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Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by high invasiveness, is associated with poor prognosis and elevated mortality rates. Despite the development of effective therapeutic targets for TNBC, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RdT) remain prevalent treatment modalities. One notable challenge of RdT is the acquisition of radioresistance, which poses a significant obstacle in achieving optimal treatment response. Compelling evidence implicates non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), gene expression regulators, in the development of radioresistance. This systematic review focuses on describing the role, association, and/or involvement of ncRNAs in modulating radioresponse in TNBC. In adhrence to the PRISMA guidelines, an extensive and comprehensive search was conducted across four databases using carefully selected entry terms. Following the evaluation of the studies based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a refined selection of 37 original research articles published up to October 2023 was obtained. In total, 33 different ncRNAs, including lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, were identified to be associated with radiation response impacting diverse molecular mechanisms, primarily the regulation of cell death and DNA damage repair. The findings highlighted in this review demonstrate the critical roles and the intricate network of ncRNAs that significantly modulates TNBC's responsiveness to radiation. The understanding of these underlying mechanisms offers potential for the early identification of non-responders and patients prone to radioresistance during RdT, ultimately improving TNBC survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the possibilities for data gathered by individuals and communities to demonstrate climate impacts on people's lives in domestic and international climate litigation, as well as the likely procedural constraints that such evidence may encounter. Building on recent decisions of domestic, regional and international courts and bodies, and looking in particular at cases related to climate displacement, we consider the potential for civic evidence to provide valuable testimony in climate litigation, for example, grounding abstract and diffuse harms in personal and locally relevant frames. The article concludes by advancing a research agenda to test, and support or disprove, the argument developed that civic evidence from climate‐affected people could be more robustly deployed in climate litigation and could have a complementary and reinforcing, rather than competing, role alongside institutional evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, surface wave methods have been routinely employed to retrieve the physical characteristics of the first tens of meters of the subsurface, particularly the shear wave velocity profiles. Traditional methods rely on the application of the multichannel analysis of surface waves to invert the fundamental and higher modes of Rayleigh waves. However, the limitations affecting this approach, such as the 1D model assumption and the high degree of subjectivity when extracting the dispersion curve, motivate us to apply the elastic full‐waveform inversion, which, despite its higher computational cost, enables leveraging the complete information embedded in the recorded seismograms. Standard approaches solve the full‐waveform inversion using gradient‐based algorithms minimizing an error function, commonly measuring the misfit between observed and predicted waveforms. However, these deterministic approaches lack proper uncertainty quantification and are susceptible to get trapped in some local minima of the error function. An alternative lies in a probabilistic framework, but, in this case, we need to deal with the huge computational effort characterizing the Bayesian approach when applied to non‐linear problems associated with expensive forward modelling and large model spaces. In this work, we present a gradient‐based Markov chain Monte Carlo full‐waveform inversion where we accelerate the sampling of the posterior distribution by compressing data and model spaces through the discrete cosine transform. Additionally, a proposal is defined as a local, Gaussian approximation of the target density, constructed using the local Hessian and gradient information of the log posterior. We first validate our method through a synthetic test where the velocity model features lateral and vertical velocity variations. Then we invert a real dataset from the InterPACIFIC project. The obtained results prove the efficiency of our proposed algorithm, which demonstrates to be robust against cycle‐skipping issues and able to provide reasonable uncertainty evaluations with an affordable computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop two lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations capable of efficiently expressing a reporter mRNA while co-delivering the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (DX) to reduce inflammatory side effects in protein replacement therapies. Two types of LNPs were developed, in which 25% of cholesterol was replaced by DX. These LNPs contained either 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) as a helper lipid. The resulting LNPs exhibited high stability, homogeneity, and near-neutral Zeta potentials. SAXS experiments confirmed DX incorporation into the LNP core, with slow in vitro DX release