SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Peptide based self-replicating coacervate protocells

One of the most fundamental questions in chemistry and biology is how a self-replicating protocell could form from collection of inanimate molecules. Self-replicating RNA molecules in lipid compartments have been widely studied, but these systems are inherently unstable and a plausible mechanism for their spontaneous formation and repeated replication is still lacking. Here, I propose to use coacervation of self-templating peptides as a radically new approach to create stable self-replicating protocells. We will use short peptide building blocks with aromatic and ionic side chains that are designed for self- or cross-recognition. The building blocks can dimerize through reversible or irreversible chemical bond formation, including disulfide, imine, alkene (metathesis) and peptide (native chemical ligation) bonds. Preliminary results indicate that these peptides spontaneously form coacervate droplets when dimerized. The coacervates enhance the self-replication by naturally concentrating the peptide building blocks, catalyzing the template-directed peptide dimerization and stabilizing the product. By periodic cycling of the solution temperature or pH, the coacervate protocells can be dissolved and recondensed, yielding an elementary system of self-replicating protocells. These coacervate protocells not only concentrate peptides, but also nucleotides, inorganic nanoparticles and pigments, creating a potent microreactor for prebiotic chemistry. Developing these model system will provide valuable insights in new prebiotically plausible pathways to self-replication and the origin of life.
Metabolic dynamics in colorectal cancer

Metabolic reprogramming has recently emerged as a key hallmark of cancer. Despite many efforts made to identify metabolic properties of cancer cells, there is a complete lack of understanding of the specific steps in the tumorigenic process when this metabolic rewiring occurs and its biological consequences. In this regard, our previous work has revealed a critical role of glucose metabolism in driving tumor initiation, in particular in the intestine. Importantly, recent studies have demonstrated that intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are the cell of origin of colorectal cancer (CRC), and our preliminary data suggests that glucose metabolism could be important for ISC activity. Based on these findings, we propose to study the specific metabolic properties of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and its relevance in stem cell dynamics and CRC initiation and progression. Specifically, we will develop three aims:
1. To analyze the role of metabolic reprogramming in ISCs and its contribution to CRC by employing a combination of genetic, metabolic and imaging techniques.
2. To study the metabolic evolution of CRC.  In this aim, by using patient-derived xenografts and intestinal organoids expressing a genetically encoded metabolic reporter, we will analyze glucose metabolism in vivo at a single cell level to define step-wise the role of metabolic reprogramming in CRC progression. 
All together, the successful completion of this proposal will identify the specific cells and steps during CRC where glucose metabolism is functionally relevant and the underlying molecular mechanisms, thus expanding our view of metabolic reprogramming beyond the idea of being just an adaptation to increased proliferation. Importantly, the results derived from this project could potentially be used to improve current therapies by targeting specific metabolic pathways.
Characterization of Waste Density in a Bioreactor Landfill via Microgravity and Settlement Analysis

Optimizing the utilization of landfill airspace and production of biogas for use as an energy source relies on an understanding of the compaction, settlement, and stabilization of waste over time. A higher degree of compaction reduces the landfill footprint; however, it may not provide the optimal conditions for bacteria development and waste stabilization. This article reports on a research project piloting the use of repeated microgravity surveys to characterize variations in waste density in space and time in a bioreactor landfill. Over the duration of three years, four microgravity surveys were conducted on a new cell at a bioreactor landfill in Sainte-Sophie, Quebec, Canada, as it was gradually filled with waste up to a height of 25 m. After each survey, waste density values were extracted by comparing current gravity data with previous data from lower elevations. For accurate density computations, a settlement model was applied to estimate the degree to which waste had settled over time. This model was derived from settlement data recorded by two gauges buried in the waste column. The density values obtained from the microgravity surveys were 1.35 ± 0.31 g/cm 3 in the first waste slab (between surveys 1 and 2), 1.44 ± 0.22 g/cm 3 and 1.20 ± 0.25 g/cm 3 in the second waste slab in the northeast and southwest ends of the cell, respectively (between surveys 1 and 3). In these cases, the microgravity and conventional air utilization factor (AUF) waste densities agreed within 3% when settlement gauges were within 90 m from the survey area. For the third waste slab (between surveys 1 and 4), the densities derived from microgravity decreased to 1.15 ± 0.28 g/cm 3 and 1.12 ± 0.15 g/cm 3 in the northeast and southwest ends of the cell, respectively. This decrease might be associated with water drainage.
A security economics service platform for smart security investments and cyber insurance pricing in the beyond 2020 networking era

