Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formation and growth of atmospheric nanoparticles in the eastern Mediterranean Kalivitis , Nikos 2019-0301

Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) is a common phenomenon all over the world. In this study we present the longest time series of NPF records in the eastern Mediterranean region by analyzing 10 years of aerosol number size distribution data obtained with a mobility particle sizer. The measurements were performed at the Finokalia environmental research station on Crete, Greece, during the period June 2008–June 2018. We found that NPF took place on 27 % of the available days, undefined days were 23 % and non-event days 50 %. NPF is more frequent in April and May probably due to the terrestrial biogenic activity and is less frequent in August. Throughout the period under study, nucleation was observed also during the night. Nucleation mode particles had the highest concentration in winter and early spring, mainly because of the minimum sinks, and their average contribution to the total particle number concentration was 8 %. Nucleation mode particle concentrations were low outside periods of active NPF and growth, so there are hardly any other local sources of sub-25 nm particles. Additional atmospheric ion size distribution data simultaneously collected for more than 2 years were also analyzed. Classification of NPF events based on ion spectrometer measurements differed from the corresponding classification based on a mobility spectrometer, possibly indicating a different representation of local and regional NPF events between these two measurement data sets. We used the MALTE-Box model for simulating a case study of NPF in the eastern Mediterranean region. Monoterpenes contributing to NPF can explain a large fraction of the observed NPF events according to our model simulations. However the adjusted parameterization resulting from our sensitivity tests was significantly different from the initial one that had been determined for the boreal environment. Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. 2672 N. Kalivitis et al.: Formation and growth of atmospheric nanoparticles in the eastern Mediterranean
Concentration of Platinum Group Elements during the Early Earth Evolution: A Review*

Numerous unique geological processes [1] took place during the early Earth evolution; several of them, especially those occurring in the Hadean—Early Archean and later, are reflected in the modern geological (geophysical, geochemical, etc.) pattern. One such significant enigmatic feature is the preservation of extremely dense and heavy platinum group elements (PGEs): Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os. Concentration of PGEs during this period could have taken place in two ways: 1) presence of particular matter capable of preserving PGEs near the earth's surface, 2) transportation of PGEs by magma flows from deep lithospheric (asthenospheric) layers (slabs) to the subsurface. Clearly, much of the dense and heavy PGEs did not sink through to the Earth’s mantle (core) at the time of the magma-ocean, and occur near Earth’s surface in abundances for formation of ore deposits with PGE concentrations found to be 2 - 3 orders of magnitude greater than those in their host media. Their enrichments are associated in numerous cases with such enigmatic phenomena as formation of anorthosites and anorthosite-bearing layered magmatic intrusions. PGE deposits and mineralization zones are also found in associations with chromitites, dunites and serpentinites. In this review, problems related to the initial concentration and preservation of PGEs, their association with anorthosites, and formation of layered intrusions are discussed in detail. The main aim of this article is analysis of the requirements—initial concentration and preservation of PGE and PGM (Platinum Group Minerals) during the early Earth evolution, as well as examination of the distribution behavior of some PGEs in different ore deposits and meteorites. It is supposed that meteoritic bombardment of Earth has played a significant role in formation of PGEs deposits. Some conclusions made in this article may be useful for developing and enhancing strategies of prospecting for PGEs deposits.
Saturation mechanism of the weibel instability in weakly magnetized plasmas

The saturation mechanism of the Weibel instability is investigated theoretically by considering the evolution of currents in numerous cylindrical beams that are generated in the initial stage of the instability. Based on a physical model of the beams, it is shown that the magnetic field strength attains a maximum value when the currents in the beams evolve into the Alfven current and that there exist two saturation regimes. The theoretical prediction of the magnetic field strength at saturation is in good agreement with the results of two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations for a wide range of initial anisotropy.
Exome Sequencing of Uterine Leiomyosarcomas Identifies Frequent Mutations in TP 53 , ATRX , and MED 12 Makinen

Uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMSs) are aggressive smooth muscle tumors associated with poor clinical outcome. Despite previous cytogenetic and molecular studies, their molecular background has remained elusive. To examine somatic variation in ULMS, we performed exome sequencing on 19 tumors. Altogether, 43 genes were mutated in at least two ULMSs. Most frequently mutated genes included tumor protein P53 (TP53; 6/19; 33%), alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX; 5/19; 26%), andmediator complex subunit 12 (MED12; 4/19; 21%). Unlike ATRXmutations, both TP53 andMED12 alterations have repeatedly been associated with ULMSs. All the observed ATRX alterations were either nonsense or frameshift mutations. ATRX protein levels were reliably analyzed by immunohistochemistry in altogether 44 ULMSs, and the majority of tumors (23/44; 52%) showed clearly reduced expression. Loss of ATRX expression has been associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), and thus the telomere length was analyzed with telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization. The ALT phenotype was confirmed in all ULMSs showing diminished ATRX expression. Exome data also revealed one nonsense mutation in death-domain associated protein (DAXX), another gene previously associated with ALT, and the tumor showed ALT positivity. In conclusion, exome sequencing revealed that TP53, ATRX, andMED12 are frequently mutated in ULMSs. ALT phenotype was commonly seen in tumors, indicating that ATR inhibitors, which were recently suggested as possible new drugs for ATRX-deficient tumors, could provide a potential novel therapeutic option for ULMS. PLOSGenetics | DOI:10.1371/journal.pgen. 1005850 February 18, 2016 1 / 13 a11111
S 447 X variant of the lipoprotein lipase gene , lipids , and risk of coronary heart disease in 3 prospective cohort studies

