Publications

The joint detection of GW170817/GRB 170817 confirmed the long-standing theory that binary neutron star mergers produce short gamma-ray burst (sGRB) jets that can successfully break out of the surrounding ejecta. At the same time, the association with a kilonova provided unprecedented information regarding the physical properties (such as masses and velocities) of the different ejecta constituents. Combining this knowledge with the observed luminosities and durations of cosmological sGRBs detected by the Burst Alert Telescope onboard the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, we revisit the breakout conditions of sGRB jets. Assuming self-collimation of sGRB jets does not play a critical role, we find that the time interval between the binary merger and the launch of a typical sGRB jet is $\lesssim 0.1\,{\rm{s}}$ . We also show that for a fraction of at least $\sim 30 \% $ of sGRBs, the usually adopted assumption of static ejecta is inconsistent with observations, even if the polar ejecta mass is an order of magnitude smaller than that in GRB 170817. Our results disfavor magnetar central engines for powering cosmological sGRBs, limit the amount of energy deposited in the cocoon prior to breakout, and suggest that the observed delay of ∼1.7 s in GW170817/GRB 170817 between the gravitational wave and gamma-ray signals is likely dominated by the propagation time of the jet to the gamma-ray production site.

 

Maintenance of synaptic homeostasis is a challenging task, due to the intricate spatial organization and intense activity of synapses. Typically, synapses are located far away from the neuronal cell body, where they orchestrate neuronal signalling and communication, through neurotransmitter release. Stationary mitochondria provide energy required for synaptic vesicle cycling, and preserve ionic balance by buffering intercellular calcium at synapses. Thus, synaptic homeostasis is critically dependent on proper mitochondrial function. Indeed, defective mitochondrial metabolism is a common feature of several neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), bipolar disorders and schizophrenia among others, which are also accompanied by excessive synaptic abnormalities. Specialized and compartmentalized quality control mechanisms have evolved to restore and maintain synaptic energy metabolism. Here, we survey recent advances towards the elucidation of the pivotal role of mitochondria in neurotransmission and implicating mitophagy in the maintenance of synaptic homeostasis during ageing.

806 DIRECT CITATIONS – 806 ΑΝΑΦΟΡΕΣ ΑΠΕΥΘΕΙΑΣ ΣΤΟ ΕΡΓΟ (updated June 2,  2021) .......  Χιλιάδες «Αναγνώσεις» στον ΠΕΡΓΑΜΟ-Pergamos (Thousands of Reads/Accesses Ενδεικτικά/example: 1) The Greek Experience: Outstanding Women in the Social Space of Sport 1,032 Αναγνώσεις/reads/accesses  https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/2332855, 2) Athlete Activism and Peace Education: Bridging the Social Inequality Gap through Sports 765 Αναγνώσεις/reads   https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/2359317 , 3) Interacting, sharing and bonding: ‘notes of personal experience’ by nineteenth-century women 1,004 Αναγνώσεις/reads      https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/2330579  (τελευταία πρόσβαση 11/12/2020)

A plethora of scholarly works have been published on male Western travelers in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, however the accounts of female travel writers drawing attention to experiences hidden from history could also be a welcome addition or an alternative discourse with a gender perspective. Motivated by a cross-examination of the original accounts of 240 Western women travelers in Ottoman territories in the 17th to 19th centuries, showing that over 6000 women travelled and experienced the Orient (Kamberidou 2017, 2016, 2015a), this paper continues the research, examining women’s contributions in times of conflict. As early as the 17th century, women have been going from one corner of the world to the other witnessing historic events, war and conflict, religious persecutions, pillaging and the removal or destruction of antiquities, and writing about it. The firsthand accounts of 252 European and American women travelers of the 17th to early 20th centuries in Asia Minor, Cyprus, Syria, Egypt, Greece and other Ottoman occupied territories confirm that thousands of women travelled and witnessed historic events. Women from Great Britain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and America explored, visited, resided as permanent residents, worked or served as volunteers, missionaries, educators, nurses, artists, governesses, ladies in waiting and servants of the western or eastern elite in different regions of the Ottoman Empire. This paper begins with a brief discussion on women travelers, subsequently focusing on 19th Century accounts regarding women’s contributions in times of conflict, exclusively from archival sources: the narratives of women volunteers, nurses, care givers and morale builders during the Crimean War (1853-1856), when the colonial experience encouraged female engagement. The accounts of English, French and German women who cared for the soldiers in the military hospitals of Constantinople and its environs reveal that women played key roles in social care, public health and hospital management, showing initiative and innovation in crisis management. The female accounts describe the British military and naval hospitals; the nurses duties and hardships (1,500 patients per 3 women: two lady volunteers and one nurse); the hundreds of women who followed their husbands to war; the demoralizing barrack system; the degrading social status and abuse of the English soldier’s wife and babies; the elevated status and protection enjoyed by the French soldier’s wife; the French military system. The female narratives argue that the French soldiers, as opposed to the English, are educated, industrious, productive and creative, adding to the general good. They spotlight the superiority of the French soldiers as regards their manners, morals, courtesy, organizational skills, patriotism and especially their respect and treatment of women. Keywords:  Gender, Women, War, Female accounts, Volunteerism

AbsractPurposeTo demonstrate that oral drug absorption is terminated in finite time. To develop models based on biopharmaceutical/physiological and finite absorption time concepts.MethodsThe models are based on i) the passive drug diffusion mechanism under the sink conditions principle ii) the rate limiting role of the drug's properties solubility and permeability and iii) the relevant restrictions associated with the gastrointestinal transit times of drug in the stomach, the small intestines and the colon. Two input functions of constant rate are considered for the absorption of drug from i) the stomach/small intestines with an upper limit of 5 h and ii) the colon with an upper limit of 30 h. Branched differential equations were written for the time course of drug in the body.ResultsSimulations were performed using different scenarios, assuming a variety of drug properties and limited or non-existent absorption from the colon. Literature oral data of cephradine, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and itraconazole were analyzed. For all drugs examined, nice fittings of the branched differential equations to the experimental data were observed.ConclusionsFor all drugs the absorption process was terminated in the small intestine. The meaning of partial AUCs, Cmax, tmax are questioned. Applications of these models to IVIVC are anticipated.

We present the results obtained from the analysis of high-mass X-ray binary pulsar 4U 1909+07 using NuSTAR and Astrosat observations in July 2015 and 2017, respectively. X-ray pulsations at ≈604 s are clearly detected in our study. Based on the long-term spin-frequency evolution, the source is found to spun-up in the last 17 yr. We observed a strongly energy-dependent pulse profile that evolved from a complex broad structure in soft X-rays into a profile with a narrow emission peak followed by a plateau in energy ranges above 20 keV. This behaviour ensured a positive correlation between the energy and pulse fraction. The pulse profile morphology and its energy evolution are almost similar during both the observations, suggesting a persistent emission geometry of the pulsar over time. The broad-band energy spectrum of the pulsar is approximated by an absorbed high-energy exponential cut-off power-law model with iron emission lines. In contrast to the previous report, we found no statistical evidence for the presence of cyclotron absorption features in the X-ray spectra. We performed phase-resolved spectroscopy using data from the NuSTAR observation. Our results showed a clear signature of absorbing material at certain pulse phases of the pulsar. These findings are discussed in terms of stellar wind distribution and its effect on the beam geometry of this wind-fed accreting neutron star. We also reviewed the subsonic quasi-spherical accretion theory and its implication on the magnetic field of 4U 1909+07 depending on the global spin-up rate.

Hadronic supercriticalities are radiative instabilities that appear when large amounts of energy are stored in relativistic protons. When the proton energy density exceeds some critical value, a runaway process is initiated resulting in the explosive transfer of the proton energy into electron-positron pairs and radiation. The runaway also leads to an increase of the radiative efficiency, namely the ratio of the photon luminosity to the injected proton luminosity. We perform a comprehensive study of the parameter space by investigating the onset of hadronic supercriticalities for a wide range of source parameters (I.e. magnetic field strengths of 1 G-100 kG and radii of 1011-1016 cm) and maximum proton Lorentz factors (103-109). We show that supercriticalities are possible for the whole range of source parameters related to compact astrophysical sources, like gamma-ray bursts and cores and jets of active galactic nuclei. We also provide an in-depth look at the physical mechanisms of hadronic supercriticalities and show that magnetized relativistic plasmas are excellent examples of non-linear dynamical systems in high-energy astrophysics.

Hadronic supercriticalities are radiative instabilities that appear when large amounts of energy are stored in relativistic protons. When the proton energy density exceeds some critical value, a runaway process is initiated resulting in the explosive transfer of the proton energy into electron-positron pairs and radiation. The runaway also leads to an increase of the radiative efficiency, namely the ratio of the photon luminosity to the injected proton luminosity. We perform a comprehensive study of the parameter space by investigating the onset of hadronic supercriticalities for a wide range of source parameters (I.e. magnetic field strengths of 1 G-100 kG and radii of 1011-1016 cm) and maximum proton Lorentz factors (103-109). We show that supercriticalities are possible for the whole range of source parameters related to compact astrophysical sources, like gamma-ray bursts and cores and jets of active galactic nuclei. We also provide an in-depth look at the physical mechanisms of hadronic supercriticalities and show that magnetized relativistic plasmas are excellent examples of non-linear dynamical systems in high-energy astrophysics.

This text analyzes the main points of behavior of the Super-systemic (Russia, Turkey, Israel, EU, USA) and Systemic (Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan) factors of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh following the Azeri attack, which was obviously supported in various means -both diplomatic and operational in the field- by Ankara, but also assisted by Israel in terms of armaments. An analysis follows of the self-proclaimed "Republic of Artsakh’s international legal status, taking into accountboth the UN General Assembly’s and Security Council's Resolutions.Further to that, and on the basis of the above analysis, the diplomatic and operational behavior of the Russian Federation before, during and after the conflict is interpreted and conclusions are drawn about the current distribution of power in the South Caucasus, the winners and losers, and the future dynamics for super-systemic actors: Russia and Turkey. In the context of this analysis, the Greek  geopolitical position is also considered, alongside policy proposals, which must be taken into account by Athens in order to face those important security issues marked by the redistribution of power in the Caucasus Complex.

In the course of a primary screening of 614 microbial actinomycete extracts for the discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors, the EtOAc extract of the fermentation broth of the strain Streptomyces sp. CA-129531 isolated from a Martinique sample, exhibited in cell free and cell-based assays the most promising activity (IC50 value of 63 $μ$g/mL). Scaled-up production in a bioreactor led to the isolation of one new trichostatic acid analogue, namely trichostatic acid B (1), along with six known trichostatin derivatives (2-7), four diketopiperazines (8-11), two butyrolactones (12-13) and one hydroxamic acid siderophore (14). Among them, trichostatin A (4) showed six times stronger anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 2.18 $μ$Μ) than kojic acid (IC50 14.07 $μ$Μ) used as a positive control. Deoxytrichostatin A (6) displayed also strong inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (IC50 19.18 $μ$Μ). Trichostatin A production in bioreactor started together with the exponential phase of growth (day 4) and the maximum concentration was reached at day 9 (2.67 ± 0.13 $μ$g/mL). Despite the cytotoxicity of some individual components, no cytotoxic effect on HepG2, A2058, A549, MCF-7 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines was found for the EtOAc extract (IC50 {\textgreater} 2.84 mg/mL), while it found no cytotoxic against BG fibroblasts at the concentrations were it exerted whitening effect, reassuring its safety and great tyrosinase inhibitory potential.

The tectonic setting of western Peloponnese and central Ionian Islands, Greece, is characterized by the subduction of the oceanic African plate beneath the Aegean micro-plate. The transition from subduction to continental collision in northwestern Greece is accommodated by the right-lateral Cephalonia transform fault. In this work, we exploit the recordings of a temporary seismic network composed of 15 stations operating from July 2016 until May 2017 to investigate the complex deformation of this region. Our local network fills in a major observational gap in one of the most tectonically active regions of the Hellenic arc. We detected and located more than 1200 local earthquakes and constrained five 1D optimum local velocity models. The relocated seismicity (including the aftershock sequence that followed the October 2018 Mw 6.7 earthquake offshore Zakynthos) and associated focal mechanisms constrained for the major earthquakes point out a complex crustal deformation. We propose a clockwise rotation of the Ionian Akarnania Block accommodated by major marginal strike-slip fault zones that appear segmented along their strike. Additionally, left-lateral motion is observed on the Kyllini-Cephalonia fault along a north-west direction. Finally, the seismicity recorded in north Cephalonia (offshore Myrtos and Fiskardo) suggests that the Cephalonia transform fault is a large deformation zone where secondary WNW-striking sinistral strike-slip faults occur.

Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΝΚUA), especially its health-care/medical personnel, has been actively involved in the first line of state responses to COVID-19. To estimate the prevalence of antibodies (Igs) against SARS-CoV-2 among NKUA members, we designed a five consecutive monthly serosurvey among randomly selected NKUA consenting volunteers. Here, we present the results from the first 2500 plasma samples collected during June-July 2020. Twenty-five donors were tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs; thus, the overall seroprevalence was 1.00%. The weighted overall seroprevalence was 0.93% (95% CI: 0.27, 2.09) and varied between males [1.05% (95% CI: 0.18, 2.92)] and females [0.84% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.49)], age-groups and different categories (higher in participants from the School of Health Sciences and in scientific affiliates/faculty members/laboratory assistants), but no statistical differences were detected. Although focused on the specific population of NKUA members, our study shows that the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs for the period June-July 2020 remained low and provides knowledge of public health importance for the NKUA members. Given that approximately one in three infections was asymptomatic, continuous monitoring of the progression of the pandemic by assessing Ig seroprevalence is needed.

Prevalence and symptoms of most psychiatric and neurological disorders differ in men and women and there is substantial evidence that their neurobiological basis and treatment also differ by sex. This special issue sought to bring together a series of empirical papers and targeted reviews to highlight the diverse impact of sex in neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology. This special issue emphasizes the diverse impact of sex in neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology, including 9 review papers and 17 research articles highlighting investigation in different species (zebrafish, mice, rats, and humans). Each contribution covers scientific topics that overlap with genetics, endocrinology, cognition, behavioral neuroscience, neurology, and pharmacology. Investigating the extent to which sex differences can impact the brain and behavior is key to moving forward in neuroscience research.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was recently reported to be lower in Asian chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) than entecavir (ETV), but this finding remains controversial. We assessed whether there was a difference between ETV and TDF treated patients of the well monitored, multicenter European PAGE-B cohort in the HCC incidence and other patient outcomes. METHODS: We included 1935 Caucasians with CHB, with or without compensated cirrhosis, treated with ETV (n=772) or TDF (n=1163) monotherapy. Mean follow-up has been 7.1+/-3.0 years from ETV/TDF onset. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative HCC incidence was 5.4% in ETV and 6.0% in TDF treated patients (log-rank, P=0.321) without significant difference in any patient subgroup [with or without cirrhosis, naive or experienced to oral antiviral(s) (total, with or without cirrhosis)]. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, the hazard of HCC was similar between ETV and TDF treated patients after adjustment for several HCC risk factors. ETV and TDF treated patients had similar rates of on-therapy biochemical and virological remission, HBsAg loss, liver transplantation and/or death. Elastographic reversion of cirrhosis at year 5 (liver stiffness <12 kPa) was observed in 245/347 (70.6%) patients with pretreatment cirrhosis being more frequent in TDF than ETV treated patients (73.8% vs 61.5%, P=0.038). CONCLUSION: In Caucasian CHB patients, with or without cirrhosis, ETV and TDF long-term monotherapy is associated with similar HCC risk and rates of biochemical and virological remission, HBsAg loss and liver transplantation or death, but TDF seems to result in more frequent elastographic reversion of cirrhosis at year 5.

In the interconfessional theological dialogue between the Orthodox and the Roman-Catholic Church, there has been much discussion about the famous passage 16:16–19 of Matthew’s Gospel. However, not much attention has been paid to the testimonies of other New Testament books about the Apostle Peter’s person, work, and historical impact. This paper examines the narrative character of Simon Peter in John’s Gospel to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the great apostle’s historical significance in early Christianity. In our analysis, we make use of the narrative-critical method focusing on the comparison between Simon Peter and the Beloved Disciple. This approach opens a window to how the Johannine community evaluated Peter’s person and significance at the time of the composition of the Fourth Gospel, and, thus, helps us better understand the biblical foundations of the theological debate on the papal office.

The Ionian Islands are located in the northwestern part of the Hellenic Arc and constitute one of the most seismically active areas in the Mediterranean. Building a geospatial database including all the available geo-information layers was the initial step for identifying and delineating the earthquake-related environmental effects by using various mapping algebra techniques and algorithms. Landslide, liquefaction and tsunami related inventories were created. Real time recording network of sensors such as meteorological instruments, seismographs, accelerometers etc was designed to trans pond data telemetrically and feed a dynamically interactive geodatabase, which in turn act as a smart tool for declaring an area as vulnerable to a specific hazard. The abovementioned approach can contribute to the reduction of the consequences after a disastrous event, as it will provide useful information to the civil protection authorities for increased alertness during an ongoing threat. The identification of the risk areas by using various methods has become significant in recent years due to the fact that among others it serves as a valuable tool for revealing and highlighting sites of significant hazards. In this study we present a smart tool, specially developed for recording and taking under consideration any changing parameters that affect the susceptibility of an area to any of the studied geo-hazards and highlight it on a digital real time updateable map.

Using the core-EP inverse, we obtain the unique solution to the constrained matrix minimization problem in the Euclidean norm: $$\mathrm{Minimize }\ \Vert Mx-b\Vert _2$$Minimize‖Mx-b‖2, subject to the constraint $$x\in \mathcal{R}(M^k),$$x∈R(Mk),where $$M\in {\mathbb {C}}^{n\times n}$$M∈Cn×n, $$k=\mathrm {Ind}(M)$$k=Ind(M)and $$b\in {\mathbb {C}}^n$$b∈Cn. This problem reduces to well-known results for complex matrices of index one and for nonsingular complex matrices. We present two kinds of Cramer’s rules for finding unique solution to the above mentioned problem, applying one well-known expression and one new expression for core-EP inverse. Also, we consider a corresponding constrained matrix approximation problem and its Cramer’s rules based on the W-weighted core-EP inverse. Numerical comparison with classical strategies for solving the least squares problems with linear equality constraints is presented. Particular cases of the considered constrained optimization problem are considered as well as application in solving constrained matrix equations.

At the eve of the global financial crisis, it is particularly interesting to find out which are the theoretical bases or theoretical models that we can use to analyze today's reality. Indeed, today’s mainstream micro- and macroeconomic models are proven to be insufficient for exploring the dynamic and complex interactions among humans, institutions, and nature in our real economy. This issue has again gained momentum because of the recent global financial crisis, as theoretical constructs or models have been unable to provide interpretations of what really happened and what has to be done from now on. More precisely it is proven that microeconomics is filled with black-box models that fail to study the actual contractual relations between firms and markets, while macroeconomics over the last three decades has been useless at best and harmful at worst, since economists using macroeconomics became blind to catastrophic macro failure because they mistook the beauty or elegance of theoretical models for truth. Thus, questions have arisen about using new theoretical and empirical structures that would better describe our complex economic systems.  This edited book aims to address issues related to how growth issues are treated as having individual origins, but also how aggregates affect parts of the economic system with the ultimate goal of highlighting important microeconomic factors that affect macroeconomic factors and finally the economic development and growth process. This is the question of whether and how theoretical constructs take account of the application of microeconomic approaches to macroeconomic theory and how economies can be driven to a sustainable economic development and growth path. Thus, the scope is to analyze the hypotheses that govern the relationships of aggregate structures (macroeconomic analysis) that may are compatible with the assumptions that govern the behavior of the individuals, households, and firms (micro analysis), and vice versa, in trying to achieve positive economic growth rates, sustainably. Moreover, the analysis of this edited volume is oriented to focus on deeper issues that affect the functioning of the economic systems; this is what mesoeconomics and metaeconomics analysis deals with, since the focus must be in factors that are the deep roots of economic development and growth that bridge the microeconomics to macroeconomics. This is the future of evolutionary growth thinking over the next decades.

In ELT contexts, the concept of ELF awareness has been proposed as a means of developing the skills, strategies, and overall outlook that learners require to competently participate in ELF interactions. Depending on the teaching context, this can be a demanding process. We discuss the ELF-aware instructional interventions carried out by two practitioners working in high-stakes exam preparation contexts in Greece. These contexts are predominantly Standard English oriented. The interventions described an attempt to put into practice the principles of ELF-aware pedagogy, namely awareness of language and language use, awareness of instructional practice, and awareness of learning. The innovative aspect of these interventions is that they do not run contrary to the curriculum of these high-stakes exam preparation classes. On the contrary, they complement the courseware used in these contexts with authentic audiovisual materials and original metalinguistic activities that boost learners’ self-confidence as ELF speakers and as candidates of these exams.

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for early detection of forest fires, especially in forest zones prone to fires using microwave remote sensing and information-modeling tools. A decision-making system is developed as a tool for operational coupled analysis of modeling results and remote sensing data. The main operating structure of this system has blocks that calculate the moisture of forest canopy, the soil-litter layer, and the forest physical temperature using the observed brightness temperature provided by the flying platform IL-18 equipped with passive microwave radiometers of 1.43, 13.3 and 37.5 GHz frequencies. The hydrological parameters of the forest are assessed with both a developed regional hydrological model and remote sensing observations. The hydrological model allows for the detection of fire-prone zones that are subject to remote sensing when modeling results are corrected and thermal temperatures are evaluated. An approach for the real time forest fires classification via daytime remote sensing observations is proposed. The relative theoretical and experimental results presented here have allowed us to use a new approach to forests monitoring during periods of potential fire. A decision-making algorithm is presented that aims at analyzing data flows from radiometers located on the remote sensing platform to calculate the probability of forest fire occurring in geographical pixels. As case study, the state of forest fires that occurred in Siberia in 2019 using microwave remote sensing measurements conducted by a flying IL-18 laboratory is presented. This remote sensing platform is equipped with optical and microwave tools that allow the optical and microwave images of the observed forest areas. The main operating frequencies of microwave radiometers are 1.43, 13.3 and 37.5 GHz. Microwave radiometers provide data on water content in the forest canopy and on litter and physical temperatures. Based on the long-term measurements made in Siberia, the possible improvement of the proposed decision-making system for future relevant studies is discussed in detail. The basic idea of cost-effective monitoring of forested areas consists of a two-stage exploration of fire risk zones. The first monitoring stage is performed using the hydrological model of the study area to identify low moisture areas of the forest canopy and litter. The second stage of monitoring is conducted using the remote sensing platform only in the local fire-dangerous areas in order to more precisely identify the areas prone to fire and to detect and diagnose real burning zones. The developed algorithm allows the calculation of physical temperatures and the detection of temperature anomalies based on measured brightness temperatures. Finally, the spatial distribution of the probability of forest fire occurrence is given as an example of the decision-making system along with a comparison of this distribution with the satellite images provided by the EOSDIS Land data.