observed over 48 h. The LNPs achieved high mRNA encapsulation efficiency (95–100%) and effectively transfected HepG2 cells, dendritic cells, and hPBMCs. While LNPs increased cytokine release (IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1), LNPs-DX significantly reduced cytokine levels, demonstrating enhanced anti-inflammatory properties while maintaining mRNA expression levels. In vivo biodistribution showed predominant liver localization post-intramuscular injection, regardless of the DSPC or DOPE composition. LNPs co-loaded with mRNA and DX are promising candidates for continuous protein replacement. Due to their ability to reduce treatment-related inflammation while maintaining significant mRNA expression levels, these LNPs are perfectly suited for the treatment of liver-related metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslide inventories are crucial for evaluating susceptibility, hazards, and risks, and for devising resilience strategies in mountainous regions. This importance is amplified in the context of climate change, as existing inventories might not adequately reflect changing stability conditions. In May 2023, the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy was hit by two major rainfall events, leading to widespread flooding and the triggering of thousands of landslides. Predominantly, these were shallow debris slides and debris flows, occurring on slopes previously deemed stable based on historical data with no prior landslides recorded. Our team supported the Civil Protection Agency through field surveys and mapping efforts to pinpoint and record these landslides, prioritizing areas critical to immediate public safety and focusing on thorough mapping for future recovery planning. The outcome is a detailed map of all landslides induced by these events, manually identified using high-resolution aerial photography (0.2 m pixel resolution, RGB+NIR four bands) and categorized with the help of a 3D viewer. This comprehensive landslide inventory, comprising 80997 polygons, has been made openly accessible to the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing habitat connectivity is a key strategy for conserving endangered species in anthropogenic landscapes. However, connectivity planning often overlooks the crucial energetic costs to animals of traversing complex terrains. We applied a novel approach for estimating energy costs of movement for tigers – a globally endangered species. We used those estimates to calculate landscape connectivity for these animals across the extreme altitudinal gradient of Nepal, where recent sightings of tigers at higher elevations (~3200 m) suggest an upward range expansion from the tiger‐rich lowlands. To evaluate our estimates, we simulated tiger routes to higher‐elevation locations and compared modeled energy costs of those ascents to those derived from a previous model calibrated with data from GPS‐collared tigers in Russia. In areas below 3200 m, we found about 7.5 times greater land areas with high connectivity outside protected areas (~51 000 km2) than inside (~6800 km2). However, most of the highly connected areas below 3200 m consist of croplands (56%). Importantly, community‐managed forests, which spanned the altitudinal gradient, tended to include areas with moderate levels of connectivity. Our estimates of energy costs and those from Russia showed a strong consensus (ρ = 0.70, P < 0.05), with ours better capturing the higher energy costs of traversing mountains and of very large total ascents. Our results show that while barriers to tiger movement across Nepal are ubiquitous, other effective area‐based conservation measures (OECMs), like community‐managed forests, can play prominent roles in promoting tiger habitat connectivity while minimizing human–tiger conflict across anthropogenic landscapes. Our results also underscore the utility of integrating first principles of energy efficiency into connectivity analyses and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of non-imaging hyperspectral sensors has significantly enhanced the study of leaf optical properties across different plant species. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and hyperspectral non-imaging sensors using ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared shortwave infrared (UV-VIS-NIR-SWIR) bands were used to evaluate leaf biophysical parameters. For analyses, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to predict eight structural and ultrastructural (biophysical) traits in green and purple Tradescantia leaves. The main results demonstrate that specific hyperspectral vegetation indices (HVIs) markedly improve the precision of partial least squares regression (PLSR) models, enabling reliable and nondestructive evaluations of plant biophysical attributes. PCA revealed unique spectral signatures, with the first principal component accounting for more than 90% of the variation in sensor data. High predictive accuracy was achieved for variables such as the thickness of the adaxial and abaxial hypodermis layers (R2 = 0.94) and total leaf thickness, although challenges remain in predicting parameters such as the thickness of the parenchyma and granum layers within the thylakoid membrane. The effectiveness of integrating ChlF and hyperspectral technologies, along with spectroradiometers and fluorescence sensors, in advancing plant physiological research and improving optical spectroscopy for environmental monitoring and assessment. These methods offer a good strategy for