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions. The implication is that adaptation to climate allows the expansion of the human habitat while the physical characteristics of the landscape induce a simultaneous spatial concentration of population within the expanding habitat. These factors have implications for impacts of climate change and natural hazards on urban sustainability.
Distinguishing topological Majorana bound states from trivial Andreev bound states: Proposed tests through differential tunneling conductance spectroscopy

Trivial Andreev bound states arising from chemical potential variations could lead to zero-bias tunneling conductance peaks at finite magnetic fields in class $D$ nanowires, precisely mimicking the predicted zero-bias conductance peaks arising from the topological Majorana bound states. This finding raises a serious question on the efficacy of using zero-bias tunneling conductance peaks, by themselves, as evidence supporting the existence of topological Majorana bound states in nanowires. In the current work, we provide specific experimental protocols for tunneling spectroscopy measure- ments to distinguish between Andreev and Majorana bound states without invoking more demand- ing nonlocal measurements which have not yet been successfully performed in nanowire systems. In particular, we discuss three distinct experimental schemes involving response of the zero-bias peak to local perturbations of the tunnel barrier, overlap of bound states from the wire ends, and most compellingly, introducing a sharp localized potential in the wire itself to perturb the zero-bias tun- neling peaks. We provide extensive numerical simulations clarifying and supporting our theoretical predictions.
Bacterial colonization of the freshwater planktonic diatom Fragilaria crotonensis

In 2006, the seasonal course of bacterial colonization and silification rates of a colonial diatom Fragilaria crotonensis were studied at 2 distinct depths ('surface' 0.5 m and Zeu, the depth of 1% remaining surface photosynthetically active radiation) in the eutrophic Ry imov Reservoir (Czech Republic). In the study period (July to September), Fragilaria dominated the phytoplankton and formed remarkable subsurface peaks of biomass at Zeu. Diatoms living under light-limited conditions at Zeu displayed lower silification rates measured with the fluorescence probe 2-(4-pyridyl)-5-{(4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl-aminocarbamoyl)methoxy)phenyl} oxazole (PDMPO) and were significantly more colonized by bacteria than at the surface (seasonal means 7.8 and 5.0 bacteria per Fragilaria cell, respectively). In 3 additional experiments using double-stained Fragilaria cells (PDMPO and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)), diatom cells with no PDMPO fluorescence were significantly more colonized by bacteria regardless of the depth, indicating that bacterial colonization reflects the physiological state of the diatoms. As an apparent consequence of a flood event in August, the Fragilaria assemblage was composed of 2 temporally isolated sub- populations differing markedly in the cell length, cell surface area and extent of bacterial coloniza- tion. Although both Fragilaria sub-populations showed similar silification rates, the late summer (post-flood) Fragilaria sub-population with smaller cells showed a significantly lower bacterial colonization, while the difference in bacterial colonization between the depths remained consistently significant throughout the study. Our results imply that bacterial colonization of diatom cell surfaces is modulated by both diatom growth and changes in population structure over the season.
Emerging roles of microRNAs in angiogenesis and vascular disease

The vascular system is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Aberrant vascular remodeling underlies the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and age-related macular degeneration. In response to various stimuli, neovascularization and neointima formation drive vascular pathogenesis in vascular disorders. Recent studies have shown microRNAs to be critical regulators of angiogenesis via modulation of multiple pathway components, some of which have been implicated in vascular disorders. Targeted microRNA-based therapeutics may hold promise in treating pathological angiogenesis, neointima formation, and other pathogenic processes in diverse vascular diseases.
Brief Communication: Global reconstructions of glacier mass change during the 20th century are consistent

Abstract. Recent estimates of the contribution of glaciers to sea-level rise during the 20th century are strongly divergent. Advances in data availability have allowed revisions of some of these published estimates. Here we show that outside of Antarctica, the global estimates of glacier mass change obtained from glacier-length-based reconstructions and from a glacier model driven by gridded climate observations are now consistent with each other, and also with an estimate for the years 2003–2009 that is mostly based on remotely sensed data. This consistency is found throughout the entire common periods of the respective data sets. Inconsistencies of reconstructions and observations persist in estimates on regional scales.
Quality of Life of Elderly People Suffering from Sequelae by Cerebro Vascular Accident

