Plasmoids—magnetized quasi-circular structures formed self-consistently in reconnecting current sheets—were previously considered to be the graveyards of energetic particles. In this paper, we demonstrate the important role of plasmoids in shaping the particle energy spectrum in relativistic reconnection (i.e., with upstream magnetization σup ≫ 1). Using 2D particle-in-cell simulations in pair plasmas with σup = 10 and 100, we study a secondary particle energization process that takes place inside compressing plasmoids. We demonstrate that plasmoids grow in time, while their interiors compress, amplifying the internal magnetic field. The magnetic field felt by particles injected in an isolated plasmoid increases linearly with time, which leads to particle energization as a result of magnetic moment conservation. For particles injected with a power-law distribution function, this energization process acts in such a way that the shape of the injected power law is conserved, while producing an additional nonthermal tail f(E) ∝ E-3 at higher energies, followed by an exponential cutoff. The cutoff energy, which increases with time as ${E}_{\mathrm{cut}}\propto \sqrt{t}$ , can greatly exceed σupmec2. We analytically predict the secondary acceleration timescale and the shape of the emerging particle energy spectrum, which can be of major importance in certain astrophysical systems, such as blazar jets.

The purpose of the proposed research is the application of suitable indicators, which measure the state of democracy, to the university field. Initially, an in-depth analysis of the features presented in six international organizations measuring democracy worldwide was performed. This revealed a sizeable set of significant and complementary indicators that constructed a conceptual framework for democratic institutions. Then, a model of the ‘democratic’ university was established with respect to its mission, operations and interactions, comprising a set of democratic characteristics. Interviews with academics from several European countries helped select those primary democracy indicators that can be best associated with the university characteristics. Interviews were analyzed using a Text Network Analysis algorithm, which represents texts as network graphs. Results show that monitoring these associations can reveal discrepancies and flaws that may degrade the university’s democratic operation and, also, helps to resolve conflicting demands when interacting with societal actors and the state. The size and variety of the examined datasets overcomes data bias, and the novelty of our approach lies in the fact that the graphical representations of the texts does not impose external semantic structures, thus avoiding subjectivity. This can have significant implications in assisting the complex policy formation processes within the university.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal agenesis, most commonly referred as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, is mostly diagnosed as primary amenorrhea in teenage girls; although there is plenty of literature concerning the formation of a neovagina, limited research has focused on the psychological burden of this diagnosis to the girls. AIM: To enlighten health providers into the finer aspects of sexuality through the own words and experiences of girls with MRKH under our care. METHODS: Women currently undergoing vaginal dilation or who had completed vaginal dilation within the past year were recruited from February 2019 to January 2020. A gynecologist with training in Sexual Medicine conducted a semistructured interview, which was recorded and then transcribed to identify common themes among interviewees. OUTCOMES: The main outcome explored was the narrative experiences of women with MRKH. RESULTS: 7 women participated, with a mean age of 19.7 (range 17-22 years). None of the girls felt stigmatized, however one reported significant distress at diagnosis, stemming from the attitude of health care professionals and exacerbated by an earlier age at disclosure. All girls accepted that VDT was successful, when it was initiated after they had felt sexual interest and arousal. Exact quantification of the vaginal length at onset, worried 4 as they felt pressurized to achieve a specific length. A few girls reported anxiety over sharing the diagnosis with an intimate partner. All of them pretended at some point to have menses. Childbearing was an important issue for most of the interviewees, but it did not concern them for the time being. All girls had supporting families. However, 5 did not want to share information about VDT with them. One girl reported that openness in discussing genital anatomy, VDT and sexuality, helped her both in completing treatment and adapting in a sexual relationship. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A multidisciplinary team should aim for age-appropriate disclosure and consultation and guide women through VDT and their sexual relations. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is a thorough account of women's perceptions regarding VDT and sexuality in MRKH. However, our conclusions may be limited by the small number of participants. CONCLUSION: Gradual provision of information at disclosure and adjusted timing at VDT may reduce stress in girls with MRKH. Tsitoura A, Michala L. The Sexuality of Adolescents and Young Women With MRKH Syndrome: A Qualitative Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:2012-2019.

This article explores aspects of the quotidian history of space in the Greek Revolution of 1821, using as a case study the transitional events of the siege of the Acropolis by the Ottoman army in 1826 and the recapturing of the city of Athens. Through a thorough study of space as embodied knowledge grounded in the dynamic interaction between humans and material culture, it identifies the shifts in the Athenian landscape during this period. Its findings are based on primary textual and visual sources pertaining to warfare, which are juxtaposed to the Greek and Ottoman emerging official perceptions of the significance of the city of Athens as a political and imaginary objective. The article deploys a phenomenological analysis of space that foregrounds the everyday experiential dimensions and is highly relevant in understanding the ideological and political complexities and implications of the shifting spatialities of the revolutionary period.

Hole transfer along the axis of duplex DNA has been the focus of physical chemistry research for decades, with implications in diversefields, from nanotechnology to cell oxidative damage. Computational approaches are particularly amenable for this problem,to complement experimental data for interpretation of transfer mechanisms. To be predictive, computational results need to account for the inherent mobility of biological molecules during the time frame of experimental measurements. Here, we address the structural variability of B-DNA and its effects on hole transfer in a combined molecular dynamics (MD) and real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) study. Our results show that quantities that characterize the charge transfer process, such as the time-dependent dipole moment and hole population at a specific site, are sensitive to structural changes that occur on the nanosecond time scale. We extend the range of physical properties for which such a correlation has been observed, further establishing the fact that quantitative computational data on charge transfer properties should include statistical averages.Furthermore, we use the RT-TDDFT results to assess an efficient tight-binding method suitable for high-throughput predictions. We demonstrate that charge transfer, although affected by structural variability, on average, remains strong in AA and GG dimers.

George Gissing's novel Sleeping Fires (1895) presents a late nineteenth-century Athens that is divided between its ancient and modern identities. As a reflection on the significance of Hellenism in Victorian culture, the novel narrates the random encounter between Edmund Langley, a self-exile with a classical education, and Louis Reed, a passionate and radical young man, who is revealed to be Langley's lost and unknown son. In the context of Gissing's diaries and letters recording his visit to Athens, Sleeping Fires portrays the city as an ambivalent space, both inspirational and deceptive. Gissing's juxtaposition of the ancient monuments' beauty with the bleakness of their modern surroundings emphasizes the distance between antiquity and modernity as well as Victorians' misinterpretations of Greece, revealing the period's conflicting discourses about Hellenism.

An optical analogue of magic-angle twisted graphene bilayer gives rise to rigorously stopped light, which coupled with gain allows for a new type of a nanolaser with remarkable figures of merit.

Naturally occurring point mutations in apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), may affect plasma HDL-cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. Here, we evaluated the effect of human apoA-I mutations L144R (associated with low HDL-cholesterol), L178P (associated with low HDL-cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk) and A164S (associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality without low HDL-cholesterol) on the structural integrity and functions of lipid-free and lipoprotein-associated apoA-I in an effort to explain the phenotypes of subjects carrying these mutations. All three mutants, in lipid-free form, presented structural and thermodynamic aberrations, with apoA-I[L178P] presenting the greatest thermodynamic destabilization. Additionally, apoA-I[L178P] displayed reduced ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity. When in reconstituted HDL (rHDL), apoA-I[L144R] and apoA-I[L178P] were more thermodynamically destabilized compared to wild-type apoA-I, both displayed reduced SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity and apoA-I[L144R] showed severe LCAT activation defect. ApoA-I[A164S] was thermodynamically unaffected when in rHDL, but exhibited a series of functional defects. Specifically, it had reduced ABCG1-mediated cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol efflux capacity, failed to reduce ROS formation in endothelial cells and had reduced capacity to induce endothelial cell migration. Mechanistically, the latter was due to decreased capacity of rHDL-apoA-I[A164S] to activate Akt kinase possibly by interacting with endothelial LOX-1 receptor. The impaired capacity of rHDL-apoA-I[A164S] to preserve endothelial function may be related to the increased cardiovascular risk for this mutation. Overall, our structure-function analysis of L144R, A164S and L178P apoA-I mutants provides insights on how HDL-cholesterol levels and/or atheroprotective properties of apoA-I/HDL are impaired in carriers of these mutations.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy are often hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases such as autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) caused by mutations in the key mitochondrial dynamics protein optic atrophy 1 (Opa1). However, the second messengers linking mitochondrial dysfunction to initiation of mitophagy remain poorly characterized. Here, we show in mammalian and nematode neurons that Opa1 mutations trigger Ca(2+)-dependent mitophagy. Deletion or expression of mutated Opa1 in mouse retinal ganglion cells and Caenorhabditis elegans motor neurons lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, increased cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, and decreased axonal mitochondrial density. Chelation of Ca(2+) restores mitochondrial density in neuronal processes, neuronal function, and viability. Mechanistically, sustained Ca(2+) levels activate calcineurin and AMPK, placed in the same genetic pathway regulating axonal mitochondrial density. Our data reveal that mitophagy in ADOA depends on Ca(2+)-calcineurin-AMPK signaling cascade.

A series of hybrid uranocenes consisting of uranium(iv) sandwiched between cyclobutadienyl (Cb) and cyclo-octatetraenyl (COT) ligands has been synthesized, structurally characterized and studied computationally. The dimetallic species [(η4-Cb′′′′)(η8-COT)U(μ:η2:η8-COT)U(THF)(η4-Cb′′′′)] (1) forms concomitantly with, and can be separated from, monometallic [(η4-Cb′′′′)U(THF)(η8-COT)] (2) (Cb′′′′ = 1,2,3,4-tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)cyclobutadienyl, COT = cyclo-octatetraenyl). In toluene solution at room temperature,1dissociates into2and the unsolvated uranocene [(η4-Cb′′′′)U(η8-COT)] (3). By applying a high vacuum, both1and2can be converted directly into3. Using bulky silyl substituents on the COT ligand allowed isolation of base-free [(η4-Cb′′′′)U{η8-1,4-(iPr3Si)2C8H6}] (4), with compounds3and4being new members of the bis(annulene) family of actinocenes and the first to contain a cyclobutadienyl ligand. Computational studies show that the bonding in the hybrid uranocenes3and4has non-negligible covalency. New insight into actinocene bonding is provided by the complementary interactions of the different ligands with uranium, whereby the 6d orbitals interact most strongly with the cyclobutadienyl ligand and the 5f orbitals do so with the COT ligands. The redox-neutral activation of diethyl ether by [(η4-Cb′′′′)U(η8-C8H8)] is also described and represents a uranium-cyclobutadienyl cooperative process, potentially forming the basis of further small-molecule activation chemistry.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration) cases can be attributed to mutations in major genes such as GRN, MAPT and C9orf72. Our previous report on a Greek FTD cohort revealed the presence of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) p.I383V (rs80356740) in the TARDBP gene in three unrelated patients. Our objective was to develop a novel, fast and accurate method for the detection of this particular SNP and evaluate the assay in a larger cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: A real-time qPCR-melting curve analysis method was developed, validated and tested in 142 FTD patients and 111 healthy control subjects. The SNP was detected in another two patients raising its yield in FTD patients to 3.5% (5 out of 142 patients) while one in 111 healthy controls was found to be a carrier. However, its frequency in the general population has been reported extremely low in international SNP databases (0.002%). CONCLUSION: This fact along with the indicated pathogenicity of this SNP in some bioinformatics tools, suggest that TARDBP p.I383V is recurrent and likely pathogenic for the Greek FTD population. Our high-throughput method could be used for genotyping in other larger patient cohorts and in other populations. Additionally, functional in vitro studies are required for the final adjudication of this TARDBP alteration as a pathogenic alteration

This study explores teacher educators’ (TEs’) activity as they support mathematics and science teacher collaboration in co-designing and jointly implementing tasks. We view TEs’ activity through the lens of Activity Theory and expansive learning and draw evidence from data generated within the mascil project that linked mathematics and science teaching with workplace situations through inquiry-based teaching. We focus on five TEs’ actions and goals, use data from their professional development sessions with teachers and from the TEs’ interactions during their own meetings, and highlight the illuminating case of one teacher educator. We trace evidence indicating paths of actions followed by each Teacher Educator and look for indications of their professional learning. Our analysis reveals generic and content-focused actions. All TEs faced different kinds of contradictions and had difficulties handling them. In terms of professional learning, all TEs adapted their prior teacher education practices and appreciated the critical role of epistemological differences between the two disciplines.

The purpose of this article is to present the results of an environmental education program on “Storm-Tossed Sea Rocks in Pelion Seaside” designed for junior high school students and implemented as a synchronous online educational approach and with a main goal to empower students to the values of geoheritage. In order to examine the effectiveness of the program and in particular the achievement of the objectives that encourage the development of values, the research question was identified as to whether the implementation of the environmental program achieved the empowerment of students in geoheritage values. In order to answer this question, we implemented a rather unusual technique to evaluate the educational procedure, which was based on the qualitative research technique of thematic analysis. This technique was selected as the most appropriate in order to “mine” conceptual patterns, the analysis of which would, in a valid, reliable, and simultaneously easy to use and quick way, inform the teachers that the values of geoheritage were disseminated to the students through the program. Thus, four-question interviews were conducted with randomly selected students who participated in the program. The data were examined and conceptual patterns were identified which were classified in eighteen codes. The codes were divided into five categories, the analysis of which led to the answer to the research question. Thus, it was found that the implementation of the environmental program achieved the empowerment of students in geocultural heritage values. The development of feelings of environmental sensitivity has also been seen, which suggests further investigation is needed. It was concluded that for the students, the given educational approach was necessary as well as cognitively, pedagogically, and emotionally beneficial; therefore, the need to enrich the curricula of environmental education/education for sustainable development with issues of geodiversity and geocultural heritage is justified. Finally, what was ascertained is that the thematic-analysis-based evaluation technique of the educational procedure, which was implemented, provided the teachers with the requested information, and it is recommended as an evaluation technique of educational procedures which aim at empowering students on values—even for daily use in school.

We present the first analysis of Cepheid stars observed by the TESS space mission in Sectors 1-5. Our sample consists of 25 pulsators: ten fundamental mode, three overtone and two double-mode classical Cepheids, plus three type II and seven anomalous Cepheids. The targets were chosen from fields with different stellar densities, both from the Galactic field and from the Magellanic System. Three targets have 2 minutes cadence light curves available by the TESS Science Processing Operations Center: for the rest, we prepared custom light curves from the full-frame images with our own differential photometric FITSH pipeline. Our main goal was to explore the potential and the limitations of TESS concerning the various subtypes of Cepheids. We detected many low-amplitude features: weak modulation, period jitter, and timing variations due to light-time effect. We also report signs of nonradial modes and the first discovery of such a mode in an anomalous Cepheid, the overtone star XZ Cet, which we then confirmed with ground-based multicolor photometric measurements. We prepared a custom photometric solution to minimize saturation effects in the bright fundamental-mode classical Cepheid, β Dor with the lightkurve software, and we revealed strong evidence of cycle-to-cycle variations in the star. In several cases, however, fluctuations in the pulsation could not be distinguished from instrumental effects, such as contamination from nearby sources, which also varies between sectors. Finally, we discuss how precise light-curve shapes will be crucial not only for classification purposes but also to determine physical properties of these stars.

We report that the fundamental three-dimensional (3-D) scattering single-channel limit can be exceeded in magneto-optical assisted systems by inducing non-degenerate magnetoplasmonic modes. In addition, we propose a 3-D active (magnetically assisted) forward-superscattering to invisibility switch, functioning at the same operational wavelength. Our structure is composed of a high-index dielectric core coated by indium antimonide (InSb), a semiconductor whose permittivity tensorial elements may be actively manipulated by an external magnetic bias B0. In the absence of B0, InSb exhibits isotropic epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) and plasmonic behavior above and below its plasma frequency, respectively, a frequency band which can be utilized for attaining invisibility using cloaks with permittivity less than that of free space. With realistic B0 magnitudes as high as 0.17 T, the gyroelectric properties of InSb enable the lift of mode degeneracy, and the induction of Zeeman-split type magnetoplasmonic modes that beat the fundamental single-channel limit. Moreover, we show that chains of such particles, where each one operates in its superscattering regime, enable giant off-to-on enhancement in scattering efficiency, as well as unprecedentedly high forward scattering. These all-in-one designs allow for the implementation of functional and readily tunable optical devices.

The Black–Litterman model is a very important analytical tool for active portfolio management because it allows investment analysts to incorporate investor’s views into market equilibrium returns. In this paper, we define and study the time-varying Black–Litterman portfolio optimization under nonlinear constraints (TV-BLPONC) problem as a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem. More precisely, the nonlinear constraints refer to transaction costs and cardinality constraints. Furthermore, a speedy weights-and-structure-determination (WASD) algorithm for the power-activation feed-forward neuronet (PFN) is presented to solve time-series modeling and forecasting problems. Inhere, the investor’s views in the TV-BLPONC problem are considered as a forecasting problem and, thus, they are produced by the WASD-based PFN. In addition, using the beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm a computational method is introduced to solve the TV-BLPONC problem. For all we know, this is an innovative approach that integrates modern neural network and meta-heuristic optimization methods to provide a solution to the TV-BLPONC problem in large portfolios. Our approach is tested on portfolios of up to 90 stocks with real-world data, and the results show that it is more than 30 times faster than other methods. Our technique’s speed and precision are verified in this way, showing that it is an outstanding alternative to ordinary methods. In order to support and promote the findings of this work, we have constructed two complete MATLAB packages for the interested user, which are freely available through GitHub.

The Markowitz mean-variance portfolio selection is widely acclaimed as a very important investment strategy. A popular option to solve the static mean-variance portfolio selection (MVPS) problem is based on the use of quadratic programming (QP) methods. On the other hand, the static portfolio selection under transaction costs (PSTC) problem is usually approached with nonlinear programming (NLP) methods. In this article, we define and study the time-varying mean-variance portfolio selection under transaction costs and cardinality constraint (TV-MVPSTC-CC) problem as a time-varying nonlinear programming (TVNLP) problem. The TV-MVPSTC-CC also comprises the properties of a moving average. These properties make the TV-MVPSTC-CC an even greater analysis tool suitable to evaluate investments and identify trading opportunities across a continuous-time period. Using the Beetle Antennae Search (BAS) algorithm, we also provide an online solution to the static NLP problem. To the best of our knowledge, this is an innovative approach that incorporates modern meta-heuristic optimization techniques to provide an online, thus more realistic, solution to the TV-MVPSTC-CC problem. In this way, we present an online solution to a time-varying financial problem while eliminating the restrictions of static methods. Our approach is also verified by numerical experiments and computer simulations as an excellent alternative to traditional approaches.

Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30-day mortality in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4-1.5). In patients with a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks and 5-6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1 (3.3-4.8), 3.9 (2.6-5.1) and 3.6 (2.0-5.2), respectively). Surgery performed ≥ 7 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5 (0.9-2.1)). After a ≥ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2-8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4-3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6-2.0), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms ≥ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay.

Topologically protected transport has recently emerged as an effective means to address a recurring problem hampering the field of slow light for the past two decades: its keen sensitivity to disorders and structural imperfections. With it, there has been renewed interest in efforts to overcome the delay-time-bandwidth limitation usually characterizing slow-light devices, on occasion thought to be a fundamental limit. What exactly is this limit, and what does it imply? Can it be overcome? If yes, how could topological slow light help, and in what systems? What applications might be expected by overcoming the limit? Our Perspective here attempts addressing these and other related questions while pointing to important new functionalities both for classical and quantum devices that overcoming the limit can enable.

In two diary studies, we examined the reciprocal daily association between the satisfaction and frustration of adolescents’ basic psychological needs and sleep, and the role of stress and fatigue in these associations. In Study 1 (N = 211; 52% female; Mage = 15.86 years, SD = 1.18 years), daily need experiences were unrelated to daily fluctuations in subjective sleep outcomes. However, shorter daily sleep quantity was related to higher daily fatigue, which in turn related to more daily need frustration and less need satisfaction. Study 2 (N = 51; 49% female; Mage = 15.88 years, SD = 2.88 years) extended these findings by demonstrating that daily need frustration related to shorter objective sleep quantity and longer wake after sleep onset, indirectly through higher symptoms of stress. Poor sleep quality also related to worse need experiences via higher daily fatigue. These findings underscore the dynamic interplay between daily need experiences and adolescent sleep.

The current scoping study conducted in Greece aimed to explore the training needs and attitudes held by educationalists on inclusive education for pupils with autism. Whilst educational policies and practice advocate for inclusive education for children with autism, actual provision is segregated between mainstream, special schools and multi-disciplinary therapy centers. These centers operate under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and are certified by the Ministry of Education. They collaborate with schools to ensure the seamless inclusion of children with autism into school. Whilst Greek educationalists believe on principle that inclusion is essential in the quest to foster community presence and integration for children with autism, in practice there are barriers to inclusive education; primarily these include the current financial crisis and budget cuts in Education as well as an anxiety on the part of teachers on how best to practice inclusive education, whilst protecting and maintaining the safety of autistic children. This ambivalence stems from insufficient knowledge, skills and experience and has significant implications for children with special needs, their families and for society as a whole. The current study aimed to address this ambivalence by, as an initial step, ensuring that all teachers are granted appropriate training and professional support so that children with autism are given the opportunity to flourish within inclusive educational settings.