promoting sustainability in future agricultural practices across a broad range of plant species, supporting cell biology and material analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Among non-pharmacological interventions, Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser therapy has been used in patients with several musculoskeletal pathologies and in combination with other therapeutical interventions. The effects of sole MLS therapy on pain and function in patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of MLS Laser therapy on pain, function, and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain in comparison to a placebo treatment group. METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomized into two groups: the MLS Laser group and the Sham Laser group, undergoing 8 sessions of either a MLS Laser therapy or a Sham Laser therapy, respectively. At the beginning of the therapy (T0), at the end of the therapy (T1), and 1 month after the end of therapy (T2) patients were assessed for low back pain (by means of a VAS scale), function (by means of kinematic and electromyographic assessment of a forward bending movement) and self-reported disability (by means of the Roland-Morris and Oswestry Disability questionnaires). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction of pain and disability in both groups at T1 and T2 in comparison with T0. At T2 patients in the MLS group showed a significantly lower pain in comparison with patients in the Sham group (VAS = 2.2 ± 2 vs. 3.6 ± 2.4; p < 0.05). No differences between the two groups were found for function and disability. CONCLUSION: Both MLS Laser and Sham Laser therapies lead to a significant and comparable reduction in pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. However, one month after treatment, MLS Laser therapy has been found to be significantly more effective in reducing pain as compared to sham treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cullin-1-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRL1) or SCF1 (SKP1-CUL1-RBX1) E3 ubiquitin ligases are the largest and most extensively investigated class of E3 ligases in mammals that regulate fundamental processes, such as the cell cycle and proliferation. These enzymes are multiprotein complexes comprising SKP1, CUL1, RBX1, and an F-box protein that acts as a specificity factor by interacting with SKP1 through its F-box domain and recruiting substrates via other domains. E3 ligases are important players in the ubiquitination process, recognizing and transferring ubiquitin to substrates destined for degradation by proteasomes or processing by deubiquitinating enzymes. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main regulator of intracellular proteolysis in eukaryotes and is required for parasites to alternate hosts in their life cycles, resulting in successful parasitism. Leishmania UPS is poorly investigated, and CRL1 in L. infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America, is yet to be described. Here, we show that the L. infantum genes LINF_110018100 (SKP1-like protein), LINF_240029100 (cullin-like protein-like protein), and LINF_210005300 (ring-box protein 1 –putative) form a LinfCRL1 complex structurally similar to the H. sapiens CRL1. Mass spectrometry analysis of the LinfSkp1 and LinfCul1 interactomes revealed proteins involved in several intracellular processes, including six F-box proteins known as F-box-like proteins (Flp) (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD051961). The interaction of LinfFlp 1–6 with LinfSkp1 was confirmed, and using in vitro ubiquitination assays, we demonstrated the function of the LinfCRL1(Flp1) complex to transfer ubiquitin. We also found that LinfSKP1 and LinfRBX1 knockouts resulted in nonviable L. infantum lineages, whereas LinfCUL1 was involved in parasite growth and rosette formation. Finally, our results suggest that LinfCul1 regulates the S phase progression and possibly the transition between the late S to G2 phase in L. infantum. Thus, a new class of E3 ubiquitin ligases has been described in L. infantum with functions related to various parasitic processes that may serve as prospective targets for leishmaniasis treatment. Author summary: In eukaryotes, intracellular proteolysis is mostly performed by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which regulates numerous cellular functions by ubiquitinating regulatory proteins that may be degraded by the proteasome. Substrate recruitment and ubiquitination are mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases. CRL1 (Cullin-1-RING ligases) are the largest and most researched family of E3 proteins in eukaryotes, comprising SKP1, Cullin1, RBX1, and F-box proteins. The life cycle and infection of Leishmania depends on the UPS, and the role of CRL1 in these parasites has not been studied. Here, we identified CRL1 proteins in L. infantum and demonstrated the assembly of LinfCRL1, which shares a three-dimensional structure with the H. sapiens complex, suggesting a functional relationship. A set of LinfSkp1 and LinfCul1 protein partners were found to be associated with several cellular processes, indicating their pleiotropic effects. Six F-box proteins were found interacting with LinfSkp1 and were designated F-box-like proteins (Flp). Flp1 assembly in an active LinfCRL1(Flp1) complex capable of ubiquitin transfer. Our study demonstrated the critical role of LinfSKP1 and LinfRBX1 in the parasite, whereas knockout of LinfCUL1 resulted in impaired