Objective: To assess the quality of life of elderly patients with sequelae of stroke. Methods: This is a quantitative and cross-sectional research held at Clinics of Physiotherapy School of private universities of Fortaleza city in Northeastern Brazil. It used the SF-36 instrument and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The data were computed and analyzed by the Software SPSS. Results: Fifty-two patients were interviewed. Age ranged from 60 to 89 years, 28 (54.0%) were females and 39 (75.0%) were retired or pensioners. Regarding the health profile, 26 interviewees (50.0%) have presented sequelae of stroke for 3 years or more. All of them performed physiotherapy treatment and 51 (98.0%) used medicines. The domains of quality of life concerning health showed better results than the emotional and physical aspects. It was found statistical significance between the age group of 60-65 and: feeling calm or quiet (p = 0.001), having good health (p = 0.004), performing rigorous activities (p = 0.013), lifting or carrying groceries (p = 0.020). There was statistical significance between length of physiotherapy of 3 years or more and not feeling pain at work (p = 0.017) and feeling vigorous, willing and strong (p = 0.016). Conclusion: The study population considered itself with good quality of life and reported having good health, feeling calm, quiet and healthy, and also without pain interference at work, what may have occurred due to the physiotherapy treatment and the use of medicines.
Early Childhood Research Quarterly he language of play : Developing preschool vocabulary through play ollowing shared book-reading amara

Two studies explored the role of play in a vocabulary intervention for low-income preschoolers. Both studies presented new vocabulary through book-readings. Study 1 children (N = 249; Mage = 59.19 months) were also randomly assigned to participate in Free Play, Guided Play, or Directed Play with toys relating to the books. Guided and Directed Play conditions involved different styles of adult support. Although children in all conditions showed significant gains in knowledge of target vocabulary words, children in both adult-supported conditions showed significantly greater gains than children experiencing Free Play. In Study 2, classroom teachers implemented our procedures instead of researchers. All children (N = 101;
Tumor Ploidy in Epithelial Ovarian Tumors : An Interim Analysis

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer remains to be the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy. Survival is influenced primarily by FIGO stage, amount of residual disease and histologic type. Unfortunately, such prognostic factors still fail to account fully for the biologic behavior of ovarian carcinomas. It is of interest therefore to identify new prognostic factors which are more objective, quantifiable and reproducible. DNA ploidy has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian malignancies. Objective: The general objective of the study was to determine the ploidy characteristics of epithelial tumors of the ovary. The specific objectives were to determine the association of age and aneuploidy, the association of tumor size and aneuploidy and the association of stage and aneuploidy. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical staging and/or tumor debulking for ovarian cancer with final histopathologic results of epithelial ovarian carcinoma were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included previous treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and previous or concomitant malignant diseases. DNA ploidy was determined using flow cytometry of paraffin embedded blocks. Results: DNA ploidy was obtained in 109 paraffin-embedded blocks of epithelial cancers of the ovary. Aneuploidy was established in 14 of the total 109 samples (12.8%) as follows: 2 from 24 mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (14.2%), 2 from 24 mucinous tumor of low malignant potential (14.2 %), 5 from 29 serous cystadenocarcinoma (17%), and 5 from 30 endometriod carcinoma (16%). Conclusion: The prevalence of aneuploidy in epithelial ovarian cancer is 12.8% and aneuploidy is higher for serous adenocarcinoma and endometriod adenocarcinoma compared to mucinous tumors of low malignant potential and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.
Diagnosing the horizontal propagation of Rossby wave packets along the midlatitude waveguide

AbstractIt has been suggested that upper-tropospheric Rossby wave packets propagating along the midlatitude waveguide may play a role for triggering severe weather. This motivates the search for robust methods to detect and track Rossby wave packets and to diagnose their properties. In the framework of several observed cases, this paper compares different methods that have been proposed for these tasks, with an emphasis on horizontal propagation and on a particular formulation of a wave activity flux previously suggested by Takaya and Nakamura. The utility of this flux is compromised by the semigeostrophic nature of upper-tropospheric Rossby waves, but this problem can partly be overcome by a semigeostrophic coordinate transformation. The wave activity flux allows one to obtain information from a single snapshot about the meridional propagation, in particular propagation from or into polar and subtropical latitudes, as well as about the onset of wave breaking. This helps to clarify the dynamics of individ.
The role of FPR2/ALX in the vascular wall

Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Inflammation has been described as a key component in the development of atherosclerosis. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a lipid mediator derived from arachidonic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and proresolution properties mediated through the FPR2/ALX receptor. This receptor is however, not specific to LXA4 and can transduce pro-inflammation or pro-resolution effects depending on the different ligands present in the atherosclerotic milieu. The aim of the present thesis was to unravel the role of FPR2/ALX signaling in the atherosclerotic vascular wall. In addition, the effects of LXA4 were examined with 2 goals: to assess the use of LXA4 as possible therapeutic option in mouse models of atherosclerosis, and to elucidate if LXA4 effects were mediated through FPR2/ALX signaling. To this end, in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo experiments were used to evaluate the role of the FPR2/ALX receptor in human samples of atherosclerosis and in mice either expressing or lacking the murine homologue of the FPR2/ALX receptor (Fpr2). It was discovered that macrophages, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in human atherosclerotic lesions expressed FPR2/ALX and it was up-regulated by pro-inflammatory stimuli in human monocytes in vitro. In three different mouse models, Fpr2 deletion resulted in decreased atherosclerosis. Macrophages derived from Fpr2 knock-out mice exhibited reduced inflammation and Fpr2 knock-out mice exhibited endothelial dysfunction. Finally, treatment with the aspirin-triggered LXA4 (ATL, a LXA4 analogue) significantly reduced atherosclerosis, smooth muscle cell migration in vitro and intimal hyperplasia after carotid ligation in vivo. Since this effect was absent in Fpr2 knock-out mice, it supports that Fpr2 transduces anti-inflammatory signaling in response to this lipid mediator. In summary, the results of the present thesis suggest a dual role for FPR2/ALX signaling in atherosclerosis, with pro-inflammatory property as the disease develops; whereas anti-inflammatory signaling was induced by LXA4. In addition, it was discovered that Fpr2 signaling induced differential effects on different cell types within the atherosclerotic lesion. In conclusion, FPR2/ALX signaling is present in major cells of the vascular wall and is crucial for atherosclerosis development. LXA4 is signaling through FPR2/ALX and this supports the use of LXA4 as a therapeutic option in atherosclerosis as well as restenosis. ISBN 978-91-7676-092-5 From DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, TRANSLATIONAL CARDIOLOGY Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden THE ROLE OF FPR2/ALX IN THE VASCULAR WALL
Phyllosticta citriasiana sp. nov., the cause of Citrus tan spot of Citrus maxima in Asia

Guignardia citricarpa, the causal agent of Citrus Black Spot, is subject to phytosanitary legislation in the European Union and the U.S.A. This species is frequently confused with G. mangiferae, which is a non-pathogenic, and is commonly isolated as an endophyte from citrus fruits and a wide range of other hosts. Recently, necrotic spots similar to those caused by G. citricarpa were observed on fruit of Citrus maxima intercepted in consignments exported from Asia. in these spots, pycnidia and conidia of a Guignardia species closely resembling G. citricarpa were observed, and therefore measures were taken for the consignments in line with the European Union legislation for G. citricarpa. To determine the identity of the causal organism on this new host, fungal isolates were subjected to DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2), translation elongation factor I-alpha (TEF1) and actin genes. A combined phylogenctic tree resolved three species correlating to G. citricarpa, G. mangiferae and a previously undescribed species, Phyllosticta citriasiana sp. nov., closely related to G. citricarpa. Morphologically P. citriasiana can be distinguished from G. citricarpa by having larger conidia, longer conidial appendages, and in not producing any diffuse yellow pigment when cultivated on oatmeal agar (OA). Furthermore, it is distinguishable from G. mangiferae by having smaller conidia, with a narrower mucoid sheath. In culture, colonies of P. citriasiana can also be distinguished from G. citricarpa and G. mangiferae by being darker shades of grey and black on OA, malt extract agar (MEA), potato-dextrose agar, and cornmeal agar. Furthermore, cultures of P. citriasiana achieved optimal growth after 2 weeks at 21-27 degrees C, and ceased to grow at 30-33 degrees C. In contrast, colonies of G. citricarpa and G. mangiferae achieved optimal growth at 27-30 degrees C, and ceased to grow at 30-36 degrees C. Colonies of P. citriasiana also grew faster than those of G. citricarpa and G. mangiferae on OA and MEA. Phyllosticta citriasiana appears to be a harmful pathogen of Citrus maxima, causing a tan spot on fruit, underlining the need for further surveys and research to determine its distribution and host range.
Somatic Embryogenesis in Pearl Millet ( Pennisetum Glaucum ( L ) R . Br . ) Using Light and Electron Microscopy