SECONDO addresses the question “How can decisions about cyber security investments and cyber insurance pricing be optimised?” SECONDO will support professionals who seek cyber security investments, developed to support human decision making, and a complete well-founded security strategy. This is a timely research problem, as the rapid growth of cyber-attacks is expected to continue its upwards trajectory. Such growth presents a prominent threat to normal business operations and the EU society itself. On the other hand, an interesting, well-known, finding is that an organisation's computer systems may be less secure than a competitor's, despite having spent more money in securing them. Budget setting, cyber security investment choices and cyber insurance, in the face of uncertainties, are highly challenging tasks with massive business implications. SECONDO aims to make impact on the operation of EU businesses who often: (i) have a limited cyber security budget; and (ii) ignore the importance of cyber insurance. Cyber insurance can play a critical role to the mitigation of cyber risk. This can be done by imposing a cost on firms' cyber risk through a premium that they have to pay and the potential for paying a smaller premium should they reduce their current cyber security risk. SECONDO has a cross-disciplinary nature, combining mathematical and engineering insights to empower innovative software. Apart from the novel research results, the project will offer a software platform to narrow the gap between theoretical understanding and practice. To achieve this, the four industrial project partners will i) lead the part of the project where industrial needs will be entered as input to the requirements collection phase, and, ii) provide their innovative software for risk assessment. The three academic partners will work together to i) design and thoroughly describe the proposed methodologies, but also ii) contribute to their software development.
Submesoscale processes in a changing environment

I believe a key challenge to reducing the uncertainty of global climate model projections is quantifying the role of submesoscale (0.1-10km, hours-days) ocean processes on the ocean-atmosphere exchange of heat and carbon in the remote Southern Ocean. In SPICE, I aim to address this knowledge gap using ocean observations from state-of-the-art marine robots and high-resolution numerical models. Using this novel data I will for the first time 1) quantify the variability of heat and carbon air-sea fluxes in the Southern Ocean, and 2) better understand how upper ocean submesoscale processes modulate this exchange of heat and carbon between the atmosphere and the ocean interior, where it can be stored for millennia. 

SPICE will achieve three primary scientific objectives: (1) I will participate in an oceanographic research expedition to the Southern Ocean, to further learn about, and deploy autonomous ocean platforms. This pioneering science experiment will collect the required air-sea heat and carbon fluxes and oceanographic data in the sea-ice impacted Southern Ocean. (2) Perform scientific data analysis and research with my host, and during two secondments, to gain the longstanding skill and knowledge to quantify the impact of submesoscale processes on the air-sea flux of heat and carbon. (3) Employ a synergetic modelling and observational approach, whereby I will perform ultra-high-resolution simulations of the ocean to upscale the observational findings to address current and future climate challenges. 

By achieving these objectives, this Fellowship will provide me with the skills and network that I require to enhance my academic standing and research capability for years to come. This field of polar science is my passion and my longer-term ambition is to be an excellent and independent Earth System scientist who can build a long-standing career in Europe.
A general strategy for the iterative assembly of complex 1,3-polyol motifs

An attractive approach to preparing molecules with common repeat units is iterative synthesis, an approach that is extensively used by Nature in the synthesis of large biomolecules. Nature also uses this tactic for small-molecule synthesis even though common repeat units are not always immediately apparent, the archetypical example being polyketide synthesis. In contrast, iterative strategies in chemical synthesis are often much less efficient requiring several functional-group interconversions and purifications between chain-extension steps. We recently reported an “Assembly Line Synthesis” method for the iterative, reagent-controlled homologation (chain extension) of a boronic ester. This process enabled the conversion of a simple boronic ester into a molecule bearing 10 contiguous methyl substituents in an effectively “one-pot” process. Whilst these methyl-rich carbon chains are rare in natural products, hydroxyl-rich carbon chains (1,3-polyols) are ubiquitous and often show pronounced and useful biological activity. It would therefore be very useful if this or a related strategy could be applied to the fully stereocontrolled synthesis of 1,3-polyols. Herein, we outline a general strategy for the synthesis of 1,3-polyols that hinges on the merging of two well-established methodologies: lithiation–borylation and catalytic diboration. We expect to achieve complete control over both relative and absolute stereochemistry in the iterative synthesis of 1,3-polyboronic esters, enabling stereochemistry to be essentially dialled-in. Subsequent oxidation of the boron esters reveals the desired 1,3-related polyol. The strategy will be applied to the total synthesis of one of the most complex polyols known, bahamaolide A, a macrocyclic polyol–polyene natural product with potent antifungal properties. This strategy promises to be the most efficient synthetic route to these highly biologically active and hugely important class of compounds.
Role of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter in Rat Hippocampal Neuronal Death After Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is reportedly involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and many neurological diseases. However, the role of the MCU in epilepsy remains unknown. In this study, we found that the MCU inhibitor Ru360 significantly attenuated neuronal death and exerted an anti-apoptotic effect on rat hippocampal neurons after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), while the MCU activator spermine increased seizure-induced neuronal death and apoptosis. In addition, Ru360 decreased the level of seizure-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria isolated from rat hippocampi. Moreover, Ru360 restored the altered mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c (CytC) release in epileptic hippocampi. However, spermine treatment exerted an opposite effect on seizure-induced ROS production and mitochondrial membrane potential alteration and CytC release compared with Ru360 treatment. Altogether, the findings of this study suggest that MCU inhibition exerts a neuroprotective effect on seizure-induced brain injury possibly through the mitochondria/ROS/CytC pathway.
Determination of joint instruments and methodologies for the purpose of setting up a joint Map of Spatial Knowledge and implementing Strategic Environmental Assessment in the cross-border area