Elevator-type transporters are a group of proteins translocating nutrients and metabolites across cell membranes. Despite structural and functional differences, elevator-type transporters use a common mechanism of substrate translocation via reversible movements of a mobile core domain (the elevator), which includes the substrate binding site, along a rigid scaffold domain, stably anchored in the plasma membrane. How substrate specificity is determined in elevator transporters remains elusive. Here, I discuss how a recent report on the sliding elevator mechanism, seen under the context of genetic analysis of a prototype fungal transporter, sheds light on how specificity might be genetically modified. I propose that flexible specificity alterations might occur by 'loosening' of the sliding mechanism from tight coupling to substrate binding.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a highly-lethal gynecological malignancy, characterized by frequent recurrence, chemotherapy resistance and poor 5-year survival. Identifying novel predictive molecular markers remains an overdue challenge in the disease's clinical management. Herein, in silico analysis of TCGA-OV highlighted the tRNA-derived internal fragment (i-tRF-GlyGCC) among the most abundant tRFs in ovarian tumors, while target prediction and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis predicted its implication in key biological processes. Thereafter, i-tRF-GlyGCC levels were quantified in a screening EOC (n = 98) and an institutionally-independent serous ovarian cancer (SOC) validation cohort (n = 100, OVCAD multicenter study). Disease progression and patient death were used as clinical endpoints for the survival analysis. Internal validation was performed by bootstrap analysis and the clinical net benefit was estimated by decision curve analysis. The analysis highlighted the significant association of i-tRF-GlyGCC with advanced FIGO stages, suboptimal debulking and most importantly, with early progression and poor overall survival of EOC patients. The OVCAD validation cohort corroborated the unfavorable predictive value of i-tRF-GlyGCC in EOC. Ultimately, evaluation of i-tRF-GlyGCC with the established/clinically used prognostic markers offered superior patient risk-stratification and enhanced clinical benefit in EOC prognosis. In conclusion, i-tRF-GlyGCC assessment could aid towards personalized prognosis and support precision medicine decisions in EOC.

A variety of multidispersive, localized, or extended in frequency, bands, induced by inductance-based external electric circuits in piezoelectric phononic plates, is studied both theoretically and experimentally in this work. Their origin, tightly related to an equivalent LC-circuit behavior, is analyzed in detail and their interaction with the Lamb-like guided modes of the plate is also discussed. These bands, easily tuned by the choice of the parameters of the external electric circuitry, lead to a non-destructive, real-time control of the dispersion characteristics of these structures. Our device and analysis can find application in the improvement of surface acoustic wave components by offering additional degrees of freedom.

Turkey’s cooperation with the organization of Muslim Brothers has its own strong foundations, representing at the same time the frontline of the Turkish geostrategy towards the leadership of the Ummah and the Muslim World. This is a decade-long proven reality, while it is not visible which part is leading and which is following the other’s strategic behavior. In any case and except for any “metaphysical ideas” of the current Turkish elite, a certain strategic image is produced for Erdoğan and it is related with the profound Islamist-oriented strategy, aiming to Turkey’s upgrade into a regional hegemon absolutely antagonist at a world-wide level. On this line of thought, the current study aims to describe Turkey’s engagement in Libya under the cloak of Ankara’s relation with the Muslim Brotherhood between 2020 and 2021. Comparatively to Turkey’s ambiguent strategy in the case of Gaza escalation of May 2021, general conclusions are reached with regard to the consequences of Neoottoman policies in Maghreb and the Greater Middle East for regional stability and peace.

We report on two-step current-induced effects on the electrical, optical, and structural properties of VO2 films around the Metal–Insulator Transition (MIT) in synergy with ambient temperature (T). Simultaneous electrical resistance and transmittance measurements of VO2 semitransparent thin films as a function of T show that the electric current modifies the MIT that takes place in two steps: an abrupt change that increases upon increasing current, implying the formation of larger metallic domains within the current path, accompanied by a smoother change that follows the temperature change. Resistance measurements of thicker bulk-like VO2 films have been also investigated exhibiting similar two-step behavior. By monitoring the specimen temperature (To) during resistance measurements, we show that the abrupt resistance step, accompanied by instantaneous heating/cooling events, occurs at temperatures lower than TMIT and is attributed to current-induced Joule heating effects. Moreover, by monitoring To during current–voltage measurements, the role of T in the formation of two-step current modified MIT is highlighted. X-ray diffraction with in situ resistance measurements performed for various currents at room temperature as a function of To has shown that the current can cause partially MIT and structural phase transition, leading to an abrupt step of MIT. The formation of a rutile metallic phase of VO2 under high applied currents is clearly demonstrated by micro-Raman measurements. By controlling current in synergy with T below TMIT, the VO2 film can be driven to a two-step current-induced MIT as gradually a larger part of the film is transformed into a rutile metallic phase.. © 2021 Author(s).

The time-bandwidth limit is a mathematical tenet that affects all reciprocal resonators, stating that the product of the spectral bandwidth that can couple into a resonant system and its characteristic energy decay time is always equal to 1. Here, we develop an analytical and numerical model to show that introducing nonreciprocal coupling to a generalized resonator changes the power balance between the reflected and intracavity fields, which consequently overcomes the time-bandwidth limit of the resonant system. By performing a full evaluation of the time-bandwidth product (TBP) of the modeled resonator, we show that it represents a measure of the increased delay imparted to a light wave, with respect to what the bandwidth of the reciprocal resonant structure would allow to the same amount of in-coupled power. No longer restricted to the value 1, we show that the TBP can instead be used as a figure of merit of the improvement in intracavity power enhancement due to the nonreciprocal coupling. © 2021 American Physical Society.

Sources containing descriptive information on earthquake effects in Greece from the period 1800–1899 are analysed and EMS-98 macroseismic intensities are assigned, aiming at the enrichment of the number of macroseismic datapoints contained in the Hellenic Macroseismic Database (HMDB.UoA). Based on the information provided by the analysis, intensities were re-assigned for all events reported in the sources. Compared to the MDPs presented in the Hellenic Macroseismic database, the total number of MDPs from the present study is more than double. Similar procedure was applied to the 19th century Samos and surrounding areas earthquakes including all macroseismic intensity degrees. For the case study of Samos, two macroseismic intensity data sets are presented: the damaging (IEMS98 > 6) and the non-damaging ones. The macroseismic parameters of one new earthquake were determined and the seismic history of the island showed that two earthquakes, probably similar to the 30 October 2020 Samos event, occurred in the 19th century. New earthquakes improve the seismic history and increased MDPs number allow for more accurate parameters assessment.

This paper studies the effects of U.S. unconventional monetary policy announcements on the implied volatility of three major currency pairs, Dollar/Euro, Dollar/British Pound and Dollar/Yen by using panel data analysis along with several model specifications and robustness tests. Monetary policy announcements not only have an effect on the realized behavior of asset prices, but also influence market participants’ expectations regarding future volatility. Our empirical findings show that Federal Reserve’s unconventional monetary policy announcements significantly reduce the market expectations about future realized volatility of exchange rates, suggesting that lax monetary policy leads to elevated risk-tolerance in currency markets. Furthermore, our findings indicate that market participants’ expectations respond differently to the different rounds of U.S. quantitative easing.

In volleyball, the opposite player is the most requested hitter since she/he is the player with a higher probability of successfully carrying out attacks. The main objective of this study was to analyze variables that predicted attack effectiveness, in top-level teams depending on gender. Inferential analysis and multinomial logistic regression were applied to analyze 1512 attacks of men and women opposite players from 79 sets of the six top-ranked teams in the Men and Women 2018 World Championships. The analysis revealed that in female volleyball to increase the odds for a winning attack from the opposite player, teams have to pass the ball more accurately, setters have to set in a faster tempo and opposites avoid off-speed attack and spike in a diagonal direction from position 2. On the contrary, in male volleyball the odds for a winning attack from the opposite player are increased when male setters set accurate to the pre-agreement point on the net independent of the quality of the previous pass, opposite players hit in parallel and volleyball coaches select proper line-up and process tactical substitutions to increase the number of rotations with an opposite player in the offensive zone.

Field trips are an essential part for geoscience students, as the field is intrinsic for understanding what they are taught in the classroom. Yet, distance learning has never been more necessary than today. Despite their significance in the students’ education, field trips cannot be performed under the present conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators are called to find, use and evolve various tools in order to offer students quality education, with an effort to eliminate the drawbacks of the lack of physical contact and “live” field work. Virtual field trips are one such tool through which one can virtually see any place on the globe by means of a computer, tablet, or even mobile phone, without physically visiting it. In this paper, we present the results of a virtual field trip developed for students following the Geomorphology course of the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; it can, however, be used from other universities with similar courses not only in Greece but also in other countries as well. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of virtual field trips, both as an alternative to and/or substitute for in situ field work and as a means of preparation for live field trips, by taking into consideration the students’ views through an anonymous questionnaire. Our findings suggest that virtual field trips are useful for geoscience students, and they provide a good alternative during restriction periods, and although they can under no circumstances substitute real field trips, they can be a valuable additional tool when preparing for a live field trip.

Tailoring metal oxide photocatalysts in the form of heterostructured photonic crystals has spurred particular interest as an advanced route to simultaneously improve harnessing of solar light and charge separation relying on the combined effect of light trapping by macroporous periodic structures and compositional materials’ modifications. In this work, surface deposition of FeOx nanoclusters on TiO2 photonic crystals is investigated to explore the interplay of slow-photon amplification, visible light absorption, and charge separation in FeOx–TiO2 photocatalytic films. Photonic bandgap engineered TiO2 inverse opals deposited by the convective evaporation-induced coassembly method were surface modified by successive chemisorption-calcination cycles using Fe(III) acetylacetonate, which allowed the controlled variation of FeOx loading on the photonic films. Low amounts of FeOx nanoclusters on the TiO2 inverse opals resulted in diameter-selective improvements of photocatalytic performance on salicylic acid degradation and photocurrent density under visible light, surpassing similarly modified P25 films. The observed enhancement was related to the combination of optimal light trapping and charge separation induced by the FeOx–TiO2 interfacial coupling. However, an increase of the FeOx loading resulted in severe performance deterioration, particularly prominent under UV-Vis light, attributed to persistent surface recombination via diverse defect d-states. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observations consist of ~27 day long measurements with constant pointing to a 24°x96° field of view, called a "sector". In this paper, we present the first results on Cepheid stars observed with TESS, covering the first five out of 26 sectors of its primary 2yr near all-sky mission (2018-2019). (3 data files).

The observed light curves of V1241 Tau and GQ Dra in BVRI filters are given. Times of minimum light of V1241 Tau and GQ Dra as derived from our observations and TESS light curves are also listed. (2 data files).

VO2 thin films were fabricated by thermal evaporation of V2O5 on quartz and glass and subsequent reduction in nitrogen (N2). This Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) method resulted in high-quality single phase VO2(M1) films with sharp changes in resistance (3–4 orders of magnitude) and transmittance (40–45%) at λ= 1550 nm accompanied by narrow hysteresis loops (  4–5 K) around the Semiconductor-to-Metal Transition (SMT). © 2021 Elsevier B.V.

The beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm is a memetic meta-heuristic optimization algorithm capable of solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, the binary version of BAS (BBAS) is modified by adding a V-shaped transfer function. In this way, we introduce the V-shaped transfer function-based binary BAS (VSBAS) algorithm, which is a more effective and efficient version of BBAS in the case of large input data. Applications using real-world data sets on a binary Markowitz-based portfolio selection (BMPS) problem validate the excellent performance of VSBAS on large input data and demonstrate that it is a marvelous alternative against other ordinary memetic meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. Note that, because the meta-heuristic algorithms compared in this paper are directly applicable only to unconstrained optimization, the penalty function method was used to keep their solutions in the feasible district. In order to support and promote the findings of this work, we have constructed a complete MATLAB package for the interested user, which is freely available through GitHub.

In order to extend and unify the definitions of W-weighted DMP, W-weighted MPD, W-weighted CMP and composite outer inverses, we present the weighted composite outer inverses. Precisely, the notions of MNOMP, MPMNO and MPMNOMP inverses are introduced as appropriate expressions involving the (M,N)-weighted (B,C)-inverse and Moore–Penrose inverse. Basic properties and a number of characterizations for the MNOMP, MPMNO or MPMNOMP inverse are discovered. Various representations and characterizations of weighted composite outer inverses are studied. General solutions for certain systems of linear equations are given in terms of weighted composite outer inverses. Numerical examples are presented on randomly generated matrices of various orders.

The present study aimed to evaluate xanthotoxin's influence on male and female Swiss mice's depression-like behaviors and investigate the potential mechanism of this effect. Naturally derived furanocoumarin (the Apiaceae family), xanthotoxin, administered acutely (12.5 mg/kg), diminished the immobility level in the forced swim test only in males. The immobility level was lower in females than males, which may be associated with a higher serotonin level in the female prefrontal cortex. A dose-dependent increase of serotonin and noradrenaline was reported in the reverse-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography in the female prefrontal cortex but not in the hippocampus. We suggest that xanthotoxin may exert antidepressant properties and affect males and females differently. The increasing level of serotonin in the male and female prefrontal cortex may underlie this effect.

We report the discovery of a new high-mass X-ray binary pulsar, XMMU J050722.1-684758, possibly associated with the supernova remnant (SNR) MCSNR J0507-6847 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, using XMM-NewtonX-ray observations. Pulsations with a periodicity of 570 s are discovered from the Be X-ray binary XMMU J050722.1-684758 confirming its nature as a HMXB pulsar. The HMXB is located near the geometric centre of the SNR MCSNR J0507-6847(0.9 arcmin from the centre) which supports the XRB-SNR association. The estimated age of the SNR is 43-63 kyr years which points to a middle aged to old SNR. The large diameter of the SNR combined with the lack of distinctive shell counterparts in optical and radio indicates that the SNR is expanding into the tenuous environment of the superbubble N103. The estimated magnetic field strength of the neutron star is B ≳ 1014 G assuming a spin equilibrium condition which is expected from the estimated age of the parent remnant and assuming that the measured mass-accretion rate remained constant throughout.

Social exclusion is a complex process. Tackling social exclusion through Lifelong learning is often an unattainable goal. Lifting the conditions of exclusion through Lifelong learning programmes, requires an understanding of the special features and characteristics that each group holds. The current paper focuses on the people who abuse drugs and explores the possibilities of reconnecting them with education, through Lifelong learning programmes. School dropout is related with early onset of substance use and social exclusion. For those who seek drug free treatment, reconnecting with education and learning is plausible. However, it requires experiential learning methods, a facilitating environment, and the development of a trusting relationship between trainers and trainees. In this way, it is possible to increase participation in Lifelong learning programmes, to create meaning in education and to achieve UNESCO’s goal of Lifelong learning as a new human right.

Το άρθρο παρουσιάζει απογραφική έρευνα στους θεολόγους εκπαιδευτικούς επιτυχόντες των γραπτών διαγωνισμών τους ΑΣΕΠ 1998-2008. Συγκεκριμένα επιχειρεί να διερευνήσει την αποτελεσματικότητα των Παιδαγωγικών Σπουδών των τεσσάρων τμημάτων θεολογικών σπουδών (Ε.Κ.Π.Α. και Α.Π.Θ.), που εξασφαλίζουν διορισμό στη Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση, με βάση την επιτυχία και τις επιδόσεις τους στους γραπτούς διαγωνισμούς του Α.Σ.Ε.Π. 1998-2008. Η ιστορική μελέτη των Προγραμμάτων Σπουδών των Τμημάτων των Θεολογικών Σχολών κατέδειξε ότι στο Τμήμα Θεολογίας στη Θεσσαλονίκη αναπτύσσεται μία δυναμική Παιδαγωγικών Σπουδών, η οποία οφείλεται τόσο στους διδάσκοντες των Παιδαγωγικών Μαθημάτων,όσο και σε ένα γενικότερο πλαίσιο ενδιαφέροντος από τους Καθηγητές του Τμήματοςγια το Μάθημα των Θρησκευτικών. Τόσο η περιγραφική, όσο και η συσχετιστικήανάλυση των δεδομένων επιβεβαιώνουν τη σχέση Τμήματος αποφοίτησης καιαπόδοσης στους διαγωνισμούς του Α.Σ.Ε.Π. και αναδεικνύουν ένα σαφές προβάδισμα του Τμήματος Θεολογίας του Α.Π.Θ. στις επιδόσεις των επιτυχόντων, ιδιαίτερα για τους τρεις πρώτους διαγωνισμούς.

Η παρούσα μελέτη επικεντρώνεται στο θέμα της μάταιης θεραπείας (futile treatment) και προσεγγίζεται από την ιατρική και θεολογική άποψη, αποτελώντας πρωτότυπο εγχείρημα. Η δυσκολία της αντικειμενικοποίησης των κριτηρίων, τα οποία καθιστούν μια θεραπεία ως μάταιη εγείρει σημαντικά διλήμματα για την ιατρική ηθική και δεοντολογία, καθώς και για την εξέταση του θέματος από βιοηθική σκοπιά. Ταυτόχρονα στη συζήτηση εμφανίζονται και θεολογικές απόψεις, οι οποίες αφορούν την ασθένεια, τη διακοπή ή μη της θεραπείας, αλλά και τον επικείμενο θάνατο του ασθενούς. Η παρούσα δημοσίευση αποσκοπεί να συμβάλλει στο διάλογο και να αποτελέσει αφορμή για συζήτηση στον Ελλαδικό χώρο.

Based on the historical data of the centuries before the emergence of Christianity in the Mediterranean (1st-3rd century AD), we try to present the stages of the influence of a pandemic on religiocity and the spread of Christianity, as well as to examine the contemporary consequences, based on a statistical assessment (gallop), that we conducted on students of Social Theology and the Study of Religions, as soon as the measures of “social exclusion” had been removed.  

In 2019 November, MAXI detected an X-ray outburst from the known Be X-ray binary system RX J0209.6-7427 located in the outer wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud. We followed the outburst of the system with NICER, which led to the discovery of X-ray pulsations with a period of 9.3 s. We analysed simultaneous X-ray data obtained with NuSTAR and NICER, allowing us to characterize the spectrum and provide an accurate estimate of its bolometric luminosity. During the outburst, the maximum broad-band X-ray luminosity of the system reached (1-2) × 1039 erg s-1, thus exceeding by about one order of magnitude the Eddington limit for a typical 1.4 M⊙ mass neutron star (NS). Monitoring observations with Fermi/GBM and NICER allowed us to study the spin evolution of the NS and compare it with standard accretion torque models. We found that the NS magnetic field should be of the order of 3 × 1012 G. We conclude that RX J0209.6-7427 exhibited one of the brightest outbursts observed from a Be X-ray binary pulsar in the Magellanic Clouds, reaching similar luminosity level to the 2016 outburst of SMC X-3. Despite the super-Eddington luminosity of RX J0209.6-7427, the NS appears to have only a moderate magnetic field strength.

Review of J. Losee, The Golden Age of Philosophy of Science 1945 to 2000 (London: Bloomsbury, 2019).

The quasiparticle interference (QPI) technique is a powerful tool that allows to uncover the structure and properties of electronic structure of a material combined with scattering properties of defects at surfaces. Recently, this technique has been pivotal in proving the unique properties of the surface state of topological insulators which manifests itself in the absence of backscattering. Herein, a Green function-based formalism is derived for the ab initio computation of Fourier-transformed QPI images. The efficiency of the new implementation is shown at the examples of QPI that forms around magnetic and nonmagnetic defects at the Bi2Te3 surface. This method allows a deepened understanding of the scattering properties of topologically protected electrons off defects and is a useful tool in the study of quantum materials in the future.

 

Genital dissatisfaction in healthy young women is on the rise. Pubic hair removal reveals genital tissue previously hidden, while social trends promote the absence of any protruding genital tissue as the feminine ideal. Information with regard to the natural diversity of external genitalia anatomy, and lifestyle changes to improve physical symptoms related to labial tissue may suffice to reassure a distressed adolescent. Female genital cosmetic surgery is rarely supported, before attaining genital maturity. However, genital dissatisfaction may lead to significant embarrassment and anxiety, requiring formal psychological counselling. Sexual education needs to counterbalance perceived normal anatomy, portrayed in pornography or female genital cosmetic surgery advertisements.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the role of deranged eating behaviours (DEBs) in the development of functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) and the reciprocal role of psychopathological traits on both disorders. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted spanning the period January 2016 to April 2018. Forty-one consecutive FHA females and 86 healthy controls were recruited. We assessed the DEBs and other FHA predisposing factors via self-reported questionnaires. Possible correlations amongst the variables were examined using the Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho), whilst multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify independent predictors of DEBs. RESULTS: Mean scores on Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) were significantly higher in females with FHA (p {\textless} 0.0001). Women with FHA were characterised by significantly higher scores at the sub-scale items of dieting (p = 0.03) and bulimia and food preoccupation (p {\textless} 0.001) compared to healthy controls. Significant difference was also observed between the mean scores of the two groups in all other questionnaires: State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) (p {\textless} 0.0001), Multidimensional Body-Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) (p {\textless} 0.0001) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (p = 0.004). EAT-26 scores were positively correlated with scores on STAI ($\rho$ = 0.26, p = 0.04), MBSRQ ($\rho$ = 0.79, p {\textless} 0.0001) and IPAQ ($\rho$ = 0.35, p = 0.03). High scores on IPAQ and STAI were correlated with a 12.2-fold (p = 0.008) and 4.3-fold (p = 0.04) increased risk for high scores on EAT-26 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DEBs may occur in FHA populations at a higher frequency compared to the general population. Anxiety and overweight preoccupation may underlie and independently contribute to development and maintenance of both DEBs and FHA. This evidence may have future implications for both screening and interventions that target DEBs and other psychological factors.

