Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First measurements of reactive α-dicarbonyl concentrations on PM 2.5 aerosol over the Boreal forest in Finland during HUMPPA-COPEC 2010 – source apportionment and links to aerosol aging

Abstract. The first dataset for summertime boreal forest concentrations of two atmospherically relevant α-dicarbonyl compounds, glyoxal (Gly) and methylglyoxal (Mgly) on PM 2.5 aerosol was obtained during the HUMPPA-COPEC-2010 field measurement intensive in Hyytiala, Finland. Anthropogenic influences over the course of the campaign were identified using trace gas signatures and aerosol particle chemical composition analysis. The data evaluation allowed the identification of different events such as urban pollution plumes, biomass burning and sawmill emissions as sources of high Gly and Mgly concentrations. Mean aerosol concentrations during periods of biogenic influence were 0.81 ng m −3 for Gly and 0.31 ng m −3 for Mgly. Mgly was generally less abundant in PM 2.5 , probably due to its shorter photolysis lifetime and less effective partitioning into the particle phase due to its smaller effective Henry's Law constant compared to Gly. This is in contrast with previous urban studies which show significantly more Mgly than Gly. Peak concentrations for Gly coincided with nearby sources, e.g. high VOC emissions from nearby sawmills, urban pollution plumes from the city of Tampere located 50 km southwest of the sampling site and biomass burning emissions from wildfires. Calculated ratios of Gly in PM 2.5 and total organic matter in PM 1 aerosols indicate higher values in less aged aerosols. Irreversible processing of Gly in the particle phase, e.g. via oxidation by OH radicals, organo sulfate or imidazole formation are processes currently discussed in the literature which could likely explain these findings.
Intermediate-mass black holes in dwarf galaxies out to redshift ∼2.4 in the Chandra COSMOS-Legacy Survey

We present a sample of 40 AGN in dwarf galaxies at redshifts $z \lesssim$ 2.4. The galaxies are drawn from the \textit{Chandra} COSMOS-Legacy survey as having stellar masses $10^{7}\leq M_{*}\leq3 \times 10^{9}$ M$_{\odot}$. Most of the dwarf galaxies are star-forming. After removing the contribution from star formation to the X-ray emission, the AGN luminosities of the 40 dwarf galaxies are in the range $L_\mathrm{0.5-10 keV} \sim10^{39} - 10^{44}$ erg s$^{-1}$. With 12 sources at $z > 0.5$, our sample constitutes the highest-redshift discovery of AGN in dwarf galaxies. The record-holder is cid\_1192, at $z = 2.39$ and with $L_\mathrm{0.5-10 keV} \sim 10^{44}$ erg s$^{-1}$. One of the dwarf galaxies has $M_\mathrm{*} = 6.6 \times 10^{7}$ M$_{\odot}$ and is the least massive galaxy found so far to host an AGN. All the AGN are of type 2 and consistent with hosting intermediate-mass black holes (BHs) with masses $\sim 10^{4} - 10^{5}$ M$_{\odot}$ and typical Eddington ratios $> 1\%$. We also study for the first time the evolution, corrected for completeness, of AGN fraction with stellar mass, X-ray luminosity, and redshift in dwarf galaxies out to $z$ = 0.7. We find that the AGN fraction for $10^{9}< M_{*}\leq3 \times 10^{9}$ M$_{\odot}$ and $L_\mathrm{X} \sim 10^{41}-10^{42}$ erg s$^{-1}$ is $\sim$0.4\% for $z \leq$ 0.3 and that it decreases with X-ray luminosity and decreasing stellar mass. Unlike massive galaxies, the AGN fraction is found to decrease with redshift, from $\sim$0.2\% for $z \leq$ 0.3 and $L_\mathrm{X} \gtrsim 10^{42}$ erg s$^{-1}$ to 0.04\% for $0.5 < z \leq 0.7$, suggesting that AGN in dwarf galaxies evolve differently than those in high-mass galaxies. Mindful of potential caveats, the results seem to favor a direct collapse formation mechanism for the seed BHs in the early Universe.
Combinations of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and ERAD Inhibitor Promote Oxidative Stress–Induced Apoptosis through ATF4 and KLF9 in Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) originates from the C cells of the thyroid gland, which secrete calcitonin. Lymph node and distant metastases are frequently present at diagnosis. Activating mutations of RET, a driver oncogene in MTC that encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor, prevents apoptosis through inhibition of ATF4, a key transcriptional regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We hypothesized that the combination of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and an ATF4 inducer promotes cell death by triggering catastrophic oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. Here, we report that the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) inhibitor eeyarestatin sensitized MTC cells to the TKIs, sunitinib and vandetanib, thereby leading to synergistic upregulation of ATF4 expression, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and subsequent cell death. Genome-wide analysis of ATF4 interaction sites by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing revealed that among ATF4 target genes was KLF9 (Kruppel-like factor 9), which induces MTC apoptosis. ChIP assays revealed that ATF4 occupancy at the KLF9 promoter was increased in MTC cells treated with eeyarestatin or vandetanib alone and was further enhanced in cells treated with both drugs, leading to increased KLF9 transcription. Depletion of ATF4 by shRNA led to downregulation of KLF9 expression and prevented oxidative stress–induced cell death. Furthermore, we identified ATF4 target genes (LZTFL1, MKNK2, and SIAH1 with known tumor suppressor function) that were synergistically upregulated with the combination of TKI and ERAD inhibitor. Implications: These findings reveal a combination therapy that induces reactive oxygen species–dependent catastrophic cell death through induction of ATF4 and KLF9 transcriptional activity.
Fast object detection in digital grayscale images