The morphology and histology of somatic embryogenesis were examined using embryogenic calli derived from immature inflorescences of pearl millet using light and electron microscopic techniques. Young immature inflorescences, 30-35 days old (2.5 cm long) were cultured on LS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgL 1 of 2, 4-D and 0.5 mgL of kinetin. The primary callus initiated was non-embryogenic, loose, white but differentiated rapidly into pale yellow, nodular and friable embryogenic callus within 2 weeks. Histological studies revealed the formation of somatic embryos and their maturation. Initial stages of somatic embryo induction showed calli with internal segmenting divisions, which gave rise to discrete groups of cells. Continued divisions and organization in some discrete groups formed globular structures, presumably proembryoids, which showed a distinct epidermis. Further these structures developed to form somatic embryos with a wellorganized bipolar structure showing embryonic axis, scutellum, coleoptile and coleorhiza. Multiple shoots (5-6) were produced from each embryo when transferred to MS regeneration medium supplemented with hormonal combinations, viz., BAP + IBA, 2.0 + 0.5 mg L which further developed into complete plantlets.
Current state and future prospects of Islamic banking in Morocco: An empirical investigation

The purpose of the study is to review the current state of Islamic banking in Morocco, and to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of Islamic banking services in the country. Accordingly, a survey was conducted covering 400 respondents from most of the Moroccan regions, and data analysis was based on linear regression. The findings revealed that the main factors that influence the decision of the Moroccan customers to adopt Islamic banking services are relative advantage, compatibility and social influence. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the progress of Islamic banking in Morocco is faced by multiple legal and regulatory challenges.
Placing Novel, Fixed-Dose Dual Bronchodilators within the nice Guidelines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -Reflections on the Past, Present and Future

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive disease involving inflammation of the airways with pulmonary parenchymal destruction that results in airflow obstruction and is a common cause of disability, hospital admission and premature death. Although a preventable and treatable disease, it is commonly associated with comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and depression. The major symptom is dyspnea; other manifestations include poor exercise tolerance, chronic cough, sputum production, wheeze and respiratory failure [11. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults in primary and secondary care (partial update issued June 2010). Clinical Guideline 101. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Available from (Last accessed: January 24, 2014). 2010. ].
INFLUENCE OF CASSIA FISTULA SEEDS EXTRACT ON UTERINE HISTOARCHITECTURE AND BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS

In the present investigation, uterine histoarchitecture and biochemical constituents of immature bilaterally ovariectomized female albino rats treated with aqueous extract of Cassia fistula seeds administered in the presence and absence of estradiol valerate (EDV) have been studied. Ovariectomy resulted in the decrease of glycogen and protein content in the uterus. Administration of aqueous extract of Cassia fistula seeds alone at the dose 100mg/kg b.wt. increased glycogen, protein and sialic acid contents with increasing uterine wet weights (p<0.05) and luminal epithelial cell height (p<0.001) but did not induce premature opening of the vagina, whereas, the glycogen, protein and sialic acid contents decreased on conjoint treatments of the extract with EDV (0.1mg/kg b.wt.). This suggests that the extract exhibited a mild estrogenic activity when given alone, but when the extract was administered cojointly with EDV, it significantly (p<0.001) prevented the estrogen-induced uterotrophic effect, thus showing an antiestrogenic nature of the extract in the presence of a strong estrogen. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that the extract possesses pregnancy terminating effect by virtue of antiimplantation activity and the antiestrogenic property of the extract may be responsible, at least partly, for this anticonceptive effect.
Assessing the Influence of Social Networking Material on Adolescents' Sexual Behavior in Kampala.

Background: Social media has been used to promote risky sexual behavior in form of unsolicited photos, videos and text from peers and strangers that is not regulated by parents or guardians. Therefore, it’s important to investigate the influence of social networking material on adolescents‘ sexual behavior in Ugandan in order to close the knowledge gap. Adolescents in Uganda may be at risk of indulging in risky sexual behavior if usage of social networking sites remains unrestricted. Method s: A cross sectional study was conducted among 280 randomly selected adolescents in Kampala between August and October 2016. Results: Majority (68.9%) of the respondents thought that messages, photos, videos with sexual content shared/posted on social networking sites, changed their sexual behavior. Variables that were found to significantly explain the effect of exposure of social network content on adolescent sexual behavior, among adolescents included: Gender (male) (OR 2.646, 95% CI 1.088-6.434, use of social networking sites during holidays (OR 2.581, 95% CI .836-7.965) and social sites being used for leisure activities (OR 4.516, 95% CI 1.232-16.548). Conclusion: Parents may need to restrict access and use sexual content especially pictures and videos available on social networking site among the adolescents. Key words: Adolescent, social networking sites, change, sexual behavior
ORAL NEUROIMMUNE NETWORK AND MAST CELLS

Mailing address: Virginia Karapanou, D.M.D. Department of Endodontics, Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, One Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A Tel: ++1 617 636-6796 Fax: ++1 617 636-6885 e-mail: virginia.karapanou@tufts.edu