Semiconductor photocatalysts have attracted a great amount of multidiscipline research due to their distinctive potential for solar-to-chemical-energy conversion applications, ranging from water and air purification to hydrogen and chemical fuel production. This unique diversity of photoinduced applications has spurred major research efforts on the rational design and development of photocatalytic materials with tailored structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties in order to promote solar light harvesting and alleviate photogenerated electron-hole recombination and the concomitant low quantum efficiency. This book presents a collection of original research articles on advanced photocatalytic materials synthesized by novel fabrication approaches and/or appropriate modifications that improve their performance for target photocatalytic applications such as water (cyanobacterial toxins, antibiotics, phenols, and dyes) and air (NOx and volatile organic compounds) pollutant degradation, hydrogen evolution, and hydrogen peroxide production by photoelectrochemical cells. © 2020 by the authors.

This paper reviews state-of-the-art research solutions across the spectrum of medical imaging informatics, discusses clinical translation, and provides future directions for advancing clinical practice. More specifically, it summarizes advances in medical imaging acquisition technologies for different modalities, highlighting the necessity for efficient medical data management strategies in the context of AI in big healthcare data analytics. It then provides a synopsis of contemporary and emerging algorithmic methods for disease classification and organ/ tissue segmentation, focusing on AI and deep learning architectures that have already become the de facto approach. The clinical benefits of in-silico modelling advances linked with evolving 3D reconstruction and visualization applications are further documented. Concluding, integrative analytics approaches driven by associate research branches highlighted in this study promise to revolutionize imaging informatics as known today across the healthcare continuum for both radiology and digital pathology applications. The latter, is projected to enable informed, more accurate diagnosis, timely prognosis, and effective treatment planning, underpinning precision medicine.

Background & aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic hepatitis. In this international collaboration, we sought to develop a global universal HCC risk score to predict the HCC development for patients with chronic hepatitis. Methods: A total of 17,374 patients, comprising 10,578 treated Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 2,510 treated Caucasian patients with CHB, 3,566 treated patients with hepatitis C virus (including 2,489 patients with cirrhosis achieving a sustained virological response) and 720 patients with non-viral hepatitis (NVH) from 11 international prospective observational cohorts or randomised controlled trials, were divided into a training cohort (3,688 Asian patients with CHB) and 9 validation cohorts with different aetiologies and ethnicities (n = 13,686). Results: We developed an HCC risk score, called the aMAP score (ranging from 0 to 100), that involves only age, male, albumin-bilirubin and platelets. This metric performed excellently in assessing HCC risk not only in patients with hepatitis of different aetiologies, but also in those with different ethnicities (C-index: 0.82-0.87). Cut-off values of 50 and 60 were best for discriminating HCC risk. The 3- or 5-year cumulative incidences of HCC were 0-0.8%, 1.5-4.8%, and 8.1-19.9% in the low- (n = 7,413, 43.6%), medium- (n = 6,529, 38.4%), and high-risk (n = 3,044, 17.9%) groups, respectively. The cut-off value of 50 was associated with a sensitivity of 85.7-100% and a negative predictive value of 99.3-100%. The cut-off value of 60 resulted in a specificity of 56.6-95.8% and a positive predictive value of 6.6-15.7%. Conclusions: This objective, simple, reliable risk score based on 5 common parameters accurately predicted HCC development, regardless of aetiology and ethnicity, which could help to establish a risk score-guided HCC surveillance strategy worldwide. Lay summary: In this international collaboration, we developed and externally validated a simple, objective and accurate prognostic tool (called the aMAP score), that involves only age, male, albumin-bilirubin and platelets. The aMAP score (ranged from 0 to 100) satisfactorily predicted the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development among over 17,000 patients with viral and non-viral hepatitis from 11 global prospective studies. Our findings show that the aMAP score had excellent discrimination and calibration in assessing the 5-year HCC risk among all the cohorts irrespective of aetiology and ethnicity.

In March 2020 the World Health Organization announced a pandemic outbreak. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen for the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The authorities worldwide use clinical science to identify infected people, but this approach is not able to track all symptomatic and asymptomatic cases due to limited sampling capacity of the testing laboratories. This drawback is eliminated by the Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) approach. In this review, we summarized the peer-reviewed published literature (available as of 28(th) September 2020), in the field of WBE. The commonly used steps (sampling, storage, concentration, isolation, detection) of the analytical protocols were identified. The potential limitations of each stage of the protocols and good practices were discussed. Finally, new methods for the efficient detection of SARS-CoV-2 were proposed.

INTRODUCTION: Greece is a country with limited spread of SARS-CoV-2 and cumulative infection attack rate of 0.12% (95% CI 0.06-0.26). Health care workers (HCWs) are a well-recognized risk group for COVID-19. The study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a nosocomial setting and assess potential risk factors. METHODS: HCWs from two hospitals participated in the study. Hospital-1 was a tertiary university affiliated center, involved in the care of COVID-19 patients while hospital-2 was a tertiary specialized cardiac surgery center not involved in the care of these patients. A validated, CE, rapid, IgM/IgG antibody point-of-care test was used. Comparative performance with a reference globally available assay was assessed. RESULTS: 1,495 individuals consented to participate (response rate 77%). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 weighted prevalence was 1.26% (95% CI 0.43, 3.26) overall and 0.53% (95% CI 0.06, 2.78) and 2.70% (95% CI 0.57, 9.19) in hospital-1 and hospital-2, respectively although the study was underpowered to detect statistically significant differences. The overall, hospital-1, and hospital-2 seroprevalence was 10, 4 and 22 times higher than the estimated infection attack rate in general population, respectively. Suboptimal use of personal protective equipment was noted in both hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: These data have implications for the preparedness of a second wave of COVID-19 epidemic, given the low burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, in concordance with national projections.

Most present-day resonant systems, throughout physics and engineering, are characterized by a strict time-reversal symmetry between the rates of energy coupled in and out of the system, which leads to a trade-off between how long a wave can be stored in the system and the system’s bandwidth. Any attempt to reduce the losses of the resonant system, and hence store a (mechanical, acoustic, electronic, optical, or of any other nature) wave for more time, will inevitably also reduce the bandwidth of the system. Until recently, this time-bandwidth limit has been considered fundamental, arising from basic Fourier reciprocity. In this work, using a simple macroscopic, fiber-optic resonator where the nonreciprocity is induced by breaking its time-invariance, we report, in full agreement with accompanying numerical simulations, a time-bandwidth product (TBP) exceeding the ‘fundamental’ limit of ordinary resonant systems by a factor of 30. We show that, although in practice experimental constraints limit our scheme, the TBP can be arbitrarily large, simply dictated by the finesse of the cavity. Our results open the path for designing resonant systems, ubiquitous in physics and engineering, that can simultaneously be broadband and possessing long storage times, thereby offering a potential for new functionalities in wave-matter interactions. © 2020, The Author(s).

Existentialism about propositions is the view that a proposition expressed in a sentence containing a nonempty name or indexical depends ontologically on the referent of the name or indexical: the proposition could not exist if the referent did not. The paper focuses on names. It discusses some arguments for existentialism and then presents a novel one. That argument does not presuppose that propositions have constituents, and it could be accepted by those who hold broadly Fregean views about names. It shows that, for example, if Aristotle had not existed, no sentence could have meant that Aristotle is a philosopher. The paper also touches on the consequences of existentialism.

 

Maintaining a healthy proteome is essential for cell and organismal homeostasis. Perturbation of the balance between protein translational control and degradation instigates a multitude of age-related diseases. Decline of proteostasis quality control mechanisms is a hallmark of ageing. Biochemical methods to detect de novo protein synthesis are still limited, have several disadvantages and cannot be performed in live cells or animals. Caenorhabditis elegans, being transparent and easily genetically modified, is an excellent model to monitor protein synthesis rates by using imaging techniques. Here, we introduce and describe a method to measure de novo protein synthesis in vivo utilizing fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Transgenic animals expressing fluorescent proteins in specific cells or tissues are irradiated by a powerful light source resulting in fluorescence photobleaching. In turn, assessment of fluorescence recovery signifies new protein synthesis in cells and/or tissues of interest. Hence, the combination of transgenic nematodes, genetic and/or pharmacological interventions together with live imaging of protein synthesis rates can shed light on mechanisms mediating age-dependent proteostasis collapse.

 

The aim of this study was to determine the cognitive and behavioral effects of extra virgin olive oil total phenolic content (TPC) and Sideritis (SID) extracts in female mice, and identify the associated neurochemical changes in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. All animals received intraperitoneal low or high doses of TPC, SID or vehicle treatment for 7 days and were subjected to the Open Field (OF), Novel Object Recognition (NOR) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were dissected for analysis of neurotransmitters and aminoacids with high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). Both TPC doses enhanced vertical activity and center entries in the OF, which could indicate an anxiolytic-like effect. In addition, TPC enhanced non-spatial working memory and, in high doses, exerted antidepressant effects. On the other hand, high SID doses remarkably decreased the animals' overall activity. Locomotor and exploratory activities were closely associated with cortical increases in serotonin turnover induced by both treatments. Cognitive performance was linked to glutamate level changes. Furthermore, TPC reduced cortical taurine levels, while SID reduced cortical aspartate levels. TPC seems to have promising cognitive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, whereas SID has sedative effects in high doses. Both extracts act in the brain, but their specific actions and properties merit further exploration.

Big Data and Data Analytics affect almost all aspects of modern organisations’ decision-making and business strategies. Big Data and Data Analytics create opportunities, challenges, and implications for the external auditing procedure. The purpose of this article is to reveal essential aspects of the impact of Big Data and Data Analytics on external auditing. It seems that Big Data Analytics is a critical tool for organisations, as well as auditors, that contributes to the enhancement of the auditing process. Also, legislative implications must be taken under consideration, since existing standards may need to change. Last, auditors need to develop new skills and competence, and educational organisations need to change their educational programs in order to be able to correspond to new market needs.

AIM: Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in insulin-signaling and the development of type-2 diabetes (T2D). Their deregulated expression is mostly described in the pancreas, liver, skeletal muscle, or adipose tissue of diabetic animals. Relevant studies in humans are limited due to difficulties in accessing tissue-biopsies. Though, circulating miRNAs are indicators of organ-specific pathophysiological events and could potentially serve as disease biomarkers. We explored the profile of 84 T2D-related miRNAs in peripheral blood of subjects with or without the disease. METHODS: An RT-qPCR array screening 84 T2D-related miRNAs was applied in samples of T2D (n = 6) versus non-T2D (n = 6) subjects. The deregulated miRNAs were thereafter analyzed in peripheral blood samples of a validation cohort of 40 T2D and 37 non-T2D individuals [16 controls and 21 subjects with metabolic syndrome (Met-S) and/or T2D risk factors (T2D-RF)], using specific RT-qPCR assays. Correlations with clinicopathological parameters and risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects with the disease displayed decreased levels of miR-214-3p, miR-24-3p and let-7f-5p, compared to those without. MiRNA levels correlated with serum insulin and HbA1c levels in individuals with T2D or Met-S/T2D-RF, and with higher BMI, dyslipidemia and family history in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Blood levels of miR-214-3p, miR-24-3p and let-7f-5p are down-regulated in T2D- and Met-S/T2D-RF subjects. Future studies are needed to evaluate their potential as disease biomarkers and elucidate the associated tissue-specific pathogenetic mechanisms.

Photonic crystal structuring has emerged as a promising approach to improve the utilization of solar energy by metal oxide semiconductor photocatalysts based on the combination of slow-light{,} pore interconnectivity and high surface accessibility of macroporous periodic structures with judicious compositional modifications of the materials’ properties. In this work{,} surface modification of photonic band gap engineered TiO2 inverse opals fabricated by the convective evaporation-induced co-assembly technique was performed with nanoscale Co oxides using the chemisorption–calcination-cycle method in order to explore the interplay of metal oxide heterostructuring and photonic amplification for the development of visible light-activated photonic catalysts. Fine tuning of the films’ photonic and electronic properties by controlling the inverse opal macropore size and Co oxides’ loading and composition resulted in significant enhancement of the photocatalytic activity for organics decomposition under visible light{,} exceeding that of benchmark mesoporous TiO2 films subjected to the same treatment. The underlying mechanism was related to the slow-photon-assisted light harvesting by low amounts of Co oxide nanoclusters that exert minimal effects on the inverse opal periodicity and texture{,} while enabling visible light electronic absorption and promoting charge separation via strong interfacial coupling on the nanocrystalline titania skeleton of the photonic crystals.

The actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic network of actin filaments and associated F-actin-binding proteins, is fundamentally important in eukaryotes. alpha-Actinins are major F-actin bundlers that are inhibited by Ca(2+) in nonmuscle cells. Here we report the mechanism of Ca(2+)-mediated regulation of Entamoeba histolytica alpha-actinin-2 (EhActn2) with features expected for the common ancestor of Entamoeba and higher eukaryotic alpha-actinins. Crystal structures of Ca(2+)-free and Ca(2+)-bound EhActn2 reveal a calmodulin-like domain (CaMD) uniquely inserted within the rod domain. Integrative studies reveal an exceptionally high affinity of the EhActn2 CaMD for Ca(2+), binding of which can only be regulated in the presence of physiological concentrations of Mg(2+) Ca(2+) binding triggers an increase in protein multidomain rigidity, reducing conformational flexibility of F-actin-binding domains via interdomain cross-talk and consequently inhibiting F-actin bundling. In vivo studies uncover that EhActn2 plays an important role in phagocytic cup formation and might constitute a new drug target for amoebic dysentery.

This article investigates the capital structure dynamics of European SMEs by assessing the impact of firm-specific, institutional, and macroeconomic factors over the period 2005–2015, including the European Sovereign Debt Crisis (ESDC). In this setup, we perform a dynamic panel data analysis, along with several model specifications and robustness tests on listed SMEs of EU-28, dividing them into firm categories (micro, small, and medium) and country groups (core, periphery, high technology, and new EU member countries). We find that the effect of capital structure determinants do not differ significantly across size and country groups. The results suggest that profitability, asset structure, and size have been the driving forces of listed SME’s leverage, regardless of the size of the companies and the country group. At a macroeconomic and institutional level, taxation is the most significant variable for all the subgroups. Finally, the ESDC seems to increase the leverage of the listed SMEs in the periphery and the new member states countries, leaving the core countries practically unaffected.

The cytoskeleton has a primary role in cardiomyocyte function, including the response to mechanical stimuli and injury. The small heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) conveys protective effects in cardiac muscle that are linked to serine-16 (Ser16) Hsp20 phosphorylation by stress-induced PKA, but the link between Hsp20 and the cytoskeleton remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate a physical and functional interaction of Hsp20 with the cytoskeletal protein 14-3-3. We show that, upon phosphorylation at Ser16, Hsp20 translocates from the cytosol to the cytoskeleton where it binds to 14-3-3. This leads to dissociation of 14-3-3 from the F-actin depolymerization regulator cofilin-2 (CFL2) and enhanced F-actin depolymerization. Importantly, we demonstrate that the P20L Hsp20 mutation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy exhibits reduced physical interaction with 14-3-3 due to diminished Ser16 phosphorylation, with subsequent failure to translocate to the cytoskeleton and inability to disassemble the 14-3-3/CFL2 complex. The topological sequestration of Hsp20 P20L ultimately results in impaired regulation of F-actin dynamics, an effect implicated in loss of cytoskeletal integrity and amelioration of the cardioprotective functions of Hsp20. These findings underscore the significance of Hsp20 phosphorylation in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics, with important implications in cardiac muscle physiology and pathophysiology.

Motion extracted from the carotid artery wall provides unique information for vascular health evaluation. Carotid artery longitudinal wall motion corresponds to the multiphasic arterial wall excursion in the direction parallel to blood flow during the cardiac cycle. While this motion phenomenon has been well characterized, there is a general lack of awareness regarding its implications for vascular health assessment or even basic vascular physiology. In the last decade, novel estimation strategies and clinical investigations have greatly advanced our understanding of the bi-axial behavior of the carotid artery, necessitating an up-to-date review to summarize and classify the published literature in collaboration with technical and clinical experts in the field. Within this review, the state-of-the art methodologies for carotid wall motion estimation are described, and the observed relationships between longitudinal-motion-derived indices and vascular health are reported. The vast number of studies describing the longitudinal motion pattern in plaque-free arteries, with its putative application to cardiovascular disease prediction, point to the need for characterizing the added value and applicability of longitudinal motion beyond established biomarkers. To this aim, the main purpose of this review is to provide a strong base of theoretical knowledge, together with a curated set of practical guidelines and recommendations for longitudinal motion estimation in patients, to foster future discoveries in the field, toward the integration of longitudinal motion in basic science as well as clinical practice.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a common cause of acute flaccid paralysis, is characterized by a rapidly progressive, usually symmetric weakness of the extremities. Headache and intracranial hypertension (ICHT) are very rare complications of GBS. Herein we report our current case of an obese girl with typical signs of GBS associated with autonomic dysfunction, cranial nerve deficits and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). We also perform a systematic study presenting and discussing previous case reports of GBS associated with ICHT, papilledema or hydrocephalus, highlighting the differences of the current case compared to previous studies. Although intracranial hypertension is a rare complication of pediatric GBS, clinicians should promptly detect it. Obesity may be a predisposing factor, given the strong association between idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and weight gain. Neurological evaluation, fundus examination and low threshold for intracranial imaging should be an integral part of medical practice in case of obesity, headache or visual changes in GBS patients.

Based on a qualitative research (2012–15) this paper is concerned with the identification of concepts and constructs of knowledge in RE. It is based on participative enquiry and educational action-research methodology. Over a three-year period, the researcher, teachers and the students of a High School in one of the most difficult social, economic and pedagogic environments in Greece collaborated and the resulting data were analysed by a team of independent researchers using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Findings point to the consideration of knowledge in education as an experience in which the content (what) of education is as important as the process (how). RE teaches an additional invaluable language with different religious meanings of concepts, which facilitates students’ communication with self and others, and offers an interpretation of the world. Such religious literacy is essentially provided at school in the framework of multi-literacies and is a result of an intersubjective process of the interconnection between thinking, reflection and action on what the curriculum positions on the top of the didactic triangle (content, teacher, student). In that process, to ‘know what I know’ and to provide ‘events with meaning’ based on experiential learning and its principles, is of inestimable value.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurologic disorders, causing serious psychological problems and reducing quality of life. Although 20 different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 30% of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Considering the role of miR-146a and miR-134 in neuroinflammation and dendritic functionality, respectively, the aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of circulating miR-146a and miR-134 as novel noninvasive molecular markers for the prognosis of refractory epilepsy. METHODS: The study included 162 patients with focal impaired awareness seizures. Total RNA was extracted from serum samples spiked with synthetic cel-miR-39-3p for normalization purposes. First-strand complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis was performed using microRNA-specific stem-loop primers, and hsa-miR-134/146a levels were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). DRE was used as clinical end point event. Internal validation was performed by bootstrap analysis, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical benefit on disease prognosis. RESULTS: The circulating levels of both miR-134 and miR-146a were elevated in patients with drug-resistant seizures. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patients with increased circulating miR-134/146a levels are at significantly higher risk for developing DRE, independently of temporal lobe sclerosis, epilepsy duration, familial history, age at first seizure, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking behavior, and gender. Finally, decision curve analysis highlighted that the evaluation of circulating miR-134/146a led to superior clinical benefit for DRE prognosis and patients' risk stratification. SIGNIFICANCE: Elevated serum miR-134/146a levels are associated with a higher risk for AED-resistant epilepsy and could constitute novel noninvasive molecular markers to improve disease early prognosis and support precision medicine.

The liar and kindred paradoxes show that we can derive contradictions when we reason in accordance with classical logic from the schema (T) about truth: S is true iff p, where ‘p’ is to be replaced with a sentence and ‘S’ with a name of that sentence. The paper presents two arguments to the effect that the blame lies not with (T) but with classical logic. The arguments derive contradictions using classical logic, but instead of appealing to (T), they invoke semantic claims that seem even harder to reject. The first argument relies on two standard semantic principles that are not disquotational and on the claim that if there is such a thing as the property of being true, then ‘true’ expresses that property. The second argument relies on a schema about meaning: S means that p, where ‘S’ and ‘p’ are to be replaced as before.