Fast object detection in digital grayscale images The problem of specific object detection in digital grayscale images is considered under the following conditions: relatively small image fragments can be analysed (a priori information about the size of objects is available); images contain a varying undefined background (clutter) of larger objects; processing time should be minimised and must be independent from the image contents; proposed methods should provide for efficient implementation in application-specific electronic circuits. The last two conditions reflect the aim to propose approaches suitable for application in real time systems where known sophisticated methods would be inapplicable. The research is motivated by potential applications in the food industry (detection of contaminants in products from their X-ray images), medicine (detection of anomalies in fragments of computer tomography images etc.). Possible objects to be detected may include compact small objects, curved lines in different directions, and small regions of pixels with brightness different from the background. The paper describes proposed image processing approaches to detection of such objects and the results obtained from processing of sample food images. Ātra objektu atklāšana diskrētos pelēko toņu attēlos Darbā aplūkotas specifisku objektu atklāšanas problēmas digitālos pelēko toņu attēlos sekojošos apstākļos: iespējams analizēt relatīvi mazus attēla fragmentus (ir pieejama iepriekšēja informācija par meklējamo objektu izmēriem); attēli satur nedefinētu lielāku objektu fonu; nepieciešams minimizēt apstrādes laiku, tam jābūt neatkarīgam no attēla satura; jāizstrādā metodes, kuras var efektīvi realizēt, izmantojot specializētas mikroshēmas. Pēdējie divi nosacījumi izriet no mērķa piedāvāt pieejas, kuras var izmantot reālā laika sistēmās apstākļos, kad zināmas sarežgītas attēlu apstrādes metodes nav izmantojamas nepietiekošu pieejamo resursu dēļ. Darbu motivēja potenciālie pielietojumi pārtikas rūpniecībā (svešķermeņu atklāšana produktos, apstrādājot to rentgena attēlus), medicīnā (anomāliju atklāšana datortomogrāfu attēlos u.c.). Risināmie uzdevumi ietver kompaktu mazu objektu, dažādos virzienos liektu līniju, mazu attēla rajonu atklāšanu ar gaišumu, kas atšķiras no fona, un tamlīdzīgi. Darbā aprakstītas piedāvātās attēlu apstrādes pieejas šādu objektu atrašanai, kā arī ilustrēti rezultāti, kuri iegūti, apstrādājot pārtikas preču paraugu attēlus.
E6.3 - Overview on solid-state dosimeter-type gas sensors