The project stems from the need to integrate environmental issues in the planning and programming decision-making process, as set out at EU level by Directive 2001/42/CE, introducing the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). MAPSHARING deals with the problem of the SEA of plans and programmes, in the cross-border context of the area between Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Republic of Slovenia, through the definition of a joint framework of territorial knowledge. To ensure high quality levels, the assessment process is supported by a framework of shared knowledge: to this end, the project envisages the setting up of an operational prototype of a Joint Map of Spatial Knowledge and a Territorial Information Service to store the collected data, so as to make them available to planners and programmers, as well as to disseminate them on-line. The JMSK consists in a system of information maps in the form of a Geographic Information System (GIS): it is, by definition, a shared tool resulting from the participation of several subjects who possess portions of knowledge necessary to its establishment, and also because it is functional to the assessment process and the cooperation actions and to participation in general, where shared and disseminated knowledge is the foundation for any decision to be made. The areas of reference of the TIS are, in Italy, the Provinces of Trieste and Pordenone and the Municipality of Udine (for a total of 58 Municipalities - 2,590 km2), and, in Slovenia, the 7 Municipalities of the Coast-Karst statistical region (1,044 km2). The project aims therefore at outlining the link between information and basic mapmaking and the future cross-border plans, through the definition of shared meanings with respect to complex territorial categories (values, risks, critical points, opportunities) without which any cooperation in the field of planning would not be feasible.
The Filtered Words Test and the Influence of Lexicality

Purpose In the present study, the authors aimed to investigate the language confounds of filtered words tests by examining the repetition of real words versus nonsense words as a function of level of filtering. Method Fifty-five young, native-English-speaking women with normal hearing were required to repeat 80 real-word and 80 nonsense-word monosyllables that were matched for phonemic content and low-pass filtered. Thirty participants were tested using a harsher filter range of 2000 to 500 Hz, and 25 participants were tested using a milder filter range of 3000 to 1500 Hz. Results Paired-sample t tests compared accuracy (percentage of phonemes correct) for word and nonsense-word stimuli at each filter level. At filter levels between 3000 and 1750 Hz, performance for word stimuli was significantly better than for nonsense-word stimuli. Conversely, at filter levels between 500 and 1250 Hz, performance was significantly better for nonsense words. Conclusions The linguistic content of real-word stimuli benefits performance on low-pass filtered speech tests at filter levels above 1500 Hz. Caution must be taken when using real-word stimuli in low-pass filtered speech tests as part of an auditory processing diagnostic test battery, because language ability will impact on performance.
Innovations in Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans for low-carbon urban transport

The project aims at introducing:
a)New innovations, enhancements & advances in preparation, elaboration, consultation, adoption, implementation, evaluation & monitoring of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), based on the EU established methodology (www.mobilityplans.eu, www.eltis.org), for sustainable low-carbon urban transport & mobility policies & measures promotion, funding, implementation & enhancement.
b)Policies & measures that promote the use of & investments in sustainable mobility solutions, can be included in SUMPs, i.e.: high quality PT systems, alternative/clean fuels, electric vehicles, smart ticketing, urban freight logistics, active modes of cycling & walking, new forms of car ownership & use, access control, congestion charging, fair & efficient pricing, ICT mobile applications, ITS transport telematics infrastructure, FTS/DRT, Intermodality improvements for ‘seamless’ travel, links with Smart Cities mobility initiatives, etc; including stakeholder engagement, public participation, consultation procedures, social media applications, policy formulation and adoption by city and transport authorities, polycentric SUMP approach for regional and district authorities (PolySUMP). The above mentioned measures are some examples that can be implemented by cities.
c)Policy & institutional implications for advances in implementing & funding innovative sustainable mobility solutions.
d)Contribution of SUMP process innovations to: urban regeneration, social inclusion, equity considerations, economy, competitiveness, effective PPPs, citizen society empowerment, cohesion, links with the ‘Urban Mobility Package 2013’, links with SEAP, mid-term review of White paper & Europe2020 targets.
e)Enhancements to SUMP Methodology: Promotion of low-carbon mobility solutions, Travel behaviour research & potential user response analyses, Integrating pricing & financing measures, Planning for visitors at tourism destinations, Campaigns, Assessments, ITS & ICT Applications.
A War Within a War: Mizo rebels and the Bangladesh liberation struggle