During the transitional period between the end of the Second World War and the beginning of the 1950s London and Ankara left behind the coolness that had crept into their relations as a result of Turkey’s neutrality during the war and reaffirmed their pre-war alliance. However, the strategic interests the two countries shared did not result in a closer political bilateral relationship. Moreover, before long the British government had succeeded by various ill-thought actions in causing the resentment of their Turkish ally. The respective attitudes of the British and the Turks towards each other were informed by the interplay between material interests and ideational factors against the backdrop of the perceived Soviet threat, Britain’s ebbing power and the rising power of the United States. This study narrates a brief but interesting chapter in the course of Turkish-British relations. It also offers interesting insights into the dynamics of great power/small state interaction.

Cyprus has a long history of tsunami events, as noted by archaeological and geological records. At Cape Greco (southeastern Cyprus) large boulders have been noted, however, no detailed geomorphological research has taken place so far and the related high energy event was undated until now. Our research aims to record in detail and interpret these large boulders deposits. The boulders, located between ≈3 and 4.5 m a.m.s.l., are fragments 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, while their precise distance from the coastline was recorded by field mapping and remote sensing, using Differential GPS (DGPS), drone, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technics. Field data were subsequently combined with hydrodynamic equations, in order to determine the extreme event(s) that caused their transport inland, and radiocarbon dating was accomplished on three samples of Vermetus sp. to determine the chronological context. Our findings appear to broadly correlate with the 1303 AD tsunami, which has displaced at least part of the studied boulders, and one other undocumented event at AD 1512-1824. The large number of boulders and sizes in our study area further indicate that their dislocation is most likely owed to multiple events from various sources.

Relevance. In this paper the feeding mechanism of springs distributed around the broader area of Delfini at NE side of Chios Island is explored, in an effort to locate possible fresh water paths inland before they are discharged to the sea. The drilling of hydro wells for more production is of vital importance to cover the drinking and irrigation needs of the broader area. Aim. Although Chios has been extensively drilled in the past years the demand for further investigations comes from an increased water consumption during summer time in one hand and the inefficiency of alternative water resources (e.g. construction of dams, desalination units, etc) on the other hand. Methods. Geophysical methods were used (VLF and resistivity) to explore in detail water potential areas, like the broader area of Delfini, where during winter time huge quantities of fresh water discharge through springs to sea level. Results and its discussion. The presence of a confined aquifer composed mainly of limestones, which are overlain by clastic impermeable deposits, together with the existence of water potential bearing fracture zones determine the hydrogeological regime of the nearby area. It is also explained the presence of brackish waters at positive elevations found during summer time at nearby springs. It seems that the lateral extent of impermeable clastic deposits plays a crucial role in allowing the inland flow of seawater during summer time and combined with the presence of the confined aquifer of fresh water produce an upward mixing flow of fresh and seawater at springs of positive elevations. During winter time the huge amount of fresh water discharges do not allow the inland flow of seawater

The purpose of this paper is to determine calibration constants of instrumental Greek earthquakes in order to calculate the basic seismic parameters of historical earthquakes (magnitude, epicenter, focal depth) via macroseismic data. Two different approaches are adopted for calibration procedure. The first implements the macroseismic estimation of earthquake parameters (MEEP procedure) and is based on macroseismic data points (MDPs). The second approach calculates macroseismic magnitude based on isoseismal areas, using both linear and multiple regression techniques. The datasets used for analysis comprise of 121 instrumental earthquakes with 7247 MDPs and 123 isoseismal maps. Validation of the results is performed using six instrumental earthquakes in order to verify the calibration parameters. Finally, calibration constants are successfully applied for parameters calculation of eight eighteenth century events. Thus, the application of the results to historical earthquakes contributes to the improvement of the seismic picture of Greece.

In volleyball, the opposite player is the most requested hitter since she/he is the player with a higher probability of successfully carrying out attacks. Thus, the main objective of this study was to analyze and compare the spatiotemporal parameters and the effectiveness of attack for opposite players in top-level teams depending on gender. Inferential analysis was applied to analyze 1523 attacks coming from the opposite player (W=910and M=613) from 79 sets (W=42 and M=37) of the top-ranked teams in Women and Men 2018 World Championships. The analysis revealed that in complexes I and II male opposite players attacked more often from zone 1, using 2nd fast attack tempo, against a single or triple block, more effectively in complex I but with more errors in complex II than women. In female volleyball, opposites attacked more often from zones 2 and 6, in 2nd slow and 3rd tempo of attack while they faced up more often than men double or open block. In complex III women opposite players attacked from zone 2, using 2nd slow and 3rd tempo against double block more frequently than men who attacked from zone 1, in 2nd fast tempo against a single or triple block.

3HSP J095507.9+355101 is an extreme blazar that has been possibly associated with a high-energy neutrino (IceCube-200107A) detected 1 day before the blazar was found to undergo a hard X-ray flare. We perform a comprehensive study of the predicted multimessenger emission from 3HSP J095507.9+355101 during its recent X-ray flare, but also in the long term. We focus on one-zone leptohadronic models, but we also explore alternative scenarios: (i) a blazar-core model, which considers neutrino production in the inner jet, close to the supermassive black hole; (ii) a hidden external-photon model, which considers neutrino production in the jet through interactions with photons from a weak broad line region; (iii) a proton-synchrotron model, where high-energy protons in the jet produce γ-rays via synchrotron; and (iv) an intergalactic cascade scenario, where neutrinos are produced in the intergalactic medium by interactions of a high-energy cosmic-ray beam escaping the jet. The Poisson probability to detect a single muon neutrino in 10 years from 3HSP J095507.9+355101 with the real-time IceCube alert analysis is ∼1% (3%) for the most optimistic one-zone leptohadronic model (the multi-zone blazar-core model). Meanwhile, detection of a single neutrino during the 44-day-long high X-ray flux-state period following the neutrino detection is 0.06%, according to our most optimistic leptohadronic model. The most promising scenarios for neutrino production also predict strong intrasource γ-ray attenuation above ∼100 GeV. If the association is real, then IceCube-Gen2 and other future detectors should be able to provide additional evidence for neutrino production in 3HSP J095507.9+355101 and other extreme blazars.

3HSP J095507.9+355101 is an extreme blazar that has been possibly associated with a high-energy neutrino (IceCube-200107A) detected 1 day before the blazar was found to undergo a hard X-ray flare. We perform a comprehensive study of the predicted multimessenger emission from 3HSP J095507.9+355101 during its recent X-ray flare, but also in the long term. We focus on one-zone leptohadronic models, but we also explore alternative scenarios: (i) a blazar-core model, which considers neutrino production in the inner jet, close to the supermassive black hole; (ii) a hidden external-photon model, which considers neutrino production in the jet through interactions with photons from a weak broad line region; (iii) a proton-synchrotron model, where high-energy protons in the jet produce γ-rays via synchrotron; and (iv) an intergalactic cascade scenario, where neutrinos are produced in the intergalactic medium by interactions of a high-energy cosmic-ray beam escaping the jet. The Poisson probability to detect a single muon neutrino in 10 years from 3HSP J095507.9+355101 with the real-time IceCube alert analysis is ∼1% (3%) for the most optimistic one-zone leptohadronic model (the multi-zone blazar-core model). Meanwhile, detection of a single neutrino during the 44-day-long high X-ray flux-state period following the neutrino detection is 0.06%, according to our most optimistic leptohadronic model. The most promising scenarios for neutrino production also predict strong intrasource γ-ray attenuation above ∼100 GeV. If the association is real, then IceCube-Gen2 and other future detectors should be able to provide additional evidence for neutrino production in 3HSP J095507.9+355101 and other extreme blazars.

We present new photometric and spectroscopic observations and analyses for the eclipsing binary systems V1241 Tau and GQ Dra. Our photometric light and radial velocity curve analyses combined with the TESS light curves show that both are conventional semi-detached binary systems. Their absolute parameters are also derived. We present the O-C analyses of the systems and we propose the most possible orbital period modulating mechanisms. Furthermore, Fourier analyses are applied to the photometric residual data of the systems to check for the pulsational behavior of the components. We conclude that the primary component of the system GQ Dra is a δ Sct type pulsator with a dominant pulsation frequency of 18.58 d-1 based on our B filter residual light curve although it can not be justified by 30-minute cadence TESS data. No satisfactory evidence of pulsational behavior for V1241 Tau was verified. Finally, the evolutionary tracks of the components of both systems are calculated. Their locations within evolutionary diagrams are compared with other Algol-type systems

This review study attempts to highlight the impact of various non-economic, mainly behavioural and institutional factors on the level of tax evasion specifying the significance of the accounting rules and the contribution of forensic accounting to the detection and the prevention of financial statements. This analysis takes into account tax auditing parameters in order to determine whether and to what extent they affect taxpayer’s behaviour to tax evade or not. Some useful conclusions are drawn regarding the determining factors of tax evasion pay attention to the role of accounting rules to the manipulation of financial statements. The contribution of forensic accounting against tax fraud emerges increasingly. The considerable increase in the cases of financial and tax fraud due to the weaknesses of the statutory audit to detect fraudulent activities impose the need for forensic accountants to deal with financial accounting and tax rules infringements. These conclusions may be essential and useful for tax policymakers to adopt restrictive measures against tax evasion.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CP-Kp) has been established as important nosocomial pathogen in most tertiary care hospitals in Greece. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of an enhanced infection control program on the containment of CP-Kp in a haematology unit where the incidence of CP-Kp infections was high. METHODS: The study was conducted from June 2011 to December 2014 in a haematology unit of a tertiary-care 500-bed hospital located in Athens, Greece. A bundled intervention (active surveillance cultures, separation of carriers from non-carriers, assignment of dedicated nursing staff, contact precautions, environmental cleaning, and promotion of hand hygiene) was tested whether would reduce colonization and infection caused by CP-Kp. RESULTS: A total of 2507 rectal swabs were obtained; 1199 upon admission from June 2011 to June 2013 and 1307 during hospitalization from June 2011 to December 2012. During intervention the admission prevalence of CP-Kp colonization (p < 0.001 for linear trend), the hospitalization prevalence (p = 0.001 for linear trend) and the incidence rate of CP-Kp colonization (p = 0.072 for linear trend) were declining. Application of segmented linear regression revealed that both the change in the level of CP-Kp BSI incidence rates (p = 0.001) as well as the difference between pre- and post-intervention slopes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A bundled intervention including active surveillance cultures on admission can attain maximum containment of CP-Kp colonization and infection in endemic acute healthcare settings.

An urban gravity survey with more than 1120 measurements was carried out in order to adumbrate the deeper subsurface of Athens city basin. The aim was to gather quantitative information of the subsurface structure derived from the acquisition of gravity measurements. At first, a gravity base network has been established for the data collection. The standard data reduction has been carried out along with an additional Building Correction that has been calculated due to the urban characteristics. Subsequently, the residual anomaly was isolated with the contribution of the Fourier filters. The Euler deconvolution has been applied, with two different techniques, providing depth solutions for the residual maps. Based on these maps, we managed to retrieve quantitative information for the depths of anomalous sources, ranging between 500 and 3760 m. Moreover, unconstrained three-dimensional density models of the area have been constructed in order to obtain a good image of the subsurface, up to depths of 4500 m. For each three-dimensional density model, we provide a couple of images; one illustrating only the structures of lower densities and one other only with the structures of higher densities, in an effort to delineate better the tectonic structures. Finally, two geophysical-geological profiles (2.75D) have been constructed, along which the geotectonic regime of the subsurface seems to be adumbrated in a better way. Major known tectonic structures of Athens basin have been identified beneath the surface.

The aim of the present study was to identify volleyball skills that best discriminate between winning and losing in a set with the minimum score difference of men’s and women’s volleyball. The data have been collected for men from 140 and for women from 98 teams’ performances in all sets finished with 2 points difference between the top four teams in the final ranking during the men’s and women’s Greek Volleyball League for five seasons (2013–2014 until 2017–2018). The primary recorded and evaluated skills from 119 sets for men and women respectively are: 3422 and 2419 serves, 2916 and 2120 passes, 2566 and 1656 attacks after serve’s pass, 1518 and 1804 counter-attacks (after defense) and 1595 and 818 blocks. For the evaluation scale of each skill, a six-level ordinal scale was employed, with the value of “one” indicating a poorly executed skill and the value of “six” an excellent executed skill. The analysis revealed significant multivariate differences in gender and in the type of result and not in their interaction. A follow-up discriminant analysis showed that attack 1 is the most important performance indicator for male teams. Meanwhile, for female teams, the most important performance indicators are winning attack after serve’s pass but also counter-attack. The discriminant function classified correctly 67% and 58%, for men and women respectively, allowing space for further improving the critical performance indicators for both genders.

This paper aims to explore whether and how specific corporate governance and internal audit determinants affect the profitability of businesses in the countries internationally called P.I.G.S. (Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, respectively). The sample consists of listed companies of the Southern European countries P.I.G.S. The survey data covers the period 2011-2016. Statistical analysis was based on a panel data regression model. In contrast to many research studies, this paper finds that internal managers are more suitable to perform the duties of the audit committee effectively, that there is a positive effect in profitability by increasing the Board Size with new members and that frequent meetings of the boards entail additional costs that outweigh any benefits. In addition, there is evidence that firms’ profitability may behave differently in countries with similar macroeconomic and cultural characteristics and for specific examined periods.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) feature a rigid porous structure where the interplay of pore merits and wall functionality, determined by the different imidazolate functional groups, results in superior CO2 capture ability. In this work, the vibrational properties of ZIF-68 and ZIF-69, two characteristic complex gmelinite (GME) type ZIFs comprising of benzimidazolate (bIm) and chloro-benzimidazolate (cbIm) linkers, respectively, were investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy as a function of CO2 pressure and temperature, in combination with macroscopic adsorption experiments and extended molecular simulations, in order to explore the underlying host-guest interactions and particularly the variation of the framework lattice dynamics and flexibility to CO2 loading. The CO2 isosteric heat of adsorption (Qst) was quantitatively determined by the temperature dependence of the CO2 Fermi dyad intensity at constant pressure. ZIF-69 was consistently found to present higher Qst than ZIF-68 due to the cbIm polar functionality, in close agreement with macroscopic CO2 adsorption experiments and Monte Carlo analysis. More importantly, high CO2 uptake was found to cause significant blue shifts and enhancement of the frequency shift temperature gradients of several low-frequency Raman modes, which according to detailed polarization analysis of ZIF microcrystals, arise from free breathing vibrations of the functionalized ligands in the large ZIF pores. Low-frequency micro-Raman spectroscopy may accordingly constitute a sensitive spectroscopic tool for unveiling lattice dynamics upon CO2 sorption in ZIFs. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.

We present a GIS-based crowdsourcing application that was launched soon after the first COVID-19 cases had been recorded in Greece, motivated by the need for fast, location-wise data acquisition regarding COVID-19 disease spread during spring 2020, due to limited testing. A single question was posted through a web App, to which the anonymous participants subjectively answered whether or not they had experienced any COVID-19 disease symptoms. Our main goal was to locate geographical areas with increased number of people feeling the symptoms and to determine any temporal changes in the statistics of the survey entries. It was found that the application was rapidly disseminated to the entire Greek territory via social media, having, thus, a great public reception. The higher percentages of participants experiencing symptoms coincided geographically with the highly populated urban areas, having also increased numbers of confirmed cases, while temporal variations were detected that accorded with the restrictions of activities. This application demonstrates that health systems can use crowdsourcing applications that assure anonymity, as an alternative to tracing apps, to identify possible hot spots and to reach and warn the public within a short time interval, increasing at the same time their situational awareness. However, a continuous reminder for participation should be scheduled.

{The aim of this study was to investigate the current trends of the serve skill for each one of the in-game roles of the players for both genders in high-level volleyball. The serve actions of male (M) and female (F) elite players from 20 volleyball games (M = 10

On 5 January 2019, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople signed the ‘Tome of Autocephaly’(constitutional charter) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In the preceding months, the Patriarchates of Moscow and Constantinople initiated a series of debates and diplomatic missions reaffirming their views on their respective jurisdictional claims over Ukraine, with the Moscow Patriarchate unilaterally breaking communion with Constantinople and the issue of autocephaly resulting in a regrettable schism. Scaffolds of the Church could not be a timelier publication since it introduces the reader to the historical and canonical background necessary to understand the tension, its reasons and its outcome. Though the book’s scope is much broader, discussing eastern Orthodox ecclesiology from a socio-cultural perspective, the ‘case of Ukraine’is a substantial part of the fourth chapter of the book and an …

Progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) of Unverricht-Lundborg type (EPM1) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with the highest incidence of PME worldwide. Mutations in the gene encoding cystatin B (CSTB) are the primary genetic cause of EPM1. Here, we investigate the role of CSTB during neurogenesis in vivo in the developing mouse brain and in vitro in human cerebral organoids (hCOs) derived from EPM1 patients. We find that CSTB (but not one of its pathological variants) is secreted into the mouse cerebral spinal fluid and the conditioned media from hCOs. In embryonic mouse brain, we find that functional CSTB influences progenitors' proliferation and modulates neuronal distribution by attracting interneurons to the site of secretion via cell-non-autonomous mechanisms. Similarly, in patient-derived hCOs, low levels of functional CSTB result in an alteration of progenitor's proliferation, premature differentiation, and changes in interneurons migration. Secretion and extracellular matrix organization are the biological processes particularly affected as suggested by a proteomic analysis in patients' hCOs. Overall, our study sheds new light on the cellular mechanisms underlying the development of EPM1.

We report the discovery of the relatively bright (V = 10.5 mag), doubly eclipsing 2+2 quadruple system CzeV1731. This is the third known system of its kind, in which the masses are determined for all four stars and both the inner and outer orbits are characterized. The inner eclipsing binaries are well-detached systems moving on circular orbits: pair A with period PA = 4.10843 d and pair B with PB = 4.67552 d. The inner binaries contain very similar components (q ≈ 1.0), making the whole system a so-called double twin. The stars in pair B have slightly larger luminosities and masses and pair A shows deeper eclipses. All four components are main-sequence stars of F/G spectral type. The mutual orbit of the two pairs around the system barycenter has a period of about 34 yr and an eccentricity of about 0.38. However, further observations are needed to reveal the overall architecture of the whole system, including the mutual inclinations of all orbits. This is a promising target for interferometry to detect the double at about 59 mas and ΔMbol < 1 mag. The RV and ETV data, and the light curves are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/A+A/642/A63

The central engine in long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is thought to be a compact object produced by the core collapse of massive stars, but its exact nature (black hole or millisecond magnetar) is still debatable. Although the central engine of GRB collapsars is hidden to direct observation, its properties may be imprinted on the accompanying electromagnetic signals. We aim to decipher the generic properties of central engines that are consistent with prompt observations of long GRBs detected by the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) on board the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Adopting a generic model for the central engine, in which the engine power and activity time-scale are independent of each other, we perform Monte Carlo simulations of long GRBs produced by jets that successfully breakout from the star. Our simulations consider the dependence of the jet breakout time-scale on the engine luminosity and the effects of the detector's flux threshold. The two-dimensional (2D) distribution of simulated detectable bursts in the gamma-ray luminosity versus gamma-ray duration plane is consistent with the observed one for a range of parameter values describing the central engine. The intrinsic 2D distribution of simulated collapsar GRBs peaks at lower gamma-ray luminosities and longer durations than the observed one, a prediction that can be tested in the future with more sensitive detectors. Black hole accretors, whose power and activity time are set by the large-scale magnetic flux through the progenitor star and stellar structure, respectively, are compatible with the properties of the central engine inferred by our model.

{This research provides new constraints on the intermediate depth upper-mantle structure of the Hellenic lithosphere using a three-step Rayleigh-wave tomography. Broadband waveforms of about 1000 teleseismic events, recorded by ∼200 permanent broadband stations between 2010 and 2018 were acquired and processed. Through a multichannel cross-correlation technique, the fundamental mode Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity dispersion curves in the period range 30 to 90 s were derived. The phase-velocities were inverted and a 3-D shear velocity model was obtained down to the depth of 140 km. The applied method has provided 3-D constraints on large-scale characteristics of the lithosphere and the upper mantle of the Hellenic region. Highlighted resolved features include the continental and oceanic subducting slabs in the region, the result of convergence between Adria and Africa plates with the Aegean. The boundary between the oceanic and continental subduction is suggested to exist along a trench-perpendicular line that connects NW Peloponnese with N. Euboea, bridging the Hellenic Trench with the North Aegean Trough. No clear evidence for trench-perpendicular vertical slab tearing was resolved along the western part of Hellenic Subduction Zone; however, subcrustal seismicity observed along the inferred continental-oceanic subduction boundary indicates that such an implication should not be excluded. The 3-D shear velocity model supports an N-S vertical slab tear beneath SW Anatolia that justifies deepening, increase of dip and change of dip direction of the Wadati-Benioff Zone. Low velocities found at depths \< 50 km beneath the island and the back-arc, interrelated with recent/remnant volcanism in the Aegean and W. Anatolia, are explained by convection from a shallow asthenosphere.}

Aims: We use new deep XMM-Newton observations of the northern disc of M31 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 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 disc, notably between the 5 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 disc of M31 is similar to other galaxy discs. FITS files for Figs. 1 and 2 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/A+A/637/A12 Based on observations obtained with XMM-Newton, an ESA science mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA Member States and NASA.