Based on irreversible analyte accumulation in the sensitive layer, dosimeter-type gas sensors are promising for the long-term monitoring of low levels of analytes. Thereby, the analyte dose can be detected either during progressive analyte sorption or release with a direct correlation between the sensor response and the cumulated analyte amount. A short overview on various solid-state resistive dosimeter-type sensors for several gaseous analytes is given in order to demonstrate the potential of this cumulative sensing principle. The focus is on a NOx sensor based on chemical NOx storage with linear characteristics concerning the NOx dose allowing for additional information on the actual NOx concentration from the signal derivative.
Biogeography and biodiversity of gastropod molluscs from the eastern Brazilian continental shelf and slope

Los patrones de distribucion biogeografica de gastropodos fueron propuestos basados en la distribucion geografica y batimetrica de las especies. Los muestreos fueron realizados en el margen continental brasileno entre 18°S y 23°S, en 37 estaciones de 20 m a 1.330 m de profundidad. El analisis de los patrones de distribucion biogeografica confirmo la existencia de una zona de transicion de aguas tropicales a aguas subtropicales, que se encuentra en la zona de la plataforma continental y tambien en la zona del talud continental, esto puede sugerir una relacion con la circulacion de las masas de agua. Se observo una elevada tasa de turnover de las especies entre la plataforma y el talud continental. El analisis de las especies de gastropodos revelo un patron similar tanto en la plataforma como en el talud y una gran diferencia entre las faunas de las aguas someras y profundas.
Global Trust: A Trust Model for Cloud Service Selection

Abstract —Cloud Computing refers to network-based service provided by a large number of computers, sharing computing and storage resources. Combined with on-demand provisioning mechanisms and relied on a pay-per-use business model. The Cloud Computing offers the possibilities to scale rapidly, to store data remotely and to share services in a dynamic environment. However, these benefits can be seen as weaknesses for assuring trust, and providing confidence to the users of service. In this case, some traditional mechanisms to guarantee reliable services are no longer suitable or dynamic enough, and new models need to be developed to fit this paradigm. This study describes the assessment of the trust in the context of Cloud Computing, proposes a new trust model adapted to Cloud environments, and shows some experiments in regards of the proposed solution. Index Terms —Trust, Cloud Computing, service selection, Cloud Service Provider, Certain Logic, Direct Trust, Recommended Trust. II I. I
The Substitution Principle within the REACH Regulation: Nuclear Receptor-Bound Endocrine Disruptors

Within the REACH Regulation (EC/1907/2006), the substitution principle for chemicals classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for either human health or environmental risks has been implemented in order to support their replacement by suitable alternatives. Considering the thousands of chemicals to be tested within the frame of REACH, animal testing by internationally-accepted guidelines sounds unreasonable in terms of the required time, costs as well ethical issues. Hence, REACH recommended also the use of alternative methods to animal experimentation although no validated in silico or in vitro tools were available when regulation entried into force. To search for suitable alternatives to SVHC having an Endocrine Disruptor (ED)-like Mode-of-Action (MoA) by means of an integrated, tiered in silico-in vitro approach, the EU-granted project LIFE-EDESIA (contract no. LIFE12 ENV/IT/000633) is combining computational-based tools and cell-based bioassays, in order to develop a no-animal testing procedure to screen for chemicals having less or no toxicity in terms of endocrine disruption-like activities. A general view of the no-animal testing approach implementing REACH and the substitution principle will be given, emphasising ligand-nuclear receptor (NR) assessment by molecular docking (one of the LIFE-EDESIA in silico approaches) and the use of clinical biomarkers in in vitro toxicology to detect ED-like adverse effects in cell-based bioassays.
Periventricular microglial cells interact with dividing precursor cells in the nonhuman primate and rodent prenatal cerebral cortex