proliferation and duplication, along with the stimulation of rosette formation. In addition, LinfCul1 regulates L. infantum cell cycle progression. Overall, we characterized a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase class that could potentially be targeted by antileishmanial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the [68Ga]DOTATOC PET radiomic profile of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) and identify radiomic characteristics useful as predictors of succinate dehydrogenase genes (SDHx) pathogenic variants. Methods: Sporadic and SDHx HNPGL patients, who underwent [68Ga]DOTATOC PET/CT, were retrospectively included. HNPGLs were analyzed using LIFEx software, and extracted features were harmonized to correct for batch effects and confronted testing for multiple comparison. Stepwise discriminant analysis was conducted to remove redundancy and identify best discriminating features. ROC analysis was used to define optimal cut-offs. Multivariate decision-tree analysis was performed using CHAID method. Results: 34 patients harboring 60 HNPGLs (51 SDHx in 25 patients) were included. Three sporadic and nine SDHx HNPGLs were metastatic. At stepwise discriminant analysis, both GLSZM-Zone Size Non-Uniformity (ZSNU, reflecting tumor heterogeneity) and IB-TLSRE (total lesion somatostatin receptor expression) were independent predictors of genetic status, with 96.4% of lesions and 91.6% of patients correctly classified after cross validation (p < 0.001). Among non-metastatic patients, GLSZM-ZSNU and IB-TLSRE were significantly higher in sporadic than SDHx HNPGLs (p < 0.001). No differences were revealed in metastatic patients. Decision-tree analysis highlights multifocality and IB-TLSRE as useful variables, correctly identifying 6/9 sporadic and 24/25 SDHx patients. Model failed to classify one SDHA and three sporadic patients (2 metastatic). Conclusion: Radiomics features GLSZM-ZSNU and IB-TLSRE appear to reflect HNPGLs SDHx status and tumor behavior (metastatic vs. non-metastatic). If validated, especially IB-TLSRE might represent a simple and time-efficient radiomic index for SDHx variants early screening and prediction of tumor behavior in HNPGL cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial fission and fusion are vital dynamic processes for mitochondrial quality control and for the maintenance of cellular respiration; they also play an important role in the formation and maintenance of cells with high energy demand including cardiomyocytes and neurons. The DNM1L (dynamin-1 like) gene encodes for the DRP1 protein, an evolutionary conserved member of the dynamin family that is responsible for the fission of mitochondria; it is ubiquitous but highly expressed in the developing neonatal heart. De novo heterozygous pathogenic variants in the DNM1L gene have been previously reported to be associated with neonatal or infantile-onset encephalopathy characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay and refractory epilepsy. However, cardiac involvement has been previously reported only in one case. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) was used to genetically assess a baby girl characterized by developmental delay with spastic–dystonic, tetraparesis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of the left ventricle. Histochemical analysis and spectrophotometric determination of electron transport chain were performed to characterize the muscle biopsy; moreover, the morphology of mitochondria and peroxisomes was evaluated in cultured fibroblasts as well. Herein, we expand the phenotype of DNM1L-related disorder, describing the case of a girl with a heterozygous mutation in DNM1L and affected by progressive infantile encephalopathy, with cardiomyopathy and fatal paroxysmal vomiting correlated with bulbar transitory abnormal T2 hyperintensities and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) restriction areas, but without epilepsy. In patients with DNM1L mutations, careful evaluation for cardiac involvement is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the role of Latin American e-lit anthologies in the platformization of culture? This paper compares such anthologies with the dominant platform model as a characteristic mode of production in the digital medium. Since e-lit is a fertile liminal field for rethinking categories of literary criticism, the hypothesis is that it illustrates the oscillation between two poles of digital content: 'capturability' and 'overflow', poles whose aesthetic and political implications are paradoxical. The digital cultural field may be effectively created at the interfaces, or, alternatively, in the interfaces, so the aim is to offer a tentative response to two related questions: what are the challenges for literary criticism in this scenario; and what are the differences between a) fully integrated or convergent productions as normalized digital content in the context of online platforms; and b) those that exceed the limits of standardization due to other dynamics of indexation and distribution. We introduce the proposition of a forensic aesthetics as a form of accessing the field and interfaces as a key subject. Interfaces are discussed through the contrast between a standardizing 'container model' and the indexing operation of artworks that transcend the logics of 'content', like those selected by Latin American e-lit anthologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) often present with disabling neuropsychiatric symptoms. Compassionate mind training (CMT) is a psychological approach effective in reducing stress and promoting psychological well‐being. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure reflecting sympathovagal balance, has been associated with psychological well‐being and a compassionate attitude. Aim: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of CMT in enhancing the quality of life and psychological well‐being in PD patients. Additionally, we evaluated HRV as a physiomarker for assessing the CMT outcomes. Methods: Twenty‐four PD patients participated in the study. A 6‐week online CMT intervention was delivered on a weekly basis. At baseline and post‐intervention patients completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety and quality of life. In a subsample of 11 patients, HRV was measured at baseline and post‐intervention in three conditions: at rest, during stress and after 3 min of deep breathing. Results: The attendance rate was 94.3%. Quality of life and perceived stigma improved post‐intervention as compared with baseline (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03 for PD Questionnaire‐39 total score and Stigma subscore, respectively). After CMT, patients presented better physiological regulation to stress, as measured by higher HRV as compared with baseline (p = 0.005). Notably, patients who were more resilient to stress at baseline (less decrease in HRV during stress) experienced a more substantial reduction in anxiety and depression following CMT. Conclusions: CMT is feasible and can improve quality of life and stigma in PD patients. HRV emerges as a promising physiomarker for predicting and measuring the outcomes of psychological interventions in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the development of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and glass fibers (FGs), focusing on the evaluation of their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. Through twin-screw and single-screw extrusion processes followed by injection, we explore the influence of different GNP concentrations (0, 0.125, and 0.5 wt%) and the addition of glass fibers (20, 40, and 60 wt%) on the PP matrix. The results indicate that the careful incorporation of GNP and glass fibers not only significantly enhances the mechanical strength and thermal deflection temperature of the nanocomposites but also affects crystallinity and thermal conductivity in predictable and beneficial ways. Particularly, nanocomposites containing 0.125% GNP and 40% glass fibers exhibited an increase of 254.1% in tensile strength and 243.2% in flexural strength compared to pure PP, highlighting the potential of these materials in high-performance engineering applications. This work not only advances knowledge in the area of polymer nanocomposites but also demonstrates the practical potential of hybrid materials in overcoming the limitations of conventional materials, opening new perspectives for their application in critical sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid formation of supermassive black holes occurs in dense nuclear star clusters that are initially gas-dominated. Stellar-mass black hole remnants of the most massive cluster stars sink into the core, where a massive runaway black hole forms as a consequence of combined effects of repeated mergers and Eddington-limited gas accretion. The associated gravitational wave signals of high-redshift extreme mass-ratio inspirals are a unique signature of the nuclear star cluster scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated approach that utilises hyperspectral and chlorophyll a fluorescence sensors to predict biochemical and biophysical parameters represents a new generation of remote-sensing research. The main objective of this study was to obtain a detailed spectral profile that correlates with plant physiology, thereby enhancing our understanding and management of plant health, pigment profiles, and compound fingerprints. Leveraging datasets using non-imaging or passive hyperspectral and chlorophyll fluorescence sensors to collect data in Tradescantia species demonstrated significant differences in leaf characteristics with pigment concentrations and structural components. The main goal was to use principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) methods to analyse the variations in their spectra. Our findings demonstrate a strong correlation between hyperspectral data and chlorophyll fluorescence, which is further supported by the development of hyperspectral vegetation indices (HVIs) that can accurately evaluate fingerprints and predict many compounds in variegated leaves. The higher the integrated analytical approach and its potential application in HVIs and fingerprints, the better the selection of wavelengths and sensor positions for rapid and accurate analysis of many different compounds in leaves. Nonetheless, limitations arose from the specificity of the data for the Tradescantia species, warranting further research across diverse plant types and compounds in the leaves. Overall, this study paves the way for more sustainable and informed agricultural practices through breakthroughs in the application of sensors to remote-sensing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) tailored for mRNA delivery were optimized to serve as a platform for treating metabolic diseases. Four distinct lipid mixes (LMs) were formulated by modifying various components: LM1 (ALC-0315/DSPC/Cholesterol/ALC-0159), LM2 (ALC-0315/DOPE/Cholesterol/ALC-0159), LM3 (ALC-0315/DSPC/Cholesterol/DMG-PEG2k), and LM4 (DLin-MC3-DMA/DSPC/Cholesterol/ALC-0159). LNPs exhibited stability and homogeneity with a mean size of 75 to 90 nm, confirmed by cryo-TEM and SAXS studies. High mRNA encapsulation (95–100%) was achieved. LNPs effectively delivered EGFP-encoding mRNA to HepG2 and DC2.4 cell lines. LNPs induced cytokine secretion from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), revealing that LM1, LM2, and LM4 induced 1.5- to 4-fold increases in IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 levels, while LM3 showed minimal changes. Reporter mRNA expression was observed in LNP-treated PBMCs. Hemotoxicity studies confirmed formulation biocompatibility with values below 2%. In vivo biodistribution in mice post intramuscular injection showed significant mRNA expression, mainly in the liver. The modification of LNP components influenced reactogenicity, inflammatory response, and mRNA expression, offering a promising platform for selecting less reactogenic carriers suitable for repetitive dosing in metabolic disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging of the first metres of the subsurface with seismic methods constitutes a key challenge for several applications. In this context, the analysis of Rayleigh waves can reveal information about the S-wave velocity structure in the first metres of the subsurface. The waves recorded can be inverted using several techniques, of which the most widely used is the multichannel analysis of surface waves, where dispersion curves are picked on the velocity-frequency spectrum. A full-waveform inversion of surface waves has been implemented, offering the possibility to exploit the complete information content of the recorded seismograms. This method has only recently been tested with elastic approximation on synthetic data, as the application in near-surface scenarios is very challenging due to the high nonlinearity of the problem and the considerable computational costs. This paper presents a gradient-based Markov chain Monte Carlo elastic full-waveform inversion method, where posterior sampling is accelerated by compressing data and model spaces through the discrete cosine transform and, also, by defining a proposal that is a local, Gaussian approximation of the target posterior probability density. The applicability of the approach is demonstrated by performing two synthetic inversion tests on two different near-surface models: a two-layered model with lateral velocity variations, and a four-layered model with velocity inversions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diterpene cafestol represents the most potent cholesterol-elevating compound known in the human diet, being responsible for more than 80% of the effect of coffee on serum lipids, with a mechanism still not fully clarified. In the present study, the interaction of cafestol and 16-O-methylcafestol with the stabilized ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the Farnesoid X Receptor was evaluated by fluorescence and circular dichroism. Fluorescence quenching was observed with both cafestol and 16-O-methylcafestol due to an interaction occurring in the close environment of the tryptophan W454 residue of the protein, as confirmed by docking and molecular dynamics. A conformational change of the protein was also observed by circular dichroism, particularly for cafestol. These results provide evidence at the molecular level of the interactions of FXR with the coffee diterpenes, confirming that cafestol can act as an agonist of FXR, causing an enhancement of the cholesterol level in blood serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothalamus is the key regulator for energy homeostasis and is functionally connected to striatal and cortical regions vital for the inhibitory control of appetite. Hence, the ability to non-invasively modulate the hypothalamus network could open new ways for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Here, we tested a novel method for network-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (net-tDCS) to influence the excitability of brain regions involved in the control of appetite. Based on the resting-state functional connectivity map of the hypothalamus, a 12-channel net-tDCS protocol was generated (Neuroelectrics Starstim system), which included anodal, cathodal and sham stimulation. Ten participants with overweight or obesity were enrolled in a sham-controlled, crossover study. During stimulation or sham control, participants completed a stop-signal task to measure inhibitory control. Overall, stimulation was well tolerated. Anodal net-tDCS resulted in faster stop signal reaction time (SSRT) compared to sham (p = 0.039) and cathodal net-tDCS (p = 0.042). Baseline functional connectivity of the target network correlated with SSRT after anodal compared to sham stimulation (p = 0.016). These preliminary data indicate that modulating hypothalamus functional network connectivity via net-tDCS may result in improved inhibitory control. Further studies need to evaluate the effects on eating behavior and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a percutaneous procedure to prevent thromboembolism in patients affected by atrial fibrillation. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, the LAA morphological complexity hinders the procedure, resulting in postprocedural drawbacks (device‐related thrombus and peri‐device leakage). Local anatomical features may cause difficulties in the device's positioning and affect the effectiveness of the device's implant. The current work proposes a detailed FE model of the LAAO useful to investigate implant scenarios and derive clinical indications. A high‐fidelity model of the Watchman FLX device and simplified parametric conduits mimicking the zone of the LAA where the device is deployed were developed. Device‐conduit interactions were evaluated by looking at clinical indicators such as device‐wall gap, possible cause of leakage, and device protrusion. As expected, the positioning of the crimped device before the deployment was found to significantly affect the implant outcomes: clinician's choices can be improved if FE models are used to optimize the pre‐operative planning. Remarkably, also the wall mechanical stiffness plays an important role. However, this parameter value is unknown for a specific LAA, a crucial point that must be correctly defined for developing an accurate FE model. Finally, numerical simulations outlined how the device's configuration on which the clinician relies to assess the implant success (i.e., the deployed configuration with the device still attached to the catheter) may differ from the actual final device's configuration, relevant for achieving a safe intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating and mapping ecosystem functions and associated Nature's contributions to people (NCP) across large spatial scales is complex. One particular and often overlooked challenge is to integrate community-level processes, such as species interactions, into the evaluation of flux-related NCP supply, especially when working at macroecological scales. This flux-related NCP evaluation could greatly benefit from advances in food web theory and statistical biodiversity modeling, which could simultaneously improve our understanding of the trophic interactions in ecological networks and the prediction of biodiversity across time ad space while accounting for abiotic drivers (climate and land use). We propose a macroecological framework that integrates biodiversity models and energy flux theory to upscale ecosystem functions and predicts the associated supply of flux-related NCP. At macroecological scales, the provision of Nature's contributions to people (NCP) is mostly estimated with biophysical information, ignoring the ecological processes underlying them. This hinders our ability to properly quantify the impact of declining biodiversity and the provision of NCP. Here, we propose a framework that combines local-scale food web energy flux approaches and large-scale biodiversity models to evaluate ecosystem functions and flux-related NCP at extensive spatiotemporal scales. Importantly, this approach has the potential to upscale ecosystem functions, assess the vulnerability of flux-related NCP to the climate crisis, and support the development of multiscale mitigation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive set of forecasts for the cross-correlation signal between 21 cm intensity mapping and galaxy redshift surveys. We focus on the data sets that will be provided by the SKAO for the 21 cm signal, DESI and Euclid for galaxy clustering. We build a likelihood which takes into account the effect of the beam for the radio observations, the Alcock–Paczynski effect, a simple parametrization of astrophysical nuisances, and fully exploit the tomographic power of such observations in the range z  = 0.7–1.8 at linear and mildly non-linear scales (k < 0.25 h  Mpc−1). The forecasted constraints, obtained with Monte Carlo Markov Chains techniques in a Bayesian framework, in terms of the six base parameters of the standard ΛCDM model, are promising. The predicted signal-to-noise ratio for the cross-correlation can reach ∼50 for z ∼ 1 and k ∼ 0.1 h  Mpc−1. When the cross-correlation signal is combined with current Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) data from Planck, the error bar on |$\Omega _{\rm c}\, h^2$| and H 0 is reduced by factors 3 and 6, respectively, compared to CMB only data, due to the measurement of matter clustering provided by the two observables. The cross-correlation signal has a constraining power that is comparable to the autocorrelation one and combining all the clustering measurements a sub-per cent error bar of 0.33 per cent on H 0 can be achieved, which is about a factor 2 better than CMB only measurements. Finally, as a proof of concept, we test the full pipeline on the real data measured by the MeerKat collaboration (Cunnington et al. 2022) presenting some (weak) constraints on cosmological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Underdosing of antibiotics is common in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We hypothesized that in critically-ill patients with SCD receiving cefotaxime during acute chest syndrome, the continuous infusion may outperform the intermittent administration in achieving pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets. Design: Prospective before-after study. Settings: Intensive-care unit of a French teaching hospital and sickle cell disease referral center. Patients: Sixty consecutive episodes of severe acute chest syndrome in 58 adult patients with sickle cell disease. Interventions: Patients were treated with intermittent administration during the first period (April 2016 –April 2018) and with continuous infusion during the second period (May 2018 –August 2019). Measurements and main results: We included 60 episodes of acute chest syndrome in 58 patients (29 [25–34] years, 37/58 (64%) males). Daily