BACKGROUND: Although infectious diseases are globally on the decline, they remain a major global public health problem. Among them, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection are of primary interest. Valid prevalence data on these infections are sparse in Greece, especially for vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present the design and methods of Hprolipsis, an integrated viral hepatitis and HIV screening program administered to adults (>/=18 years) from the general, Greek Roma, and migrant populations. Its aims were to estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV; assess infectious disease knowledge level; design, implement, and assess population-specific awareness actions; and offer individual counseling and referral when indicated and HBV vaccination to susceptible Roma and migrants. METHODS: Multistage, stratified, random sampling based on the 2011 Census was applied to select the general population sample, and nonprobability multistage quota sampling was used for Roma and migrant sample selection. Trained personnel made home (general population) or community (Roma and migrants) visits. Collected blood samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface Antigen, Hepatitis B core Antibody, Hepatitis B surface Antibody, Hepatitis C Antibody, and HIV 1,2 Antibody. The surveys were conducted during May 2013 and June 2016. To estimate an HCV prevalence of 1.5% with 0.3 precision, the required general population sample size was estimated to be 6000. As migrants constitute 10% of the whole Greek population, the migrant sample size was set to 600. A feasible sample size of 500 Greek Roma was set. RESULTS: In total, 6006 individuals from the general population (response rate 72%), 534 Greek Roma, and 612 migrants were recruited. Blood test results are available for 4245 individuals from the general population, 523 Roma, and 537 migrants. CONCLUSIONS: Hprolipsis is the first nationwide survey on HBV, HCV, and HIV. Its results will enhance our understanding of the health needs and disease burden of these diseases in the 3 studied populations. Its implementation provided useful recommendations for future studies, particularly in vulnerable populations. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/13578.

This paper examines the latest research on the digital skills crisis, focusing on the factors that contribute to digital exclusion. Through an extensive analysis of current literature on the digital divide, the authors discuss digital skills gaps, namely the exclusion of a sizeable part of the workforce from the digital market economy—and women in particular. Studies indicate that exclusion from the digital market is augmented and reinforced when combining the gender dimension with other exclusionary factors such as disability, age, race and socioeconomic background. Research confirms that the gender imbalance in ICT and related sectors persists today, despite decades of equal opportunity policies, legislation and government initiatives. Women are still underrepresented and digitally excluded and efforts to attract, recruit and retain girls and women in ICT and STEM seem to be failing, reinforcing the gender gaps: participation gap, pay gap, and leadership gap, a result of the deep-rooted gender order reflected in the latest Global Gender Gap Report and Index. A growing body of research of the twenty-first shows that inspiring girls and women into technology—increasing the talent pool in ICT and STEM— requires engendering technology, eliminating gender stereotypes, and raising the profile of female role models and mentors. Studies repeatedly argue that engendering technology entails women’s agency and economic empowerment. Accordingly, the authors include recommendations from inspirational role models and mentors, three successful women in ICT, STEM and Information Society who have made a difference. All three, following a series of semi-structured interviews, propose engendering technology to increase the female talent pool in addition to engendering STEM education, that is to say, including the gender dimension.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keywords: Engendering technology, Digital divide, Digital exclusion, Gender gaps, Disability, Age, Skills gap, Women entrepreneurs, Leadership gap, Digital inequality, Gender devaluation, Digital economy------------------------------------------------**  The DOI will be activated after the issue is closed    

SIR model is widely used for modeling the infectious diseases. This is a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The numbers of susceptible, infectious, or immunized individuals are the compartments in these equations and change in time. Two parameters are the factor of differentiating these models. Here, we are not interested in solving the ODEs describing a certain SIR model. Given the observed data, we try to estimate the parameters that determine the model. For this, we propose a least squares approach using second-order centered differences for replacing the derivatives appeared in the ODEs. Then we arrive at a simple linear system that can be solved explicitly and furnish the approximations of the parameters. Numerical results over various artificial data verify the simplicity and accuracy of the new method.

Supersoft X-ray sources (SSS) have been identified as white dwarfs accreting from binary companions and undergoing nuclear burning of the accreted material on their surface. Although expected to be a relatively numerous population from both binary evolution models and their identification as type Ia supernova progenitor candidates, given the very soft spectrum of SSSs relatively few are known. Here we report on the X-ray and optical properties of 1RXS J050526.3-684628, a previously unidentified accreting nuclear-burning white dwarf located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). XMM-Newton observations enabled us to study its X-ray spectrum and measure for the first time short-period oscillations of ~170 s. By analysing newly obtained X-ray data by eROSITA, together with Swift observations and archival ROSAT data, we have followed its long-term evolution over the last 3 decades. We identify 1RXS J050526.3-684628 as a slowly evolving post-nova SSS undergoing residual surface nuclear burning, which finally reached its peak in 2013 and is now declining. Though long expected on theoretical grounds, such long-lived residual-burning objects had not yet been found. By comparison with existing models, we find that the effective temperature and luminosity evolution are consistent with an ~0.7 M⊙ carbon-oxygen white dwarf accreting ${\sim} 10^{-9}~\rm {M}_{\odot }$ yr-1. Our results suggest that there may be many more undiscovered SSSs and 'missed' novae awaiting dedicated deep X-ray searches in the LMC and elsewhere.

The interannual variability and the mechanisms controlling the dissolved oxygen concentration in the Mediterranean Sea were investigated through generating gridded fields of dissolved oxygen, salinity and potential temperature. The Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis (DIVA) software was used to produce a gridded dataset for the time period 1960–2011. High oxygen concentrations for the upper and bottom layers, separated by an oxygen minimum zone at intermediate layers, are a typical structure of the dissolved oxygen in the Eastern and the Western Mediterranean sub-basins. Although an oxygen minimum zone is observed in both sub-basins, its vertical positions are different; in the Eastern Mediterranean at between 600 and 1200 m depth and in the Western Mediterranean at between 400 and 600 m. The vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen shows significant differences between the two sub-basins and their temporal evolution reveals large interannual to decadal variability. A negative correlation was observed between dissolved oxygen and surface potential temperature due to solubility changes over the whole period. However, the positive correlation between the dissolved oxygen and potential temperature in the Eastern Mediterranean deep layers is an indication that the dynamical processes are dominant and are involved in the dissolved oxygen interannual variability. The dissolved oxygen variability presents shifts with a multi-decadal signal, rather than trends as observed in the global ocean, associated with mixing processes and decadal oscillations that influence the dense water formation or biological activity.

How are women entrepreneurs transforming and challenging traditional understandings of professional success in the 21st century, despite the multitasking whirlpool? What type of knowledge and skills are required in today's digital world to develop professionally and succeed as an entrepreneur? What are the major barriers to successful entrepreneurship preventing women from realizing their full potential or stopping them from even beginning an entrepreneurial career? A current literature review (2011-2019) on women's entrepreneurial initiatives, skills, characteristics, attributes, motives and leadership styles, documenting strategies for success and barriers confronted, indicates that not much has changed. Women entrepreneurs continue to face the multitasking whirlpool, along with the lack of financial resources, marketing skills and support services, including poor access to business networks, technology and digital markets. Despite the mass entry of women in exclusively male domains, glass ceilings have not been shattered. Then again, developed and developing nations have come to understand that women's entrepreneurial activities contribute to socioeconomic growth and utilizing the full potential of all human resources is essential for sustainable development. Studies of the 21st century-as those of the late 20th century-continue to spotlight gender gaps in entrepreneurship as well as the so-valued career-family balance, while still arguing that further research is needed. They also agree that successful entrepreneurship requires digital skills along with the drive for innovation. The successful entrepreneur, or to use a term and concept coined by Elias G. Carayannis and McDonald R. Stewart (2013), the "distinguished entrepreneur" regardless of gender, is an innovator; a visionary; a person who predicts and shapes the future; takes initiatives; accepts change, risk and failure; learns from it; and sees what others do not see, among other things. Accordingly, this study presents snapshots of lives changed and empowered. It includes the work and narratives of "distinguished" (Carayannis & Stewart 2013) women entrepreneurs who have made a difference. Is it not time to shed some light on inspirational role models, especially those who are excelling in the startup world, the Blue Economy and the Silver Economy? KEYWORDS: Women, Entrepreneurship, Multitasking whirlpool, Gender participation gap, Gender pay gap, Gender leadership gap, Work–life balance, Digital skills, Degendering

Raising awareness for sustainable development and environmental consciousness is an alternative teaching approach of geosciences in primary education. Through our methodology this is achieved by strengthening teachers' profile to effectively coach students to work on several environmental issues. By creating a teacher’s guideline handbook, in accordance with the educational targets and regulations of EU countries, teachers acquire a fresh perspective on teaching environmental sciences. They also gain scientific knowledge in five educational topics through the implementation of five mini-projects. An e-book enriched with the pupils’ digitalised environmental stories was designed to attract students and motivate them to engage environmental issues. The final product acts as a triggering factor for the much-needed environmental awareness of pupils around Europe.

OBJECTIVES: Subtypes A1 and B are the most prevalent HIV-1 clades in Greece. Subtype A1 epidemic is highly monophyletic and corresponds to transmissions that occurred locally. Our aim in this molecular epidemiology analysis was to investigate the role of early treatment in preventing new HIV-1 transmissions. METHODS: Our analysis focused on 791 subtype A1 sequences from treatment-naïve individuals in Greece. Estimation of infection dates was performed by molecular clock calculations using Bayesian methods. We estimated the time interval between (1) the infection and sampling dates (linkage to care window), (2) the sampling dates and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (treatment window), and (3) the infection dates and ART initiation (transmissibility window) for the study population. We also inferred the putative source of HIV infections between individuals of different groups divided according to the length of treatment, linkage to care or transmissibility window. RESULTS: A significant decline was detected for the treatment window during 2014-2015 versus the 2 previous years (p=0.0273), while the linkage to care interval remained unchanged during the study period. Inference of the putative source of HIV infections suggested that individuals with a recent diagnosis or narrow transmissibility window (time period between HIV infection and ART initiation) were not sources of HIV infections to other groups. Contrarily, a significant number of HIV infections originated from individuals with longer transmissibility window interval. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the treatment window is decreasing over time, presumably due to the updated treatment guidelines. Our study also demonstrates that people treated earlier after infection do not transmit at high rates, thus documenting the benefits of early ART initiation in preventing ongoing HIV-1 transmission.

During embryonic development, excitatory projection neurons migrate in the cerebral cortex giving rise to organised layers. Periventricular heterotopia (PH) is a group of aetiologically heterogeneous disorders in which a subpopulation of newborn projection neurons fails to initiate their radial migration to the cortex, ultimately resulting in bands or nodules of grey matter lining the lateral ventricles. Although a number of genes have been implicated in its cause, currently they only satisfactorily explain the pathogenesis of the condition for 50% of patients. Novel gene discovery is complicated by the extreme genetic heterogeneity recently described to underlie its cause. Here, we study the neurodevelopmental role of endothelin-converting enzyme-2 (ECE2) for which two biallelic variants have been identified in two separate patients with PH. Our results show that manipulation of ECE2 levels in human cerebral organoids and in the developing mouse cortex leads to ectopic localisation of neural progenitors and neurons. We uncover the role of ECE2 in neurogenesis, and mechanistically, we identify its involvement in the generation and secretion of extracellular matrix proteins in addition to cytoskeleton and adhesion.

Editorial

One of the most frequently prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) for peripartum mood and anxiety disorders is sertraline (Zoloft®). Sertraline can help alleviate mood and anxiety symptoms in many women but it is not known how sertraline, or SSRIs in general, affect the neurobiology of the brain particularly when pregnant. The aim of this study was to investigate how sertraline affects plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain area integral in depression and SSRI efficacy (particularly in males), during late pregnancy and whether these effects differ from the effects of sertraline in non-pregnant females. To do this pregnant and age-matched non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. For the last half of pregnancy (10 days), and at matched points in non-pregnant females, rats were given sertraline (2.5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (0 mg/kg/day). Brains were used to investigate effects on the serotonergic system in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and measures of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus. Results show that pregnant females have significantly higher serum levels of sertraline compared to non-pregnant females but that rates of serotonin turnover in the hippocampus and PFC are similar between pregnant and non-pregnant females. Sertraline increased synaptophysin density in the dentate gyrus and CA3 and was associated with a decrease in cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of non-pregnant, but not pregnant, females. During late pregnancy the hippocampus showed significant reductions in neurogenesis and increases in synaptophysin density. This research highlights the need to consider the unique effect of reproductive state on the neuropharmacology of SSRIs.

One of the most frequently prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) for peripartum mood and anxiety disorders is sertraline (Zoloft®). Sertraline can help alleviate mood and anxiety symptoms in many women but it is not known how sertraline, or SSRIs in general, affect the neurobiology of the brain particularly when pregnant. The aim of this study was to investigate how sertraline affects plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain area integral in depression and SSRI efficacy (particularly in males), during late pregnancy and whether these effects differ from the effects of sertraline in non-pregnant females. To do this pregnant and age-matched non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. For the last half of pregnancy (10 days), and at matched points in non-pregnant females, rats were given sertraline (2.5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (0 mg/kg/day). Brains were used to investigate effects on the serotonergic system in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and measures of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus. Results show that pregnant females have significantly higher serum levels of sertraline compared to non-pregnant females but that rates of serotonin turnover in the hippocampus and PFC are similar between pregnant and non-pregnant females. Sertraline increased synaptophysin density in the dentate gyrus and CA3 and was associated with a decrease in cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of non-pregnant, but not pregnant, females. During late pregnancy the hippocampus showed significant reductions in neurogenesis and increases in synaptophysin density. This research highlights the need to consider the unique effect of reproductive state on the neuropharmacology of SSRIs.

In the present study, we attempt to investigate the determinants of the effective corporate tax rate of companies of the European Union (EU) discriminating between northern and southern economies. We adopt in our analysis the period after the outbreak of the crisis in the Eurozone up today including some years before 2009 in the assessed period. Our empirical investigation is based on three alternative approaches to effective income tax rate based on accounting information. We investigate the determinants of ECITR assessing two sub-samples of firms from all the aforementioned industrial sectors for 16 member countries of Europe. The first sub-sample consists of firms from 12 member countries of "North" European Union and the second sub-sample consists of firms from 4 member countries of "South" European Union. The analysis covers the period 2004-2016. Estimation results point out that the effective corporate income tax rate is variously affected by firm-specific determining factors for both northern and southern economies. The relation between ECITR and determining factors is ascertained to be less significant (sensitive) during the pre-crisis period in comparison with the respective empirical findings after the outburst of the economic crisis in the European Union. Empirical findings indicate that effective corporate income tax rate is more vulnerable to financial leverage for southern economies in comparison to the northern economies signaling financing structure differences between the two EU-country groups. Finally, there is evidence that there is an indisputable and positive coexistence between business profitability and tax burden.

In the present study, we investigate the determinants of the effective corporate tax rate of some of the European Union (EU) member countries and other non-EU members. Only a few studies have analyzed the EU economies, unlike the case of the USA. In this study, we extend the analysis taking also into consideration some non-EU countries which appear strong economic cooperation with EU countries over time. The present study aims to analyze the period after the outbreak of the crisis in the Eurozone up today. More specifically, the period 2004-2016 is assessed. The empirical estimations are based on two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) transformed in first-differences in order to hand cross-section fixed effects. It seems that the effective corporate income tax rate is variously affected by firm-specific determining factors. More specifically, our empirical results indicate that the effective corporate income tax rate is negatively related to the firm size, capital intensity and return on assets. However, there is no statistically significant influence of financial leverage, inventory intensity, R&D intensity, participation of foreign investors to the equity ownership, participation of government to equity ownership, to the effective corporate income tax rate. Alternative estimation measures, as a robustness check, point out that the empirical findings are generally in agreement with the initial results.

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict resolution among secondary education teachers in Greece. The research sample consists of 130 high schools’ teachers in Greece. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, concerning teachers’ working environment, their behavior during workplace conflicts as well as their emotional intelligence and were analyzed using descriptive and inductive statistics. The statistical analyses have revealed that the main reason for workplace conflicts in secondary schools is the existence of informal groups. In addition, emotional intelligence seem to have a direct relationship with conflict resolution styles, while a negative relationship between emotional intelligence and the frequency of involvement in workplace conflicts is observed. Furthermore, it was found that holding a position of responsibility does not play a significant role in conflict resolution style adoption. The research results show that the solution-oriented method is the most popular amongst the other conflict resolution styles. Last, it was found that the average score of emotional intelligence among the respondents was high.

Photovoltaic devices based on organic semiconductors and organo-metal halide perovskites have not yet reached the theoretically predicted power conversion efficiencies while they still exhibit poor environmental stability. Interfacial engineering using suitable materials has been recognized as an attractive approach to tackle the above issues. We introduce here a zinc porphyrin-triazine-bodipy donor-πbridge-acceptor dye as a universal electron transfer mediator in both organic and perovskite solar cells. Thanks to its "push-pull" character, this dye enhances electron transfer from the absorber layer toward the electron-selective contact, thus improving the device's photocurrent and efficiency. The direct result is more than 10% average power conversion efficiency enhancement in both fullerene-based (from 8.65 to 9.80%) and non-fullerene-based (from 7.71 to 8.73%) organic solar cells as well as in perovskite ones (from 14.56 to 15.67%), proving the universality of our approach. Concurrently, by forming a hydrophobic network on the surface of metal oxide substrates, it improves the nanomorphology of the photoactive overlayer and contributes to efficiency stabilization. The fabricated devices of both kinds preserved more than 85% of their efficiency upon exposure to ambient conditions for more than 600 h without any encapsulation. © 2019 American Chemical Society.

We downscaled a free ensemble of a regional, parent model to a high-resolution coastal, child ensemble in the Bay of Biscay. The child ensemble was forced at the open boundaries by the parent ensemble, and locally by perturbing the winds. By comparing ensembles generated by each of these forcing perturbations separately and combined we were able to consider the ensemble from either of two paradigms: (1) characterising high-resolution, coastal model errors using local and non-local forcing perturbations, or (2) downscaling regional model errors into the coastal domain. We found that most of the spread in the child ensembles was generated from the ensemble of open boundary conditions, with the local wind perturbations on their own generating substantially less ensemble spread. Together, the two sources of error increased the ensemble spread by only a small amount over the non-local perturbations alone. In general, the spread in sea surface height was greater in the child ensembles than in the parent ensemble, probably due to the more refined dynamics, while the spread in sea surface temperature was lower, likely due to the way the open boundary conditions were averaged. Deep below the surface, though, the child ensemble featured a large spread even where the parent model’s spread was very weak. This enhanced error response is a promising result for an ensemble data assimilation system, as it could be exploited to correct the model deep below the surface.

This paper was published online on 12 December 2016 with an incorrect panel in Fig. 2. Figure 2 has been replaced as of 20 July 2020. The figure is incorrect in the printed version of the journal.

Cannabinoid administration during adolescence affects various physiological processes, such as motor and affective response, cognitive-related functions and modulates neurotransmitter activity. Literature remains scant concerning the parallel examination of the effects of adolescent escalating low-dose Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9) -THC) on the behavioral and plasticity profile of adult rats in both sexes. Herein, we investigated the long-term behavioral, neurochemical and neurobiological effects of adolescent escalating low Δ(9) -THC doses in adult male and female rats. In adult males, adolescent low-dose Δ(9) -THC exposure led to increased spontaneous locomotor activity, impaired behavioral motor habituation and defective short-term spatial memory, paralleled with decreased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex. In this brain area, serotonergic activity was increased, as depicted by the increased serotonin turnover rate, while the opposite effect was observed in the hippocampus, a region where SERT levels were enhanced by Δ(9) -THC, compared with vehicle. In adult females, adolescent Δ(9) -THC treatment led to decreased spontaneous vertical activity and impaired short-term spatial memory, accompanied by increased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex. Present findings emphasize the key role of adolescent escalating low Δ(9) -THC exposure in the long-term regulation of motor response, spatial-related cognitive functions and neuroplasticity indices in adulthood. In this framework, these changes could, at a translational level, contribute to clinical issues suggesting the development of psychopathology in a sex-differentiated manner following Δ(9) -THC exposure during adolescence.

The reaction of the uranium(III) complex [U(η8-Pn††)(η5-Cp*)] (1) (Pn†† = C8H4(1,4-SiiPr3)2, Cp∗ = C5Me5) with ethene at atmospheric pressure produces the ethene-bridged diuranium complex [{(η8-Pn††)(η5-Cp*)U}2(μ-η2:η2-C2H4)] (2). A computational analysis of 2 revealed that coordination of ethene to uranium reduces the carbon-carbon bond order from 2 to a value consistent with a single bond, with a concomitant change in the formal uranium oxidation state from +3 in 1 to +4 in 2. Furthermore, the uranium-ethene bonding in 2 is of the δtype, with the dominant uranium contribution being from f-d hybrid orbitals. Complex 2 reacts with hydrogen to produce ethane and reform 1, leading to the discovery that complex 1 also catalyzes the hydrogenation of ethene under ambient conditions.