Cortical proliferative zones have been studied for over 100 years, yet recent data have revealed that microglial cells constitute a sizeable proportion of ventricular zone cells during late stages of cortical neurogenesis. Microglia begin colonizing the forebrain after neural tube closure and during later stages of neurogenesis populate regions of the developing cortex that include the proliferative zones. We previously showed that microglia regulate the production of cortical cells by phagocytosing neural precursor cells (NPCs), but how microglia interact with NPCs remains poorly understood. Here we report on a distinct subset of microglial cells, which we term periventricular microglia, that are located near the lateral ventricle in the prenatal neocortex. Periventricular microglia exhibit a set of similar characteristics in embryonic rat and fetal rhesus monkey cortex. In both species, these cells occupy ~60 μm of the ventricular zone in the tangential axis and make contact with the soma and processes of NPCs dividing at the ventricle for over 50 μm along the radial axis. Periventricular microglia exhibit notable differences across species, including distinct morphological features such as terminal bouton‐like structures that contact mitotic NPCs in the fetal rhesus monkey but not in rat. These morphological distinctions suggest differential functions of periventricular microglia in rat and rhesus monkey, yet are consistent with the concept that microglia regulate NPC function in the developing cerebral cortex of mammalian species.
The Propagation of Spherical Vortices

A model based on dimensional arguments is presented in order to predict the propagation velocity of the entrained fluid of a neutrally buoyant spherical vortex. The model vortex is characterized by single length and velocity scales. Its behaviour is considered in the two limiting cases of zero and infinite Reynolds number. Comparison of predictions from the model with experimental observations suggests that all stable vortices can be characterized by these two cases.
Is there a relationship between loneliness and psychotic experiences? : an empirical investigation and a meta-analysis

Introduction Method Results Discussion Conclusions References Chapter 2. Empirical Investigation Abstract IntroductionIntroduction Method Results Discussion Conclusions References Chapter 3. Appendices & Supplementary Information List of appendices 1 2 3 6 11 19 23 25 35 36 37 40 47 53 56 58 68 68
Effect of Magnetic Field Treatments on Seed Germination of Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis L. , commonly known as lemon balm, is a perennial herb belonging to Lamiaceae family. It has therapeutic properties, such as sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, anti-viral, wound healing, digestive, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-septic and anti-thyroid. Lemon balm has been used for the treatment of headache, indigestion, colic, nervousness, cardiac problems, depression, rheumatism, indigestion, hypersensitivities, anxiety and depression traditionally. Beneficial effects of lemon balm are ascribed to the phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid, tannins and flavonoids. Studies showed that magnetic field applications in agriculture can be used to improve the quality and quantity of the product. Positive effects of the stationary magnetic field on the plant seed germination have been recorded with some plant species. In this study, effects of magnetic field on M. officinalis seeds were investigated. Seeds were sterilized in 0.1 % HgCl2 for 10 min and 70 % Ethanol for 1-2 min. After surface sterilization of the seeds, they were placed in petri dishes containing Murashige and Skoog’s medium with sucrose and agar. Neodymium block magnets (100 X 50 X 5 mm) were used to create magnetic fields (50 mT and 100 mT). Ten seeds were placed in each petri plates and 10 petri plates were used for each treatment. Petri dishes containing surface sterilized seeds were placed in 3 different conditions [without magnetic field application (control) and magnetic field applications (low-50 mT and high-100 mT)] and the germination (radicle protrusion) was assessed. Seeds were exposed to magnetic fields for 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 144 and 240 hours. The number of germinated seeds was recorded for 20 days. Best seed germination was obtained with 100 mT magnetic field application for 1 hour (52 %). Seed germination rate was rather low (28 %) without magnetic field application (control). In consistent with 100 mT magnetic field application, 1 hour exposure to 50 mT magnetic field gave better germination rate (36 %) than control. The lowest seed germination was observed with 240 hours exposure to both magnetic fields (27 % for 100 mT and 16 % for 50 mT). Magnetic field applications also decreased the seed germination time. Although seed germination was observed in 11. day with control, it was obtained in 7. day with both magnetic field applications. Magnetic field application enhanced the percentage of germinated seed and shortened the period of seed germination in M. officinalis.
Extending body and imagination: moving to move

Abstract This article discusses a range of interactive body-worn systems and devices for performance, play, rehabilitation and disability or altered-ability support. The systems combine experimental and off-the-shelf technologies to arrive at outcomes that require and inspire extended physical and expressive engagement, and afford a range of different learning opportunities. Notions of extended bodies, shared augmented environments, magical thinking and play are examined for their poetic valence, as well as for therapeutic potential. Much of the work is in its early stages. Several scenarios of use are outlined for each of the devices, and relevance to ArtAbilitation proposed. The aim is to generate collaborative interest and inform development.
On the complementarity between onthe-job training and Ra brief overview