Background Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) has a prominent role in the metabolism of triglycerides (TGs) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and is a potential interesting target for the development of antiatherogenic treatment. To provide deeper insight into the role of natural variation in this gene, we investigated the association between the LPL S447X variant with lipids and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in 3 independent, prospective studies. Methods The S447X variant was genotyped in case-control studies of incident CHD nested within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), and the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health (DCH) study, totaling 245, 258, and 962 cases, respectively. Results S447X carriers tended to have lower TG and higher HDL-C concentrations than noncarriers. The S447X variant was associated with a lower risk of CHD in the NHS; the association was weaker in the HPFS and not statistically significant in the DCH women and men. The pooled relative risk per minor allele was 0.74 (0.56-1.00). There was a suggestion that the associations of the S447X variant with plasma lipids and CHD risk were more pronounced in obese individuals in the NHS study, but this finding was not consistent across the studies. Conclusions The LPL S447X variant tended to be associated with lower TG and higher HDL-C levels, and lower risk of CHD in all 3 cohorts. Lipoprotein lipase is an attractive target for clinical intervention, but studies are needed to clarify whether greater benefit from this variant may be conferred in some subgroups. (Am Heart J 2009;157:384-90.)
EVALUATION OF A BLOCKCHAIN-BASED PROOF-OF-POSSESSION IMPLEMENTATION

Proofs of possession are required to record forensic evidence or to handle copyright claims for images. The use of hashes and signatures, both with and without blockchains, has been proposed for these applications. However, there has been no consideration of the practicality of implementing such schemes on any of the publicly available blockchains. In this work, we describe and evaluate a verifiable, privacypreserving and computationally binding proof of possession for images using the Ethereum blockchain. We describe an implementation consisting of a smart contract, for which we analyze costs of operation and other practical concerns. We find that image size greatly impacts performance and costs, suggesting that rigorous proofs of possession are only feasible on dedicated private Ethereum blockchains with modified cost models. These requirements may be eased by providing proofs on compressed or lower-quality copies of the images.
Effect of Melatonin on some Biochemical Parameters in D-galactose Induced Aging in Rats

The current research investigates the main physiological and potent antioxidant roles of melatonin hormone in induced aging rats by D-galactose administration. This research includes 4 groups of male rat, Group 1:considered as a control group administered distilled water, Group 2: Dgalactose induced aging by administration of (300mg/kg B.Wt .S.C.) for 15 weeks, Group 3: administered melatonin hormone (10 mg/kg B.wt. orally) for 15 weeks, Group 4: induced aging by D-galactose (300mg/kg B.wt .S.C.)+melatonin hormone (10 mg/kg B.wt. orally) for 15 weeks. Results Body and brain weight is decreased in the induced aging rats. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) is increased significantly in the Dgalactose aged rats compared with control group accompanied with significant decrease in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione (GSH) level induced aging rats compared with control rat group. Melatonin hormone could effectively attenuates these alterations. conclusion: melatonin hormone administration counteracted the accelerated induced aging process by D-galactose in rats which may be due to its effects on antioxidant enhancing activity and protect the cell from lipid and protein oxidation.
Threshold Effect of Tourism Development on Economic Growth Following a Disaster Shock: Evidence from the Wenchuan Earthquake, P.R. China

To examine whether tourism can effectively stimulate economic growth following a disaster shock, we apply a panel threshold regression technique to test the threshold effect of tourism development on economic growth of the 36 Wenchuan earthquake-affected counties in 2008–2016. The empirical results using the panel fixed-effects model show that tourism significantly contributes to economic growth, supporting the validity of the tourism-led growth hypothesis (TLGH) for the disaster-affected destinations. The results of the panel threshold regression model also indicate a threshold effect of tourism development on economic growth, implying that counties with different conditions of tourism specialization and industrial structure experience different impacts on the tourism-growth nexus. Specifically, the estimated coefficients of tourism on economic growth decrease with the levels of tourism specialization and industrial structure exceeding the threshold value. Based on the Tourism Area Life Cycle theory (TALC), we further divide the 36 disaster-stricken counties into six types based on the evolution of tourism specialization: Exploration-stage type, involvement-stage type, transition-stage type, development-stage type, consolidation-stage type, and stagnation-stage type. The empirical findings and managerial implications discussed are generally applicable to policymakers seeking new ways to invigorate the economy in other disaster-affected destinations.
Age changes in the structure of human atrioventricular annuli