BACKGROUND: Patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) exhibit differential attentional mechanisms compared to healthy subjects. The exact nature of this differentiation is unclear. To this end, EEG (electrophysiological) responses to prepulse inhibition (PPI: reflecting attentional modulation) and prepulse facilitation (PPF: indicating orienting activation) were recorded and analysed. The aim of this study was to compare the respective neural oscillations associated with PPI and PPF in BDD vs healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Event-related EEG oscillations elicited by PPI and PPF (26 and 25 trials, respectively, randomly presented) were explored in a sample of patients with BDD (N = 30) vs healthy controls (N = 25). The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for BDD (BDD-YBOCS), the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) and the Brown Assessment of Belief Scale (BABS) were also administered. RESULTS: Analysis of the power spectrum in response to PPI and PPF revealed that the BDD patient group compared to healthy controls exhibited higher theta-1 oscillations (potentially indicative of disrupted thalamo-cortical activation) and reduced beta-1 oscillations (potentially indicative of reduced top-down-controlled processing during attentional orienting). CONCLUSION: These findings offer novel contributions with regards to the neural mechanisms underlying attention processes in BDD patients, and demonstrate the potential of event-related EEG oscillations as a tool to better understand body dysmorphic disorder.

 

The evolution of eclipsing binaries leads towards angular momentum and mass loss from the systems, due to stellar wind and magnetic braking. Observational investigations of low-temperature and low-mass contact binaries (or LMCBs) in the solar neighborhood provide the means for studying a large sample of such systems. The observed orbital period cut-off limit of 0.22 days is believed to be a result of evolutionary mechanisms, and such systems act as probes in investigating the very evolved stages of systems before their final coalescence. The main goal of this study is the determination of the stellar evolution tracks of these type of LMCBs, which might be correlated to the formation of blue stragglers and rapidly rotating stars.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. While the majority of people with COVID-19 won't require hospitalization, those who do may experience severe life-threatening complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells by binding to the cellular surface protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); in addition, the cellular transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is needed for priming of the spike (S) protein of the virus. Virus entry may also depend on the activity of the endosomal/lysosomal cysteine proteases cathepsin B, L (CTSB, CTSL) although their activity is likely dispensable. Given that the uncertainty of how COVID-19 kills, hampers doctors' ability to choose treatments the need for a deep understanding of COVID-19 biology is urgent. Herein, we performed an expression profiling meta-analysis of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L genes (and proteins) in public repository databases and found that all are widely expressed in human tissues; also, the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes tend to be co-regulated. The ACE2 and TMPRSS genes expression is (among others) suppressed by TNF, and is induced by pro-inflammatory conditions including obesity, Barrett's esophagus, stomach infection by helicobacter pylori, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and oxidized LDL; by exercise, as well as by growth factors, viruses' infections, cigarette smoke, interferons and androgens. Regarding currently investigated therapies interferon-beta induced ACE2 gene expression in bronchial epithelial cells, while chloroquine tends to upregulate CTSB/L genes. Finally, we analyzed KEGG pathways modulated by ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L and probed DrugBank for drugs that target modules of the affected pathways. Our data indicate possible novel high-risk groups for COVID-19; provide a rich resource for future investigations of its pathogenesis and highlight the therapeutic challenges we face.

The field emission and resulting breakdown induced damage in the actuation paths of MEMS capacitive switches are investigated. The effect of asperities burning due to Joule heating and the resulting explosive break down are presented. The breakdown gives rise to almost mirror craters formation on the cathode and anode electrodes. A linear relation between crater diameter and the breakdown current is found when breakdown occurs in vacuum. In ambient atmosphere the breakdown leads to large amplitude current oscillations and the formation of extended damage on both electrodes. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a shocking impact on the lives of everybody on the planet. Here, we present a modification of the classical SI model, the Fractal Kinetics SI model which is in excellent agreement with the disease outbreak data available from the World Health Organization. The fractal kinetic approach that we propose here originates from chemical kinetics and has successfully been used in the past to describe reaction dynamics when imperfect mixing and segregation of the reactants is important and affects the dynamics of the reaction. The model introduces a novel epidemiological parameter, the ``fractal{''} exponenthwhich is introduced in order to account for the self-organization of the societies against the pandemic through social distancing, lockdowns and flight restrictions.

BACKGROUND: A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) associated with human to human transmission and severe human infection has been recently reported from the city of Wuhan in China. Our objectives were to characterize the genetic relationships of the 2019-nCoV and to search for putative recombination within the subgenus of sarbecovirus. METHODS: Putative recombination was investigated by RDP4 and Simplot v3.5.1 and discordant phylogenetic clustering in individual genomic fragments was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. RESULTS: Our analysis suggests that the 2019-nCoV although closely related to BatCoV RaTG13 sequence throughout the genome (sequence similarity 96.3%), shows discordant clustering with the Bat_SARS-like coronavirus sequences. Specifically, in the 5'-part spanning the first 11,498 nucleotides and the last 3'-part spanning 24,341-30,696 positions, 2019-nCoV and RaTG13 formed a single cluster with Bat_SARS-like coronavirus sequences, whereas in the middle region spanning the 3'-end of ORF1a, the ORF1b and almost half of the spike regions, 2019-nCoV and RaTG13 grouped in a separate distant lineage within the sarbecovirus branch. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of genetic similarity between the 2019-nCoV and RaTG13 suggest that the latter does not provide the exact variant that caused the outbreak in humans, but the hypothesis that 2019-nCoV has originated from bats is very likely. We show evidence that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) is not-mosaic consisting in almost half of its genome of a distinct lineage within the betacoronavirus. These genomic features and their potential association with virus characteristics and virulence in humans need further attention.

Presentation of antigenic peptides by MHCI is central to cellular immune responses against viral pathogens. While adaptive immune responses versus SARS-CoV-2 can be of critical importance to both recovery and vaccine efficacy, how protein antigens from this pathogen are processed to generate antigenic peptides is largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the proteolytic processing of overlapping precursor peptides spanning the entire sequence of the S1 spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, by three key enzymes that generate antigenic peptides, aminopeptidases ERAP1, ERAP2, and IRAP. All enzymes generated shorter peptides with sequences suitable for binding onto HLA alleles, but with distinct specificity fingerprints. ERAP1 was the most efficient in generating peptides 8-11 residues long, the optimal length for HLA binding, while IRAP was the least efficient. The combination of ERAP1 with ERAP2 greatly limited the variability of peptide sequences produced. Less than 7% of computationally predicted epitopes were found to be produced experimentally, suggesting that aminopeptidase processing may constitute a significant filter to epitope presentation. These experimentally generated putative epitopes could be prioritized for SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity studies and vaccine design. We furthermore propose that this in vitro trimming approach could constitute a general filtering method to enhance the prediction robustness for viral antigenic epitopes.

The increasing use of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) class for the treatment of HIV-infection has pointed to the importance of analyzing the features of HIV-1 subtypes for an improved understanding of viral genetic variability in the occurrence of drug resistance (DR). In this study, we have described the prevalence of INSTI DR in a Russian cohort and the genetic features of HIV-1 integrase sub-subtype A6. We included 408 HIV infected patients who were not exposed to INSTI. Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected among 1.3% of ART-naïve patients and among 2.7% of INSTI-naïve patients. The prevalence of 12 polymorphic mutations was significantly different between sub-subtypes A6 and A1. Analysis of the genetic barriers determined two positions in which subtype A (A1 and A6) showed a higher genetic barrier (G140C and V151I) compared with subtype B, and one position in which subtypes A1 and B displayed a higher genetic barrier (L74M and L74I) than sub-subtype A6. Additionally, we confirmed that the L74I mutation was selected at the early stage of the epidemic and subsequently spread as a founder effect in Russia. Our data have added to the overall understanding of the genetic features of sub-subtype A6 in the context of drug resistance.

The clinical course of prion diseases is accurately predictable despite long latency periods, suggesting that prion pathogenesis is driven by precisely timed molecular events. We constructed a searchable genome-wide atlas of mRNA abundance and splicing alterations during the course of disease in prion-inoculated mice. Prion infection induced PrP-dependent transient changes in mRNA abundance and processing already at eight weeks post inoculation, well ahead of any neuropathological and clinical signs. In contrast, microglia-enriched genes displayed an increase simultaneous with the appearance of clinical signs, whereas neuronal-enriched transcripts remained unchanged until the very terminal stage of disease. This suggests that glial pathophysiology, rather than neuronal demise, could be the final driver of disease. The administration of young plasma attenuated the occurrence of early mRNA abundance alterations and delayed signs in the terminal phase of the disease. The early onset of prion-induced molecular changes might thus point to novel biomarkers and potential interventional targets.

Achieving adequate micronutrient status, while avoiding deficiencies, represents a challenge for people globally. Consequently, many individuals resort to oral nutrient supplementation (ONS) in order to correct suboptimal dietary intakes. Advances in the fields of nutrigenetics and nutritional genomics have identified differences in response to micronutrient supplementation according to genetic makeup, adding dietary supplement use to the clinician's toolkit in the precision nutrition era. This review focuses on published evidence linking genetic variants to the responses associated with some of the most popular dietary supplements. With an increasing number of health professionals becoming involved in the prescription of ONS, identifying and matching individuals to the appropriate dietary supplement according to their genotype is important for achieving optimal health benefits and micronutrient equilibrium, while reducing the adverse events and financial costs often associated with excessive ONS.

Short-term property rentals are perhaps one of the most common traits of present day shared economy. Moreover, they are acknowledged as a major driving force behind changes in urban landscapes, ranging from established metropolises to developing townships, as well as a facilitator of geographical mobility. A geolocation ontology is a high level inference tool, typically represented as a labeled graph, for discovering latent patterns from a plethora of unstructured and multimodal data. In this work, a two-step methodological framework is proposed, where the results of various geolocation analyses, important in their own respect, such as ghost hotel discovery, form intermediate building blocks towards an enriched knowledge graph. The outlined methodology is validated upon data crawled from the Airbnb website and more specifically, on keywords extracted from comments made by users of the said platform. A rather solid case-study, based on the aforementioned type of data regarding Athens, Greece, is addressed in detail, studying the different degrees of expansion & prevalence of the phenomenon among the city’s various neighborhoods.

This paper examines the significance of 'geological argument' (age of earth, geological changes, stromatography, fossils) in the process of accepting the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection (TENS), by Greek teachers that teach biology. It is a part of a wider research process, examining the conceptual ecology of evolution. That would be the most relevant terminology relating to the TENS (acceptance, understanding, opinions on the nature of science, way of thinking, religiosity) and their interconnectedness. The research was mainly quantitative, and it has been performed by the use of a closed-ended questionnaire. In addition, we used a qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews, in order to deepen and interpret the findings of the quantitative method. The results show that there appears to occur an especially high acceptance of the TENS amongst geologists that teach biology in secondary education, compare to similar teachers of science. A finding that may lead to the conclusion that the "geological arguments" are especially strong in the process of accepting the TENS and suggest that they might, therefore, be used more often in the teaching of evolution.

This paper reviews the glacial history of the mountains of Greece at the southernmost tip of the Balkans, providing a new synthesis of our current understanding of glaciations. The ice cover during the largest Middle Pleistocene glaciations (MIS 12/MIS 6) was more extensive than previously thought. Latest evidence from Mt Chelmos suggests that valley glaciers radiated from a central plateau ice field, whereas the findings of other glacial studies in western Balkans further indicate that extensive ice field/ice caps formed on mountains throughout this region during the Middle Pleistocene glaciations. Ice extent was considerably smaller during the Tymphian Stage (MIS 5d–MIS 2) and this has been confirmed by cosmogenic exposure ages in recent studies on Mt Olympus and Mt Chelmos. During the Holocene, only very small glaciers formed in some deep cirques where they survived because of strong local topoclimatic controls. A comparative analysis with the findings of other glacial and palaeoclimatic studies in the Balkans is also presented to highlight correlations between them. Moisture supply seems to have been the most critical factor for the formation of glaciers in the mountains of Greece. The comparison of Late Pleistocene Equilibrium Line Altitudes (ELAs) across the Balkans indicates a wetter climate in southern Greece that can be attributed to different palaeoatmospheric circulation mechanisms and precipitation regime in central Mediterranean. Conclusively, whilst important information has been added in the last 2 decades, this paper highlights the need for further research in Greece and the wider Balkans to establish the timing and extent of glaciations.

Description of the spatial characteristics of viral dispersal is important in understanding the history of infections. Nine hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes (A-I), and a putative 10th genotype (J), with distinct geographical distribution, are recognized. In sub-Saharan Africa (sub)-genotypes A1, D3 and E circulate, with E predominating in western Africa (WA), where HBV is hyperendemic. The low genetic diversity of genotype E (HBV/E) suggests its recent emergence. Our aim was to study the dispersal of HBV/E using full-length, non-redundant and non-recombinant sequences available in public databases. HBV/E was confirmed, and the phylogeny reconstruction performed using maximum likelihood (ML) with bootstrapping. Phylogeographic analysis was conducted by reconstruction of ancestral states using the criterion of parsimony on the estimated ML phylogeny. 46.5% of HBV/E sequences were found within monophyletic clusters. Country-wise analysis revealed the existence of 50 regional clusters. Sequences from WA were located close to the root of the tree, indicating this region as the most probable origin of the HBV/E epidemic and expanded to other geographical regions, within and outside of Africa. A localized dispersal was observed with sequences from Nigeria and Guinea as compared to other WA countries. Based on the sequences available in the databases, the phylogenetic results suggest that European strains originated primarily from WA whereas a majority of American strains originated in Western Central Africa. The differences in regional dispersal patterns of HBV/E suggest limited cross-border transmissions because of restricted population movements.

Backround and Objective: We sought to assess in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients the prognostic value of plasma galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels and systemic ventricular global longitudinal strain (SV GLS) as well as their association with NTproBNP and arrhythmogenesis. Materials and Methods: We studied 58 patients (26 men, mean age 37 +/- 16.8 years) with various congenital heart diseases. Patients underwent echocardiogram, 24 h ambulatory ECG monitoring, while NTproBNP and Gal-3 were measured. They were followed up (median of 790.5 days -IQR 350.3 days) and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were recorded. Results. Mean Gal-3 levels were 17.07 +/- 6.38 ng/m. Plasma Gal-3 was correlated with LogNTproBNP (r = 0.456, p = 0.001).Gal-3 levels associated with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (p < 0.001) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) (p < 0.001), but was not associated with MACE (HR 1.018, 95% CI 0.944-1.098, p = 0.641).Mean SVGLS in patients with systemic left ventricle was -15.91% +/- 4.09%, which was significantly lower compared to patients with systemic right ventricle and patients with single ventricle (-11.42% +/- 3.37% and -11.9% +/- 5.06%, respectively, p = 0.021).SV GLS correlated with plasma Gal-3 (r = 0.313, p = 0.027) and logNTproBNP (r = 0.479, p < 0.001). SVGLS correlated with VT arrhythmias (p = 0.004). NTproBNP predicted MACE (AUC 0.750, p = 0.03). SVGLS also predicted MACE (AUC 0.745, p = 0.03. In multivariate analysis, SVGLS and logNTproBNP maintained their predictive value (p = 0.004 and p = 0.009, respectively) Conclusion: In ACHD patients, SV GLS was found to predict MACE independently from NTproBNP and correlated with VT. Gal-3 correlated with NTproBNP and SVGLS as well as SVT and VT, but has not been shown to bear significant prognostic potential

Cortical development is a very complex process in which any temporal or spatial alterations can give rise to a wide range of cortical malformations. Among those malformations, periventricular heterotopia (PH) is characterized by clusters of neurons that do not migrate to the correct place. Cerebral organoids derived from patients with mutations in DCHS1 and FAT4, which have been associated with PH, exhibit higher levels of GNG5 expression in a patient-specific cluster of neurons. Here we investigate the role of GNG5 during the development of the cerebral cortex in mice and human cerebral organoids. GNG5, highly expressed in progenitors and downregulated in neurons, is critical for controlling the number of apical and basal progenitors and neuronal migration. Moreover, forced expression of GNG5 recapitulates some of the alterations observed upon downregulation of Dchs1 and Fat4 in mice and human cerebral organoids derived from DCHS1 and FAT4 patients, suggesting a critical role of GNG5 in cortical development.

Photonic crystal structuring has emerged as an advanced method to enhance solar light harvesting by metal oxide photocatalysts along with rational compositional modifications of the materials’ properties. In this work, surface functionalization of TiO2 photonic crystals by blue luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs), n–π* band at ca. 350 nm, is demonstrated as a facile, environmental benign method to promote photocatalytic activity by the combination of slow photon-assisted light trapping with GQD-TiO2 interfacial electron transfer. TiO2 inverse opal films fabricated by the co-assembly of polymer colloidal spheres with a hydrolyzed titania precursor were post-modified by impregnation in aqueous GQDs suspension without any structural distortion. Photonic band gap engineering by varying the inverse opal macropore size resulted in selective performance enhancement for both salicylic acid photocatalytic degradation and photocurrent generation under UV–VIS and visible light, when red-edge slow photons overlapped with the composite’s absorption edge, whereas stop band reflection was attenuated by the strong UVA absorbance of the GQD-TiO2 photonic films. Photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence measurements indicated that the observed improvement, which surpassed similarly modified benchmark mesoporous P25 TiO2 films, was further assisted by GQDs electron acceptor action and visible light activation to a lesser extent, leading to highly efficient photocatalytic films. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Photonic crystal structuring has emerged as an advanced method to enhance solar light harvesting by metal oxide photocatalysts along with rational compositional modifications of the materials’ properties. In this work, surface functionalization of TiO2 photonic crystals by blue luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs), n–π* band at ca. 350 nm, is demonstrated as a facile, environmental benign method to promote photocatalytic activity by the combination of slow photon-assisted light trapping with GQD-TiO2 interfacial electron transfer. TiO2 inverse opal films fabricated by the co-assembly of polymer colloidal spheres with a hydrolyzed titania precursor were post-modified by impregnation in aqueous GQDs suspension without any structural distortion. Photonic band gap engineering by varying the inverse opal macropore size resulted in selective performance enhancement for both salicylic acid photocatalytic degradation and photocurrent generation under UV–VIS and visible light, when red-edge slow photons overlapped with the composite’s absorption edge, whereas stop band reflection was attenuated by the strong UVA absorbance of the GQD-TiO2 photonic films. Photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence measurements indicated that the observed improvement, which surpassed similarly modified benchmark mesoporous P25 TiO2 films, was further assisted by GQDs electron acceptor action and visible light activation to a lesser extent, leading to highly efficient photocatalytic films. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

This paper is a qualitative study in the framework of a broader project (LETEGR2) that aims to shed light on the way classroom-based observation might contribute to bridging the gap between teaching theory and practice and assisting teacher education. It draws on data derived from pre-service (n=15) and in-service teachers (n=6) who applied the LETEGR2 Classroom Observation protocol in second language classrooms in Greece. Both groups of data are presented according to the observation stages (pre- and post-) in which they have been collected. They are discussed as pre- and in-service teachers’ “voices” in terms of the main issues they bring to the fore in relation to L2 learners’ profiles, the teaching process and teachers’ practices. An attempt is made to link both group of participants’ observed behaviours and events to underlying theoretical concepts for second language learning and teaching.

During the last few years, olive oil quality and adulteration control has increased since it is of great importance to consumers, suppliers and retailers. Different analytical methods and parameters combined with statistical methods are used to detect the authenticity and adulteration of extra virgin oil in a global Foodomics approach. In the present chapter, the application of different analytical techniques and chemometrics for the determination of extra virgin olive oil authenticity including adulteration are discussed. Finally, the latest trends on analytical approaches to assess the olive oil geographical and varietal origin traceability are also examined.

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) participate in numerous cellular functions including cell signaling, differentiation, and apoptosis. Deregulation of the physiological expression level of sHSPs has been associated with several malignancies. Heat shock protein beta 3 (HSPB3) is the third member of the sHSP family in human and is mainly expressed in skeletal and smooth muscles. In this study, we investigated the potential prognostic significance of HSPB3 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma, the most frequent type of colorectal cancer. For this purpose, we isolated total RNA from 188 colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens and 68 paired noncancerous ones. After reverse transcription of 2 $μ$g total RNA, we quantified HSPB3 levels by using an in-house–developed real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, based on the SYBR Green chemistry. Comparison of HSPB3 levels among 68 pairs of colorectal tumors and their adjacent noncancerous mucosae uncovered the downregulation of HSPB3 expression in the majority of malignant colorectal tumors. More importantly, high HSPB3 expression is associated with poor relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that HSPB3 overexpression could serve as an adverse prognostic biomarker in colorectal adenocarcinoma, independent of tumor location, histological grade, and TNM stage. Patients' stratification according to tumor location, histological grade, and TNM stage revealed that high HSPB3 messenger RNA expression retains its unfavorable prognostic potential regarding OS, in particular groups of patients with substantially different prognosis. In conclusion, high HSPB3 expression is associated with poor RFS and OS of patients with colorectal adenocarcioma, independently of clinicopathological prognosticators.