Ο Λεωνίδας Αρνιώτης, γεννημένος το 1862 στην Σπάρτη Λακωνίας, υπήρξε εξέχουσα προσωπικότητα, καλλιτέχνης των παραστατικών τεχνών του τέλους του 19ου και των αρχών του 20ου αι. με εθνική αλλά κυρίως διεθνή παρουσία. Στο άρθρο περιγράφεται η άγνωστη καλλιτεχνική πορεία του Λεωνίδα Αρνιώτη στις Η.Π.Α. αλλά και σε μεγάλες ευρωπαϊκές πρωτεύουσες: Παρίσι, Λονδίνο, Ρώμη, Βερολίνο, Βρυξέλλες κα. Ο Αρνιώτης υπήρξε ιπποδαμαστής, jockey, ακροβάτης επί ίππου, πυγμάχος, πυγμάχος επί ίππου, θιασάρχης, θεατρώνης, στιχουργός, συγγραφέας επιθεωρήσεων, θεατρικών έργων, επιστημονικών μελετών, πιλότος αεροπλάνων αλλά κυρίως ένας από τους διασημότερους εκπαιδευτές ζώων παγκοσμίως. Στα τέλη του 19ου αι. συνοδευόμενος από τη σύζυγό του Μαίρη και τον πολυάρθμο θίασο τετραπόδων σκύλων και γάτων πραγματοποίησε διετή περιοδεία στις Η.Π.Α. και υπήρξε ο πρώτος Έλληνας καλλιτέχνης στην άλλη πλευρά του Ατλαντικού με σταθερή και εκτεταμένη παρουσία. Εμπνευστής αλλαγών, με πολυδύναμες και διαισθητικές ικανότητες, εξέφρασε με ενάργεια το πνεύμα της εποχής, της μετάβασης από το 19ο στον 20ο αι. και αποτέλεσε καθοριστική προσωπικότητα σε σχέση με την εισαγωγή παγκόσμιων παραστατικών τάσεων στην αθηναϊκή σκηνή.

Introduction. In volleyball, setting is a critical skill from a technical and tactical point of view, as it affects attack directly: the better the quality of the setter’s performance, the more excellent attack actions are carried out by men and women attackers. Aim of Study. This study aimed to assess the spatial and temporal characteristics of the setting choices made by junior male volleyball setters and their performance concerning the game complex per match rotation. Material and Methods. A three-member group of experienced coaches assessed the setting zones choices, the setting tempo, and the performance of junior male setters from 20 volleyball games of teams competing in the final phase of the 2016 Greek Junior Championship. A five-level ordinal scale was used to evaluate the setting. The test of independence for the categorical variables was carried out using the chi-square test (χ2 ). Following the overall independence test, the difference in proportions among all levels of variables was tested. Results. Results showed that zone 4 was the junior setters’ first choice irrespective of the game complex. More detailed, in Complex II, the most preferable setting zones were 4 and 6, while zone 3 was the primary selection in Complex I. The setting in the first tempo was the most favorite option in Complex I, although second slow tempo was the most frequently used setting option in Complex II. As for the quality of the setting, the dominant value for both complexes was quality level 2. Conclusions. In conclusion, the junior male setters directed the ball mainly to position 4 by using the slow 2nd tempo settings irrespective of the game rotation. Moreover, they showed a higher proportion of excellent setting actions and used fast settings (first tempo) more frequently in Complex I than in Complex II. KEYWORDS:

Between May 2017 and November 2018, Greece has experienced a severe measles outbreak with a total of 3258 cases reported, after reaching its goal of eliminating measles since 2014-2015. In this study, we aimed to investigate the origin and the dispersal patterns of the measles strains that circulated in Greece during this outbreak and to identify possible transmission patterns of measles virus (MeV) in the country. Of the 832 measles suspect cases referred to the National Measles and Rubella Reference Laboratory for MeV RNA detection, 131 randomly selected positive samples, representative of the temporal and spatial distribution of the laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Greece, were processed for genotypic identification by an RT-PCR amplification of a 598 bp fragment containing the 450 bp hypervariable region of the measles virus N gene. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out by the approximate maximum likelihood method (ML) under the generalized time-reversible (GTR + cat) model. All samples analyzed were found to belong to genotype B3. Comparative analysis with other European and reference measles strains revealed three separate major clusters and other multiple viruses circulating simultaneously in Greece. They were all isolated from three main community groups, Greek-Roma children, non-minority Greek nationals and immigrants/refugees, a finding that is in accordance with what was also observed in the last two measles outbreaks in 2005-2006 and 2010-2011. Notably, for one of the three clusters, no similarity was detected with previously reported prototype strains. Our results indicate the need for a more intensive vaccination program against measles amongst minority populations and in refugee hot-spots as well as the importance of molecular surveillance as a tool for monitoring measles outbreaks.

We report a thorough theoretical investigation of magnon-assisted photon transitions in magnetic garnet micron-sized spheres, which operate as optomagnonic resonators. In this case, matching the intraband splitting of optical Mie modes, induced by particle magnetization, to the eigenfrequency of the uniform-precession spin wave, high-efficiency triply resonant optical transitions between these modes, through respective emission or absorption of a cavity magnon, are enabled. By means of rigorous full electrodynamic computations, supported by corresponding approximate analytical calculations, we provide compelling evidence of greatly increased optomagnonic interaction, compared to that in similar processes between whispering gallery modes of corresponding submillimeter spheres, due to the reduced magnon mode volume. We explain the underlying mechanisms to a degree that goes beyond existing interpretation, invoking group theory to derive general selection rules and highlighting the role of the photon spin as the key property for maximizing the respective coupling strength.

We report a thorough theoretical investigation of magnon-assisted photon transitions in magnetic garnet micron-sized spheres, which operate as optomagnonic resonators. In this case, matching the intraband splitting of optical Mie modes, induced by particle magnetization, to the eigenfrequency of the uniform-precession spin wave, high-efficiency triply resonant optical transitions between these modes, through respective emission or absorption of a cavity magnon, are enabled. By means of rigorous full electrodynamic computations, supported by corresponding approximate analytical calculations, we provide compelling evidence of greatly increased optomagnonic interaction, compared to that in similar processes between whispering gallery modes of corresponding submillimeter spheres, due to the reduced magnon mode volume. We explain the underlying mechanisms to a degree that goes beyond existing interpretation, invoking group theory to derive general selection rules and highlighting the role of the photon spin as the key property for maximizing the respective coupling strength. © 2020 American Physical Society.

Binary black hole (BH) central engine description for the unique blazar OJ 287 predicted that the next secondary BH impact-induced bremsstrahlung flare should peak on 2019 July 31. This prediction was based on detailed general relativistic modeling of the secondary BH trajectory around the primary BH and its accretion disk. The expected flare was termed the Eddington flare to commemorate the centennial celebrations of now-famous solar eclipse observations to test general relativity by Sir Arthur Eddington. We analyze the multi-epoch Spitzer observations of the expected flare between 2019 July 31 and 2019 September 6, as well as baseline observations during 2019 February-March. Observed Spitzer flux density variations during the predicted outburst time display a strong similarity with the observed optical pericenter flare from OJ 287 during 2007 September. The predicted flare appears comparable to the 2007 flare after subtracting the expected higher base-level Spitzer flux densities at 3.55 and 4.49 μm compared to the optical R-band. Comparing the 2019 and 2007 outburst lightcurves and the previously calculated predictions, we find that the Eddington flare arrived within 4 hr of the predicted time. Our Spitzer observations are well consistent with the presence of a nano-Hertz gravitational-wave emitting spinning massive binary BH that inspirals along a general relativistic eccentric orbit in OJ 287. These multi-epoch Spitzer observations provide a parametric constraint on the celebrated BH no-hair theorem.

In the course of the first all-sky survey (eRASS1), the eROSITA instrument on board the Russian/German Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG) mission started scanning the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC).

In the course of the first all-sky survey (eRASS1), the eROSITA instrument on board the Russian/German Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG) mission discovered a strong outburst from RX J0529.8-6556 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).

We investigate the spin-orbit torque exerted on the magnetic moments of the transition-metal impurities Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co, embedded in the surface of the topological insulator Bi2Te3, in response to an electric field and a consequent electrical current flow in the surface. The multiple scattering problem of electrons off impurity atoms is solved by first-principles calculations within the full-potential relativistic Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) Green function method, while the spin-orbit torque calculations are carried out by combining the KKR method with the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation. We analyze the correlation of the spin-orbit torque to the spin accumulation and spin flux in the impurities and unveil the effect of resonant scattering. In addition, we relate the torque to the resistivity and Joule heat production. We predict that the Mn/Bi2Te3 is optimal among the studied systems.

Alexandrianism was among the trends that defined the formation of Roman literature across genres since the early decades of Roman literary history. This volume introduces a collection of original essays that contribute to a developing appreciation of the comedy of Plautus, the leading representative of Roman comedy, as a multi-faceted text that engages in a creative dialogue with various contemporary cultural and literary developments. The studies here, both individually and as parts of a longer, interactive discussion, offer a comprehensive examination of the first complete expression of the intellectual reception of Greek and Hellenistic literature and culture in Rome, and, at the same time, examine Plautus’ correspondence with the popularization of science and medicine, the Romanization of philosophy, and contemporary religious practices. As the first Latin poet whose work survives in extant form, Plautus is also examined here as a major literary figure who significantly influenced the development of Latin literature. This book will appeal to specialist scholars of Roman comedy, but also to graduate students working in the fields of classics and literary history. All long quotations of Greek and Latin are translated.

CITE AS:Ευαγγελία Κέφη-Χατζηχαμπέρη και  Ειρήνη Καμπερίδου (2020).  Ο ρόλος της άθλησης ως μέσο αποδοχής του «ασθενούς» φύλου στα Ανώτατα Στρατιωτικά Εκπαιδευτικά Ιδρύματα (ΑΣΕΙ). Πρακτικά Συνεδρίου ‘Κοινωνίες μετά την κρίση, κοινωνίες χωρίς κρίση;΄ Ενότητα: Έμφυλες διακρίσεις στην κοινωνία, 7ο Τακτικό Συνέδριο Ελληνικής Κοινωνιολογικής Εταιρείας (ΕΚΕ)-Hellenic Sociological Society (HSS),  23-25 Σεπτεμβρίου 2020:  περίληψη, σελ. 17-18. ΕΚΠΑ, ΤΜΗΜΑ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΜΕ.

Παρουσίαση της Ημερίδας «Νέες Τεχνολογίες τροποποίησης του γονιδιώματος: Βιοηθικά Ζητήματα», Σπίτι της Κύπρου, Πρεσβεία της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας στην Αθήνα, 21.2.2020.https://spititiskyprou.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/prosklisi-21-feb-2020-esperida-nees-technologies.pdf

Insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is a transmembrane zinc metallopeptidase with many important biological functions and an emerging pharmacological target. Although previous structural studies have given insight on how IRAP recognizes linear peptides, how it recognizes its physiological cyclic ligands remains elusive. Here, we report the first crystal structure of IRAP with the macrocyclic peptide inhibitor HA08 that combines structural elements from angiotensin IV and the physiological substrates oxytocin and vasopressin. The compound is found in the catalytic site in a near canonical substrate-like configuration and inhibits by a competitive mechanism. Comparison with previously solved structures of IRAP along with small-angle X-ray scattering experiments suggests that IRAP is in an open conformation in solution but undergoes a closing conformational change upon inhibitor binding. Stabilization of the closed conformation in combination with catalytic water exclusion by the tightly juxtaposed GAMEN loop is proposed as a mechanism of inhibition.

Previous research has shown that utility value and expectancy forsuccess, as well as the reasons for academic striving, could partlyexplain academic engagement. Yet, their joint role in predictinglearning strategies and test anxiety has not been thoroughlyunderstood, especially in contexts where pressure for success ishigh. We examined this issue in a sample of Turkish universitystudents who were attending a language preparatory school(N¼1009; 53% males,Mage¼19.14years;SD¼1.08) and wereunder the psychological pressure to pass their qualifying exams.Regression analyses showed that next to self-efficacy beliefs, itwas intrinsic reasons which positively and consistently predictedlearning strategies; in contrast, self-worth concerns positively pre-dicted test anxiety. These relations emerged even among stu-dents who experienced failure and were thus psychologicallypressed to succeed. Our findings suggest that intrinsic reasons foracademic striving might play a decisive role even in psychologic-ally pressuring contexts

The Be X-ray binary pulsar 1A 0535+262 has recently been observed in outburst with Swift/BAT and MAXI (ATel #14157, #14173). Since then the pulsar has been rapidly evolving in X-rays.

Dysregulation of glycogen phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in glucose homeostasis, may lead to a number of pathological states such as type 2 diabetes and cancer, making it an important molecular target for the development of new forms of pharmaceutical intervention. Based on our previous work on the design and synthesis of 4-arylamino-1-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)pyrimidin-2-ones, which inhibit the activity of glycogen phosphorylase by binding at its catalytic site, we report herein a general synthesis of 2-substituted-5-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)pyrimidin-4-ones, a related class of metabolically stable, C-glucosyl-based, analogues. The synthetic development consists of a metallated heterocycle, produced from 5-bromo-2-methylthiouracil, in addition to protected d-gluconolactone, followed by organosilane reduction. The methylthio handle allowed derivatization through hydrolysis, ammonolysis and arylamine substitution, and the new compounds were found to be potent (μM) inhibitors of rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase. The results were interpreted with the help of density functional theory calculations and conformational analysis and were compared with previous findings.

The core aim of the current paper is to summarize the basic argumentation of the Waltzian program and re-examine it in comparison with the legacy of systemic geopolitics. Which is Waltz’s contribution, what is added by Mearsheimer and what does systemic geopolitical analysis offer in the margins of the relevant debate? Both of them focus on Great Powers, since these are considered without any doubt rational actors shaping international system. On this line of thought, their specific legacy is comparatively analyzed with systemic geopolitics and it is developed on the common basis of “system”. Systemic analysis is their common starting point towards analysis of international affairs and interstate distribution of power. Beyond their contradiction with reference to conclusions and epistemological issues, systemic analysis offers a common framework of understanding and conceptualizing systemic geopolitical analysis and structural realism. For this reason, system-level parameters are considered critical representing an epistemological and methodological prioritization far from blinkered analyses cited by other theoretical and philosophical traditions.

The existence of magnetic activity on the eclipsing binary DV Psc has been known for almost two decades. However, until recently, no evidence of periodic behaviour relevant to this activity had been found. In this study, long-term photometric observations of DV Psc are used to analyze the system's magnetic activity, seek a possible magnetic cycle and determine orbital and physical parameters. The combination of photometric and spectroscopic observations results in a unified model that describes the system over time in terms of variable spot activity. New times of minimum light are determined and an accurate astronomical ephemeris and updated O-C diagram are constructed for a total span of 19 years (1997-2017). The intense magnetic activity, as indicated by strong asymmetries in the light curves (O' Connell effect), and the periodic variation of the O-C diagram are combined to explain the system's behaviour. The existence of a third body, orbiting the eclipsing binary in an eccentric orbit, as well as a magnetic cycle are the most likely scenario.

{The purpose of this study was to investigate the areas from which the serves performed by elite volleyball players were carried out, the zones into where they were directed and their performance in respect to the serve type used per gender. A three-member group of coaches assessed the serve actions of male (M) and female (F) elite players from 20 volleyball games (M=10

Der Zusammenbruch des NS-Regimes signalisierte für die westdeutsche Kunst eine deutliche Distanzierung von Politik. „Der Stellvertreter“ führt einen Wendepunkt herbei und verwandelt das Theater wieder in ein Politikum. Hochhuth richtet den Blick auf die verdrängte Vergangenheit, in dem er am Beispiel des Schweigens der katholischen Kirche während des Holocaust die Frage der individuellen Verantwortung bzw. Schuld untersucht. Auschwitz wird erstmals auf die Bühne gebracht und das Stück löst eine Repolitisierungswelle aus, so dass es mit Recht als Vorläufer des Dokumentartheaters gilt. Auch „Vor dem Ruhestand“ ist politisches Theater par excellence in dem Sinne, dass es Partei ergreift, irritiert, die bestehende Ordnung in Frage stellt. Illusionslos entdeckt Bernhard hinter der Fassade eines bürgerlich-demokratischen Staates das Fortbestehen der nationalsozialistischen Ideologie, nicht nur in Extremfällen, sondern auch in sozialen Strukturen und Gedankenmuster der sozialen Elite. Im Gegensatz zu Hochhuth, der immer noch fest an die Macht des bürgerlichen Individuums glaubt, dient Faschismus Bernhard als Musterbeispiel für die verfallenden bürgerlichen politischen Systeme.

We present a theoretical and numerical model to show how the nonreciprocal coupling in a generalized resonator affects the balance between the reflected and intracavity power as well as the time-bandwidth product of the system. © OSA 2020 © 2020 The Author(s)

We present a theoretical and numerical model to show how the nonreciprocal coupling in a generalized resonator affects the balance between the reflected and intracavity power as well as the time-bandwidth product of the system. © 2020 OSA.

Human brain possesses a unique anatomy and physiology. For centuries, methodological barriers and ethical challenges in accessing human brain tissues have restricted researchers into using 2-D cell culture systems and model organisms as a tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying neurological disorders in humans. However, our understanding regarding the human brain development and diseases has been recently extended due to the generation of 3D brain organoids, grown from human stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This system evolved into an attractive model of brain diseases as it recapitulates to a great extend the cellular organization and the microenvironment of a human brain. This chapter focuses on the application of brain organoids in modelling several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

This study examined the role of parents’ reminiscing style in preschoolers’ memory-related functioning and general emotion regulation. In 87 families, each parent rated their child’s (Mage = 4.07 years, SD = 0.80) emotion regulation and discussed a positive and a negative memory with their child (resulting in 275 conversations). Multilevel analyses showed that children’s rated engagement during the conversation was higher when parents were observed to use autonomy-supportive, elaborative, and positive evaluative reminiscing, while children’s rated disaffection was predicted by low autonomy support, low elaboration, and negative evaluation. Parental positive evaluation also related positively to children’s memory performance. With respect to emotion regulation, only parents’ negative evaluation when talking about negative memories related to higher emotional lability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

Mediterranean mountain ecosystems have been attractive to human societies due to their valuable resources, but are also susceptible to environmental and climate changes. The Rhodope Mountain Range hosts one of the least disturbed natural forests of Europe and is a conservation priority area in the Southern Balkans. Located in the borderlands of the plain of Macedonia, the forest ecosystem development of Rhodope Mountains was shaped not only by Late Holocene climatic variability, but also by changes in human activities since Byzantine times. Palynological and microscopic charcoal analysis of the Livaditis ombrotrophic bog record offers unique insights into vegetation and landscape evolution under the influence of human land-use practices in the south Rhodope area during the last c.a. 1100 years. The findings show a forested landscape, with well-developed Pinus and Abies forests of in the montane zone and mixed deciduous oak forests below that flourished in the area until 900 AD. The expansion of human activity in mountainous areas during the period of Byzantine economic growth (ca. 1000 AD) is evidenced by forest clearance through fire, affecting mainly the Abies populations. The Livaditis record bears evidence about both, arboriculture and cereal cultivation as well as animal husbandry during the first period of human activities in the uplands, while a shift towards pastoralism is most likely associated with the establishment of the Vlach population in the region (ca. 1200 AD). Subsequently, a short-lived expansion of the Pinus percentages could be attributed to the afforestation of abandoned pasture land during the Little Ice Age. Finally, a further intensification of pastoralism is most likely concurrent with the population expansion documented during the Ottoman period (after 1500 AD). The Livaditis pollen record shows significant vegetation shifts in the upland area of southern Rhodope Mountains that could be associated with changes in climate, population mobility and density, as well as evolving land-use practices.

Background: Thyroid follicular cells have physiologically high levels of reactive oxygen species because oxidation of iodide is essential for the iodination of thyroglobulin (Tg) during thyroid hormone synthesis. Thyroid follicles (the functional units of the thyroid) also utilize incompletely understood autoregulatory mechanisms to defend against exposure to excess iodide. To date, no transcriptomic studies have investigated these phenomena in vivo. Nuclear erythroid factor 2 like 2 (Nrf2 or Nfe2l2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of numerous antioxidant and other cytoprotective genes. We showed previously that the Nrf2 pathway regulates the antioxidant defense of follicular cells, as well as Tg transcription and Tg iodination. We, thus, hypothesized that Nrf2 might be involved in the transcriptional response to iodide overload. Methods: C57BL6/J wild-type (WT) or Nrf2 knockout (KO) male mice were administered regular water or water supplemented with 0.05{%} sodium iodide for seven days. RNA from their thyroids was prepared for next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Gene expression changes were assessed and pathway analyses were performed on the sets of differentially expressed genes. Results: Analysis of differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) indicated that iodide overload upregulates inflammatory-, immune-, fibrosis- and oxidative stress-related pathways, including the Nrf2 pathway. Nrf2 KO mice showed a more pronounced inflammatory–autoimmune transcriptional response to iodide than WT mice. Compared to previously published datasets, the response patterns observed in WT mice had strong similarities with the patterns typical of Graves' disease and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) also responded to iodide overload, with the latter targeting mRNAs that participate mainly in inflammation pathways. Conclusions: Iodide overload induces the Nrf2 cytoprotective response and upregulates inflammatory, immune, and fibrosis pathways similar to autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) and PTC.

Nutrient transporters, being polytopic membrane proteins, are believed, but not formally shown, to traffic from their site of synthesis, the ER, to the plasma membrane through Golgi-dependent vesicular trafficking. Here, we develop a novel genetic system to investigate the trafficking of a neosynthesized model transporter, the well-studied UapA purine transporter of Aspergillus nidulans. We show that sorting of neosynthesized UapA to the plasma membrane (PM) bypasses the Golgi and does not necessitate key Rab GTPases, AP adaptors, microtubules or endosomes. UapA PM localization is found to be dependent on functional COPII vesicles, actin polymerization, clathrin heavy chain and the PM t-SNARE SsoA. Actin polymerization proved to primarily affect COPII vesicle formation, whereas the essential role of ClaH seems indirect and less clear. We provide evidence that other evolutionary and functionally distinct transporters of A. nidulans also follow the herein identified Golgi-independent trafficking route of UapA. Importantly, our findings suggest that specific membrane cargoes drive the formation of distinct COPII subpopulations that bypass the Golgi to be sorted non-polarly to the PM, and thus serving house-keeping cell functions.