Abstract In 1971 a war led to the creation of Bangladesh. Instantly three narratives sprang up: the war as a national triumph, the war as betrayal and shame, and the war as a glorious campaign. Today more layered interpretations are superseding these ‘first-generation narratives’. Taking the case of insurgents from neighbouring India who, against their will, became embroiled in the war, this article seeks to contribute to ‘second-generation narratives’ that challenge the historiographical apportioning of blame and the national/ethnic framing of the conflict. The article uses hitherto-unpublished photographs from private collections to demonstrate how the war for the liberation of Mizoram (India) and that for the liberation of Bangladesh became entangled. Jointly they produced a ‘war within a war’ that unsettles common assumptions about both these struggles.
People, place, policy and practice for play

Conformity with the call and work programme: There is a significant shortage of researchers in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in Europe. Only five European countries offer PhDs in Occupational Therapy, while none offer PhDs in Occupational Science, which severely restricts professional education and practice and ultimately impacts patients, and families, who receive occupational therapy services. Therefore, the societal challenge for improving health professions training and knowledge in evidence-based practice is a priority for the profession. This European Joint Doctorates programme responds to this challenge in Occupational Therapy career development across Europe through the study of play from an occupational science perspective. The overall research goal is to develop new knowledge on the occupation of play and play deprivation, the impact of physical, socio-cultural, and policy environments on play provision, and the development of innovative solutions to address barriers and provide solutions to play provision in diverse community settings to benefit children, families, and communities. The P4Play programme address four areas of play: play occupation, policy, places and practice. The EJD will establish the first innovative trans-European Occupational Therapy doctoral training programme dedicated to play occupation, participation, policy and practice. The fundamental aim is to develop a sustainable doctoral programme that delivers ambitious and high-quality graduates to drive innovative research and practice in occupational science and therapy. Increasing occupational therapist’s ability to be consumers and producers of research is vital to transform therapy practice so that it is research-informed and evidence-based. The overall goal is to build the capacity of therapists to develop creative solutions towards social transformation.
POLY ALCOHOL-BASED BINDER COMPOSITION

The present invention provides a binder composition comprising a low molecular weight polycarboxylic acid, such as maleic anhydride, and a low molecular weight poly alcohol, such as polyvinyl alcohol, that exhibits improved cure performance with reduced emissions without sacrificing the performance of the final product or complication the manufacturing process. The binder composition may also incorporate a cure catalyst or accelerant such as sodium hypophosphite.
First Record of Stegomyia albopicta in Turkey Determined By Active Ovitrap Surveillance and DNA Barcoding

Despite its confirmed establishment in neighboring Greece and Bulgaria, the presence of the Oriental invasive species Stegomyia albopicta (Skuse) (=Aedes albopictus) has never been confirmed in Turkey. Active surveillance for this container-breeding species was carried out using oviposition traps at 15 discrete sites in the towns of Ipsala (n=8 sites), Kesan (n=5) (Edirne District), and Malkara (n=2) (Tekirdag District) in the Thrace region of northwestern Turkey, from May 23 through November 10, 2011. Eggs collected were reared to the fourth larval instar and adult stages where possible to facilitate integrated morphological and molecular species identification. DNA barcodes (658 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I [COI] gene) were compared with all four potentially invasive Stegomyia species: St. aegypti, St. albopicta, St. cretina, and St. japonica. Sequences generated for samples collected in Thrace Region were herein confirmed as St. albopicta, the first record of this vector species in Turkey. Eggs of St. albopicta were detected in two discrete localities: (1) In the grounds of a restaurant in Kesan (in week 36), and (2) in the customs area of the Turkish-Greek border at Ipsala (in weeks 32 and 38). Multiple detection of St. albopicta eggs indicates the possible establishment of the species in northwestern Turkey. Finding this important disease vector has implications for public health and requires the implementation of active vector monitoring programs and targeted vector suppression strategies to limit the spread of this invasive vector species in Turkey.
Process and apparatus for low-emission storage of biodegradable matter

A process and an apparatus for low-emission storage of biodegradable materials by means of aeration, without aerobic conditions materializing in the material, permits a more consistent feed of the downstream stages in the process. Aeration inhibits methanogenesis and the risk potential of an explosive gas mixture forming in the storage vessel or in the components of the system exhausting waste gas. Closed loop control of the aeration adapts the rate of aeration to the biological activity in the stored material and minimizes air input so as to minimize the loss of methanogenesis potential by aerobic conversion of the matter whilst minimizing the energy required for aeration. The process is characterized in that controlling the aeration in the storage vessel inhibits relevant methanogenesis.