Dual-modality contrast agents (DMCA), such as radiolabeled magnetic nanoparticles, have attracted significant attention in diagnostic applications due to their potency for the timely and accurate diagnosis of diseases. The hemocompatibility of a candidate DMCA with human blood is essential for the investigation of its application in vivo. In this respect, here we focused on the evaluation of the hemocompatibility of a new DMCA, that is based on iron oxide nanoparticles (i.e. Fe3O4 magnetite), with human red blood cells (RBCs). The specific iron oxide nanoparticles are surface functionalized with 2,3-dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (-DPD) and radiolabeled with gallium-68 (Ga-68), resulting in Ga-68-DPD-Fe3O4. RBCs of five healthy individuals are incubated at room temperature for 120 min without and with Ga-68-DPD-Fe3O4 at concentrations 0.1 and 1.0 mg/ml. Optical microscopy (OM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are employed to assess detailed information on the overall morphological and geometrical characteristics of the entire cell at the microscopic (10(-6) m) level and on the membrane morphology at the nanoscopic (10(-9) m) level. In addition, a standard hematology analyzer (HA) is used to obtain complete blood count information. At the microscopic level, the combined OM, AFM and HA data revealed that the overall shape/size characteristics of RBCs were preserved upon incubation with Ga-68-DPD-Fe3O4 . However, at the nanoscopic level, the AFM results revealed two different kinds of local deconstructions of the RBCs membrane, termed holes and ulcerlike abnormalities, that were observed in both the DMCA-free and DMCA-incubated samples. Holes did not exhibit any statistically significant difference upon incubation with the Ga-68-DPD-Fe3O4 DMCA. On the contrary, ulcer-like abnormalities exhibited two statistically significant differences upon incubation with the Ga-68-DPD-Fe3O4 DMCA. First, increased percentage of RBCs having at least one ulcer-like abnormality; in DMCA-incubated samples 78.6 +/- 11.6% for C-DMCA = 0.1 mg/ml and 80.4 +/- 11.1% for C-DMCA = 1.0 mg/ml, while in DMCA-free samples 61.2 +/- 8.4% prior to and 63.6 +/- 13.5% after incubation. Second, increased number of ulcer-like abnormalities per RBC; in DMCA-incubated samples 4.26 +/- 0.62 for C-DMCA = 0.1 mg/ml and 3.99 +/- 0.97 for C-DMCA = 1.0 mg/ml, while in DMCA-free samples 2.84 +/- 0.54 prior to and 2.98 +/- 0.50 after incubation. The combined OM, AFM and HA results prove fair hemocompatibility of the Ga-68-DPD-Fe3O4 DMCA with human RBCs, thus documenting its potential use in imaging applications.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may develop in chronic hepatitis (CHB) patients even after 5 years of oral therapy and cannot be easily predicted. We assessed predictors and need for HCC surveillance in this setting. METHODS: Of 1951 adult Caucasians with CHB included in the PAGE-B cohort, 1427 (73%) have completed follow-up >5 years under therapy without HCC until year 5. Median follow-up has been 8.4 years from treatment onset. Points-based risk scores were developed to predict HCC risk after year 5. RESULTS: In years 5-12, HCC has been diagnosed in 33/1427 (2.3%) patients with cumulative incidence 2.4%, 3.2% and 3.8% at 8, 10 and 12 years, respectively. Older age or age >50 years, baseline cirrhosis and liver stiffness (LSM) >/=12 kPa at year 5 were independently associated with increased HCC risk. The HCC incidence was lower in non-cirrhotics than those with baseline cirrhosis and year-5 LSM <12 kPa than those with baseline cirrhosis and year-5 LSM >/=12 kPa. CAGE-B score was based on age at year 5 and baseline cirrhosis in relation to LSM at year 5 and SAGE-B score was based only on age and LSM at year 5 (c-index=0.809-0.814, 0.805-0.806 after bootstrap validation). Both scores offered 100% negative predictive values for HCC development in their low risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: In Caucasians with CHB, the HCC risk after the first 5 years of antiviral therapy depends on age, baseline cirrhosis status and LSM at year 5. CAGE-B and particularly SAGE-B represent simple and reliable risk scores for HCC prediction and surveillance beyond year 5 of therapy.

Heterostructured bilayer films, consisting of co-assembled TiO2 photonic crystals as the bottom layer and a highly performing mesoporous P25 titania as the top layer decorated with CoOx nanoclusters, are demonstrated as highly efficient visible-light photocatalysts. Broadband visible-light activation of the bilayer films was implemented by the surface modification of both titania layers with nanoscale clusters of Co oxides relying on the chemisorption of Co acetylacetonate complexes on TiO2, followed by post-calcination. Tuning the slow photon regions of the inverse opal supporting layer to the visible-light absorption of surface CoOx oxides resulted in significant amplification of salicylic-acid photodegradation under visible and ultraviolet (UV)–visible light (Vis), outperforming benchmark P25 films of higher titania loading. This enhancement was related to the spatially separated contributions of slow photon propagation in the inverse opal support layer assisted by Bragg reflection toward the CoOx-modified mesoporous P25 top layer. This effect indicates that photonic crystals may be highly effective as both photocatalytically active and backscattering layers in multilayer photocatalytic films. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Objectives: Clusterin (CLU) is a multifunctional intra-/extra-cellular molecular chaperone with indications of serving as a promising prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies have examined the potential prognostic value of the CLU protein in CRC; however, our research follows an alternative approach, focusing on the CLU mRNA expression. Design and methods: Total RNA from 172 cancerous tissue specimens and 39 paired non-cancerous ones was isolated and 2 $μ$g of this were subjected to reverse transcription with an oligo-dT primer. The single stranded DNA, which was synthesized, was amplified with an in-house developed highly sensitive and precise qPCR method, using specific pair of primers for the CLU molecule. Finally, an extensive biostatistical analysis took place for the assessment of the results. Results: Patients with tumors expressing high CLU mRNA levels had a higher probability for poor outcome (relapse and death), comparing to those with CLU mRNA-negative tumors. This association between CLU mRNA expression status and both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) is evident in Cox regression analysis and is also depicted in the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Consistently, the aforementioned associations and the CLU mRNA expression levels are significantly enhanced as CRC tumors progress from TNM stage I to IV, further supporting the functional implication of CLU in tumorigenesis. Conclusions: High CLU mRNA levels in CRC tumors can act as a new adverse prognostic biomarker of DFS and OS for CRC, independent of clinicopathological and biological features of the patient.

Remote sensing techniques and laser scanning technology have given us the opportunity to study indoor environments, such as caves, with their complex and unique morphology. In the presented case study, we used a handheld laser scanner for acquiring points with projected coordinate information (X, Y, Z) covering the entire show cave of Koutouki; including its hidden passages and dark corners. The point cloud covers the floor, the walls, and the roof of the cave, as well as the stalactites, stalagmites and the connected columns that constitute the decoration of the cave. The absolute and exact placement of the point cloud within a geographic reference frame gives us the opportunity for three-dimensional measurements and detailed visualization of the subsurface structures. Using open - source software, we managed to make a quantification analysis of the terrain and generated morphological and geometric features of the speleothems. We identified 55 columns by using digital terrain analysis and processed them statistically in order to correlate them to the frame of the cave development. The parameters that derived are the contours, each column height, the speleothem geometry and volume, as well as the volume of the open space cavity. We argue that by the demonstrated methodology, it is possible to identify with high accuracy and detail: the geomorphological features of a cave, an estimate of the speleogenesis, and the ability to monitor the evolution of a karstic system.

Tidal disruption events (TDE) have been considered as cosmic-ray and neutrino sources for a decade. We suggest two classes of new scenarios for high-energy multi-messenger emission from TDEs that do not have to harbor powerful jets. First, we investigate high-energy neutrino and gamma-ray production in the core region of a supermassive black hole. In particular, we show that ∼1-100 TeV neutrinos and MeV gamma rays can efficiently be produced in hot coronae around an accretion disk. We also study the consequences of particle acceleration in radiatively inefficient accretion flows (RIAFs). Second, we consider possible cosmic-ray acceleration by sub-relativistic disk-driven winds or interactions between tidal streams, and show that subsequent hadronuclear and photohadronic interactions inside the TDE debris lead to GeV-PeV neutrinos and sub-GeV cascade gamma rays. We demonstrate that these models should be accompanied by soft gamma rays or hard X-rays as well as optical/UV emission, which can be used for future observational tests. Although this work aims to present models of non-jetted high-energy emission, we discuss the implications of the TDE AT2019dsg that might coincide with the high-energy neutrino IceCube-191001A, by considering the corona, RIAF, hidden sub-relativistic wind, and hidden jet models. It is not yet possible to be conclusive about their physical association and the expected number of neutrinos is typically much less than unity. We find that the most optimistic cases of the corona and hidden wind models could be consistent with the observation of IceCube-191001A, whereas jet models are unlikely to explain the multi-messenger observations.

BACKGROUND: Aristotle was a seek-test-treat intervention during an outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens, Greece that started in 2011. The aims of this analysis were: (1) to study changes of drug injection-related and sexual behaviors over the course of Aristotle; and (2) to compare the likelihood of risky behaviors among PWID who were aware and unaware of their HIV status. METHODS: Aristotle (2012-2013) involved five successive respondent-driven sampling rounds of approximately 1400 PWID each; eligible PWID could participate in multiple rounds. Participants were interviewed using a questionnaire, were tested for HIV, and were classified as HIV-positive aware of their status (AHS), HIV-positive unaware of their status (UHS), and HIV-negative. Piecewise linear generalized estimating equation models were used to regress repeatedly measured binary outcomes (high-risk behaviors) against covariates. RESULTS: Aristotle recruited 3320 PWID (84.5% males, median age 34.2 years). Overall, 7110 interviews and blood samples were collected. The proportion of HIV-positive first-time participants who were aware of their HIV infection increased from 21.8% in round A to 36.4% in the last round. The odds of dividing drugs at least half of the time in the past 12 months with a syringe someone else had already used fell from round A to B by 90% [Odds Ratio (OR) (95% Confidence Interval-CI): 0.10 (0.04, 0.23)] among AHS and by 63% among UHS [OR (95% CI): 0.37 (0.19, 0.72)]. This drop was significantly larger (p = 0.02) among AHS. There were also decreases in frequency of injection and in receptive syringe sharing in the past 12 months but they were not significantly different between AHS (66 and 47%, respectively) and UHS (63 and 33%, respectively). Condom use increased only among male AHS from round B to the last round [OR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.01, 1.52)]. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of risky behaviors related to drug injection decreased in the context of Aristotle. Knowledge of HIV infection was associated with safer drug injection-related behaviors among PWID. This highlights the need for comprehensive interventions that scale-up HIV testing and help PWID become aware of their HIV status.

Summary During 2011–16, HIV outbreaks occurred among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Canada (southeastern Saskatchewan), Greece (Athens), Ireland (Dublin), Israel (Tel Aviv), Luxembourg, Romania (Bucharest), Scotland (Glasgow), and USA (Scott County, Indiana). Factors common to many of these outbreaks included community economic problems, homelessness, and changes in drug injection patterns. The outbreaks differed in size (from under 100 to over 1000 newly reported HIV cases among PWID) and in the extent to which combined prevention had been implemented before, during, and after the outbreaks. Countries need to ensure high coverage of HIV prevention services and coverage higher than the current UNAIDS recommendation might be needed in areas in which short acting drugs are injected. In addition, monitoring of PWID with special attention for changing drug use patterns, risk behaviours, and susceptible subgroups (eg, PWID experiencing homelessness) needs to be in place to prevent or rapidly detect and contain new HIV outbreaks.

We study hole transfer in open cumulenic and polyynic nanowires made of N carbon atoms, using real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) and tight-binding (TB) wire models. For RT-TDDFT, we mainly use functional B3LYP and basis sets cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, and cc-pVQZ, obtaining clear convergence; cc-pVTZ is the smallest basis set of sufficient quality; cc-pVQZ is better with a higher computational cost. For TB, we use a simplistic wire model where all sites are equivalent (TBI) and models with modified initial and final sites, mimicking the existence of one or two or three hydrogens at edge sites (TBImod, TBImodt4times). We compare the ground state energy, EGS, obtained by density functional theory (DFT) for cumulenic molecules with coplanar (co) or perpendicular (pe) methylene end groups as well as polyynic molecules starting with short (sl) or with long (ls) C–C bonds. For odd N, cumulenic pe molecules have lower EGS than cumulenic co molecules, that are probably transition states. We examine energy spectra, density of states, energy gap, charge oscillations, mean over time probabilities to find the hole at each site, coherent transfer rates, electric dipole moment, and frequency content. DFT shows that due to the impact of end groups, there exists a cumulenic energy gap, smaller than the polyynic one. TBI and TBImod reproduce approximately the magnitude of the energy gap in the polyynic case at the limit of large N. TBImod is capable of predicting the same site occupations with the nicely converged RT-TDDFT ones for the cumulenic case. However, charge and dipole moment oscillations as well as transfer rates by RT-TDDFT are approximately four times faster than those by TBImod. The site occupations of polyynic sl and of polyynic ls molecules are modified relative to cumulenic molecules; the trends can be explained qualitatively.

We investigate hole transfer in open carbynes, i.e., carbon atomic nanowires, using Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT). The nanowire is made of N carbon atoms. We use the functional B3LYP and the basis sets 3-21G, 6-31G*, cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, cc-pVQZ. We also utilize a few Tight-Binding (TB) wire models, a very simple model with all sites equivalent and transfer integrals given by the Harrison pp&#x3C0;">ppπ expression (TBI) as well as a model with modified initial and final sites (TBImod) to take into account the presence of one or two or three hydrogen atoms at the edge sites. To achieve similar site occupations in cumulenes with those obtained by converged RT-TDDFT, TBImod is sufficient. However, to achieve similar frequency content of charge and dipole moment oscillations and similar coherent transfer rates, the TBImod transfer integrals have to be multiplied by a factor of four (TBImodt4times). An explanation for this is given. Full geometry optimization at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory shows that in cumulenes bond length alternation (BLA) is not strictly zero and is not constant, although it is symmetrical relative to the molecule center. BLA in cumulenic cases is much smaller than in polyynic cases, so, although not strictly, the separation to cumulenes and polyynes, approximately, holds. Vibrational analysis confirms that for N even all cumulenes with coplanar methylene end groups are stable, for N odd all cumulenes with perpendicular methylene end groups are stable, and the number of hydrogen atoms at the end groups is clearly seen in all cumulenic and polyynic cases. We calculate and discuss the Density Functional Theory (DFT) ground state energy of neutral molecules, the CDFT (Constrained DFT) “ground state energy” of molecules with a hole at one end group, energy spectra, density of states, energy gap, charge and dipole moment oscillations, mean over time probabilities to find the hole at each site, coherent transfer rates, and frequency content, in general. We also compare RT-TDDFT with TB results.

Across time and place, right hand preference has been the norm, but what is the precise prevalence of left- and right-handedness? Frequency of left-handedness has shaped and underpinned different fields of research, from cognitive neuroscience to human evolution, but reliable distributional estimates are still lacking. While hundreds of empirical studies have assessed handedness, a large-scale, comprehensive review of the prevalence of handedness and the factors which moderate it, is currently missing. Here, we report five meta-analyses  on hand preference for different manual tasks and show that left-handedness prevalence lies between 9.34% (using the most stringent criterion of left-handedness) to 18.1% (using the most lenient criterion of non-right-handedness), with the best overall estimate being 10.6% (10.4% when excluding studies assessing elite athletes’ handedness). Handedness variability depends on (a) study characteristics, namely year of publication and ways to measure and classify handedness, and (b) participant characteristics, namely sex and ancestry. Our analysis identifies the role of moderators which require taking into account in future studies on handedness and hemispheric asymmetries. We argue that the same evolutionary mechanisms should apply across geographical regions to maintain the roughly 1:10 ratio, while cultural factors, such as pressure against left-hand use, moderate the magnitude of the prevalence of left-handedness. Although handedness appears as a straightforward trait, there is no universal agreement on how to assess it. Therefore, we urge researchers to fully report study and participant characteristics as well as the detailed procedure by which handedness was assessed and make raw data publicly available.

An in situ electrochemical electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic study of N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) is reported with the aim of understanding the properties of this material when employed as an electrical double-layer capacitor. N-rGO shows a capacitance of 100 F g−1 in 6 M KOH, which is twice that found for reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The temperature dependence of the rGO EPR signal revealed two different components: a narrow component, following the Curie law, was related to defects; and a broad curve with a stronger Pauli law component was attributed to the spin interaction between mobile electrons and localised π electrons trapped at a more extended aromatic structure. The N-rGO sample presented broader EPR signals, indicative of additional contributions to the resonance width. In situ EPR electrochemical spectroscopy was applied to both samples to relate changes in unpaired electron density to the enhanced capacitance. The narrow and broad components increased and diminished reversibly with potential. The potential-dependent narrow feature was related to the generated radical species from corresponding functional groups: e.g. O- and N-centred radicals. Improved capacitance seen for the N-modified basal graphene planes can be accordingly suggested to underlie the enhanced capacitance of N-rGO in basic electrolytes. © 2020 The Authors

In autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), caused by mutations in the mitochondrial cristae biogenesis and fusion protein optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and visual loss occur by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show a role for autophagy in ADOA pathogenesis. In RGCs expressing mutated Opa1, active 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its autophagy effector ULK1 accumulate at axonal hillocks. This AMPK activation triggers localized hillock autophagosome accumulation and mitophagy, ultimately resulting in reduced axonal mitochondrial content that is restored by genetic inhibition of AMPK and autophagy. In C. elegans, deletion of AMPK or of key autophagy and mitophagy genes normalizes the axonal mitochondrial content that is reduced upon mitochondrial dysfunction. In conditional, RGC specific Opa1-deficient mice, depletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg7 normalizes the excess autophagy and corrects the visual defects caused by Opa1 ablation. Thus, our data identify AMPK and autophagy as targetable components of ADOA pathogenesis.

Mediterranean mid-altitude sites are critical for the survival of plant species allowing for elevational vegetation shifts in response to high-amplitude climate variability. Pollen records from the southern Balkans have underlined the importance of the region in preserving plant diversity over at least the last half a million years. So far, there are no records of vegetation and climate dynamics from Balkan refugia with an Early Pleistocene age. Here we present a unique palynological archive from such a refugium, the Lake Ohrid basin, recording continuously floristic diversity and vegetation succession under obliquity-paced climate oscillations. Palynological data are complemented by biomarker, diatom, carbonate isotope and sedimentological data to identify the mechanisms controlling shifts in the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems within the lake and its catchment. The study interval encompasses four complete glacial-interglacial cycles (1365–1165 ka; MIS 43–35). Within the first 100 kyr of lake ontogeny, lake size and depth increase before the lake system enters a new equilibrium state as observed in a distinct shift in biotic communities and sediment composition. Several relict tree genera such as Cedrus, Tsuga, Carya, and Pterocarya played an important role in ecological succession cycles, while total relict abundance accounts for up to half of the total arboreal vegetation. The most prominent biome during interglacials is cool mixed evergreen needleleaf and deciduous broadleaf forests, while cool evergreen needleleaf forests dominate within glacials. A rather forested landscape with a remarkable plant diversity provide unique insights into Early Pleistocene ecosystem resilience and vegetation dynamics.

Geoscience courses, such as geology and geomorphology, require not only classroom lessons and laboratory exercises, but field trips as well. However, the COVID-19 restrictions did not allow the prosecution of most planned field trips, and an alternative needed to be developed. The use of virtual field trips is one such alternative. Through them, one can not only visit any area of interest, but prepare themselves for any actual educational or exploratory field trip as well. Even though they do not, and should not, substitute any physical visit of a site of interest, they have many advantages when combined with a "live" field work, in comparison to a field trip for which no preparation has been made.Through this research, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of both virtual and real educational field trips based on the opinions of our students. We thus performed a virtual navigation on the island of Naxos, Cyclades (Aegean Sea, Greece) for a series of virtual field trips, which took place during webinars in the framework of Erasmus+ CIVIS. The virtual fieldtrip was also presented to the third-year students of the Faculty of Geology & Geo-environment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in the framework of the obligatory course of Geomorphology. Upon completion, all participating students were asked to fill in a questionnaire in order to evaluate the contribution of virtual field trips to their education regarding geomorphology and state their opinion as to whether they can supplement and/or substitute actual field trips. Most of them stated that virtual field trips can aid, but not substitute the actual field work. Most students mentioned that they would attend another virtual field trip in the future, both as an alternative to classroom lessons and as a means of preparation for an actual field trip, but not in order not to attend the actual one.