BACKGROUND: Transverse vaginal septum is a rare Müllerian anomaly that can coexist with other defects. CASE: A 12-year-old patient was referred to our clinic for cyclic, lower abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a transverse vaginal septum, a hemiuterus with a nonfunctioning rudimentary horn, and left unilateral ureter and kidney. The septum was excised laparoscopically assisted by a vaginal dilator to guide the dissection. The mucosal gap of the vagina was then bridged with sutures using the perineal approach. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged with instructions for vaginal dilations. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Early identification of a transverse vaginal septum and careful planning of the operation can improve the outcome of corrective surgery and prevent possible complications.

Monoamine oxidases MAOA and MAOB catalyze important cellular functions such as the deamination of neurotransmitters. Correspondingly, MAO inhibitors are used for the treatment of severe neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. A commonly prescribed drug against refractory depression is tranylcypromine, however, the side effects are poorly understood. In order to decipher putative off-targets, we synthesized two tranylcypromine probes equipped with either an alkyne moiety or an alkyne-diazirine minimal photocrosslinker for in situ proteome profiling. Surprisingly, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed low enrichment of MAOA and relatively promiscuous labeling of proteins. Photoprobe labeling paired with fluorescent imaging studies revealed lysosomal trapping which could be largely reverted by the addition of lysosomotropic drugs.

The heterogeneity of bladder cancer (BlCa) prognosis and treatment outcome requires the elucidation of tumors' molecular background towards personalized patients' management. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), although originally considered as degradation debris, represent a novel class of powerful regulatory non-coding RNAs. In silico analysis of the TCGA-BLCA project highlighted 5'-tRF-LysCTT to be significantly deregulated in bladder tumors, and 5'-tRF-LysCTT levels were further quantified in our screening cohort of 230 BlCa patients. Recurrence and progression for non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) patients, as well as progression and patient's death for muscle-invasive (MIBC) patients, were used as clinical endpoint events. TCGA-BLCA were used as validation cohort. Bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation and the clinical net benefit of 5'-tRF-LysCTT on disease prognosis was assessed by decision curve analysis. Elevated 5'-tRF-LysCTT was associated with unfavorable disease features, and significant higher risk for early progression (multivariate Cox: HR = 2.368; p = 0.033) and poor survival (multivariate Cox: HR = 2.151; p = 0.032) of NMIBC and MIBC patients, respectively. Multivariate models integrating 5'-tRF-LysCTT with disease established markers resulted in superior risk-stratification specificity and positive prediction of patients' progression. In conclusion, increased 5'-tRF-LysCTT levels were strongly associated with adverse disease outcome and improved BlCa patients' prognostication.

In this paper I discuss the possibilities, opportunities, challenges and (even) perils in applying the ELF-aware perspective in teacher education. I focus on presenting two obstacles in enabling this application, the first related to teachers’ attitudes, which tend to be fundamentally negative, and the second referring to an uncertainty about establishing, applying and evaluating appropriate ELF pedagogy. The obstacles are discussed with reference to examples from my personal experience as teacher educator, and argue (a) that these obstacles are also present in more “traditional” teaching and teacher education practices and (b) that they can be overcome if they are perceived as opportunities for integrating real-life interactions involving non-native English language users in the EFL classroom and prompting EFL teacher reflection and growth.

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify adolescents' awareness on the human papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, and the willingness to undergo the vaccination. A systematic review of studies concerning the adolescent's knowledge and education on the admission of the HPV vaccine was carried out, through the Medline/PubMed and the Google Scholar databases, covering information on adolescent attitudes towards HPV vaccination, as well as their perceptions regarding the vaccination and the need for more training, towards the public information about the HPV and the HPV vaccine. This study concludes that adolescents are poorly informed about the HPV and the preventive vaccination issues, underestimating the likelihood of the infection by the virus. The way to improve their knowledge about the HPV and the implications of the HPV infection is to provide information through the framework of compulsory schooling, primary health care, and the development of informative interactive interventions. The awareness for the need of training about the HPV and its implications should be broadened to address the major barrier to vaccination, which is regarded to be the lack of adequate information. The knowledge and the perceptible susceptibility to the HPV infection and HPV-related diseases among adolescents demonstrate the need for a well-designed training program to bridge the gap of information about the HPV virus and to accept the HPV vaccine.

Using self-determination theory as a framework, we aimed to study the relationships between perceived need support and need satisfaction with self-determined motivation and extracurricular physical activity intentions in the physical education (PE) classroom, including sex and out-of-school sport participation as moderators. Additionally, we aimed to test whether a need-supportive classroom environment in PE moderates these associations. Participants were 1259 students (556 males) aged between 12 to 16 years (Mage = 13.46 years; SD = 0.74) from 77 PE classes. At the student level we found (a) need satisfaction to predict positively autonomous motivation and negatively amotivation, and (b) autonomous motivation to predict positively and amotivation to predict negatively intentions to undertake extracurricular physical activities. At the classroom level, in need-supportive classes males benefit more than females in terms of increased autonomous motivation while females benefit more than males in terms of decreased amotivation. Finally, class-level perceived need support moderated (i.e., attenuated) the negative association between need satisfaction and amotivation and between amotivation and intentions. These results suggest a buffering role that a need-supportive classroom environment may have on students’ motivation and behavior.

Ultra luminous X-ray pulsars (ULXP) are fascinating objects, whose X-ray emission greatly exceeds the Eddington limit for a solar mass object. Given the coherent pulsations we now know that these systems host accreting magnetized Neutron Stars (NS), thus challenging our understanding of accretion theory. Moreover several of these systems show super-orbital variability where the observed flux change by factor more than 10. Key questions about the nature of these systems are; is there is beaming involved that enhances the derived isotropic Luminosity? What is the magnetic field of the NS in ULXPs and how this compares to the typical X-ray pulsars? and what is the nature of the super-orbital modulation? The study of individual ULXPS can help us answer these key questions. Here I will present observational constrains on the properties of NGC 300 ULX1. Through a year long X-ray monitoring we discovered that even when the X-ray flux of the system decreased by a factor of 20 the spin-up of the NS continues at a constant rate denoting constant mass accretion onto the NS. Moreover, I will discuss the changes in the observed flux in the context of a precessing disc and outflows. In addition, I will discuss the properties of newly confirmed ULXP M51 ULX7, I will show that outflows are not a necessary requirement to account for super orbital variability, and will discuss alternative mechanisms.

We present the results of the first dedicated observation of the young X-ray pulsar SXP 1062 in the broad X-ray energy band obtained during its 2019 outburst with the NuSTAR and XMM-Newton observatories. The analysis of the pulse-phase averaged and phase-resolved spectra in the energy band from 0.5 to 70 keV did not reveal any evidence for the presence of a cyclotron line. The spin period of the pulsar was found to have decreased to 979.48 ± 0.06 s implying a ∼10% reduction compared to the last measured period during the monitoring campaign conducted about five years ago, and is puzzling considering that the system apparently has not shown major outbursts ever since. The switch of the pulsar to the spin-up regime supports the common assumption that torques acting on the accreting neutron star are nearly balanced and thus SXP 1062 likely also spins with a period close to the equilibrium value for this system. The current monitoring of the source also revealed a sharp drop in its soft X-ray flux right after the outburst, which is in drastic contrast to the behavior during the previous outburst when the pulsar remained observable for years with only a minor flux decrease after the end of the outburst. This unexpected off state of the source lasted for at most 20 days after which SXP 1062 returned to the level observed during previous campaigns. We discuss this and other findings in context of the modern models of accretion onto strongly magnetized neutron stars.

The 1:1 reactions of uranium(iv) tetrakis(borohydride) with the sodium and potassium salts of the cyclobutadienyl anion [C4(SiMe3)4]2- (Cb′′′′) produce the half-sandwich complexes [Na(12-crown-4)2][U(η4-Cb′′′′)(BH4)3] and [U(η4-Cb′′′′)(μ-BH4)3{K(THF)2}]2. In the 1:2 reaction of U(BH4)4 with Na2Cb′′′′, formation of [U(η4-Cb′′′′)(η3-C4H(SiMe3)3-κ-(CH2SiMe2)(BH4))]- reveals that a Cb′′′′ ligand undergoes an intramolecular deprotonation, resulting in an allyl/tuck-in bonding mode. A computational study reveals that the uranium-Cb′′′′ bonding has an appreciable covalent component with contributions from the uranium 5f and 6d orbitals.

The paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a teaching intervention for the teaching of Evolution. This is carried out through an evolution-based investigation activity of the nervous system from Protozoan to Humans. Specifically, students were able to follow two main evolutionary pathways related to the Nervous system. In the first place, they were familiarized with a march of the Nervous System (NS) from Protozoans to Vertebrates and from Fishes to Humans. In a second stage they studied and compared the difference between the development of Spatial Memory and Hippocampus between polygamous mice and taxi drivers of NY city. I.e. they were faced with a case of adaptation in a Darwinian evolution way in contrast to a Lamarckian case of an acquired trait. The results of two studies concerning the increased size of the Hippocampus as a result of the impact of the environment and as an adaptive characteristic of reproductive and survival strategies are given to students who are invited to investigate whether this characteristic is inherited or not in the two cases. In addition to the main question, individual concepts of Evolution through Natural Selection and Neurobiology are explored. Teaching intervention is a proposal for the teaching of basic concepts of Evolution through the promotion of the idea of using the Evolution by Natural Selection as the Unifying Theory of Biology. The results show a statistically significant

The brain is one of the most complex organs, responsible for the advanced intellectual and cognitive ability of humans. Although primates are to some extent capable of performing cognitive tasks, their abilities are less evolved. One of the reasons for this is the vast differences in the brain of humans compared to other mammals, in terms of shape, size and complexity. Such differences make the study of human brain development fascinating. Interestingly, the cerebral cortex is by far the most complex brain region resulting from its selective evolution within mammals over millions of years. Unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating brain development, as well as the evolutionary differences seen across species and the need to understand human brain disorders, are some of the reasons why scientists are interested in improving their current knowledge on human corticogenesis. Toward this end, several animal models including primates have been used, however, these models are limited in their extent to recapitulate human-specific features. Recent technological achievements in the field of stem cell research, which have enabled the generation of human models of corticogenesis, called brain or cerebral organoids, are of great importance. This review focuses on the main cellular and molecular features of human corticogenesis and the use of brain organoids to study it. We will discuss the key differences between cortical development in human and nonhuman mammals, the technological applications of brain organoids and the different aspects of cortical development in normal and pathological conditions, which can be modeled using brain organoids. This article is categorized under: Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles.

This paper reflects the opinion of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN standards (WG-A/ISO). It aims to provide guidance for drawing up local/national documents about validation and verification of laboratory methods. We demonstrate how risk evaluation can be used to optimize laboratory policies to meet intended use requirements as well as requirements of standards. This is translated in a number of recommendations on how to introduce risk evaluation in various stages of the implementation of new methods ultimately covering the whole process cycle

The variability of the water mass exchange between the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean is investigated using a high-resolution (1/36°) ocean model. We focus on the period from December 1996 to March 1998, having as reference in situ measurements at the Strait of Hormuz. Previous studies, based on models and observations, suggested a perpetual deep outflow, mainly in the southern part of the Strait, and a variable flow in the upper layers. In the present study, we confirm that there is a permanent core of a deep outflow in the Strait at depths greater than 40 m, characterised by high-salinity waters. In addition, we show that there is a seasonal signal in the upper layers net flow in the southern part of the Strait, altering from net inflow during winter/spring to net outflow during summer/fall. The mean annual inflow through the Strait is estimated at 0.22 ± 0.01 Sv and the deep outflow at 0.147 ± 0.01 Sv. The water mass exchange through the Strait is controlled by synoptic processes with high variability net transport fields. These processes characterise the structure and the intensity of the transport patterns, exhibiting 2- to 5-day period. On synoptic time scales, winds drive an immediate baroclinic flow at the Strait of Hormuz, affecting mostly the upper layers, and a quasi-barotropic flow that peaks approximately 2 days later.

Package recommendation systems have gained in popularity especially in the tourism domain, where they propose combinations of different types of attractions that can be visited by someone during a city tour. These systems can also be applied in suggesting home entertainment, proper nutrition or academic courses. Such systems must optimize multiple user criteria in tandem, such as preference score, package cost or duration. This work proposes a flexible framework for recommending packages that best fit users' preferences while satisfying several constraints on the set of the valid packages. This is achieved by modeling the relation between the items and the categories these items belong to, aiming at recommending to each user the top-k packages that cover their preferred categories and the restriction of a maximum package cost. Our contribution includes an optimal and a greedy algorithm, that both outperform a state-of-the-art system and a popularity-based baseline solution. The novelty of the optimal algorithm is that it combines the collaborative filtering predictions with a graph-based model to produce package recommendations. The problem is expressed through a minimum cost flow network and is solved by integer linear programming. The greedy algorithm has a low computational complexity and provides recommendations which are close to the optimal one. An extensive evaluation of the proposed framework has been carried out on six popular recommendation datasets. The results obtained using a set of widely accepted metrics show promising performance. Finally, the formulation of the problem for specific domains has also been addressed.

Nutritional and lifestyle changes remain at the core of healthy aging and disease prevention. Accumulating evidence underscores the impact of genetic, metabolic, and host gut microbial factors on individual responses to nutrients, paving the way for the stratification of nutritional guidelines. However, technological advances that incorporate biological, nutritional, lifestyle, and health data at an unprecedented scale and depth conceptualize a future where preventative dietary interventions will exceed stratification and will be highly individualized. We herein discuss how genetic information combined with longitudinal metabolomic, immune, behavioral, and gut microbial parameters, and bioclinical variables could define a digital replica of oneself, a "virtual digital twin," which could serve to guide nutrition in a personalized manner. Such a model may revolutionize the management of obesity and its comorbidities, and provide a pillar for healthy aging.

The discovery and analysis of the system CzeV1731 represents a rare configuration of a 2+2 quadruple star system containing two eclipsing binaries, the third system of its kind known to date. The system under investigation in this work is TYC 3929-724-1 (= 2MASS J19245582+5704084 = TIC 284482112), located at RA=19:24:55.82, DE=+57:04:08.39, with Vmax=10.5mag. We present times of eclipses and radial velocities of both pairs. (2 data files).

Figure10.4-0.7keV.fits and Figure10.7-1.25keV XMM-Newton mosaic images of M 31 in the 0.4-0.7keV and 0.7-1.25keV range. We used all XMM-Newton data up to and including our new observations (early 2016). To produce these mosaics we used the the XMM-Newton Extended Source Analysis Software (XMM-ESAS), packaged in SAS1 15.0.0. XMM-ESAS is based on the software used for the background modelling described by Snowden et al. (2004ApJ...610.1182S). The units of the images are cts/s/deg2. See Section 2.1.1 for more details. Figure2_0.4-1.25keV.fits. XMM-Newton image of the northern disk of M 31 in the 0.4-1.25keV range produced as in Figure 1. See Sections 2.1.1 and 2.2 for more details. (2 data files).

Table 1 includes the data from the astrometric monitoring runs for 2002 TC302 carried out to narrow down the shadow path uncertainty, in October, November, December 2017 and January 2018 with the Sierra Nevada 1.5m telescope (Granada, Spain) and the Calar Alto 1.2m telescope (Almeria, Spain). The astrometric catalog used for the occultation prediction was Gaia DR1. Tables 2 and 3 include, respectively, all the photometry and astrometry of 2002 TC302 analyzed, from 2014 to 2019. The astrometry was derived with respect to the Gaia DR2 catalog (Cat. I/345). (3 data files).

Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, and obtained from the Hubble Legacy Archive, which is a collaboration between the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI/NASA), the Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility (ST-ECF/ESA) and the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC/NRC/CSA). (1 data file).

The COVID-19 pandemic has unhinged the lives of employees across the globe, yet there is little understanding of how COVID-19 health anxiety (CovH anxiety)-that is, feelings of fear and apprehension about having or contracting COVID-19-impacts critical work, home, and health outcomes. In the current study, we integrate transactional stress theory (Lazarus {&} Folkman, 1984) with selfdetermination theory (Deci {&} Ryan, 2000) to advance and test a model predicting that CovH anxiety prompts individuals to suppress emotions, which has detrimental implications for their psychological need fulfillment. In turn, lack of psychological need fulfillment hinders employees' abilities to work effectively, engage with their family, and experience heightened well-being. Our model further predicts that handwashing frequency-a form of problem-focused coping-will mitigate the effects of CovH anxiety. We test our propositions using a longitudinal design that followed 503 employees across the first four weeks that stay-at-home and social distancing orders were enacted. Consistent with predictions, CovH anxiety was found to impair critical work (goal progress), home (family engagement) and health (somatic complaints) outcomes due to increased emotion suppression and lack of psychological need fulfillment. Further, individuals who frequently engage in handwashing behavior were buffered from the negative impact of CovH anxiety. Combined, our work integrates and extends existing theory and has a number of important practical implications. Our research represents a first step to understanding the work-, home-, and health-related implications of this unprecedented situation, highlighting the detrimental impact of the anxiety stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Το κείμενο αντλεί από την αναπλαισιωτική (reconceptual) παράδοση των αναλυτικών προγραμμάτων, η οποία το θεωρεί (μεταξύ άλλων και) ως πολιτικό κείμενο. Εξετάζεται ιστορικά ο τρόπος μετασχηματισμού/μεταρρύθμισης του αναλυτικού προγράμματος στην Ελλάδα, από τη δεκαετία του 1950 και μετά. Αξιοποιώντας ως θεωρητικό-ερμηνευτικό μοντέλο την μη-αναγωγιστική και μη-στρουκτουραλιστική προσέγγιση των φορέων δράσης (agency) καταλήγει στο συμπέρασμα ότι τα) καταλήγει στο συμπέρασμα ότι τα αναλυτικά προγράμματα στην Ελλάδα συγκροτούνται κυρίως από τις επιλογές των πολιτικά κυρίαρχων φορέων δράσης, με αποτέλεσμα να εμπεριέχουν φονταμενταλιστικές στάσεις ως προς τη γνώση και να χαρακτηρίζονται από τη δυσκολία εναρμόνισης με το οικονομικό και κοινωνικό γίγνεσθαι.

Το επικοινωνιακό πεδίο αλλάζει τόσο ως προς το προσφερόμενο περιεχόμενο, όσο και ως προς τους τρόπους με τους οποίους οι άνθρωποι ανακαλύπτουν, χρησιμοποιούν, καταναλώνουν και αλληλεπιδρούν με τα σύγχρονα μέσα επικοινωνίας. Δεν βλέπουμε πια τηλεόραση με προσήλωση όπως παλαιότερα. Δεν διαβάζουμε εφημερίδες, και ούτε ακούμε ραδιόφωνο πέραν του αυτοκινήτου. Αντίθετα, ενημερωνόμαστε και ψυχαγωγούμαστε όλο και περισσότερο από το διαδίκτυο και τις ιστοσελίδες του. Σχολιάζουμε τα πολιτικά και κοινωνικά δρώμενα και τα κοινοποιούμε στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Μπορεί να μην αντέχουμε να βλέπουμε διαφημίσεις περισσότερο από μισό λεπτό και αλλάζουμε τηλεοπτικό σταθμό όταν δεν προκαλεί το ενδιαφέρον μας, αλλά παρακολουθούμε για ώρες συνεχόμενες τα επεισόδια των αγαπημένων μας σειρών που μας προφέρουν οι νέοι τηλεοπτικοί πάροχοι μέσω του διαδικτύου. Σε οποιαδήποτε δεδομένη ημέρα ο μέσος πολίτης μπορεί να επιλέξει ανάμεσα σε δεκάδες τηλεοπτικά κανάλια επίγεια ή δορυφορικά ή διαδικτυακά, ραδιοφωνικούς σταθμούς, εφημερίδες σε έντυπη ή ηλεκτρονική μορφή κι ένα πλήθος από ιστοσελίδες. Στην πράξη το κοινό των μέσων κατακερματίζεται όλο και περισσότερο, ενώ η κατανάλωση του περιεχομένου των μέσων, είτε αυτό είναι ενημερωτικό είτε ψυχαγωγικό, γίνεται πλέον μπροστά από μια οθόνη, είτε αυτή είναι η παραδοσιακή τηλεοπτική οθόνη είτε ο φορητός υπολογιστής είτε το τάμπλετ ή το έξυπνο κινητό. Ποτέ άλλωστε στην ιστορία των επικοινωνιών το ίδιο περιεχόμενο δεν μπορούσε να καταναλωθεί από τέσσερις διαφορετικές οθόνες, και μάλιστα ταυτόχρονα, μέσα στο σπίτι ή έξω από το σπίτι, σταθερά ή εν κινήσει. Το παρόν βιβλίο έχει στόχο να αναδείξει τα βασικά χαρακτηριστικά της νέας αυτής επικοινωνιακής συνθήκης, καθώς η κατανάλωση του σύγχρονου περιεχομένου των μέσων επικοινωνίας επιτελείται «ανάμεσα σε 4 οθόνες».

Όπως έχουμε ήδη δημοσιεύσει στο παρελθόν η φάση κατασκευής των ενεργειακών οδεύσεων διασύνδεσης Ισραήλ – Κύπρου – Ελλάδας αλλά και η έναρξη των σεισμικών ερευνών στην περιοχή νοτίως της Κρήτης δύναται να ορίσει χρονικώς και γεωγραφικώς μια περίοδο εντονοτέρων τριβών με την γείτονα Τουρκία. Εις επίρρωσιν των ανωτέρω, η πρόσφατη παράνομη αλλά και αδιευκρινίστου, τυπικώς, νομικής υποστάσεως «συμφωνία» μεταξύ Λιβύης – Τουρκίας, υπογράφεται και «επικυρούται» σε μία περίοδο χαρακτηριζόμενη από τα κάτωθι χρονικά στιγμιότυπα (τα κυριότερα):Σεπτέμβριος 2019: Η διαδικασία αδειοδoτήσεως σεισμικών ερευ-νών στην περιοχή του Ιονίου και της Κρήτης από την Ελληνική Βου-λή ολοκληρώνεται.Οκτώβριος 2019: Το γεωτρητικό πλοίο Yavuz ενεργεί, παρά τα τε-χνικά προβλήματα που συνήντησε, εργασίες εντός του βυθοτεμαχίου7, ανήκοντος στην κυπριακή ΑΟΖ.Δεκέμβριος 2019: Η Τουρκία καταθέτει συντεταγμένες υφαλοκρη-πίδας με τη Λιβύη στον ΟΗΕ.Δεκέμβριος 2019: Η Ελλάδα βιαζομένη από την δυναμική τωντουρκικών προσπαθειών δημιουργίας παρανόμων τετελεσμένων προ-χωρά σε συναντήσεις με την Αίγυπτο και την Ιταλία για τον καθορι-σμό της ΑΟΖ αντιδρώντας στη συμφωνία Τουρκίας - Λιβύης. (Δεν έχειεισέτι πρωτοκολληθεί, αλλά αναμένεται η πρωτοκόλλησή του, μάλλονπερί τον μήνα Μάρτιο 2020).