SUMMARY Atrioventricular annuli are important in hemodynamic stability and support to tricuspid and mitral valves. Anatomical features of the annuli such as circumference, organization of connective tissue fibers, myocardium and cellularity may predispose to annular insufficiency and valvular incompetence. These pathologies increase with age and are more common in females, although the anatomical basis for this disparity remains unclear. This study therefore aimed to investigate age-related changes in the structure of human atrioventricular annuli. One hundred and one hearts (48males, 53 females) from subjects (15 to 60 years) were studied in three age groups (≤ 20 yrs, 21-39 yrs and 40-60 yrs). Annular circumferences were measured and corrected for heart weight. Routine histology was carried out on 21 hearts. Differences in annular circumference between the age groups were determined using one-way ANOVA while gender differences were determined using independent Students’t-test. Overall, females had significantly larger annular circumference than males after correcting for heart weight (p ≤0.05). The annular circumference generally increased with age however there was a significant increase in the 21-39 year age group (p ≤0.05). Microscopically, myocardium was consistently present in males but absent in females except in one specimen. The collagen fiber density increased with age in both gender as the fibers became more irregular. The annular cellularity, elasticity and myocardial content also declined with increasing age. The significantly wider annular circumference in the 2139 year age group is clinically important as wider circumference is associated with decreased heart valve coaptation and valvular incompetence. This may suggest an earlier predisposition to this pathology in the study population. The age-related decrease in annular cellularity, elasticity and myocardial content may explain the higher incidence of valvular incompetence with increasing age.
Clinical and Pharmacological basis for the Use of Telmisartan in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

Statement of the problem: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common cause of diabetic neuropathy (DNP) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders that can cause neuronal dysfunction throughout the human body. The incidence of diabetes and its complications is increasing to staggering proportions. In 2014 the WHO estimated an overall prevalence of 422 million (8,5%). The incidence of diabetic neuropathy approaches 50% in most diabetic populations; there is no treatment, and its consequences in the form of foot ulceration and amputation. The recent studies suggest that the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a vital role in regulating glucose metabolism and blood pressure. In the same time the metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes lead to activation RAAS, which might promote the formation of reactive oxygen species to lead the endothelial and neuronal dysfunctions. Furthermore, TNFα is part of the response of the organism to hypertension and is originally described as one of the central mediators of inflammation trough the activation of transcription factor NFκB an important factor in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The study population consists of 15 individuals diagnosed with DM complicated by DNP. The enrolled subjects will take Telmisartan during 6 weeks. At the start of the trial and on completion of the six weeks period TNFα level and C-peptide as well as evaluation of severity of DPN will be determined. Findings: Telmisartan by reducing of plasma TNFa level improves moderately conditions of DM patients with DNP. Namely, the symptoms of neuropathy are relatively reduced; Telmisartan has visible TNFα modulatory effects but do not change C-peptide level properly. Conclusion & Significance: Our results confirm hypothesis that TNFα may play a substantial role in the development and progression of DM as well as in pathogenesis of DPN. Telmisartan moderately ameliorates symptoms of DPN patients by visible modulatory impact on TNFα. So, we have results for further research to compare Telmisartan with other RAAS inhibitors for final clinical and pharmacological analysis of RAAS inhibitors application in diabetic neuropathy.
Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Retrieval of Water Quality Indicators in Case-II Waters: A Case Study of Hong Kong