In this paper I briefly review the existing literature on the complementarity between on-the-job training and RI show that the complementarity is studied, on the one hand, within two lines of economic research, labour economics and endogenous growth. On the other hand, from the empirical point of view, some recent papers seem to confirm results of theoretical studies, by arguing that a specific training for RDis quite often a crucial condition for adopting new technologies. I conclude that this issue is treated by different subsets of economic literature which need other improvements, and particularly, an integration I would like to thank the editor associate and participants at EALE 2006 Annual Conference, Prague and SIE (Società Italiana Economisti) 2006 Annual Conference, Verona, for their valuable suggestions and comments. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and, in particular, do not necessarily reflect those of the Department for Development Policies of the Ministry of Economic Development. The usual disclaimer applies. Citation: Scicchitano, Sergio, (2007) "On the complementarity between on-the-job training and Ra brief overview. " Economics Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 2 pp. 1-11 Submitted: January 15, 2007. Accepted: January 29, 2007. URL: http://economicsbulletin.vanderbilt. edu/2007/volume15/EB-07O00002A.pdf
An investigation into the suitability of the use of unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVS) to support the initial needs assessment process in rapid onset humanitarian disasters

In the aftermath of any disaster situation, achieving an accurate and timely needs assessment is the key to the efficiency and effectiveness of the subsequent logistic response. However, in the light of the inevitable disruption to both the physical and information infrastructure of the affected area, this paper presents the results of an initial theoretical investigation into the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAVS) as a means of complementing existing satellite, manned aircraft and pedestrian data-gathering techniques. Using a case study based on the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, the paper investigates how a UAVS might be employed, the information that could be obtained, and the consequential benefits. It concludes that a UAVS does, indeed, have potential to support the overall needs assessment process, and a first estimate of the required conditions for success is offered, together with recommendations for the further practical research that it is considered necessary in order to operationalise the concept.
Sea-ice evaluation of NEMO-Nordic 1.0: a NEMO–LIM3.6-based ocean–sea-ice model setup for the North Sea and Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a seasonally ice-covered marginal sea in northern Europe with intense wintertime ship traffic and a sensitive ecosystem. Understanding and modeling the evolution of the sea-ice pack is important for climate effect studies and forecasting purposes. Here we present and evaluate the sea-ice component of a new NEMO–LIM3.6-based ocean–sea-ice setup for the North Sea and Baltic Sea region (NEMO-Nordic). The setup includes a new depth-based fast-ice parametrization for the Baltic Sea. The evaluation focuses on long-term statistics, from a 45-year long hindcast, although short-term daily performance is also briefly evaluated. We show that NEMO-Nordic is well suited for simulating the mean sea-ice extent, concentration, and thickness as compared to the best available observational data set. The variability of the annual maximum Baltic Sea ice extent is well in line with the observations, but the 1961–2006 trend is underestimated. Capturing the correct ice thickness distribution is more challenging. Based on the simulated ice thickness distribution we estimate the undeformed and deformed ice thickness and concentration in the Baltic Sea, which compares reasonably well with observations.
Redistribution of Calving Caribou in Response to Oil Field Development on the Arctic Slope of Alaska

Aerial surveys were conducted annually in June 1978-87 near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to determine changes in the distribution of calving caribou ( Rangifer tarandus granti ) that accompanied petroleum-related development. With construction of an oil field access road through a calving concentration area, mean caribou density (no./sq. km) decreased from 1.41 to 0.31 (P=0.05) with 1 km and increased from 1.41 to 4.53 (P=0.04) 5-6 km from the road. Concurrently, relative caribou use of the adjacent area declined (P<0.02), apparently in response to increasing surface development. We suggest that perturbed distribution associated with roads reduced the capacity of the nearby area to sustain parturient females and that insufficient spacing of roads may have depressed overall calving activity. Use of traditional calving grounds and of certain areas therein appears to favor calf survival, principally through lower predation risk and improved foraging conditions. Given the possible loss of those habitats through displacement and the crucial importance of the reproductive process, a cautious approach to petroleum development on the Arctic Slope is warranted. Key words: Alaska, calving, caribou, disturbance, oil field