• Ιανουάριος 2020: Η Τριμερής Ελλάδα-Κύπρος-Ισραήλ υπογράφουν το σύμφωνο συνεργασίας για την κατασκευή του αγωγού EastMed
• Μάιος 2018: Η Exxon Mobil ολοκληρώνει τις προκαταρκτικές μελέτες για γεώτρηση στο βυθοτεμάχιο 10 της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας
• Οκτώβριος 2018: Έναρξη σεισμικών ερευνών από το τουρκικό σεισμογραφικό πλοίο BARBAROS
• Νοέμβριος 2018: Το γεωτρύπανο Stena Icemax ξεκινά γεώτρηση στο βυθοτεμάχιο 10 της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας για λογαριασμό της ΕΧΧΟΝ ΜΟΒΙL
• Απρίλιος 2019: Με επίσημη επιστολή της στην Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία, η Exxon Mobil επισημοποίησε τα δεδομένα για το κοίτασμα «Γλαύκος» με την ανακάλυψη των 5 έως 8 τρισεκατομμυρίων κυβικών ποδών, ενώ επιβεβαίωσε και το γεγονός ότι θα πραγματοποιήσει επιβεβαιωτική γεώτρηση.

Από τα παραπάνω καταγεγραμμένα γεγονότα είναι προφανές ότι μέσα σε ένα διάστημα 21ός μηνών επεχειρήθη η κλιμάκωση της εντάσεως στην περιοχή της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου. Διάστημα, κατά την διάρκεια του οποίου, η Τουρκία εισέβαλε στην ζώνη 120 χλμ μεταξύ Ταλ αλ Αμπιάντ - Ρας αλ Άϊν της Συρίας, κατέλαβε συριακά εδάφη υπό την προστασία, στήριξη και ανοχή της Ρωσίας, επιχείρησε παράνομες γεωτρήσεις στην Ανατολική Μεσόγειο, κατάθεσε στον ΟΗΕ μία παράνομη αλλά επικίνδυνη συμφωνία (τη λέξη «επικίνδυνη» θα την εξηγήσουμε σε επόμενο κεφάλαιο) με την κυβέρνηση της Τριπόλεως της Λιβύης, σκοπούσα στον καθορισμό της μεταξύ των υφαλοκρηπίδας, ανεμείχθη με αποστολή τούρκων αξιωματικών των μυστικών υπηρεσιών της, με αποστολή μισθοφόρων ισλαμιστών μαχητών τρομοκρατικών ομάδων από την Συρία, με αποστολή όπλων και πυρομαχικών και βαρέως οπλισμoύ στις δυνάμεις των ισλαμιστών μισθοφόρων του κου Σάρατζ, παραβαίνοντας και την συμφωνία εκεχειρίας της προσφάτου «επιλεκτικώς συνεθημένης συναντήσεως του Βερολίνου» αλλά και το εμπάργκο το ορισθέν από την 1995/2011 απόφαση του ΣΑ του ΟΗΕ με την αποστολή τακτικών στρατευμάτων στη Λιβύη για την υποστήριξη της κυβερνήσεως της Τριπόλεως.

Μετά από μια κοινωνιολογική προσέγγιση και έρευνα των κοινωνικών αναπαραστάσεων για την αναπηρία, διακρίνουμε τον κοινωνικό αποκλεισμό που αντιμετωπίζουν οι συνάνθρωποί μας με αναπηρίες: ως κοινωνική ομάδα και ως άτομα. Αν συμπεριλάβουμε εδώ και τη διάσταση του φύλου, ο κοινωνικός αποκλεισμός, οι κοινωνικές ανισότητες αυξάνονται ραγδαία, και όχι μόνο. Οι γυναίκες και τα κορίτσια με αναπηρίες διατρέχουν μεγαλύτερο κίνδυνο να υποστούν εκμετάλλευση, βία, και σεξουαλική κακοποίηση. Μια ενδελεχή ανασκόπηση της διεθνούς σχετικής βιβλιογραφίας τεκμηριώνει πως ο αθλητισμός προσφέρει μια πλατφόρμα (ένα βήμα/μια κοινωνική περιοχή) για την ευαισθητοποίηση των ατόμων χωρίς αναπηρίες. Ο αθλητισμός και η φυσική αγωγή αποτελούν εργαλεία ή μέσα κοινωνικής ενσωμάτωσης και ένταξης για τους συνανθρώπους μας με αναπηρίες, και ειδικά για τη γυναίκα. __________________________________________________________________________________________________Citation:Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (2020). Γυναίκα με αναπηρία στον Αθλητισμό: «Διεκδικώ τα δικαιώματά μου!». Κοινωνική αναπαράσταση αναπηρίας στον Aθλητισμό. Εισήγηση (μετά από πρόσκληση) στην Ημερίδα  Γυναίκα –Μητέρα – Αναπηρία & Αθλητισμός, 8 Μαρτίου,  Κέντρο Πολιτισμού Ίδρυμα Σταύρος Νιάρχος (Πύργος Βιβλίων), 17:00-21.00, υπό την επιστημονική επίβλεψη του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Κέντρο Πολιτισμού Ίδρυμα Στάυρος Νιάρχος, Αναγέννηση & Πρόοδος, και Sports Excellence της Α’ Ορθοπαιδικής Κλινικής του ΕΚΠΑ. https://www.uoa.gr/anakoinoseis_kai_ekdiloseis/proboli_ekdilosis/imerida_gynaika_mitera_anapiria_athlitismos/ Aναλυτικό Πρόγραμμα Video της ημερίδας - Ενότητα 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zo6h2Xb5lo "Αθλητισμός και αναπηρία" Συντονιστής: Τσολάκης Χάρης, Καθηγητής Σχολής Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού, ΕΚΠΑ.  Παρουσιάζουν οι:

1. 1.      Καμπερίδου Ειρήνη, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια Κοινωνιολογίας, Κοινωνικό Φύλο και Αθλητισμός, Σχολής Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού, ΕΚΠΑ

Θέμα παρουσίασης: "Γυναίκα με αναπηρία στον Αθλητισμό: «Διεκδικώ τα δικαιώματά μου!» Κοινωνική αναπαράσταση της αναπηρίας στον Αθλητισμό"

1. 2.      Κουτσούκη Δήμητρα, Καθηγήτρια Σχολής Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού, ΕΚΠΑ, Διευθύντρια Εργαστηρίου "Προσαρμοσμένης Κινητικής Δραστηριότητας / Αναπτυξιακών και Κινητικών Διαταραχών"

Θέμα Παρουσίασης: "Ο ρόλος του αθλητισμού στην κοινωνική ένταξη των ατόμων με αναπηρία" 3. Συμμετέχουν οι: Βλάμη Έφη, Πωταθλήτρια Ελλάδος στην ξιφασκία με αμαξίδιο & Σταματάτου Άδα, αθλήτρια μεγάλων αποστάσεων, μητέρα παιδιού ΑΜΕΑ   Η ημερίδα: "Γυναίκα-Μητέρα, Αθλητισμός & Αναπηρία," διοργανώθηκε από το Κέντρο Πολιτισμού Ίδρυμα Σταύρος Νιάρχος (ΚΠΙΣΝ), με σχεδιασμό και υλοποίηση από το Τμήμα Αθλητικής  Αριστείας - Sports Excellence, της Α’ Ορθοπαιδικής Κλινικής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, σε συνεργασία με το Εργαστήριο Προσαρμοσμένης Κινητικής Δραστηριότητας / Αναπτυξιακών και Κινητικών Διαταραχών της Σχολής Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, με αποκλειστική δωρεά από το Ίδρυμα Σταύρος Νιάρχος (ΙΣΝ).  

Η διασαφήνιση των ορίων ανάμεσα στην εκπαίδευση ενηλίκων και στη συμβουλευτική είναι ένα πεδίο το οποίο συζητάτε χωρίς ωστόσο να έχει διερευνηθεί επαρκώς. Διερευνάται η σχέση ανάμεσα στα δυο πεδίο με βάση τη θεωρία μετασχηματισμών, τον ορισμό της ενηλικιότητας και τη διερεύνηση των δυσλειτουργικών ψυχικών παραδοχών. Δίνεται ο ορισμός της ενηλικιότητας και της ωριμότητας με βάση τη θεωρία μετασχηματισμών και την κατάρρευση των ψευδαισθήσεων της παιδικής ηλικίας. Διερευνώνται τα επτά στάδια προς την ενηλικιότητα καθώς και οι επιπτώσεις των δυσλειτουργικών παραδοχών. Συζητούνται τα όρια ανάμεσα στην συμβουλευτική και στην εκπαίδευση ενηλίκων με προτάσεις για την εκπαίδευση των εκπαιδευτών ενηλίκων.

Funding of research proposals by the European Commission (EC) requires notonly scientific excellence and innovation, but also ethical conduct of research. For thisreason, the EC performs ethics review for all the research proposals that are going to befunded, in order to check compliance with the ethics principles of research, as well asthe European and National laws, in the countries where research is conducted. The aimof the present manuscript is to raise awareness and familiarize researchers with theethics review of research proposals, as conducted in the EC, through the eyes of twoethics experts.Firstly, the stages of the ethics review process are described, which is performedwith the assistance of independent ethics experts. The criteria which are provided andmonitored by the Ethics and Research Integrity Sector in the EC are then presented indetail. Based on these criteria, the possible outcomes of an ethics review are analyzed,which may include the formation of specific requirements that need to be fulfilled by theresearchers. Specific reference is made to the requirements that may result when aresearch proposal involves collection, processing and storage of personal data accordingto the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679, because this Regulation enteredinto force recently in the ethics review.Finally, reference is made to the importance of ensuring integrity in researchthought the ethics review process, and the necessary compliance with the ethicsstandards of EC-funded research.

©   Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (2020). Η Απομυθοποίηση του Χαρεμιού–Το Γυναικείο Παρακράτος: Γυναικείες Μαρτυρίες του 17ου, 18ου και 19ου αιώνα. Φιλοσοφία και Παιδεία. Περιοδική Έκδοση της Ένωσης Καθηγητών για την Προαγωγή της Φιλοσοφίας στην Εκπαίδευση (ΕΚΔΕΦ), σελ. 2-48. http://scholar.uoa.gr/sites/default/files/ikamper/files/gynaikeies_martyries_17oy_18oy_kai_19oy_aiona_48_pages_.pdf  ------------------------------------------------------ΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΟ ΑΝΑΛΥΤΙΚΑ:  ©       ΓΥΝΑΙΚΕΙΕΣ  ΜΑΡΤΥΡΙΕΣ ΤΟΥ 17ου, 18ου ΚΑΙ 19ου ΑΙΩΝΑ (ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ, σελ. 2-35). ©       Η ΑΠΟΜΥΘΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΑΡΕΜΟΥ: ΤΟ ΓΥΝΑΙΚΕΙΟ ΠΑΡΑΚΡΑΤΟΣ  (ΜΑΚΕΔΝΟΝ, 2002: σελίδες 36-48). Βλέπε επίσης, Καμπερίδου, Ε. (2002). Η ταύτιση των περιηγητριών με το "Άλλο". ΜΑΚΕΔΝΟΝ, Περιοδική Επιστημονική Έκδοση της Παιδαγωγικής Σχολής Φλώρινας του Α.Π.Θ., (10), 149-160.

Η παρούσα μελέτη συμβάλει στην ανάπτυξη νέων επιστημονικών αντικειμένων που προκύπτουν από τη συνέργεια επιστημών. Αφορά δυνατότητες συνέργειας της Κοινωνικής Παιδαγωγικής και της Θρησκευτικής Εκπαίδευσης (Μυλωνάκου-Κεκέ, 2013∙ Κουκουνάρας Λιάγκης, 2019), που έχουν εμφανιστεί, στο πλαίσιο της τυπικής εκπαίδευσης με βάση τις Ευρωπαϊκές Συστάσεις και Συμβάσεις, τα Ανθρώπινα Δικαιώματα και τα Δικαιώματα του Παιδιού, αλλά και τις σύγχρονες θεωρίες στη θρησκειοπαιδαγωγική και θεολογία. Παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης της Θρησκευτικής Εκπαίδευσης (μάθημα και έρευνα) και του πλαισίου της, με όρους κοινωνικών συστημάτων (Engeström, 1999; 2005), αλλά και του Υπερ(συν)επιστημονικού Κοινωνικοπαιδαγωγικού Μοντέλου, που έχει σχεδιαστεί με βάση τη διαλεκτική σχέση των θεωριών της Μεθοδολογίας των Ανθρώπινων Συστημάτων, της Συστημικής Επιστήμης (Senge, 2006) και του Μοντέλου της Συνεκπαίδευσης/Syneducation και της Διαχείρισης της Γνώσης (Κεκές, 2007, 2008∙ Mylonakou-Keke, 2015∙  Μυλωνάκου-Κεκέ, 2016). Φαίνεται ότι δημιουργείται ένα διακριτό επιστημονικό πεδίο δράσης κοινού ενδιαφέροντος των δύο επιστημονικών πεδίων, που βασίζεται σε κοινές προϋποθέσεις και επιδιώξεις. Μπορεί, μάλιστα να έχει εφαρμογές στην ολόπλευρη ανάπτυξη του ανθρώπου, στην προσωπική και συλλογική ζωή, και επιπλέον να προκαλεί βελτιωτικές αλλαγές, που είναι ένας από τους βασικούς ρόλους της εκπαίδευσης.

Για έναν περίπου αιώνα (1837-1930), η ελληνική Πολιτεία δεν μερίμνησε για την οργάνωση μιας επίσημης δομής αρχικής κατάρτισης επιφορτισμένης με τη μόρφωση των καθηγητών γαλλικής. Στα τέλη του 19ου αιώνα, το ζήτημα αρχίζει να απασχολεί και τη γαλλική πολιτιστική διπλωματία, η οποία το συνδέει άμεσα με τη διάδοση/διάχυση της γαλλικής γλώσσας και κατ’ επέκταση με την ισχυροποίηση της γαλλικής παρουσίας στο γεωπολιτικό γίγνεσθαι της περιοχής. Η μελέτη αυτή επιχειρεί να αποτυπώσει τους βασικότερους σταθμούς της ιστορίας της εκπαίδευσης των καθηγητών γαλλικής στην Ελλάδα από τη θεσμική ανυπαρξία έως τη συγκρότηση της γαλλικής γραμματείας σε γνωστικό αντικείμενο ακαδημαϊκών σπουδών με την ίδρυση τμημάτων στα πανεπιστήμια Αθηνών και Θεσσαλονίκης (1954). Να αναδείξει επίσης ότι, πέρα από την ελληνική κοινωνικοοικονομική και πολιτική συγκυρία που τη χάραξε, η πορεία του ζητήματος αυτού έχει και διπλωματικές/διεθνικές προεκτάσεις, καθώς συνδέεται άμεσα και με πολιτικές που αναπτύχθηκαν στο πλαίσιο μιας ελληνογαλλικής μορφωτικής συνεργασίας. Η εκπαιδευτική αυτή σύμπραξη Ελλάδας-Γαλλίας αποδεικνύεται ωστόσο αμφίσημη, καθώς εξυπηρετεί διαφορετικούς πολιτιστικούς στόχους, διαφορετικά πολιτικά και διπλωματικά συμφέροντα και διακυβεύματα.  "The French teacher education in Greece in the 19th and 20th centuries: aspects of an ambiguous Greek-French cultural collaboration" For about a century (1837-1930), the Greek State did not accommodate the organization of a formal educational structure of initial training for French teachers. At the end of the 19th century this became an issue for the French cultural diplomacy who directly linked this to the spreading of the French language and by extension to the strengthening of the French presence in the Balkan geopolitical scene. In the following study, it is attempted to map the main landmarks of the history of French teachers’ education in Greece, from institutional non-existence until the establishment of the French Language and Literature as an academic discipline with the founding of departments at the Universities of Athens and Thessaloniki (1954). Another aim of the current study is to highlight that, in addition to the Greek socio-economic and political context that has shaped it, this issue also has diplomatic / international implications, as it is directly linked to policies developed in the context of Greek-French cooperation. This educational partnership between Greece and France, however, proves to be rather ambiguous, erratic, often confrontational, since it serves different cultural goals, different political and diplomatic interests and stakes.

The present paper aims to investigate the characteristics of the kingdom of God and the ethical presuppositions for entering it. The study is limited to the witness of the synoptic gospels. The approach to the issue at hand is a synchronic one based on the method of reader-response criticism. Concretely, the gospels are read through the lens of an assumed ancient reader of the synoptic gospels who is well-versed in Greek literature and compares the concept of the kingdom of God with the one of Athenian democracy according to Pericles’s Epitaph in Thucydides.From an ethical point of view, the kingdom of God exceeds by far even the ideal democracy. Contrary to the latter, the kingdom of God is entirely peaceful, treats all its citizens as equals, invites all human beings to enter it but leaves them free to decide for themselves whether or not they wish to. The only fight its prospective citizens have to give is against demonic powers and their own negative inclinations. Differently from Pericles’s Epitaph, in God’s kingdom, active love towards all, enemies included, is the quintessence of ethics. To receive God’s kingdom, human beings have to love God more than anything else and their neighbor like themselves. They also have to be forgiving, self-denying, and self-sacrificing without expecting to be rewarded in the present world. On their way to the kingdom of God, they belong to those mourning, crying, and being persecuted. Earthly honor does not matter at all; the sinners, the poor, and the outliers are the first to enter the kingdom. In sum, the ethical standards for belonging to God’s kingdom are much higher than those of the citizens of the Athenian democracy. Most importantly, though, the ethics of God’s kingdom is founded on faith in Jesus Christ, the true Son of God, whose earthly presence inaugurates his and his Father’s kingdom.

Fasting is undeniably one of the religious practices that form the identity of the members of the Orthodox Church. Among other points, the official document on fasting of the Holy and Great Council of Crete focuses on the need for the local Churches to apply the principle of oikonomia when necessary. However, in the pertinent argumentation, there is hardly any reference to the relevant witness of the New Testament. The present paper attempts to fill in this blank by presenting St. Paul’s teaching on abstinence from idol food as an important contribution to this discussion. While Paul is not interested in the practice of fasting per se, he is concerned with the problem of believers eating or avoiding idol food. According to him, Christians with a strong conscience should feel free to consume idol food. However, they also have to take into account their brethren with a weak conscience who think of such practice as participation in idolatry. If necessary, the first ones should be even prepared to give up their right of eating meat so as not to scandalize the latter. It is then clear that St. Paul understands abstinence from food as a condescension to spiritual weakness. Contemporary civilization has created new serious health disorders, which are partly due to modern-day eating habits. For this, as well as for other reasons, many Christians nowadays cannot and should not be fasting in the traditional way. Taking into consideration the Pauline testimony, the historical diversity of the practice of fasting, as well as the complexity of contemporary problems, an individualized understanding and application of both akribeia and oikonomia is required. In addition, Church members should be encouraged to reach spiritual maturity, so that they are able to take responsibility for both their spiritual and their physical health.

«Εσείς οι Άγγλοι μας παίρνετε τα έργα των προγόνων μας. Φυλάξτε τα καλά. Εμείς οι Έλληνες στο μέλλον θα τα ζητήσουμε πίσω» (Αθανάσιος Ψαλίδας 1809).    Μια νέα εξέλιξη προέκυψε αναφορικά με το θέμα των γλυπτών του Παρθενώνα που απέσπασε ο Lord Elgin στις αρχές του 19ου αιώνα και εκτίθενται στο Βρετανικό Μουσείο σήμερα. Δυο Τούρκοι επιστήμονες (Ζεϊνέπ Αϊγκέν και  Ορχάν Σακίν) εξετάζοντας τα οθωμανικά αρχεία, καταρρίπτουν τους ισχυρισμούς των Βρετανών πως είχαν λάβει άδεια από τον σουλτάνο για την ‘αρπαγή’. Αποδεικνύεται ότι το Βρετανικό Μουσείο βασίζει τους ισχυρισμούς του σε μια ιταλική μετάφραση του φερόμενου ως πρωτότυπου σουλτανικού φιρμανιού (άδειας). Οι δύο Τούρκοι επιστήμονες ήρθαν στην Αθήνα στις 23 Φεβρουαρίου 2019 και σε συνεργασία με Έλληνες ομολόγους τους, αποφάνθηκαν πως δεν υπάρχει σουλτανικό φιρμάνι. Αρχαία ελληνικά ευρήματα και έργα τέχνης υπάρχουν σήμερα σε όλο τον κόσμο. Συλλεκτική μανία είχε καταλάβει τις ευρωπαϊκές αυλές και τους μεγιστάνες του πλούτου ήδη, από την αυγή της Αναγέννησης. «Είναι θλιβερή η διαπίστωση», έγραφε τον 19ο αιώνα, ο François-René de Chateaubriand, «ότι οι πολιτισμένοι ευρωπαϊκοί λαοί προξένησαν στα μνημεία των Αθηνών περισσότερο κακό κατά τη διάρκεια 150 χρόνων από’ όσο όλοι μαζί οι βάρβαροι κατά τη διάρκεια των αιώνων. Είναι σκληρό να σκεφτεί κανείς ότι ο Αλάριχος και ο Μωάμεθ Β’ σεβάστηκαν τον Παρθενώνα, για να τον αφανίσουν ο Μοροζίνι και ο Έλγιν». Είναι βέβαιο ότι η πολιτισμική κληρονομιά ενός τόπου, δεν είναι μόνο οι αρχαιότητες και τα παλαιά έργα τέχνης. Είναι η πνευματική του δημιουργία που σε συνδυασμό με την ιστορική-πολιτισμική μνήμη συγκροτούν καθημερινή βιωματική εμπειρία, η  οποία δεν μπορεί να κλαπεί και να δημοπρατηθεί. Είναι λυπηρό που η διεθνής κοινότητα στέκεται με απάθεια μπροστά στο δράμα της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς ενός τόπου, που αποτελεί μέρος της παγκόσμιας πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς! [στο τυπογραφείο-υπό έκδοση, καθυστέρηση λόγω μέτρων/Covid 19]

©       Καμπερίδου, Ειρ. (2020). Η ΣΥΛΛΕΚΤΙΚΗ ΜΑΝΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΕΥΡΩΠΑΙΩΝ: Η ΑΡΠΑΓΗ ΚΑΙ Η ΣΥΛΗΣΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΤΗΤΩΝ. Φιλοσοφία και Παιδεία. Τεύχος 81-82, Μάρτιος-Σεπτέμβριος 2020., σελ. 32-37. Έκδοση της Ένωσης Καθηγητών για την Προαγωγή της Φιλοσοφίας στην Εκπαίδευση (Ε.Κ.Δ.Ε.Φ.).