Anthropogenic activities in coastal regions are endangering marine ecosystems. Coastal waters classified as case-II waters are especially complex due to the presence of different constituents. Recent advances in remote sensing technology have enabled to capture the spatiotemporal variability of the constituents in coastal waters. The present study evaluates the potential of remote sensing using machine learning techniques, for improving water quality estimation over the coastal waters of Hong Kong. Concentrations of suspended solids (SS), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and turbidity were estimated with several machine learning techniques including Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Cubist regression (CB), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). Landsat (5,7,8) reflectance data were compared with in situ reflectance data to evaluate the performance of machine learning models. The highest accuracies of the water quality indicators were achieved by ANN for both, in situ reflectance data (89%-Chl-a, 93%-SS, and 82%-turbidity) and satellite data (91%-Chl-a, 92%-SS, and 85%-turbidity. The water quality parameters retrieved by the ANN model was further compared to those retrieved by “standard Case-2 Regional/Coast Colour” (C2RCC) processing chain model C2RCC-Nets. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) for estimating SS and Chl-a were 3.3 mg/L and 2.7 µg/L, respectively, using ANN, whereas RMSEs were 12.7 mg/L and 12.9 µg/L for suspended particulate matter (SPM) and Chl-a concentrations, respectively, when C2RCC was applied on Landsat-8 data. Relative variable importance was also conducted to investigate the consistency between in situ reflectance data and satellite data, and results show that both datasets are similar. The red band (wavelength ≈ 0.665 µm) and the product of red and green band (wavelength ≈ 0.560 µm) were influential inputs in both reflectance data sets for estimating SS and turbidity, and the ratio between red and blue band (wavelength ≈ 0.490 µm) as well as the ratio between infrared (wavelength ≈ 0.865 µm) and blue band and green band proved to be more useful for the estimation of Chl-a concentration, due to their sensitivity to high turbidity in the coastal waters. The results indicate that the NN based machine learning approaches perform better and, thus, can be used for improved water quality monitoring with satellite data in optically complex coastal waters.
Показатели системы нейропептидов в острый период опоясывающего герпеса

The neuropeptides comprise an important part in the nervous system interacting with endocrine and immune systems. Peptide regulators are responsible for the continuity of communicating elements, which support homeostasis, however, despite abundant research examining neuropeptides, not all specific mechanisms and features of interacting proteins with cells and immune components have been uncovered. Objective: to perform a comprehensive assessment of neuropeptide system in patients with herpes zoster. Materials and methods: 106 in-hospital patients were examined diagnosed with herpes zoster within 2016–2019 period. Control group consisted of 30 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. Blood serum was collected after verifying diagnosis on day 1. After discharge, patients were monitored for signs of pain syndrome and overall state within 3 months. It allowed to divide patients into 3 groups retrospectively. Group 1 — patients with herpes zoster, accompanied by mild or moderate pain syndrome; group 2 — patients with herpes zoster, accompanied by severe pain; group 3 — patients with herpes zoster, complicated by postherpetic neuralgia. Level of serum protein s100B, myelin basic protein, nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuron specific enolase was measured by using specific reagents purchased from “R&D Diagnostics Inc.” (США). Results. it was found that level of serum protein S100B in all groups was significantly increased compared to control group, showing no inter-group differences. Amount of myelin basic protein in all study groups vs. control was significantly higher. Moreover, level of these parameters in group 2 vs. group 1 and 3 was significantly elevated. In addition, level of nerve growth factor was significantly increased in group 1 vs. groups 2 and 3, whereas in group 3 it was significantly lower than in control and group 2. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly decreased in all the study groups compared to control, showing no significant intergroup differences. Level of neuron-specific enolase was significantly increased in group 3 vs. control as well as group 1 and 2. The data obtained allowed to identify two parameters for assessing a risk of postherpetic neuralgia in acute herpes zoster, as well as provided deeper insights into the pathogenesis of neuroimmune disorders accompanying herpes zoster.
Volume of Moduli Space of Vortex Equations and Localization

We evaluate volume of moduli space of BPS vortices on a compact genus h Riemann surface Σh by using topological field theory and localization technique developed by Moore, Nekrasov and Shatashvili. We apply this technique to Abelian (ANO) vortex and show that the volume of moduli space agrees with the previous results obtained by integrating over the moduli space metric. We extend the evaluation to non-Abelian gauge groups and multi
Bis-γ-carbolines as new potential multitarget agents for Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract A new series of homobivalent Dimebon analogs, bis-γ-carbolines with alkylene, phenylenedialkylene, and triazole-containing spacers, was synthesized. Doubling the γ-carboline pharmacophore increased inhibitory potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) compared with Dimebon, while keeping Dimebon’s anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity; therefore, leading to inversion of selectivity. Molecular docking revealed the reasons for the increased anti-AChE activity and ability to block AChE-induced aggregation of β-amyloid for bis-γ-carbolines, which became double-site inhibitors of AChE. Conjugates with ditriazole-containing spacers were the most active antioxidants in both the ABTS-test and prevention of lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates without inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Conjugates with alkylene (4a–d), phenylenedialkylene (4e), and monotriazole (8) spacers were less active as antioxidants but prevented induction of the MPT and increased the calcium retention capacity of mitochondria. Lead compound 4e showed neuroprotective potential in a cellular calcium overload model of neurodegeneration. Computational studies showed that all the bis-γ-carbolines were expected to have high values for intestinal absorption and very good blood-brain barrier permeability along with good drug-likeness. Overall, the results showed that new homobivalent Dimebon analogs exhibit an expanded spectrum of biological activity and improved pharmacological properties, making them promising candidates for further research and optimization as multitarget agents for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.