This study examines request perspective, the least researched form of mitigation in requesting, while focusing on a type of request characterised by a strong preference for the speaker perspective in English and the hearer perspective in most other languages researched to date. It examines requests produced by 900 speakers from 9 different (inter)language groups: five groups of native speakers (English, German, Greek, Polish and Russian) and four groups of advanced learners of English as a foreign language (German, Greek, Polish and Russian L1s). While the learners used more conventionally indirect forms than the native speakers of the respective L1s, thus showing awareness of this English pragmatic norm, they retained a preference for the hearer perspective. These results suggest a reliance on pragmatic universals as an alternative explanation to pragmatic transfer, also illustrating the need to address less salient pragmatic features in English language teaching.

Context. EE Cep is one of few eclipsing binary systems with a dark, dusty disc around an invisible object similar to ɛ Aur. The system is characterised by grey and asymmetric eclipses every 5.6 yr that have significant variations in their photometric depth, ranging from ∼0.m5 to ∼2.m0. Aims: The main aim of the observational campaign of the EE Cep eclipse in 2014 was to test the model of disc precession. We expected that this eclipse would be one of the deepest with a depth of ∼2.m0. Methods: We collected multicoloured observations from almost 30 instruments located in Europe and North America. These photometric data cover 243 nights during and around the eclipse. We also analyzed low- and high-resolution spectra from several instruments. Results: The eclipse was shallow with a depth of 0.m71 in the V band. The multicoloured photometry illustrates small colour changes during the eclipse with a total amplitude of order ∼+0.m15 in the B - I colour index. We updated the linear ephemeris for this system by including new times of minima, measured from the three most recent eclipses at epochs E = 9, 10, and 11. We acquired new spectroscopic observations, covering orbital phases around the eclipse, which were not observed in the past and increased the data sample, filling some gaps and giving better insight into the evolution of the Hα and Na I spectral line profiles during the primary eclipse. Conclusions: The eclipse of EE Cep in 2014 was shallower than expected, measuring 0.m71 instead of ∼2.m0. This means that our model of disc precession needs revision. Tables A1-A29 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/A+A/639/A23

Blazar emission models based on magnetic reconnection succeed in reproducing many observed spectral and temporal features, including the short-duration luminous flaring events. Plasmoids, a self-consistent by-product of the tearing instability in the reconnection layer, can be the main source of blazar emission. Kinetic simulations of relativistic reconnection have demonstrated that plasmoids are characterized by rough energy equipartition between their radiating particles and magnetic fields. This is the main reason behind the apparent shortcoming of plasmoid-dominated emission models to explain the observed Compton ratios of BL Lac objects. Here, we demonstrate that the radiative interactions among plasmoids, which have been neglected so far, can assist in alleviating this contradiction. We show that photons emitted by large, slow-moving plasmoids can be a potentially important source of soft photons to be then upscattered, via inverse Compton, by small fast-moving, neighbouring plasmoids. This interplasmoid Compton scattering process can naturally occur throughout the reconnection layer, imprinting itself as an increase in the observed Compton ratios from those short and luminous plasmoid-powered flares within BL Lac sources, while maintaining energy equipartition between radiating particles and magnetic fields.

The afterglow emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is believed to originate from a relativistic blast wave driven into the circumburst medium. Although the afterglow emission from radio up to X-ray frequencies is thought to originate from synchrotron radiation emitted by relativistic, non-thermal electrons accelerated by the blast wave, the origin of the emission at high energies (HE; ≳GeV) remains uncertain. The recent detection of sub-TeV emission from GRB 190114C by the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov Telescopes (MAGIC) raises further debate on what powers the very high energy (VHE; ≳300 GeV) emission. Here, we explore the inverse Compton scenario as a candidate for the HE and VHE emissions, considering two sources of seed photons for scattering: synchrotron photons from the blast wave (synchrotron self-Compton or SSC) and isotropic photon fields external to the blast wave (external Compton). For each case, we compute the multiwavelength afterglow spectra and light curves. We find that SSC will dominate particle cooling and the GeV emission, unless a dense ambient infrared photon field, typical of star-forming regions, is present. Additionally, considering the extragalactic background light attenuation, we discuss the detectability of VHE afterglows by existing and future gamma-ray instruments for a wide range of model parameters. Studying GRB 190114C, we find that its afterglow emission in the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) band is synchrotron dominated. The late-time Fermi-LAT measurement (I.e. t ∼ 104 s), and the MAGIC observation also set an upper limit on the energy density of a putative external infrared photon field (I.e. ${\lesssim} 3\times 10^{-9}\, {\rm erg\, cm^{-3}}$ ), making the inverse Compton dominant in the sub-TeV energies.

Understanding the governing mechanisms of atmosphere–wave–ocean​ interactions is critical for unravelling the formation and evolution mechanisms of severe weather phenomena. This study aims at investigating the effects of atmosphere–wave–ocean​ feedbacks on a Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone (medicane), occurred on 27–30 September 2018 at the central-eastern Mediterranean Sea and characterized by severe environmental and socioeconomic impact. To unveil the interactions across the air–sea interface, the medicane was simulated by an integrated modelling system consisting of the Chemical Hydrological Atmospheric Ocean wave System (CHAOS), upgraded by embedding to it the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) as ocean circulation component. Coupled simulations revealed that air–seaheat transfer and Ekman pumping, bringing sub-surface cold waters in upper ocean layers (upwelling), caused SST cooling (∼2–3 °C). SST cooling triggered a negative feedback loop procedure tending to balance between atmospheric and ocean processes. It also attenuated the cyclone and, subsequently, reduced the atmospheric energy embedded in ocean through the upper ocean vertical stratification weakening, thus, upper ocean vertical mixing, upwelling and SST cooling. The waves adjusted this feedback loop making the system more resistant in air–sea flux variations. Waves additionally weakened the cyclone not only due to the kinetic energy loss in the lower-atmosphere but also due to the enhancement of SST cooling which is attributed to the strengthening of Ekman pumping and vertical mixing, forced by wind stress increase. Nevertheless, waves partially balanced the air–wave–sea exchanges through the slight enthalpy flux gain under high wind conditions which is explained by considering the increase of enthalpy transfer coefficient in rougher sea areas.

Reduction of the uranium(III) metallocene [(η 5 ‐C 5 i Pr 5 ) 2 UI] ( 1 ) with potassium graphite produces the “second‐generation” uranocene [(η 5 ‐C 5 i Pr 5 ) 2 U] ( 2 ), which contains uranium in the formal divalent oxidation state. The geometry of 2 is that of a perfectly linear bis(cyclopentadienyl) sandwich complex, with the ground‐state valence electron configuration of uranium(II) revealed by electronic spectroscopy and density functional theory to be 5f 3 6d 1 . Appreciable covalent contributions to the metal‐ligand bonds were determined from a computational study of 2 , including participation from the uranium 5f and 6d orbitals. Whereas three unpaired electrons in 2 occupy orbitals with essentially pure 5f character, the fourth electron resides in an orbital defined by strong 7s‐6d mixing.

Israeli deterrence strategy, as an integral part of its strategic behavior tout azimut,can briefly be outlined in terms of threats (including existential ones), challenges,operational initiatives, doctrine, and the regional balance of power. All of thesecan be examined in light of Turkey’s ongoing adventurism. Israel’s strategic behaviorwill be analyzed in comparison to Greece’s security challenges and policieswith regard to Turkey, which engages in aggressive tactics in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East at the expense of Greek and Israeli vital interests.

© 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor {&} Francis Group. Labial fusion in adolescence is uncommon and is usually secondary to other skin disorders or trauma of the vulvar area. In a five-year period, we treated five patients with labial fusion in our facility with a mean age of 16.4 years. Based on clinical presentation and biopsy of the vulvar skin, lichen sclerosus (LS) was the causative factor. Four out of five had urinary problems and one suffered from an inflamed inclusion cyst. All of them had a long history of pruritus. In all cases, blunt separation of the labia minora under general anaesthesia was performed, followed by local application of a potent glucocorticoid cream and an emollient agent. One patient received additionally oral and local antibiotics. One recurrence was noted, which resolved after re-separation and more meticulous treatment. Early identification and treatment of LS are crucial to prevent distortion of the vulvar anatomy.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Labial fusion is an uncommon problem in adolescence and an underlying cause should always be investigated. Lichen sclerosus typically affects the anogenital area and can lead to fusion of the labia minora. What do the results of this study add? Urinary symptoms may be the presenting feature of LS in adolescents. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment can result in irreversible changes to the vulva.

In this article we use pollen data from six sites in southern Greece to study long-term vegetation change in this region from 1000 BCE to 600 CE. Based on insights from environmental history, we interpret our estimated trends in the regional presence of cereal, olive and vine pollen as proxies for structural changes in agricultural production. We present evidence that there was a market economy in ancient Greece and a major trade expansion several centuries before the Roman conquest. Our results are consistent with auxiliary data on settlement dynamics, shipwrecks and ancient oil and wine presses.

Context. Deriving physical properties of trans-Neptunian objects is important for the understanding of our Solar System. This requires observational efforts and the development of techniques suitable for these studies. Aims: Our aim is to characterize the large trans-Neptunian object (TNO) 2002 TC302. Methods: Stellar occultations offer unique opportunities to determine key physical properties of TNOs. On 28 January 2018, 2002 TC302 occulted a mv ~ 15.3 star with designation 593-005847 in the UCAC4 stellar catalog, corresponding to Gaia source 130957813463146112. Twelve positive occultation chords were obtained from Italy, France, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Also, four negative detections were obtained near the north and south limbs. This represents the best observed stellar occultation by a TNO other than Pluto in terms of the number of chords published thus far. From the 12 chords, an accurate elliptical fit to the instantaneous projection of the body can be obtained that is compatible with the near misses. Results: The resulting ellipse has major and minor axes of 543 ± 18 km and 460 ± 11 km, respectively, with a position angle of 3 ± 1 degrees for the minor axis. This information, combined with rotational light curves obtained with the 1.5 m telescope at Sierra Nevada Observatory and the 1.23 m telescope at Calar Alto observatory, allows us to derive possible three-dimensional shapes and density estimations for the body based on hydrostatic equilibrium assumptions. The effective diameter in equivalent area is around 84 km smaller than the radiometrically derived diameter using thermal data from Herschel and Spitzer Space Telescopes. This might indicate the existence of an unresolved satellite of up to ~300 km in diameter, which is required to account for all the thermal flux, although the occultation and thermal diameters are compatible within their error bars given the considerable uncertainty of the thermal results. The existence of a potential satellite also appears to be consistent with other ground-based data presented here. From the effective occultation diameter combined with absolute magnitude measurements we derive a geometric albedo of 0.147 ± 0.005, which would be somewhat smaller if 2002 TC302 has a satellite. The best occultation light curves do not show any signs of ring features or any signatures of a global atmosphere. Tables A.1-A.3 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/A+A/639/A134

We develop ZnO/p-Si photodetectors by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO thin films on laser-microstructured silicon, and we investigate their electrical and optical behavior, demonstrating high sensitivity and broadband operation. Microstructured p-type silicon was obtained by nanosecond laser irradiation in SF6 gas, which results in the formation of quasi-ordered and uniform microspikes on the silicon surface. The irradiated silicon contains sulfur impurities, which extend its absorbance to the near-infrared. A thin film of ZnO was conformally deposited on the microstructured silicon substrates by ALD. Photoluminescence measurements indicate high crystalline quality of the ZnO film after annealing. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements of the ZnO/p-Si heterodiodes in the dark show a nonlinear behavior with unusual high current values in reverse bias. Under illumination photocurrent is observed for reverse bias, even for wavelengths below the silicon bandgap in the case of the laser-microstructured photodetectors. Higher current values are measured for the microstructured photodetectors compared to planar ones. Photoconductivity measurements show enhanced responsivity across the UV-vis-NIR spectral range for the laser-microstructured devices because of their increased surface area and light absorption. © 2020 American Chemical Society.

Sensory processing deficits and altered long-range connectivity putatively underlie Multisensory Integration (MSI) deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The present study set out to investigate non-social MSI stimuli and their electrophysiological correlates in young neurotypical adolescents and adolescents with ASD. We report robust MSI effects at behavioural and electrophysiological levels. Both groups demonstrated normal behavioural MSI. However, at the neurophysiological level, the ASD group showed less MSI-related reduction of the visual P100 latency, greater MSI-related slowing of the auditory P200 and an overall temporally delayed and spatially constrained onset of MSI. Given the task design and patient sample, and the age of our participants, we argue that electro-cortical indices of MSI deficits in ASD: (a) can be detected in early-adolescent ASD, (b) occur at early stages of perceptual processing, (c) can possibly be compensated by later attentional processes, (d) thus leading to normal MSI at the behavioural level.

The present study focuses on the palynological investigation of a sediment core (S2P) recovered from Elefsis Bay, in the western part of Attica Peninsula (southern Greece). Until now, there is quite scarce knowledge about the vegetation history of southern Greece during Late Glacial and Holocene due to a deficiency of long high-resolution pollen records. The analyzed gravity core is a unique continuous and well-dated pollen archive, providing the opportunity for the reconstruction of the plant landscape succession in southern Greece since Late Glacial. In order evidence for the vegetation response to climate oscillations and human impact to be derived, detailed analyses were conducted throughout the sedimentary sequence, spanning the last 13,500 years. The pollen data suggest that temperate deciduous, open oak woodlands of Late Glacial were fully expanded during the onset of Holocene, without any pronounced setback due to climate oscillations as it has been previously indicated by pollen archives from northern Greece. Following this period, Middle Holocene is characterized by the establishment of complex vegetation patterns, partly as the result of human activities, which seem to be the dominant vegetation shaping factor during Late Holocene. Overall, our pollen record highlights the vegetation transition during Late Glacial and Holocene in southern Greece, while offering valuable insight into the plant landscape prior to the first signs of human impact on the environment.

The bedrock of Hymittos, Attic peninsula, Greece, exposes a pair of low-angle crustal-scale ductile-then-brittle detachment faults. The uppermost detachment fault separates sub-greenschist facies phyllite and marble of a Pelagonian Zone hanging wall, from greenschist facies metasedimentary schist, calc-schist, and marble correlated to the Cycladic Blueschist Unit. A second, structurally lower detachment fault subdivides the metamorphic rocks of the Cycladic blueschist unit footwall into middle and lower units. There is a marked step in metamorphic grade between the sub-greenschist facies uppermost package, and the middle-to-upper greenschist facies middle and lower packages. A suite of new white mica 40Ar/39Ar and zircon (U-Th)/He dates indicates accommodation of deformation along these faults occurred from the late Oligocene to the late Miocene with both faults active during the middle Miocene. The structures have clear top-S/SSW kinematics determined from flanking folds, sigmoids, shear bands, stair-stepping of strain shadows on porphyroclasts, and SCC' fabrics. The ductile-to-brittle deformation of the structures, morphology of the massif, and the increase in metamorphic grade suggest these low-angle structures are part of a major, crustal-scale extensional complex, located at the northwest end of the West Cycladic Detachment System, that accommodated Miocene bivergent exhumation of Attic-Cycladic metamorphic core complexes in the central Aegean. Taken together, the above data suggest that multiple coeval detachment branches may form in areas with high strain gradients to accommodate the mechanically necessary termination of Cycladic-style detachment systems.

The article examines the critique of the French congregational schools of Smyrna in the late 19th century, carried out by Demetrius Georgiades, a Smyrniot trade manager and, at the same time, a French-speaking journalist and author. Through the study of his journals and books, published in Paris at the dawn of the new century, we have been able to trace the origins of the skepticism that preoccupies the public opinion inside and outside of France, in connection with the confessional character of schools. Under the pretext of defending the French interests in these remote regions, Georgiades examines the role of congregational schools in the penetration of French commerce and the expansion of French language and civilization in Asia Minor. The questions of functioning and financing of these schools do not escape Georgiadès’s caustic pen either. To strengthen his arguments, Georgiades compares the education provided by French schools to that of Smyrna’s other foreign communities.

AIMS: Levosimendan (LEVO) a clinically-used inodilator, exerts multifaceted cardioprotective effects. Case-studies indicate protection against doxorubicin (DXR)-induced cardiotoxicity, but this effect remains obscure. We investigated the effect and mechanism of different regimens of levosimendan on sub-chronic and chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on preliminary in vivo experiments, rats serving as a sub-chronic model of doxorubicin-cardiotoxicity and were divided into: Control (N/S-0.9%), DXR (18 mg/kg-cumulative), DXR+LEVO (LEVO, 24 mug/kg-cumulative), and DXR+LEVO (acute) (LEVO, 24 mug/kg-bolus) for 14 days. Protein kinase-B (Akt), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and protein kinase-A and G (PKA/PKG) pathways emerged as contributors to the cardioprotection, converging onto phospholamban (PLN). To verify the contribution of PLN, phospholamban knockout (PLN-/-) mice were assigned to PLN-/-/Control (N/S-0.9%), PLN-/-/DXR (18 mg/kg), and PLN-/-/DXR+LEVO (ac) for 14 days. Furthermore, female breast cancer-bearing (BC) mice were divided into: Control (normal saline 0.9%, N/S 0.9%), DXR (18 mg/kg), LEVO, and DXR+LEVO (LEVO, 24 mug/kg-bolus) for 28 days. Echocardiography was performed in all protocols. To elucidate levosimendan's cardioprotective mechanism, primary cardiomyocytes were treated with doxorubicin or/and levosimendan and with N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), DT-2, and H-89 (eNOS, PKG, and PKA inhibitors, respectively); cardiomyocyte-toxicity was assessed. Single bolus administration of levosimendan abrogated DXR-induced cardiotoxicity and activated Akt/eNOS and cAMP-PKA/cGMP-PKG/PLN pathways but failed to exert cardioprotection in PLN-/- mice. Levosimendan's cardioprotection was also evident in the BC model. Finally, in vitro PKA inhibition abrogated levosimendan-mediated cardioprotection, indicating that its cardioprotection is cAMP-PKA dependent, while levosimendan preponderated over milrinone and dobutamine, by ameliorating calcium overload. CONCLUSION: Single dose levosimendan prevented doxorubicin cardiotoxicity through a cAMP-PKA-PLN pathway, highlighting the role of inotropy in doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to translate the Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire in Greek and validate it for usage in the Greek population both in written and electronic form. METHODS: The original English questionnaire MENQOL with 1-month recall period was translated by our team. According to instructions by Mapi Research Trust, the questionnaire was forward and back-translated, followed by patient testing and proofreading. Then it was transcripted electronically. Validation was performed with the following tests: internal consistency (reliability), stability (test-retest reliability) with Cronbach's alpha correlations, independent and paired t tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: A total of 105 women, the majority recently menopausal, participated in the study. Internal consistency using the Cronbach's alpha showed high reliability ranging between 0.833 (physical domain) and 0.896 (vasomotor domain) for the written, and 0.720 (physical domain) and 0.868 (vasomotor domain) for the online form. Test-retest reliability was also high for both forms. The sexual domain of MENQOL had the higher mean, indicating the highest impact on quality of life (3.80 ± 2.35). CONCLUSIONS: The Greek version of MENQOL is a reliable instrument for evaluating menopausal women. Availability of an online form will allow wider dissemination of the questionnaire. Further use of the questionnaire in Greece may lead to better understanding of the bothersome symptoms of menopause; a prerequisite to develop intervention studies for amelioration of quality of life.

This article presents results from a needs analysis survey conducted in the first year of a European-funded project entitled ‘Teachers’ Assessment Literacy Enhancement (TALE)’. The survey questionnaire used asked 1788 learners of English in Cyprus, Germany, Greece and Hungary about their experiences of assessment; which of these they considered conducive to learning and the role feedback played as an instrument of formative assessment. Further questionnaire data from their 658 teachers were included in the data analysis. The results showed that practices differed across contexts. Overall, both learners and teachers reported a wide range of skills and areas to be assessed in the EFL classroom with writing, followed by speaking, being assessed the most. Based on the perceptions reported by the learners, the assessment types used revealed rather traditional approaches with frequent use of e.g. discrete-point tests with closed answers, extended writing and translation. The learners appeared to regard these types of assessment to be supportive of their learning. Feedback given was mostly restricted to marks and brief comments. The perceptions on feedback practices varied among teachers and their learners. Results of the needs analysis were taken as the basis of the online course design for enhancing teachers’ language assessment literacy.

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and enzymes, especially fibrillary collagens, and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) drive covalent crosslinking of collagen fibers, thereby promoting stabilization and accumulation of liver fibrosis while limiting its resolution. Here we show in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis murine model that treatment with a novel anti-lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) neutralizing antibody, which targets extracellular LOXL2, significantly improves fibrosis resolution. LOXL2 inhibition following the onset of fibrosis accelerated and augmented collagen degradation. This was accompanied by increased localization of reparative monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) in the proximity of fibrotic fibers and their representation in the liver. These cells secreted collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and, in particular, the membrane-bound MT1-MMP (MMP-14) collagenase. Inducible and selective ablation of infiltrating MoMFs negated the increased "on-fiber" accumulation of MMP-14-expressing MoMFs and the accelerated collagenolytic activity observed in the anti-LOXL2-treated mice. Many studies of liver fibrosis focus on preventing the progression of the fibrotic process. In contrast, the therapeutic mechanism of LOXL2 inhibition presented herein aims at reversing existing fibrosis and facilitating endogenous liver regeneration by paving the way for collagenolytic macrophages.