Εισήγηση στην ημερίδα με τίτλο: «Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη στην Ιατρική Απεικόνιση, Εφαρμογές, προοπτική, ηθικά και φιλοσοφικά ζητήματα», 12.10.2019, Αθήνα.

H Ελλάδα (ως κράτος, ως πολιτεία και ως κοινωνία) διέρχεται μια πολυσχιδή και πολυσήμαντη κρίση τα τελευταία 10 χρόνια. Στη διάρκεια αυτής της περιόδου (2007-2018) έχουν πραγματοποιηθεί και εκπαιδευτικές μεταρρυθμίσεις, μεγαλύτερης, ή μικρότερης εμβέλειας, υπό διαφορετικές κυβερνήσεις. Εάν στα πλαίσια μιας «λειτουργικής» θεώρησης, η οποία, αφενός, ερμηνεύει τον τρόπο διασύνδεσης των δομικών στοιχείων του κοινωνικού, ενώ, αφετέρου, κριτικά, αναστοχάζεται επί της επίτευξης -ή μη- αυτής της διασύνδεσης (ενώ, αντιθέτως, οι συγκρουσιακές θεωρήσεις αναφέρονται στις επιπτώσεις των επιλογών -με έμφαση σε όσες κατασκευάζουν ανισότητες, πειθαρχίες, αποκλεισμούς, κ.τ.λ.- κατά την κοινωνική θέσμιση) θεωρήσουμε ότι ένα από τα ζητούμενα μιας εκπαιδευτικής μεταρρύθμισης είναι η προσαρμογή και διασύνδεση της εκπαίδευσης με την οικονομία και τις κοινωνικές ανάγκες (όπως, επί παραδείγματι, φαίνεται μέσα από τις ανακοινώσεις εργοδοτικών και άλλων κοινωνικών φορέων), μέσω της παρεχόμενης σχολικής γνώσης, με την πρότασή μας επιχειρούμε να διερευνήσουμε τον τρόπο με τον οποίο η πολιτική ηγεσία (και οι πολιτικά κυρίαρχοι φορείς δράσης) διερμήνευσε και αντιμετώπισε αυτές τις ανάγκες κυρίως ως προς το επίπεδο της παρεχόμενης σχολικής γνώσης, καθώς φαίνεται ότι αυτή αποτελεί έναν από τους βασικούς πυρήνες διαμόρφωσης της κοινωνίας (βλ. Apple 1982, 1986, Bernstein 1991, 1996, Jackson 1992, κ.α.). Βασικός στόχος, συνεπώς, της ανακοίνωσης είναι η διερεύνηση των αιτιών της διαφαινόμενης ασυνέχειας μεταξύ εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής και κοινωνικο-οικονομικής πραγματικότητας, ως προς τις επιλογές στο επίπεδο της σχολικής γνώσης (είτε πρόκειται για περιόδους κρίσεων, είτε για κρίσεις που προκαλούνται από τις επιλογές στην εκπαίδευση). Η βασική μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση θα είναι η ιστορικοσυγκριτική, καθώς θα εξεταστούν τα ιστορικά τεκμήρια καθέτως, για να φανεί το επίπεδο στο οποίο η κρίση γίνεται αντιληπτή και οριζοντίως για να φανεί η χρονική συνέχεια, ή ασυνέχεια στις επιλογές. Ως συμπέρασμα μπορεί κανείς να θεωρήσει τον προεξάρχοντα ρόλο του πολιτικού πεδίου και την κατίσχυσή του έναντι όλων των άλλων κοινωνικών πεδίων.

The time of Photios the Great was crucial for the Jewish-Christian relations. The Byzantine Empire exited the iconoclastic controversy in 842 AD, for which the Jews had been partly held responsible. In 861 AD, the Byzantines attempted to approach the Khazars, who had largely embraced Judaism. Furthermore, starting in 872, emperor Basil I made a series of attempts to convert the Byzantine Jews to Christianity.This historical background is reflected by the numerous references to the Jews in Photios’s works. Photios generally utilizes acute anti-Jewish rhetoric, through which he seems to be seeking to construct a unified Christian identity following the iconoclastic divide. It is noteworthy, however, that Photios focuses his anti-Jewish rhetoric on the events of the New Testament, while he avoids referring to the Jews of his time and thereby inciting tension towards them. He also makes positive remarks about Jewish believers and states his faith in the eschatological conversion of all Jews to Christianity. While Photios addresses his sermons and writings to an exclusively Christian audience, the discourse of modern-day Church is de facto addressed to humanity as a whole. Therefore, our Church should rather adopt a rhetoric of reconciliation, promote a sincere theological discourse, and transcend all sorts of stereotypes. The theological dialogue between the Byzantines and the Khazars, inspired by Photios the Great, is a valuable precedent in this endeavor.

International tendencies and the dominant educational policy that is associated with special education is focusing on integration practices and the promotion of inclusive education. The purpose of the given investigation was to imprintthe thoughts of principals of special education school settings, regarding the currently applied educational status of special education inGreece. The researchers, through semi-structured interviews, aimed to designate the factors that contribute to forming the inclusion politics in general education classrooms of students with some form of disability. The content analysis of the data that were collected by the investigators, lead them in the conclusion that it is of high importance to consider the school culture as a significant factor of the degree of which students with disabilities can be included in general education and the quality of the cooperation that will be developed through the principles and the educational stuff.  

Religion is a key theme in the learning process that aims to design, reflect, and transform knowledge in order for students to acquire the ability to: reflect on issues of social, economic, political and cultural pluralism, take reflective action which leads to responsible citizenship, bring about transformation and social change, enable understanding, and manage diversity through synthesis, collaboration, dialogue and creative debate, while cultivating a consciousness that leverages any local and differring elements. The above pedagogical approaches to the curriculum are presented here, focusing on the role of knowledge of religion in preschool and first-school education. The local environment, the family, the person‟s religion, and other persons of religion in the environment at pre-school and of pre-school age, have a role to play in the process of constructing the personal identity that is carried out in school by meaningful personal experiences. This process of giving meaning requires the student to know the language, to be literate and in this case the religious language. Literacy in the early years of school is fundamental to a child's development and maturity. Religious literacy is therefore essential from an early age, since it has a profound effect. Therefore, it is about the zone of proximal development, i.e. the functions that have not yet matured but are in the process of maturing.

From the very beginning of the establishment of the Church, education and peda-gogy had beenat the epicenter of the thought of great theologians and Christian philosophers as anthropomorphic ideals, which civilization offers to societies in order to form complete and integrated personalities capable to understand the truth about life, the world,and their place in it. The Church Father’s knowledge is based on Divine Wisdom which they passed to the community of believers in proclamations, preaching, witnessing and which was also shared at the gathering of worshiping communities.

Τα Λατινικά του Wheelock είναι η πρώτη ελληνική μετάφραση του Wheelock's Latin (7η έκδοση, επικαιροποιημένη και ανανεωμένη), ενός από τα δημοφιλέστερα εγχειρίδια εκμάθησης της Λατινικής γλώσσας παγκοσμίως. Με τρόπο μεθοδικό, ευχάριστο και εύληπτο αναδεικνύει την ομορφιά, τη ζωντάνια και τη διαχρονική αξία της Λατινικής. Περιλαμβάνει:- 40 κεφάλαια με λεπτομερή παρουσίαση της Γραμματικής και του Συντακτικού, και εφαρμογή των κανόνων πάνω σε κείμενα σπουδαίων Ρωμαίων συγγραφέων, συνοδευόμενα από σημειώσεις, μεταφραστικές συμβουλές και ερωτήσεις κατανόησης.- Εκτενές Ελληνο-Λατινικό και Λατινο-Ελληνικό λεξιλόγιο.- Ασκήσεις αυτοβελτίωσης, με τις απαντήσεις τους, για ανεξάρτητη μελέτη.- Πλούσια συλλογή από αυθεντικά, μη διασκευασμένα, λατινικά κείμενα για μετάφραση, μαζί με πλήρη λεξιλογική υποστήριξη.- Ετυμολογικές πληροφορίες, χάρτες και γκραφίτι που αναδεικνύουν ποικίλες πτυχές του ρωμαϊκού πολιτισμού.Το βιβλίο απευθύνεται πρωτίστως σε φοιτητές/φοιτήτριες φιλοσοφικών σχολών αλλά και σε μαθητές/μαθήτριες που επιθυμούν να μάθουν Λατινικά με τρόπο έγκυρο και παιδαγωγικά άρτιο, καθώς και στο ευρύτερο κοινό που φιλοδοξεί μέσα από τη μεθοδική κατάκτηση της Λατινικής να απολαύσει από το πρωτότυπο τη λογοτεχνία των Ρωμαίων και να γνωρίσει την ιστορία και τον πολιτισμό τους.

Αναμφισβήτητα, η συμβολή των ελληνικών θιάσων στην πολιτιστική και κοινωνική ζωή των ελληνικών κοινοτήτων στις Η.Π.Α. κατά το πρώτο μισό του 20ού αιώνα είναι αξιοσημείωτη. Με την καλλιτεχνική δραστηριότητα που ανέπτυξαν, δίδαξαν κοινωνικότητα και αδελφοσύνη, απάλυναν τον μετανάστη -ως θεατή, ηθοποιό ή και δραματουργό- από τα καθημερινά προβλήματα, τις δεσμεύσεις τόπου, χρόνου και βιοτικών αναγκών, παρέχοντάς του έναν χώρο ελευθερίας. Το θέατρο, προωθώντας την πνευματική επικοινωνία και την ψυχική επαφή, πρόσφερε, επίσης, στους μετανάστες κοινά ιδανικά και επιδιώξεις, διαμορφώνοντας μία κοινή ταυτότητα. Κυρίως, όμως, καλλιέργησε την έννοια του ανήκειν σε ένα ευρύτερο σύνολο ατόμων, τόνωσε την εθνική συνείδηση και διαδραμάτισε έναν ενοποιητικό ρόλο. (Από την παρουσίαση στο οπισθόφυλλο του βιβλίου) Περιεχόμενα

Late years, innovative close-range remote sensing technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) are widely applied in the field of geoscience due to their efficiency in collecting data about surface morphology. Their main advantage stands on the fact that conventional methods are mainly collecting point measurements such as compass measurements of bedding and fracture orientation solely from accessible areas. The current research aims to demonstrate the applicability of UAVs in managing landslide and rockfall hazard in mountainous environments during emergency situations using object-based approach. Specifically, a detailed UAV survey took place in a test site namely as Proussos, one of the most visited and famous Monasteries in the territory of Evritania prefecture, in central Greece. An unstable steep slope across the sole road network results in continuous failures and road cuts after heavy rainfall events. Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry is used to provide detailed 3D point clouds describing the surface morphology of landslide objects. The latter resulted from an object-based classification approach of the photogrammetric point cloud products into homogeneous and spatially connected elements. In specific, a knowledge-based ruleset has been developed in accordance with the local morphometric parameters. Orthomosaic and DSM were segmented in meaningful objects based on a number of geometrical and contextual properties and classified as a landslide object (scarp, depletion zone, accumulation zone). The resulted models were used to detect and characterize 3D landslide features and provide a hazard assessment in respect to the road network. Moreover, a detailed assessment of the identified failure mechanism has been provided. The proposed study presents the effectiveness and efficiency of UAV platforms to acquire accurate photogrammetric datasets from high-mountain environments and complex surface topographies and provide a holistic object-based framework to characterize the failure site based on semantic classification of the landslide objects.

The purpose of this research is to combine two state-of-the-art technologies in surveying for extracting the rock thickness above a cavity. By combining Lidar technology for indoor surveying and photogrammetric processing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS – drones) data, we managed to calculate and project with high accuracy the rock thickness of the roof of the underground environment of Koutouki Cave (Peania, Greece). Usually, cave systems are complex and unique because of their distinctive geometry and compound geomorphology along with natural harsh conditions such as constrained accessibility, limited light, high humidity and possible existence of water. Such environments make mapping difficult and further complicated (Kershaw, 2012). Nowadays, the state-of-the-art in surveying of open surface is based on LiDAR technology. Lately, similar technology has started to be used for indoor surveying and consequently in cave mapping, especially where the underground space allows it. Our research was based on the use of a recently released piece of equipment introducing a lightweight mobile handheld laser scanning system (GeoSLAM ZEB – REVO) that has the ability to produce a quite dense point cloud within an underground cavity. The x, y, z point cloud is generated while the operator walks through the cave (Zlot and Bosse, 2014). The specifications of this equipment include a 360o rotation, a (class 1 eye safe) 100Hz laser – making 100 rotations per second with the collection of 43,200 points per second. The maximum effective range is around 25-30m for indoor environment and data over 30m are usually excluded.

FeGe in the B20 phase is an experimentally well-studied prototypical chiral magnet exhibiting helical spirals, skyrmion lattices, and individual skyrmions with a robust length of 70 nm. While the helical spiral ground state can be verified by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, this feature size could not be reproduced even approximately. To develop a coherent picture of the discrepancy between experiment and theory, we investigate in this work the magnetic properties of FeGe from first principles using different electronic-structure methods. We study atomistic as well as micromagnetic parameters describing exchange and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, and discuss their subtle dependence on computational, structural, and correlation parameters. In particular, we quantify how these magnetic properties are affected by changes of the lattice parameter, different atomic arrangements, exchange and correlation effects, finite Fermi-function broadening, and momentum-space sampling. In addition, we use the obtained atomistic parameters to determine the corresponding Curie temperature, which agrees well with experiments. Our results indicate that the well-known and well-accepted relation between the micromagnetic parameters and the period of the helical structure is not valid for FeGe. This calls for new experiments exploring the relation by measuring independently the spin stiffness, the spiralization, and the period of the helical spin spiral.

This work proposes a novel framework for enhancing abstractive text summarization based on the combination of deep learning techniques along with semantic data transformations. Initially, a theoretical model for semantic-based text generalization is introduced and used in conjunction with a deep encoder-decoder architecture in order to produce a summary in generalized form. Subsequently, a methodology is proposed which transforms the aforementioned generalized summary into human-readable form, retaining at the same time important informational aspects of the original text and addressing the problem of out-of-vocabulary or rare words. The overall approach is evaluated on two popular datasets with encouraging results.

Detection and differentiation of enantiomers in small quantities are crucially important in many scientific fields, including biology, chemistry, and pharmacy. Chiral molecules manifest their handedness in their interaction with the chiral state of light (e.g., circularly polarized light), which is commonly leveraged in circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. However, compared to the linear refractive index molecular chirality is extremely weak, resulting in low detection efficiencies. Recently, it has been shown that these weak chiroptical signals can be enhanced by increasing the optical chirality of the electromagnetic fields interacting with chiral samples. Here, we show numerically and analytically that dielectric structures can provide an optimum chiral sensing platform by offering uniform superchiral near-fields. To illustrate this, we first study a simple dielectric dimer and show that circularly polarized light can induce parallel and out of phase electric and magnetic fields, which are spectrally and spatially overlapped, and therefore produce superchiral fields at the midpoint of the dimer. This behavior is in contrast to, for example, a plasmonic dimer, where the optical chirality is limited by the electric dipolar field, which is not completely out of phase with the incident magnetic field. With the insights gained from this analysis, next we develop an approach for overlapping electric and magnetic fields in a single particle, based on Kerker effect. In particular, we introduce a Kerker-inspired metasurface consisting of holey dielectric disks, which offers uniform and accessible superchiral near-fields with CD signal enhancements of nearly 24 times. © 2019 American Chemical Society.

The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope observations of blazars show a strong correlation between the spectral index of their γ-ray spectra and their synchrotron peak frequency ν _{pk}^{syn}; additionally, the rate of Compton dominance of these sources also seems to be a function of ν _{pk}^{syn}. In this work, we adopt the assumption that the non-thermal emission of blazars is primarily due to radiation by a population of Fermi-accelerated electrons in a relativistic outflow (jet) along the symmetry axis of the blazar's accretion disc. Furthermore, we assume that the Compton component is related to an external photon field of photons, which are scattered from particles of the magnetohydrodynamic wind emanating from the accretion disc. Our results reproduce well the aforementioned basic observational trends of blazar classification by varying just one parameter, namely the mass accretion rate on to the central black hole.

The purpose of this study was to illustrate the usefulness of ultrasound in the early diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures. Forty-eight patients with clinical symptoms of scaphoid fracture and negative initial X-rays were examined. All patients underwent ultrasonography in the emergency room (ER). After 14 days, a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, which confirmed or not the initial suspicion of fracture. Twenty-two patients were found with subperiosteal hematoma, while six also had cortical discontinuity. The sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures was 90% and the specificity was 85.7%. The positive prognostic value was 81.8%. The authors support the use of the scaphoid ultrasound only under strict circumstances. If subperiosteal hematoma or cortical discontinuity is present, there is a high likelihood of scaphoid fracture. On the contrary, if the ultrasound is negative and symptoms persist, the patient will require a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging for definitive diagnosis. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(1):1-9, 2019).

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of Greek equity mutual funds and the persistence in annual performance for the period 2008-2017 by using a variety of performance models. Design/methodology/approachUsing all the available funds in operation and daily data, the authors apply single-index (Jensen, 1968) and multi-factor models (Fama and French, 1993; Carhart, 1997) to measure risk-adjusted returns. To assess performance persistence, a series of parametric (Bollen and Busse, 2005) and nonparametric tests (Malkiel, 1995; Brown and Goetzmann, 1995; Kahn and Rudd, 1995) is implemented. FindingsResults show that the Greek equity mutual funds perform, on average, worse than the market index, irrespective of the performance measure applied, and the estimations obtained by the models are similar. Few managers that followed large-cap strategies, pursued stocks with high book-to-market value ratio and eliminated their exposure to the momentum effect were able to add value to their portfolios. Furthermore, a winner-picking strategy based on sustained superior performers is questioned. However, assigning fund returns to the corresponding risk factors results in the partial disappearance of persistence in performance. Originality/valueThe sample period includes the turbulent period, following the introduction of capital controls, which affected capital flows significantly. Moreover, the application of multiple performance measures enables us to investigate performance persistence in a wider spectrum.

Surface functionalization of TiO2 inverse opals by graphene oxide nanocolloids (nanoGO) presents a promising modification for the development of advanced photocatalysts that combine slow photon-assisted light harvesting, surface area, and mass transport of macroporous photonic structures with the enhanced adsorption capability, surface reactivity, and charge separation of GO nanosheets. In this work, post-thermal reduction of nanoGO-TiO2 inverse opals was investigated in order to explore the role of interfacial electron transfer vs. pollutant adsorption and improve their photocatalytic activity. Photonic band gap-engineered TiO2 inverse opals were fabricated by the coassembly technique and were functionalized by GO nanosheets and reduced under He at 200 and 500 °C. Comparative performance evaluation of the nanoGO-TiO2 films on methylene blue photodegradation under UV-VIS and visible light showed that thermal reduction at 200 °C, in synergy with slow photon effects, improved the photocatalytic reaction rate despite the loss of nanoGO and oxygen functional groups, pointing to enhanced charge separation. This was further supported by photoluminescence spectroscopy and salicylic acid UV-VIS photodegradation, where, in the absence of photonic effects, the photocatalytic activity increased, confirming that fine-tuning of interfacial coupling between TiO2 and reduced nanoGO is a key factor for the development of highly efficient photocatalytic films. © 2019 by the authors.

Surface functionalization of TiO2 inverse opals by graphene oxide nanocolloids (nanoGO) presents a promising modification for the development of advanced photocatalysts that combine slow photon-assisted light harvesting, surface area, and mass transport of macroporous photonic structures with the enhanced adsorption capability, surface reactivity, and charge separation of GO nanosheets. In this work, post-thermal reduction of nanoGO-TiO2 inverse opals was investigated in order to explore the role of interfacial electron transfer vs. pollutant adsorption and improve their photocatalytic activity. Photonic band gap-engineered TiO2 inverse opals were fabricated by the coassembly technique and were functionalized by GO nanosheets and reduced under He at 200 and 500 °C. Comparative performance evaluation of the nanoGO-TiO2 films on methylene blue photodegradation under UV-VIS and visible light showed that thermal reduction at 200 °C, in synergy with slow photon effects, improved the photocatalytic reaction rate despite the loss of nanoGO and oxygen functional groups, pointing to enhanced charge separation. This was further supported by photoluminescence spectroscopy and salicylic acid UV-VIS photodegradation, where, in the absence of photonic effects, the photocatalytic activity increased, confirming that fine-tuning of interfacial coupling between TiO2 and reduced nanoGO is a key factor for the development of highly efficient photocatalytic films. © 2019 by the authors.

As a rule, exegetes consider John 5:14a merely as the geographical and chronological setting for Jesus' admonition to the previously lame man in 5:14b. However, by combining the methodological approaches of narrative criticism and history of tradition, some implicit narrative and theological motifs are revealed. These relate to the emotional state and way of thinking of the healed man as a narrative character, as well as to the theological meaning of his encounter with Jesus in the Temple-area. Mutatis mutandis, by noticing these implicit motifs, the implied readers can potentially understand this encounter as being in line with the Old Testament Temple-epiphanies.

BACKGROUND: Frontotemporal dementia is a heterogenous neurodegenerative disorder, with about a third of cases being genetic. Most of this genetic component is accounted for by mutations in GRN, MAPT, and C9orf72. In this study, we aimed to complement previous phenotypic studies by doing an international study of age at symptom onset, age at death, and disease duration in individuals with mutations in GRN, MAPT, and C9orf72. METHODS: In this international, retrospective cohort study, we collected data on age at symptom onset, age at death, and disease duration for patients with pathogenic mutations in the GRN and MAPT genes and pathological expansions in the C9orf72 gene through the Frontotemporal Dementia Prevention Initiative and from published papers. We used mixed effects models to explore differences in age at onset, age at death, and disease duration between genetic groups and individual mutations. We also assessed correlations between the age at onset and at death of each individual and the age at onset and at death of their parents and the mean age at onset and at death of their family members. Lastly, we used mixed effects models to investigate the extent to which variability in age at onset and at death could be accounted for by family membership and the specific mutation carried. FINDINGS: Data were available from 3403 individuals from 1492 families: 1433 with C9orf72 expansions (755 families), 1179 with GRN mutations (483 families, 130 different mutations), and 791 with MAPT mutations (254 families, 67 different mutations). Mean age at symptom onset and at death was 49.5 years (SD 10.0; onset) and 58.5 years (11.3; death) in the MAPT group, 58.2 years (9.8; onset) and 65.3 years (10.9; death) in the C9orf72 group, and 61.3 years (8.8; onset) and 68.8 years (9.7; death) in the GRN group. Mean disease duration was 6.4 years (SD 4.9) in the C9orf72 group, 7.1 years (3.9) in the GRN group, and 9.3 years (6.4) in the MAPT group. Individual age at onset and at death was significantly correlated with both parental age at onset and at death and with mean family age at onset and at death in all three groups, with a stronger correlation observed in the MAPT group (r=0.45 between individual and parental age at onset, r=0.63 between individual and mean family age at onset, r=0.58 between individual and parental age at death, and r=0.69 between individual and mean family age at death) than in either the C9orf72 group (r=0.32 individual and parental age at onset, r=0.36 individual and mean family age at onset, r=0.38 individual and parental age at death, and r=0.40 individual and mean family age at death) or the GRN group (r=0.22 individual and parental age at onset, r=0.18 individual and mean family age at onset, r=0.22 individual and parental age at death, and r=0.32 individual and mean family age at death). Modelling showed that the variability in age at onset and at death in the MAPT group was explained partly by the specific mutation (48%, 95% CI 35-62, for age at onset; 61%, 47-73, for age at death), and even more by family membership (66%, 56-75, for age at onset; 74%, 65-82, for age at death). In the GRN group, only 2% (0-10) of the variability of age at onset and 9% (3-21) of that of age of death was explained by the specific mutation, whereas 14% (9-22) of the variability of age at onset and 20% (12-30) of that of age at death was explained by family membership. In the C9orf72 group, family membership explained 17% (11-26) of the variability of age at onset and 19% (12-29) of that of age at death. INTERPRETATION: Our study showed that age at symptom onset and at death of people with genetic frontotemporal dementia is influenced by genetic group and, particularly for MAPT mutations, by the specific mutation carried and by family membership. Although estimation of age at onset will be an important factor in future pre-symptomatic therapeutic trials for all three genetic groups, our study suggests that data from other members of the family will be particularly helpful only for individuals with MAPT mutations. Further work in identifying both genetic and environmental factors that modify phenotype in all groups will be important to improve such estimates. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, and Alzheimer's Society

Two well-developed quaternary sand dune fields have been identified on the western and eastern side of Akrotiri promontory (Lemesos, Cyprus). The fields extend immediately from the low level of their source beaches onto higher ground (> 38m amsl). Geomorphic observation supported by OSL dating of multimineral sand horizons demonstrate several phases of sand accumulation in the western field in contrast to the smaller eastern system, where the evidence direct to a relatively recent dune emplacement. The effects of climatic change, relative sea-level change and anthropogenic influence in dune evolution, have been evaluated in both sites in combination with documented evidence of human induced destabilization of the western sand dune field during the 1970s and 1980s. Both fields share similar topographic settings and situated in close proximity but they do not share an entirely similar evolution history. The  οbservations and the data suggest the combination of local and regional control of the development of the sand dunes and the geochronological analysis with luminescence methodology support the ability of the method to reconstruct the evolution of sand dunes fields in the eastern Mediterranean area.

There are estimated to be 74,000-134,000 patients living with chronic hepatitis C in Greece, but only 20-30% of them are aware of their disease status. In July 2017, the Hellenic National Plan for Hepatitis C was announced in alignment with the World Health Organization goals for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the year 2030. This article discusses the epidemiology and current treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Greece. Additionally the authors propose actions on how to bring back to care diagnosed patients lost to follow up, optimize access to care for HCV-infected people who inject drugs, and increase HCV screening in the general population. The medical community in Greece can play a pivotal role in the implementation of the HCV National Plan and in the efforts to reach the goal of HCV elimination.

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd The Lavrion district of the Attica Peninsula, Greece, exposes the West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS), a low-angle crustal-scale extensional fault system separating tectonostratigraphic units of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit. New multiple single-grain fusion and step-heated white mica 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages integrated with existing (U–Th)/He ages and independent paleothermometry resolves a syn- to post-orogenic deformation history. A structurally higher unit records Oligocene greenschist facies deformation that evolved into brittle conditions by the middle Miocene, and shares a similar history to Serifos at the southern end of the detachment system. The structurally lowest unit remained ductile until the late Miocene, preserving pervasive post-orogenic structures, similar to along-strike structures at the centre, deepest part of the fault. The similarities of structural styles and the timing of deformation across > 150 km of strike length of the detachment system indicates tens of kilometers of offset and extraordinary potential for correlating observations along Cycladic-style detachment systems.

The Lavrion district of the Attica Peninsula, Greece, exposes the West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS), a low-angle crustal-scale extensional fault system separating tectonostratigraphic units of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit. New multiple single-grain fusion and step-heated white mica 40Ar/39Ar ages integrated with existing (U–Th)/He ages and independent paleothermometry resolves a syn- to post-orogenic deformation history. A structurally higher unit records Oligocene greenschist facies deformation that evolved into brittle conditions by the middle Miocene, and shares a similar history to Serifos at the southern end of the detachment system. The structurally lowest unit remained ductile until the late Miocene, preserving pervasive post-orogenic structures, similar to along-strike structures at the centre, deepest part of the fault. The similarities of structural styles and the timing of deformation across > 150 km of strike length of the detachment system indicates tens of kilometers of offset and extraordinary potential for correlating observations along Cycladic-style detachment systems.

Being an assembly of highly sophisticated protein machines, cells depend heavily on proteostatic modules functionality and on adequate supply of energetic molecules for maintaining proteome stability. Yet, our understanding of the adaptations induced by multigenerational proteotoxic stress is limited. We report here that multigenerational ({\textgreater}80 generations) proteotoxic stress in Oregon R flies induced by constant exposure to developmentally nonlethal doses of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) ( G80-BTZ flies) increased proteome instability and redox imbalance, reduced fecundity and body size, and caused neuromuscular defects; it also accelerated aging. G80-BTZ flies were mildly resistant to increased doses of BTZ and showed no age-related loss of proteasome activity; these adaptations correlated with sustained upregulation of proteostatic modules, which however occurred at the cost of minimal responses to increased BTZ doses and increased susceptibility to various types of additional proteotoxic stress, namely, autophagy inhibition or thermal stress. Multigenerational proteome instability and redox imbalance also caused metabolic reprogramming being evidenced by altered mitochondrial biogenesis and suppressed insulin/IGF-like signaling (IIS) in G80-BTZ flies. The toxic effects of multigenerational proteome instability could be partially mitigated by a low-protein diet that extended G80-BTZ flies' longevity. Overall, persistent proteotoxic stress triggers a highly conserved adaptive metabolic response mediated by the IIS pathway, which reallocates resources from growth and longevity to somatic preservation and stress tolerance. Yet, these trade-off adaptations occur at the cost of accelerated aging and/or reduced tolerance to additional stress, illustrating the limited buffering capacity of survival pathways.

Malformations of the human cortex represent a major cause of disability1. Mouse models with mutations in known causal genes only partially recapitulate the phenotypes and are therefore not unlimitedly suited for understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for these conditions2. Here we study periventricular heterotopia (PH) by analyzing cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients with mutations in the cadherin receptor-ligand pair DCHS1 and FAT4 or from isogenic knockout (KO) lines1,3. Our results show that human cerebral organoids reproduce the cortical heterotopia associated with PH. Mutations in DCHS1 and FAT4 or knockdown of their expression causes changes in the morphology of neural progenitor cells and result in defective neuronal migration dynamics only in a subset of neurons. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data reveal a subpopulation of mutant neurons with dysregulated genes involved in axon guidance, neuronal migration and patterning. We suggest that defective neural progenitor cell (NPC) morphology and an altered navigation system in a subset of neurons underlie this form of PH.

In the case of type 2 diabetes, inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase (GP) may prevent unwanted glycogenolysis under high glucose conditions and thus aim at the reduction of excessive glucose production by the liver. Anomeric spironucleosides, such as hydantocidin, present a rich synthetic chemistry and important biological function (e.g., inhibition of GP). For this study, the Suárez radical methodology was successfully applied to synthesize the first example of a 1,6-dioxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane system, not previously constructed via a radical pathway, starting from 6-hydroxymethyl-β-d-glucopyranosyluracil. It was shown that, in the rigid pyranosyl conformation, the required [1,5]-radical translocation was a minor process. The stereochemistry of the spirocycles obtained was unequivocally determined based on the chemical shifts of key sugar protons in the 1H-NMR spectra. The two spirocycles were found to be modest inhibitors of RMGPb.

Prothymosin $\alpha$ (proT$\alpha$) and its C-terminal decapeptide proT$\alpha$(100–109) were shown to pleiotropically enhance innate and adaptive immune responses. Their activities have been broadly studied in vitro, focusing primarily on the restoration of the deficient immunoreactivity of cancer patients' leukocytes. Previously, we showed that proT$\alpha$ and proT$\alpha$(100–109) act as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), ligate Toll-like receptor-4, signal through TRIF- and MyD88-dependent pathways, promote the maturation of dendritic cells and elicit T-helper type 1 (Th1) immune responses in vitro, leading to the optimal priming of tumor antigen-reactive T-cell functions. Herein, we assessed their activity in a preclinical melanoma model. Immunocompetent mice bearing B16.F1 tumors were treated with two cycles of proT$\alpha$ or proT$\alpha$(100–109) together with a B16.F1-derived peptide vaccine. Coadministration of proT$\alpha$ or proT$\alpha$(100–109) and the peptide vaccine suppressed melanoma-cell proliferation, as evidenced by reduced tumor-growth rates. Higher melanoma infiltration by CD3+ T cells was observed, whereas ex vivo analysis of mouse total spleen cells verified the in vivo induction of melanoma-reactive cytotoxic responses. Additionally, increased levels of proinflammatory and Th1-type cytokines were detected in mouse serum. We propose that, in the presence of tumor antigens, DAMPs proT$\alpha$ and proT$\alpha$(100–109) induce Th1-biased immune responses in vivo. Their adjuvant ability to orchestrate antitumor immunoreactivities can eventually be exploited therapeutically in humans.

Due to ice melting, the energy reserves in the Arctic Ocean have become accessible. Therefore, with reference to the climatic changes that have been taking place in recent years, the aim of this paper is to analyze the reallocation of power in the geopolitical complex of the Arctic Ocean, through the context of the distribution, availability and development of the energy reserves in the area . That includes the study of the energy dividends of the Arctic Ocean’s coastal states as well as the strategic and political importance of the geopolitical complex of the research, in terms of energy.

OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, a method derived from additive manufacturing technology, is a recent and ongoing trend for the construction of 3D volumetric structures. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize evidence from existing human and animal studies assessing the application of 3D printing on bone repair and regeneration in the craniofacial region. DATA & SOURCES: A rigorous search of all relevant clinical trials and case series was performed, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search was conducted in all available electronic databases and sources, supplemented by a manual search, in December 2017. STUDY SELECTION: 43 articles (6 human and 37 animal studies) fulfilled the criteria. The human studies included totally 81 patients with craniofacial bone defects. Titanium or hydroxylapatite scaffolds were most commonly implanted. The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 24 months. Bone repair was reported successful in nearly every case, with minimal complications. Also, animal intervention studies used biomaterials and cells in various combination, offering insights into the techniques, through histological, biochemical, histomorphometric and microcomputed tomographic findings. The results in both humans and animals, though promising, are yet to be verified for clinical impact. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should be focused on well-designed clinical trials to confirm the short- and long- term efficacy of 3D printing strategies for craniofacial bone repair. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Emerging 3D printing technology opens a new era for tissue engineering. Humans and animals on application of 3D printing for craniofacial bone repair showed promising results which will lead clinicians to investigate more thoroughly alternative therapeutic methods for craniofacial bone defects.

 

 

  

Fires affecting large areas usually create a mosaic of recovering plant communities reflecting their pre-fire composition and local conditions of burning. However, post-fire recovery patterns may also reveal the effects of landscape heterogeneity on the natural regeneration process of plant communities. This study combines field data and remote sensing image interpretation techniques to assess the role of various landscape characteristics in the post-fire recovery process in a mountainous region of Greece burned by a severe wildfire. Remote sensing techniques were used to accurately map secluded, large burned areas. By introducing a temporal component, we explored the correlation between post-fire regeneration and underlying topography, soils and basement rock. Pre-fire forest cover was reduced by more than half 8 years after fire. Regarding the dominant pre-fire forest trees, Abies cephalonica did not regenerate well after fire and most pre-fire stands were converted to grasslands and shrublands. In contrast, Pinus nigra regenerated sufficiently to return to its pre-fire cover, especially in areas underlain by softer basement rock. The use of different time series of high-resolution images improved the quality of the results obtained, justifying their use despite their high cost.

The quantification of the amount of the expected eroded material that will migrate towards lower elevations after a forest fire is one of the most crucial and practical information needed from the local authorities, in order to design post-fire stabilization measures and actions. It is one of the greatest challenges in natural resources and environmental planning and computer simulation models are becoming increasingly popular in predicting soil loss for various land use and management practices. Quite a few models along with their modifications are being developed aiming to fulfil the need for accurate quantification of soil erosion risk. Depending on the availability and the quality of the spatial data, which have to be imported into the various models as parameters, different methodologies are followed. Geraneia Mt is an extended mountain range at the west outskirts of Attica, central Greece, reaching the altitude of 1351 m, part of which has been designated as Natura 2000 site and is characterized by almost vertical slopes of carbonate rocks. The mountain was almost completely burned by a wild fire in late July 2018, which consumed most of its Pinus halepensis forests. The ridge of the protected area, covered by endemic fir Abies cephalonica forest was also affected by the fire. The soil covers carbonate rocks which comprise the higher elevations and the vertical slopes of the mountain as debris and loose deposits crop out at the south-facing mountain front which was greatly affected by the fire. Several erosion risk spatial models were applied on the protected area of Geraneia Mt in order to compare the sensitivity of their results and evaluate the risk of the affected habitat to be deteriorated. For each model, the most sensitive model parameters were calibrated and predicted soil loss amounts were compared. A qualitative and quantitative estimation was achieved and the advantages and disadvantages of each model had been identified.

Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTPs) constitute priority habitat under the European Union Habitats’ Directive. They are inhabited by rare species and subjected to unstable environmental conditions. Lakes and ponds act as early indicators of climate change, to which high altitude ecosystems are especially vulnerable. This study presents a full dataset of the geo-environmental parameters of such habitats (MTPs) along with their current ecological status for the first time. Furthermore, this paper aims to address the lack of basic geo-environmental background on the network of MTPs of Mt. Oiti concerning their geological, geomorphological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics along with the pressures received from various activities. The study area is located in a mountainous Natura 2000 site of Central Greece, which hosts four MTPs. Fieldwork and sampling of water and bottom sediments were carried out during dry and wet periods between 2012 and 2014. Electrical Resistivity Tomography measurements identified synforms shaped under the ponds that topography does not always adopt them, mostly due to erosion procedures. The most significant feature, distinguishing those pond waters from any other province water bodies is the extremely low content of all studied ions (including NO2−, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−, HCO3−, SO42−, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, U, V, W, Zn, and Zr). MTPs water bodies are of bicarbonate dominant type, and a fresh meteoric water origin is suggested. The main pressures identified were grazing and trampling by vehicles. MTPs of Mt. Oiti were classified according to their ecological status form excellent to medium. Our results can contribute to a better understanding of the mountainous temporary ponds development in the Mediterranean environment.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the association of personality traits with the severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in a predominantly Greek population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based study of women from the Menopause Clinic of a University Hospital in Athens, Greece. Sociodemographic parameters were documented through a structured interview. All women completed the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) for the assessment of severity of menopausal symptoms, the Hot Flush Beliefs Scale (HFBS) for the assessment of how women were coping with their symptoms and the Big Five Inventory questionnaires for the assessment of personality traits. Associations between baseline parameters and menopausal symptoms were assessed with univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: One hundred women were included. Employed women had lower MRS sub-scores (psychological p< 0.001, somatic p< 0.047, urogenital p< 0.008). Married women scored higher in the psychological and somatic domains. Women of university educational level coped significantly better with hot flushes (β coefficient [SE]: 0.72 [0.25], p< 0.01) and night sweats (0.57 [0.19], p< 0.01) than women of primary education, although the significance of these findings was not replicated when taking into account confounders. Regarding personality traits, women with low openness (-0.33 [0.11], p< 0.01) and empathy (-0.83 [0.37], p = 0.03) and high agreeableness (1.13 [0.21], p< 0.001) had more severe menopausal symptoms. In contrast, women with high agreeableness could better cope with their menopausal symptoms (-0.75 [0.36], p = 0.04). These associations were independent of sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Personality traits, especially agreeableness, openness and empathy are associated with menopausal symptoms and functionality in postmenopausal women. These associations might serve as indicators of women at risk of experiencing more severe VMS.

We report an analysis of the first known β Cep pulsator observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission, the runaway star PHL 346 = HN Aqr. The star, previously known as a singly periodic pulsator, has at least 34 oscillation modes excited, 12 of those in the g-mode domain and 22 p modes. Analysis of archival data implies that the amplitude and frequency of the dominant mode and the stellar radial velocity were variable over time. A binary nature would be inconsistent with the inferred ejection velocity from the Galactic disk of 420 km s-1, which is too large to be survivable by a runaway binary system. A kinematic analysis of the star results in an age constraint (23 ± 1 Myr) that can be imposed on asteroseismic modeling and that can be used to remove degeneracies in the modeling process. Our attempts to match the excitation of the observed frequency spectrum resulted in pulsation models that were too young. Hence, asteroseismic studies of runaway pulsators can become vital not only in tracing the evolutionary history of such objects, but to understand the interior structure of massive stars in general. TESS is now opening up these stars for detailed asteroseismic investigation.

A special issue of the Journal of Greek Media and Culture (5.2), edited by Dimitris Plantzos. With a special focus on the city of Athens and its current predicament of austerity, recession and precarity, the issue brings together cultural historians, social anthropologists, urban archaeologists and contemporary artists in order to compose ‘a Greek archaeology of the present’. The new special issue includes articles by Penelope Papailias, Neni Panourgiá, Stelios Lekakis, Charis Kanellopoulou, Faidon Moudopoulos and Dimitris Giannakis; a visual essay by Penelope Petsini; and a viewpoint-piece by novelist Christos Chrissopoulos. This new collection of articles and essays attempts a re-charting of Athens as a city in the process of spatial and social restructuring; as a field of cultural expression, as well as a deeply traumatized, multi-cultural community in awe of its own urbanization. To this end, individual contributions explore the biopolitics of the ‘Greek crisis’; the gentrification of urban space; the commodification of cultural life; the restructuring of public memory; the renegotiation of collective histories within an urban setting.

Augmented reality (AR) comprises special hardware and software, which is used in order to offer computer-processed imaging data to the surgeon in real time, so that real-life objects are combined with computer-generated images. AR technology has recently gained increasing interest in the surgical practice. Preclinical research has provided substantial evidence that AR might be a useful tool for intra-operative guidance and decision-making. AR has been applied to a wide spectrum of orthopedic procedures, such as tumor resection, fracture fixation, arthroscopy, and component's alignment in total joint arthroplasty. The present study aimed to summarize the current state of the application of AR in orthopedics, in preclinical and clinical level, providing future directions and perspectives concerning potential further benefits from this technology.

BACKGROUND: The classification of hepatitis viruses still predominantly relies on ad hoc criteria, i.e., phenotypic traits and arbitrary genetic distance thresholds. Given the subjectivity of such practices coupled with the constant sequencing of samples and discovery of new strains, this manual approach to virus classification becomes cumbersome and impossible to generalize. METHODS: Using two well-studied hepatitis virus datasets, HBV and HCV, we assess if computational methods for molecular species delimitation that are typically applied to barcoding biodiversity studies can also be successfully deployed for hepatitis virus classification. For comparison, we also used ABGD, a tool that in contrast to other distance methods attempts to automatically identify the barcoding gap using pairwise genetic distances for a set of aligned input sequences. RESULTS—DISCUSSION: We found that the mPTP species delimitation tool identified even without adapting its default parameters taxonomic clusters that either correspond to the currently acknowledged genotypes or to known subdivision of genotypes (subtypes or subgenotypes). In the cases where the delimited cluster corresponded to subtype or subgenotype, there were previous concerns that their status may be underestimated. The clusters obtained from the ABGD analysis differed depending on the parameters used. However, under certain values the results were very similar to the taxonomy and mPTP which indicates the usefulness of distance based methods in virus taxonomy under appropriate parameter settings. The overlap of predicted clusters with taxonomically acknowledged genotypes implies that virus classification can be successfully automated.

We consider singular foliations whose holonomy groupoid may be nicely decomposed using Lie groupoids (of unequal dimension). We show that the Baum-Connes conjecture can be formulated in this setting. This conjecture is shown to hold under assumptions of amenability. We examine several examples that can be described in this way and make explicit computations of their K-theory.

Akrotiri Penisnsula is located west of Limassol at the Southern end of the Island of Cyprus. It covers an area of approximately 100km². The development of the peninsula started with the deposition of calcareous marls in to the Episkopi grabben during the Miocene which resulted the Akrotiri High in the form of an isolated island. The maritime space between the Akrotiri Island and the mainland eventually closed during the Quaternary and several geomorphic features were developed. Beachrocks identified at three continuous pocket beaches at the southwest part of the Akrotiri peninsula. Detailed GNSS measurements and GIS analysis revealed that the area is uplifted. A direct relationship between the development of the beachrocks and the paleogeographic evolution of the area is apparent. Additionally, results from Petrographic, mineral and sedimentary analysis on beachrock samples are indicating a continuous supply of material from the nearby Kouris River. A gradual reduction of the sediment granulometry consists the beachrock is observed. Also the transition of the texture of the samples from non-uniform to uniform is observed. The sample mineralogy varies eg quartz, alkaline feldspars, carbonate minerals, ortho and clino pyroxenes, serpentinites, hornblende, muscovite. A reduction in the contribution of overbearing minerals (according to their hardness) was observed from North to Southern beachrock slabs and the increase of carbonates, quartz and feldspart. It should be noted that there is a strong participation of fossils fragments were a number of them was preserved in good condition. SEM-EDX analysis were conducted and showed that the micritic and sparitic crystals of cement are consisted by High Magnesium Calcite +(>4 mol% CaCO3 or 1.2 wt.). The cement agent forms an isopachous coating around the sediment grains and with meniscus forms connect all the sedimentary particles which leads to the formation of a high density beachrock slabs.

Beachrocks are hard coastal sedimentary formations consisted from various beach sediments, coastal fauna residues and anthropogenic articles. Beachrocks are rapidly cemented through precipitation of carbonate cements typically consisted of High-Magnesian Calcite (HMC), which commonly precipitates in shallow marine environments, (>4 mol % CaCO3 or 1.2 wt. %) or aragonite (Ar). However, debate still exists concerning the accurate depositional environment of beachrocks and data for the mechanism of their formation are considered necessary. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the beachrock formation, using mineralogical and geochemical methods, analyzing the cement and the consolidated sediments. Bulk samples were collected from three consecutive beaches located at the West part of Akrotiri Peninsula (Cyprus island). The samples were examined under polarizing microscope for the determination of the cement (HMC as micritic and sparitic crystals), its characteristics (isopachous bladed coating, formation of meniscus etc) and the participation of well-preserved fossil fragments. The mineralogical analysis, with the use of XRD analyzer, indicated a variety of minerals which consisting the beachrock (quartz, carbonates, plagioclase, olivine, biotite, zircon etc). Using SEM-EDS it was possible to accurately determine the cement composition and to observe its crystal characteristics. The cement agent was mainly consisted by High-Magnesian Calcite (HMC) of different crystal sizes and matrix material was present as secondary pores filling. The three studied beachrocks at the west of Akrotiri peninsula, were formed in the middle-low intertidal zone. Evidence of continuous uplift of the beachrock is observed both from geomorphological analysis and through its infrastructure. The beachrocks were highly affected by the nearby Kouris river, which supplied the material derived from the inner Cyprus areas rich in Mg2+ rocks (eg. ophiolites) and Ca2+ (eg. limestones, marbles).

Biogenic amines (BAs) are low-molecular-mass organic bases that occur in plant- and animal-derived products. BAs in food can occur by free amino acid enzymatic decarboxylation and other metabolic processes. Usually, in the human body, amines contained in foods are quickly detoxified by enzymes such as amine oxidases or by conjugation; however, in allergic individuals or if monoamine oxidase inhibitors are applied, the detoxification process is disturbed and BAs accumulate in the body. Knowing the concentration of BAs is essential because they can affect human health and also because they can be used as freshness indicators to estimate the degree of food spoilage.

The recent impact of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) and the Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System (BDDCS) on relevant scientific advancements is discussed. The major advances associated with the BCS concern the extensive work on dissolution of poorly absorbed BCS class II drugs in nutritional liquids (e.g. milk, peanut oil) and biorelevant media for the accurate prediction of the rate and the extent of oral absorption. The use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling as predictive tool for bioavailability is also presented. Since recent dissolution studies demonstrate that the two mechanisms (diffusion- and reaction-limited dissolution) take place simultaneously, the neglected reaction-limited dissolution models are discussed, regarding the biopharmaceutical classification of drugs. Solubility- and dissolution-enhancing formulation strategies based on the supersaturation principle to enhance the extent of drug absorption, along with the applications of the BDDCS to the understanding of disposition phenomena are reviewed. Finally, recent classification systems relevant either to the BCS or the BDDCS are presented. These include: i) a model independent approach based on %metabolism and the fulfilment (or not) of the current regulatory dissolution criteria, ii) the so called AB Gamma system, a continuous version of the BCS, and iii) the so-called Extended Clearance Classification System (ECCS). ECCS uses clearance concepts (physicochemical properties and membrane permeability) to classify compounds and differentiates from BDDCS by bypassing the measure of solubility (based on the assumption that since it inter-correlates with lipophilicity, it is not directly relevant to clearance mechanisms or elimination).

Νumerous attempts have been made to explain and classify Bitcoin. The different opinions of eminent economists on the subject have raised a series of questions: What is the public’s notion of the digital currency? Would a general use of a digital currency be acceptable and if so, what kind of use would that be? Does the view of the experts on the subject conform with that of the layman individual? Our goal is to find out if the view of the public coincides with theopinion of the experts on the subject and to determine if is information can be implemented in order to establish a use of Bitcoin in our everyday lives, apart from the specialized use it has to date. During the first stage of this research, methods and rules of analysis such as descriptive statistics and tables and charts were used. Firstly, a questionnaire was used and secondly, the answers were gathered, classified and added up according to the participants’ choices. During the second stage the data was collected with the use of randomsampling, while various techniques, such as simple and multiple regressions were utilized for analyzing the results. The conclusion which has been obtained is that the public perceives Bitcoin differently than the experts do. Individuals believe that Bitcoin is mainly a means of transactions/payments, contrary to the experts’ opinion, which is that it is foremost an investment asset. Additionally, we may perceive a convergence between the view of public and that of the experts on the adoption of Bitcoin technology by existing trading systems.

Despite significant progress by genome-wide association studies, the ability of genetic variants to conduce to the prediction or prognosis of type-2 diabetes (T2D) is weak. Expression analysis of the corresponding genes may suggest possible links between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and T2D phenotype and/or risk. Herein, we investigated the expression patterns of 24 T2D-susceptibility genes, and their individual transcript variants (tv), in peripheral blood of T2D patients and controls (CTs), applying RNA-seq and real-time qPCR methodologies, and explore possible associations with disease features. Our data revealed the deregulation of certain transcripts in T2D patients. Among them, the down-regulation of CAPN10 tv3 was confirmed as an independent predictor for T2D. In patients, increased expression of CDK5 tv2, CDKN2A tv3 or THADA tv5 correlated positively with serum insulin levels, of CDK5 tv1 positively with % HbA1c levels, while in controls, elevated levels of TSPAN8 were associated positively with the presence of T2D family history. Herein, a T2D-specific expression profile of specific transcripts of disease-susceptibility genes is for the first time described in human peripheral blood. Large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the potential of these molecules to serve as disease biomarkers.

Cyprus has a long record of tsunami waves, as noted by archaeological and geological records. Large boulder deposits have been noted in southeastern and western part of the Island. In the area of Cape Greco (southeastern Cyprus) large boulders have been noted, however, no detailed geomorphological research exists so far and the related high energy event remains undated. In this context, we focused at Cape Greco Peninsula at the southeastern coast of Cyprus, in order to record in detail large boulders deposits. The accumulation of the boulders along the uplifted coastline (3m amsl) was recorded. The boulders are fragments of a layer of an upper Pleistocene aeolianite, which is overlaying unconformly a lower Pleistocene calcarenite. Dimensions and spatial distribution of 272 small, medium and large boulders were documented. The precise distance of the boulders deposition from the coastline was recorded by field measurements and remote sensing with the use of GNSS, Drone mapping and GIS technics. Several large boulders weighting more than ~30 metric tons were located up to 60m inland. Geomorphologic mapping and morphometric measurements, along with the presence of marine organisms suggests that some of the boulders were removed from their original intertidal zone and were transported inland by the force of large waves. Samples of Vermetus sp. were collected from the displaced boulders in order to date the extreme event. In this work, we report and compare preliminary results from the application of widely accepted hydrodynamic equations, in order to determine the extreme event that caused their transport inland. We further attempt a correlation of the event with already known tsunami events from Eastern Mediterranean, based on the estimated wave heights and the radiocarbon dating of marine gastropods (Vermetus sp.).

Archaeological remains are valuable relative sea-level (RSL) indicators in Israel, a tectonically stable coast with minor isostatic inputs. Previous research has used archaeological indicators to argue for centennial sea-level fluctuations. Here, we place archaeological indicators in a quality-controlled dataset where all indicators have consistently calculated vertical and chronological uncertainties, and we subject the data to statistical analysis. We combine the archaeological data with bio-construction data from Dendropoma petraeum colonial vermetids. The final dataset consists of 99 relative sea-level index points and 12 limiting points from the last 4000 a. The temporal distribution of the index points is uneven; Israel has only four index points before 2000 a BP. We apply an Errors-In-Variables Integrated Gaussian Process (EIV IGP) to the index points to model the evolution of RSL. Results show RSL in Israel rose from −0.8 ± 0.5 m at ∼2750 a BP (Iron Age) to 0.0 ± 0.1 m by ∼1850 a BP (Roman period) at 0.8 mm/a, and continued rising to 0.1 ± 0.1 m until ∼1600 a BP (Byzantine Period). RSL then fell to −0.3 ± 0.1 m by 0.5 mm/a until ∼650 a BP (Late Arab period), before returning to present levels at a rate of 0.4 mm/a. The re-assessed Israeli record supports centennial-scale RSL fluctuations during the last 3000 a BP, although the magnitude of the RSL fall during the last 2000 a BP is 50% less. The new Israel RSL record demonstrates correspondence with regional climate proxies. This quality-controlled Israeli RSL dataset can serve as a reference for comparisons with other sea-level records from the Eastern Mediterranean.

BACKGROUND: Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) have yielded promising efficacy signals in early-phase clinical trials of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. The potential efficacy of CDCs in acute myocarditis, an inflammatory cardiomyopathy without effective therapy, remains unexplored. Given that CDCs produce regenerative, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects (all of which could be beneficial in acute myocarditis), we investigated the efficacy of intracoronary delivery of CDCs in a rat model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis. METHODS: Lewis rats underwent induction of experimental autoimmune myocarditis by subcutaneous footpad injection of purified porcine cardiac myosin supplemented with Mycobacterium tuberculosis on days 1 and 7. On day 10, rats were randomly assigned to receive global intracoronary delivery of 500 000 CDCs or vehicle. Global intracoronary delivery was performed by injection of cells or vehicle into the left ventricular (LV) cavity during transient occlusion of the aortic root. Rats were euthanized 18 days after infusion. Cardiac volumes and systolic function were assessed by serial echocardiography, performed on days 1, 10, and 28. Myocardial inflammation, T-cell infiltration, and cardiac fibrosis were evaluated by histology. RESULTS: Experimental autoimmune myocarditis was successfully induced in 14/14 rats that completed follow-up. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and volumes were comparable on days 1 and 10 between groups. CDC infusion resulted in increased LVEF (81.5% +/- 3% vs 65.4% +/- 8%, P < .001) and decreased LV end-systolic volume (43 +/- 15 vs 100 +/- 24 muL, P < .001) compared to placebo administration at 18 days post-infusion. Cardiosphere-derived cell infusion decreased myocardial inflammation (7.4% +/- 7% vs 20.7% +/- 4% of myocardium, P = .007), cardiac fibrosis (16.6% +/- 13% vs 38.1% +/- 3% of myocardium, P = .008), and myocardial T-cell infiltration (30.4 +/- 29 vs 125.8 +/- 49 cells per field, P = .005) at 18 days post-infusion compared to placebo administration. CONCLUSION: Intracoronary delivery of CDCs attenuates myocardial inflammation, T-cell infiltration, and fibrosis while preventing myocarditis-induced systolic dysfunction and adverse remodeling in rats with experimental autoimmune myocarditis.

Longitudinal stability of the forearm is mainly provided by three structures: the radiocapitellar contact, which acts as the primary stabilizer, the central band of the interosseous ligamentous complex (IOLC) and the intact triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). In an Essex-Lopresti lesion the forearm becomes fully destabilized, since all of these three components are injured. Fixation or replacement of the radial head with a metallic prosthesis along with repair of the TFCC and stabilization of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are well-established treatment goals. However the reconstruction of the central band of the IOLC remains to some extent controversial. The authors believe that the reconstruction of the central band, particularly in active patients, is crucial in order to restore normal load distribution through the forearm, thus ensuring both transverse and longitudinal stability. In this article, we present a case with an Essex-Lopresti lesion, which was effectively treated acutely with restoration of all three components of the injury (radial head prosthesis, DRUJ repair and reconstruction of the central band of the IOLC). A novel technique by rerouting the brachioradialis tendon is described in detail.

From a large screening of microbial extracts for the discovery of proteasome modulating natural products, the fungal strain Cercospora sp. (CF-223709) was selected as the most promising for further investigation. Different liquid cultures of the strain were initially screened for their anti-oxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) and for their cytotoxicity against the A2058, HepG2 and CCD25sk cell lines. A detailed chemical analysis and evaluation of the capacity to activate 26S-proteasome was followed for the most active extract. Three main polyketides were isolated and characterized by extensive analysis of NMR and HRMS spectra data as penialidine F (1), fulvic acid (2), and SB238569 (3). Fulvic acid showed the most significant anti-oxidant activity. Its IC50 value (8.16 $μ$M) against the ABTS radical resulted 3-fold lower than the standard trolox. Fulvic acid also demonstrated a significant effect on proteasome by enhancing the chymotrypsin- and caspase-like activities of the 26S proteasome of human fibroblasts by 71.43{%} and 37.5{%} at 1 $μ$M, respectively. Furthermore by scaling up the culture in a 30 L submerged bioreactor, Cercospora sp. produced up to 162.6 ± 1.3 mg of fulvic acid/L. Our findings suggest that CF-223709 can be a promising source of proteasome activating natural compounds.

In this article we examine patterns of root allomorphy in Greek that involve vowel alternations and propose a Generalized Non-linear Affixation (Bermúdez-Otero 2012) analysis according to which these alternations result from the competition between segments that belong, on the one hand, to the vocabulary items of roots and, on the other, to the exponents of functional heads (Voice/Aspect, n). More specifically, we claim that phonological entities have a gradient degree of presence in a structure, that is, are specified with a certain activation strength value underlyingly (Smolensky and Goldrick 2016). As a result, the surface realization of roots is determined by the relevant activation level of the exponents of functional heads they are eventually combined with. From all available exponents, the one that optimally complements the strength value of the vocabulary item of a given root will eventually surface. Our analysis is shown to be theoretically advantageous because it develops a strictly phonological account of allomorphy and, moreover, it captures the attested generalizations without resorting to extensive stem/span listing or to the application of phonologically unrestricted readjustment rules.

Economic growth and social evolution are  connected to trust relationships in a society. The quality of the accounting information, the tax information system and the tax audit mechanism evolve multiple benefits in an economy. Tax evasion, the illegal practice where people and companies do not pay taxes, is a crime because of the negative effect in economy and society. In this paper, we describe a theoretical framework on the characteristics of a fair and efficient tax auditing information system which could be a tool against tax evasion, a tool for an economy to grow, especially in countries that face fluctuations in economic activity. We conclude that a fair and efficient tax auditing information system increases the reliability of tax administration, improves taxpayers’ tax compliance and causes a developmental trajectory for the economy.

Late years, innovative close-range Remote Sensing (RS) technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) are widely applied in the field of geoscience due to their efficiency in collecting surface data. Detection and mapping of landslide and rockfall events using RS products has been proved to be an effective approach to provide landslide inventories. However, most of the studies are lacking valuable semantic information about landslide elements and how they react with the surrounding environment. The proposed methodology was divided in five main working phases. The first phase includes designing and execution of an optimal UAV flight planning to collect accurate 3D data. During the second phase, the pre-processing and raw data preparation such as point cloud filtering and elimination of ambiguities is taking place, while at the next phase an image segmentation using the 3D point cloud RGB information is created. The main task was focused on identifying the specific landslide elements by using an object-based approach. A sequence of image-based processes was applied, including multi-scale object segmentation, spectral, morphometric and contextual information extraction aiming to detect the landslide among other features. The next phase was set up for object classification in meaningful and homogeneous landslide classes (e.g. scarp, depletion zone, accumulation zone) which are spatially connected by introducing contextual information. The proposed methodology presents the effectiveness and efficiency of UAV platforms to acquire accurate data from intense relief environments and complex surface topographies.

Chronic stress, a suggested precipitant of brain pathologies, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease, is known to impact on brain plasticity by causing neuronal remodeling as well as neurogenesis suppression in the adult hippocampus. Although many studies show that stressful conditions reduce the number of newborn neurons in the adult dentate gyrus (DG), little is known about whether and how stress impacts on dendritic development and structural maturation of these newborn neurons. We, herein, demonstrate that chronic stress impacts differentially on doublecortin (DCX)-positive immature neurons in distinct phases of maturation. Specifically, the density of the DCX-positive immature neurons whose dendritic tree reaches the inner molecular layer (IML) of DG is reduced in stressed animals, whereas their dendritic complexity is increased. On the contrary, no change on the density of DCX-positive neurons whose dendritic tree extends to the medial/outer molecular layer (M/OML) of the DG is found under stress conditions, whereas the dendritic complexity of these cells is diminished. In addition, DCX+ cells displayed a more complex and longer arbor in the dendritic compartments located in the granular cell layer of the DG under stress conditions; on the contrary, their dendritic segments localized into the M/OML were shorter and less complex. These findings suggest that the neuroplastic effects of chronic stress on dendritic maturation and complexity of DCX+ immature neurons vary based on the different maturation stage of DCX-positive cells and the different DG sublayer, highlighting the complex and dynamic stress-driven neuroplasticity of immature neurons in the adult hippocampus.

Chronic stress, a suggested precipitant of brain pathologies, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease, is known to impact on brain plasticity by causing neuronal remodeling as well as neurogenesis suppression in the adult hippocampus. Although many studies show that stressful conditions reduce the number of newborn neurons in the adult dentate gyrus (DG), little is known about whether and how stress impacts on dendritic development and structural maturation of these newborn neurons. We, herein, demonstrate that chronic stress impacts differentially on doublecortin (DCX)-positive immature neurons in distinct phases of maturation. Specifically, the density of the DCX-positive immature neurons whose dendritic tree reaches the inner molecular layer (IML) of DG is reduced in stressed animals, whereas their dendritic complexity is increased. On the contrary, no change on the density of DCX-positive neurons whose dendritic tree extends to the medial/outer molecular layer (M/OML) of the DG is found under stress conditions, whereas the dendritic complexity of these cells is diminished. In addition, DCX+ cells displayed a more complex and longer arbor in the dendritic compartments located in the granular cell layer of the DG under stress conditions; on the contrary, their dendritic segments localized into the M/OML were shorter and less complex. These findings suggest that the neuroplastic effects of chronic stress on dendritic maturation and complexity of DCX+ immature neurons vary based on the different maturation stage of DCX-positive cells and the different DG sublayer, highlighting the complex and dynamic stress-driven neuroplasticity of immature neurons in the adult hippocampus.

Introduction: The identification of novel noninvasive biomarkers to ameliorate early-diagnosis, and disease prognosis, as well as to support personalized treatment and monitoring decisions is of first clinical priority for cancer patients' care. Exosomes are natural endosome-derived extracellular vesicles that have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication and tumor progression. Considering that deregulated miRNA levels have been described in numerous human malignancies and that tumor-derived exosomes reflect miRNA expression of donor tumor cells, the evaluation of exosome-derived circulating miRNAs (exomiRs) may offer a new promising class of noninvasive molecular markers to improve patients' management and quality-of-life. Areas covered: In the current review we have summarized the existing knowledge on the clinical relevance of circulating exosomal miRNAs in improving cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and thus supporting personalized patients' management Expert commentary: Cancer research has highlighted the abundance of exomiRs in patients' plasma and serum samples, as well as their biomarker capabilities in the vast majority of human malignancies studied so far. Their analytical stability constitutes exomiRs ideal molecular markers to overcome numerous limitations of cancer clinical management, while future large-scale studies should unveil exomiRs translational utility in modern cancer molecular diagnostics.

Almost all confirmed optical counterparts of HMXBs in the SMC are OB stars with equatorial decretion disks (OBe). These sources emit strongly in Balmer lines and standout when imaged through narrow-band Hα imaging. The lack of secure counterparts for a significant fraction of the HMXBs motivated us to search for more. Using the catalogs for OB/OBe stars (Maravelias et al. 2017) and for HMXBs (Haberl & Sturm 2016) we detect 70 optical counterparts (out of 104 covered by our survey). We provide the first identification of the optical counterpart to the source XTEJ0050-731. We verify that 17 previously uncertain optical counterparts are indeed the proper matches. Regarding 52 confirmed HMXBs (known optical counterparts with Hα emission), we detect 39 as OBe and another 13 as OB stars. This allows a direct estimation of the fraction of active OBe stars in HMXBs that show Hα emission at a given epoch to be at least ˜75% of their total HMXB population.

© 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2019. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are potent inhibitors of osteoclast mediated bone resorption. These drugs are widely used in the management of osteoporosis and other diseases, characterized by high bone turnover. The effect of BPs on gestation and lactation, when they are used as therapeutic agents in premenopausal women, is yet unknown. We conducted a detailed literature review and identified the cases of BPs use in young women, as well as, the effects of this therapy on the gestation and the embryo. The published data, regarding the use of BPs in premenopausal women and their effects on the pregnancy outcome, are limited. However, we could identify the outcomes of 40 pregnant women, who had received BPs prior to or during pregnancy, that have been documented in the literature. All women had valid indications to receive BPs for serious bone metabolism conditions. We could not identify any prospective trials, which focus on pregnancy outcomes following after the in-utero exposure to BPs. In total, no serious adverse effects were reported. Problems related to the offspring, such as hypocalcemia and a tendency for low body weight (LBW), were self-resolving. In addition, no serious adverse outcomes were reported for women having completed pregnancy. Nevertheless, follow-up was limited for both outcomes suggesting the necessity of national and international registries.

In order to study the geomorphological and environmental characteristics of St. George bay, western Naxos, Greece (Fig.1), a series of 14 beachrock samples were collected and examined. Two transections of the bay, based on field measurements, were designed, in order to provide a deeper understanding of the beachrock development setting. Detailed recording of the beachrocks was accomplished through scuba diving, using a sonar device, measuring tapes, GPS device and Dive Computer. Special attention was given to the cement, as to extract information about the conditions of formation of the beachrocks. Thin sections from the beachrock samples were studied through petrographic microscope in order to investigate their basic characteristics and to obtain information about their basic petrographic and mineral composition. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) alongside with Energy Dispersive Spetrometry (EDS) were used for elemental analysis of the beachrock samples and their cement and Raman spectroscopy was used for identification of the cement crystal structure. For better interpretation of the results, the suggested tool, by Mauz et al. (2015), for reconstructing relative sea level in the far-field was used. In order to estimate the  ecological status of the bay, a study of the macroalgae of the area was also accomplished. Macroalgae sampling of two different methods was conducted, destructive (conventional samples) and non-destructive (photographic samples). 57 conventional samples were collected throughout the beachrock reef. These samples were prepared into herbariums and were identified in the best taxonomic level possible using stereoscope and microscope. Photographic samples were taken from the southwestern and northeastern part of St. George bay, from different types of bedrock (beachrocks, granodiorite, aeolianite) for comparison reasons. The percentages of different types of surface coverage (algal, sediment coverage) were counted for each sample, using the program Adobe Photoshop CS6. Finally, a statistical analysis of the data from the photographic samples was conducted, using the program PRIMER 5, in order to have a better evaluation of the algae data. The depth and coordinates of each conventional and photographic sample were recorded. The results regarding the beach rock samples indicate that their formation took place under meteoric and marine vadose zone conditions. Certain results indicate that the development of the beachrocks took place during a sea level rise. Finally, macroalgae statistical analyses indicated that there are no significant differences between beachrocks and other rocks as substrates and the overall ecological status of St. George bay can be characterized as good, according to the Ecological Evaluation Index (EEI, Orfanidis et al., 2003).

The study area is located at coastal area of the Ancient Harbor of Lechaion, at the area of the outer harbor moles (Figs. 1- 2), in order to investigate a possible extension of the existing ancient settlements. It is located on the southeastern coast of the Corinthian Gulf, 3km to the west of the modern city of Corinth, Greece. The construction of the Ancient Harbor dates to the 6th-7th century BC and archaeological evidence suggest that its use continued throughout the Roman period (Rothaus, 1995; Stiros et al., 1996). Lechaion harbor site lies in the southern coastal area of the Lechaion Gulf (Fig. 1). The broader area comprises alluvial and coastal deposits including loose materials, sands, pebbles and gravels (Papanikolaou et al., 1998).

The reported study is situated within the process of developing a reform-oriented national mathematics curriculum for compulsory education in Greece by a design team that involved teachers, academic researchers, and policy-makers. From an activity theory perspective, we identify the activity systems of mathematics teaching, research in mathematics education, and educational policy interacting in the design process. We focus on the contradictions between the three activity systems and how these were dealt with. We based our analysis on email exchanges during the curriculum design, field notes from whole-team sessions, and interviews with key persons. Our results highlight that the emerging contradictions primarily concerned the teaching and research activity systems. Members of the team who acted as brokers between the different activity systems and facilitated their interaction played an important role in overcoming the contradictions.

The use of techniques of two different origin were compared and combined aiming to map the seagrass meadows at shallow waters of South Evoikos Gulf, in central Greece. The high spatial and spectral resolution of WorldView-2 satellite images and its ability of water penetration, offers a positive approach for sea bottom mapping, in a relatively high resolution. In addition, the ground truth fieldwork survey with side scan data acquisition revealed that it was in impressively high agreement with the outcomes from the remote sensing data interpretation.

The use of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery at various applications is gaining more and more popularity due to the growing number of offered data and the increasing spectral properties. WorldView-2 is the first commercial VHR multi-spectral satellite providing imagery in eight different sensors having bands that range from the visible to near-infrared (0.40-1.04 μm). The integration of the “Coastal” band (0.40-0.45 μm) in the 8-band WorldView series of satellite imagery data, which was followed by the addition of the similar wavelength band 1 (0.43 - 0.45 µm) in the Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), gave a great boost to applications related to shallow water depths. The fundamental principle underlying the methods used to study the sea bottom from remotely sensed imagery is that different wavelengths of the solar light penetrate the water body to different depths (Phinn et al. 2008). The ability to accurately determine the seagrass at underwater regions is of great importance for the biodiversity of the submarine environment. The use of certain spectral wavelength data tends to be the most cost effective way of monitoring the marine habitats by mapping the sea bottom type along with several other jobs like modeling coastlines or even navigating through shallow aquatic areas by studying the bathymetry (Fornes et al. 2006).

The excavation trenches by the Department of History and Archaeology of the NKUA at the archaeological site of Plasi Marathon (Attica, Greece) have already revealed several architectural remains of the Classical period. A combined GPR and ERT survey was initiated in order to determine the existence and geometry of additional buried structures in the unexcavated parts of the site. The results of this geophysical survey will not only assist the archaeologist’s planning for the next excavation steps, but will also provide valuable information for the density of habitation in the area, a significant factor for the understanding of the importance of ancient Marathon. Fifty-two GPR and eighteen ERT profiles were carried out in a selected area. After data processing, the obtained radargrams and resistivity tomograms are presented in the form of fence diagrams. Moreover, volume/depth slices have been extracted for specified depths from GPR and ERT in order to compare their results. Several identified geophysical anomalies can be interpreted as archaeological domestic remains, supporting a rather dense pattern of habitation, hence the archaeological significance of the site.

The excavation trenches by the Department of History and Archaeology of the NKUA at the archaeological site of Plasi Marathon (Attica, Greece) have already revealed several architectural remains of the Classical period. A combined GPR and ERT survey was initiated in order to determine the existence and geometry of additional buried structures in the unexcavated parts of the site. The results of this geophysical survey will not only assist the archaeologist’s planning for the next excavation steps, but will also provide valuable information for the density of habitation in the area, a significant factor for the understanding of the importance of ancient Marathon. Fifty-two GPR and eighteen ERT profiles were carried out in a selected area. After data processing, the obtained radargrams and resistivity tomograms are presented in the form of fence diagrams. Moreover, volume/depth slices have been extracted for specified depths from GPR and ERT in order to compare their results. Several identified geophysical anomalies can be interpreted as archaeological domestic remains, supporting a rather dense pattern of habitation, hence the archaeological significance of the site.

Beachrocks are a window in the past environmental, geological, sedimentological and geographical conditions that were dominant on the coastal zone. The minerochemical examination of cement and the sedimentological analysis are the most efficient methods for understanding the formation mechanism. However, the examination of beachrock samples have limitations and the evidence of formation mechanism are not enough. This study emphasizes on the beachrock formation mechanism through the comparison of cement characteristics, mineral chemistry and sedimentology of beachrock occurrences from different geological and geographical setting areas Diolkos, Corinth, Greece and Sumuide, Okinawa, Japan. Furthermore, in order to investigate the beachrock formation, artificial beachrock samples were created in-vitro using sand samples and ureolytic bacteria from Okinawa under accelerating conditions. Bulk samples were collected from the study areas in order to analyze their mineralogical (XRD and SEM-EDS) and chemical (XRF) composition. Microscopy studies (optical and SEM-EDS) revealed that the cement agent from Diolkos is mainly composed of High-Magnesian Calcite (HMC) in comparison to the Sumuide beachrock which is characterized by the presence of calcite and aragonite. Additionally, the analysis revealed clastic silicate and aluminosilicate minerals. The grain composition of Diolkos slab consists of quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar with 20% bioclasts compared to the Sumuide beachrock grains that consist of calcareous residuals from the local coral reef. The artificial beachrock investigation indicated that ureolytic bacteria that reside in the Sumuide beach sediment, are capable to precipitate aragonite coating the sediment grains and filing the pores. The cementation was most active in the top part of the samples than the bottom part. This is an indicator that the beachrock formation might occur in depths were these bacteria can be found. The artificial beachrock analysis included its physicochemical parameters using UCS penetration, pH and Ca2+ measurements, X-Ray CT-scanning, petro-graphic polarized microscopy, XRD, and SEM-EDS.

Sedimentological and geomorphological features of Mylopotas and Manganari beaches in Ios Island are investigated in order to determine seasonal changes in the texture of coastal sediments and shoreline position caused by both natural processes and human activities. The fieldwork was conducted in April 2018 and September 2018 including mapping of beach morphology in seasonal scale through topographic monitoring of shoreline, coastline and fixed cross sections in the sites under investigation using a differential GPS. In addition, sediment sampling was carried out along selected cross sections in beaches of Mylopotas (three) and Manganari (two). Grain size analysis and statistical processing were realized to reveal spatial and temporal changes of sediment parameters, such as sorting, skewness, mean and kurtosis. The results indicate a rather homogenous grain size distribution at each study area, with the majority of samples being classified as slightly gravelly sand. DGPS measurements of shoreline position in Manganari Beach indicate changes that vary between 2.50 m and 4.70 m, with the maximum displacement to be observed in the southern part of the beach, where the shoreline is retreated during spring period. Seasonal variations of shoreline position in Mylopotas Beach are up to 4.50 m with the shoreline to be advanced during spring period in the southern and northern part of the beach, while the minimum changes are measured in the central part, where a beachrock formation occurs. Occasional human interferences, such as small-scale beach restoration and nourishment projects, installation of leisure facilities and reshaping of sand dunes, conducted mainly during spring period, alter the coastal sediment budget and transport reinforcing shoreline retreat.

Olive oil is widely accepted as a superior edible oil. Great attention has been given lately to olive oil polyphenols which are linked to significant health beneficial effects. Towards a survey of Greek olive oil focusing on polyphenols, representative extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from the main producing areas of the country and the same harvesting period have been collected and analyzed. Significant differences and interesting correlations have been identified connecting certain polyphenols namely hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein and oleocanthal with specific parameters e.g. geographical origin, production procedure and cultivation practice. Selected EVOOs polyphenol extracts, with different oleacein and oleocanthal levels, as well as isolated oleacein and oleocanthal were bio-evaluated in mammalian cells and as a dietary supplement in the Drosophila in vivo model. We found that oleocanthal and oleacein activated healthy aging-promoting cytoprotective pathways and suppressed oxidative stress in both mammalian cells and in flies.

In Volleyball, complex 1 consists of the serve’s pass (reception) - setting - attack skills in this specified order. This sequence is a stable pattern to win a point. Furthermore, it is important for the teams’ success. Taking into account that this pattern is a first-order Markov chain, the creation of a probability transition matrix is feasible. Assuming multinomial likelihood with a Dirichlet prior on the transition probabilities a Markovian transition matrix can be constructed and the calculation of conditional success probabilities is, thus, achievable. Data from the performance analysis of the winning team from recent world championships in three age categories (U19, U21, Men) of male Volleyball is used. The findings lead to redefining target pass area and to shrinking the evaluation scale at least for the teams under study. Moreover, pass accuracy is necessary because it must give at least two options for attack, but not sufficient condition for the success of attack in all age categories for male Volleyball. In the U19 age category, there is a lack of stabilization in the complex 1 sequence after pass against jump spin serve.

Optimizing consolidation treatment in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in order to improve efficacy and bone-related outcomes is intriguing. We conducted an open-label, prospective study evaluating the efficacy and safety of bortezomib and lenalidomide (VR) consolidation after ASCT, in the absence of dexamethasone and bisphosphonates. Fifty-nine patients, who received bortezomib-based induction, were given 4 cycles of VR starting on day 100 post-ASCT. After ASCT, 58{%} of patients improved their response status, while following VR consolidation 39{%} further deepened their response; stringent complete response rates increased to 51{%} after VR from 24{%} post-ASCT. VR consolidation resulted in a significant reduction of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-$ąppa$B ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio and sclerostin circulating levels, which was more pronounced among patients achieving very good partial response or better. After a median follow-up of 62 months, no skeletal-related events (SREs) were observed, despite the lack of bisphosphonates administration. The median TTP after ASCT was 37 months, while median overall survival (OS) has not been reached yet; the probability of 4- and 5-year OS was 81{%} and 64{%}, respectively. In conclusion, VR consolidation is an effective, dexamethasone- and bisphosphonate-free approach, which offers long OS with improvements on bone metabolism and no SREs.

A massive dataset of over 1900 focal mechanisms of crustal earthquakes with M ≥ 3.5 in the Greek region was employed to resolve the contemporary stress-field using a damped least-squares inversion. The results are in good agreement with the strain-rate field of the Global Strain Rate Model, which was used as reference, both in terms of their principal axes orientations and expected faulting styles. Dual stress-states were identified using the Multiple Inverse Method in regions delineated by joining neighboring Area Sources of the European Seismic Hazard Model 2013 (ESHM13). North-western Greece is mostly affected by transpressional tectonics characterized by NE-SW contraction. Northern/central Greece and the Corinth Rift are dominated by E-W normal faulting, with secondary oblique-normal to strike-slip faulting at the western margin of the latter. North and central Aegean are mainly governed by transtensional regime, characterized by stable N-S extension. The stress-tensor was found to be compatible with the Fault Sources (FS) of ESHM13, in terms of orientation and expected faulting type. Differences were observed in regions of low strain-rate, such as the Southern Aegean, where left-lateral, E-W strike-slip instead of normal faulting was inferred. Discrepancies in areas with strong local heterogeneities were highlighted by anomalies in the stress-ratio, Φ, indicating transtensional regime in the pull-apart basins of Western Greece and transpressional tectonics in north-western Greece and south of Crete. The latter is characterized by stable N-S contraction, SW-NE sinistral strike-slip and E-W reverse faulting in the vicinity of the subduction zone. A low Φ, E-W oriented zone was identified along the active volcanic arc, where a remarkable 90° rotation occurs in the stress field. This rotation is related to the transition from E-W (in the north) to N-S (in the south) normal faulting in Peloponnese and Dodecanese Islands, as well as rearrangement from dextral to sinistral SW-NE strike-slip faulting in North and South Aegean, respectively.

The study area is located at the broader area of Farsala (East Thessaly) and more specifically between the city of Farsala and its railway station. The main target of the geophysical survey was to investigate the subsurface litho-stratigraphic structure in order to assess the existence of two (2) possible fault zones. These zones were proposed in the primary Neotectonic Map of the area of Farsala, scale 1:25.000 (Fig. 1), produced by the Section of Dynamic Tectonics & Applied Geology of National Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2016, in the context of the Seismic Hazard Mapping of the Farsala broader area.

The gravity method has been applied, with a total of 1.122 gravity measurements for the subsurface investigation of the geotectonic structure beneath the urban and sub-urban areas of Athens basin. The aim was to gather new information for the subsurface geological and tectonic structure of Athens basin and re-assess the seismic hazard risk of the area that may damage its infrastructures. The standard corrections have been applied (drift, tide, latitude, free-air, Bouguer, terrain ones) along with an additional Building Correction that has been calculated based on the urban characteristics. Afterwards, the isolation of the residual anomaly has been accomplished with the contribution of the Fourier filters and the analysis of the power energy spectrum. The processing results provided important data regarding the geological and tectonic structure beneath the Quaternary formations that cover the basin. We managed to verify already proposed concealed fault zones or even discover and propose new ones that may affect the city in the future by generating disastrous earthquakes. In the context of the interpretation, two geophysicalgeological profiles have been constructed, along which the geotectonic regime of the subsurface is clarified.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors opted to correct the middle initial of co-author Despina N. Perrea from S to N. The original article has been corrected.

Crocus sativus L. natural compounds have been extensively used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Recent research evidence is now emerging in support of its therapeutic potential for different pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, the C. sativus L. natural compounds trans-crocin 4 and trans-crocetin were selected for in depth molecular characterization of their potentially protective effects against Alzheimer's Disease (AD), utilizing two AD neuronal cell culture models (SH-SY5Y overexpressing APP and PC12 expressing hyperphosphorylated tau). Biologically relevant concentrations, ranging from 0.1 muM to 1 mM, applied for 24 h or 72 h, were well tolerated by differentiated wild type SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells. When tested on neuronally differentiated SH-SY5Y-APP both trans-crocin 4 and trans-crocetin had significant effects against amyloidogenic pathways. Trans-crocin 4 significantly decreased of beta-secretase, a key enzyme of the amyloidogenic pathway, and APP-C99, while it decreased gamma-secretases that generate toxic beta-amyloid peptides. Similarly, trans-crocetin treatment led to a reduction in beta- and gamma-secretases, as well as to accumulation of cellular AbetaPP. When tested on the neuronally differentiated PC12-htau cells, both compounds proved effective in suppressing the active forms of GSK3beta and ERK1/2 kinases, as well as significantly reducing total tau and tau phosphorylation. Collectively, our data demonstrate a potent effect of trans-crocin 4 and trans-crocetin in suppressing key molecular pathways of AD pathogenesis, rendering them a promising tool in the prevention and potentially the treatment of AD.

FurE, a member of the NCS1 family, is an Aspergillus nidulans transporter specific for uracil, allantoin and uric acid. Recently, we showed that C- or N-terminally truncated FurE versions are blocked for endocytosis and, surprisingly, show modified substrate specificities. Bifluorescence complementation assays and genetic analyses supported the idea that C- and N-termini interact dynamically and through this interaction regulate selective substrate translocation. Here we functionally dissect and define distinct motifs crucial for endocytosis, transport activity, substrate specificity and folding, in both cytosolic termini of FurE. Subsequently, we obtain novel genetic and in silico evidence indicating that the molecular dynamics of specific N- and C-terminal regions exert long range effects on the gating mechanism responsible for substrate selection, via pH-dependent interactions with other internal cytosolic loops and membrane lipids. Our work shows that expanded cytoplasmic termini, acquired through evolution mostly in eukaryotic transporters, provide novel specific functional roles.

New sedimentological, micropaleontological and geochemical data from the Upper Miocene pre-evaporitic sedimentary sequence of the Faneromeni section (Crete Island, eastern Mediterranean) revealed a stepwise restriction of the Mediterranean Sea preceding the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), which was modulated by a sedimentary cyclicity responding to orbital parameters. This cyclicity is manifested by lithological alternations from laminated to indurated homogeneous marls and clayey limestones, and covers the Tortonian-Messinian Transition (TMT; 7.6–6.7 Ma). This time window covers the successive closure of the marine Mediterranean-Atlantic gateways, which culminated in the onset of the MSC. In the present study, we present the first evidence for changes in the upper water column reflected by sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS) variations that correlate with pronounced paleoclimatic fluctuations. Planktonic foraminiferal isotopes, in combination with paired mixed layer Sr/Ca-derived SST data, reveal that the very warm late Tortonian interval has been followed by a strong long-term cooling ( 10 °C) and desalination ( 10‰) trend during the earliest Messinian, attributed to the paroxysmal phase of the so-called “siphon” event. In particular, the climate shift that occurred at the end of a global carbon isotope (δ13C) decrease suggests that changes in the carbon cycle were instrumental in driving late Miocene climate dynamics (cooling and aridity) in the progressively isolated eastern Mediterranean Sea. The observed salinity variability during this time interval also provides further insights about seasonal freshwater inputs and gives new support to the much-debated hydrologic regime (linear salinity increase vs step-function evolution with strong salinity fluctuations) preceding the deposition of evaporites. The novel methodology of foraminiferal Sr/Ca paleothermometry and results of this study could have numerous potential applications to other regions and relevant extreme geological events. Therefore, in the near future we expect this approach to add important new information to our understanding of Neogene climates.

Aims: We use new deep XMM-Newton observations of the northern disk of M 31 to trace the hot interstellar medium (ISM) in unprecedented detail and to characterise the physical properties of the X-ray emitting plasmas. Methods: We used all XMM-Newton data up to and including our new observations to produce the most detailed image yet of the hot ISM plasma in a grand design spiral galaxy such as our own. We compared the X-ray morphology to multi-wavelength studies in the literature to set it in the context of the multi-phase ISM. We performed spectral analyses on the extended emission using our new observations as they offer sufficient depth and count statistics to constrain the plasma properties. Data from the Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury were used to estimate the energy injected by massive stars and their supernovae. We compared these results to the hot gas properties. Results: The brightest emission regions were found to be correlated with populations of massive stars, notably in the 10 kpc star-forming ring. The plasma temperatures in the ring regions are ~0.2 keV up to ~0.6 keV. We suggest this emission is hot ISM heated in massive stellar clusters and superbubbles. We derived X-ray luminosities, densities, and pressures for the gas in each region. We also found large extended emission filling low density gaps in the dust morphology of the northern disk, notably between the 5 kpc and 10 kpc star-forming rings. We propose that the hot gas was heated and expelled into the gaps by the populations of massive stars in the rings. Conclusions. It is clear that the massive stellar populations are responsible for heating the ISM to X-ray emitting temperatures, filling their surroundings, and possibly driving the hot gas into the low density regions. Overall, the morphology and spectra of the hot gas in the northern disk of M 31 is similar to other galaxy disks.

PURPOSE: Bladder cancer represents a major cause of malignancy-related morbidity and the most expensive per-patient-to-treat cancer, due to the lifelong surveillance of the patients. Accurate disease prognosis is essential in establishing personalized treatment decisions; yet optimum tools for precise risk stratification remain a competing task. In the present study, we have performed the complete evaluation of TP63 clinical significance in improving disease prognosis. METHODS: The levels of DeltaNp63 and TAp63 transcripts of TP63 were quantified in 342 bladder tissue specimens of our screening cohort (n = 182). Hedegaard et al. (Cancer Cell 30:27-42. doi:10.1016/j.ccell.2016.05.004, 2016) (n = 476) and TCGA provisional (n = 413) were used as validation cohorts for NMIBC and MIBC, respectively. Survival analysis was performed using recurrence and progression for NMIBC or mortality for MIBC as endpoint events. Bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation, while decision curve analysis was used for the evaluation of the clinical net benefit on disease prognosis. RESULTS: DeltaNp63 was significantly expressed in bladder tissues, and was found to be over-expressed in bladder tumors. Interestingly, reduced DeltaNp63 levels were correlated with muscle-invasive disease, high-grade tumors and high-EORTC-risk NMIBC patients. Moreover, DeltaNp63 loss was independently associated with higher risk for NMIBC relapse (HR = 2.730; p = 0.007) and progression (HR = 7.757; p = 0.016). Hedegaard et al. and TCGA validation cohorts confirmed our findings. Finally, multivariate models combining DeltaNup63 loss with established prognostic markers led to a superior clinical benefit for NMIBC prognosis and risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS: DeltaNup63 loss is associated with adverse outcome of NMIBC resulting in superior prediction of NMIBC early relapse and progression.

(Abridged) The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) is an end-to-end science platform for the design, execution and scientific exploitation of spectroscopic surveys. It will unveil the composition and dynamics of the faint Universe and impact nearly every field of astrophysics across all spatial scales, from individual stars to the largest scale structures in the Universe. Major pillars in the science program for MSE include (i) the ultimate Gaia follow-up facility for understanding the chemistry and dynamics of the distant Milky Way, including the outer disk and faint stellar halo at high spectral resolution (ii) galaxy formation and evolution at cosmic noon, via the type of revolutionary surveys that have occurred in the nearby Universe, but now conducted at the peak of the star formation history of the Universe (iii) derivation of the mass of the neutrino and insights into inflationary physics through a cosmological redshift survey that probes a large volume of the Universe with a high galaxy density. MSE is positioned to become a critical hub in the emerging international network of front-line astronomical facilities, with scientific capabilities that naturally complement and extend the scientific power of Gaia, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the Square Kilometer Array, Euclid, WFIRST, the 30m telescopes and many more.

The Ingessana hills in the southern Blue Nile of Sudan consist of serpentinised and highly silicified dunites in contact with the intruding Bau granite. The observed chromite mineralization zones are associated with NE-SW trending shear-zones. The mineralization associated with ophiolitic belts includes podiform chromite, asbestos, talc, and base metal (Cu, Ni, Co) mineralization. We applied Linear Spectral Unmixing algorithm on a 10m spatial resolution Sentinel-2 images in order to detect and map the chromite mineralization and the associated mineralization of ophiolitic belts. The resulting abundance maps show the capability of Sentinel-2 for detailed mineral mapping and detection of potential chromite ore deposit locations.

 

 Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (PAI) 2019, 30(3):296-304.

We propose 200 ks total ACIS-S observations of the spiral galaxy NGC 2336, one of the most actively star-forming galaxies in the local Universe. The proposed observations will reach Lx 7 x 10^{37} erg/s, yielding over 40 high-mass X-ray binaries (XRBs). Archival UV data and supporting Hubble Space Telescope observations fully leverage our proposed Chandra observations by allowing us to: (a) measure the age and metallicity distribution of young XRBs; (b) measure the formation efficiency of young XRBs as a function of the age of their parent stellar populations; (c) constrain XRB formation models; (d) characterize the ultra-luminous XRB population; (e) explore the role of star formation in energizing the ISM; and (f) identify the nature of the nuclear source.