dose of cefotaxime was similar between groups (59 [48–88] vs. 61 [57–64] mg/kg/day, p = 0.84). Most patients (>75%) presented a glomerular hyperfiltration with no difference between groups (p = 0.25). More patients had a cefotaxime trough level ≥2 mg/L with continuous infusion than intermittent administration: 28 (93%) vs. 5 (16%), p<0.001. The median residual concentration was higher in the continuous infusion than intermittent administration group: 10.5 [7.4–13.3] vs. 0 [0–0] mg/L, p<0.001. No infection relapse was observed in the entire cohort. Hospital length of stay was similar between groups. Conclusion: As compared to intermittent administration, continuous infusion of cefotaxime maximizes the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters in patients with SCD. The clinical outcome did not differ between the two administration methods; however, the study was underpowered to detect such a difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical and functional properties of edible starch-based active films containing or not natamycin and/or nisin as affected by the processing method (thermo-compression molding and casting) were analyzed in terms of barrier, thermal, mechanical and antimicrobial properties against Listeria innocua and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results revealed that the processing method significantly affected the properties of the films. Thus, the cast films were more transparent, resistant to rupture and stretchable and with higher glass transition temperature values, while the thermoformed ones showed a more homogeneous matrix with higher barrier capacity to oxygen and lower moisture content. On the other hand, the thermal stability was not affected by the type of processing of the films or by the antimicrobial incorporation, all the films exhibiting the typical range of polymer degradation temperature around 250–350 ºC. Moreover, the type of film processing method used, especially when using nisin as active compound, significantly affected the antimicrobial activity of the edible films. So, the maximum antimicrobial activity against S. cerevisiae and L. innocua was obtained when the films incorporating both antimicrobials were obtained by casting. Therefore, the functionality of these active edible films will be better preserved when applied by casting technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature reports contradictory results regarding the influence of visual cues on speech perception tasks in children with phonological disorder (PD). This study aimed to compare the performance of children with (n = 15) and without PD (n = 15) in audiovisual perception task in voiceless fricatives. Assuming that PD could be associated with an inability to integrate phonological information from two sensory sources, we presumed that children with PD would present difficulties in integrating auditory and visual cues compared to typical children. A syllable identification task was conducted. The stimuli were presented according to four conditions: auditory-only (AO); visual-only (VO); audiovisual congruent (AV+); and audiovisual incongruent (AV-). The percentages of correct answers and the respective reaction times in the AO, VO, and AV+ conditions were considered for the analysis. The correct percentage of auditory stimuli was considered for the AV- condition, as well as the percentage of perceptual preference: auditory, visual, and/or illusion (McGurk effect), with the respective reaction time. In comparing the four conditions, children with PD presented a lower number of correct answers and longer reaction time than children with typical development, mainly for the VO. Both groups showed a preference for auditory stimuli for the AV- condition. However, children with PD showed higher percentages for visual perceptual preference and the McGurk effect than typical children. The superiority of typical children over PD children in auditory-visual speech perception depends on type of stimuli and condition of presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper fully answers a long standing open question concerning the stability/instability of pure gravity periodic traveling water waves—called Stokes waves—at the critical Whitham–Benjamin depth h WB = 1.363... and nearby values. We prove that Stokes waves of small amplitude O (ϵ) are, at the critical depth h WB , linearly unstable under long wave perturbations. The same holds true for slightly smaller values of the depth h > h WB - c ϵ 2 , c > 0 , depending on the amplitude of the wave. This problem was not rigorously solved in previous literature because the expansions degenerate at the critical depth. To solve this degenerate case, and describe in a mathematically exhaustive way how the eigenvalues change their stable-to-unstable nature along this shallow-to-deep water transient, we Taylor-expand the computations of Berti et al. (Arch Ration Mech Anal 247:91, 2023) at a higher degree of accuracy, starting from the fourth order expansion of the Stokes waves. We prove that also in this transient regime a pair of unstable eigenvalues depict a closed figure "8", of smaller size than for h > h WB , as the Floquet exponent varies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates individual differences in protective and risk factors among rescue workers (RWs), particularly Red Cross members, to optimize well-being and job performance under high-stress conditions. Employing a person-centered approach, two psychological profiles were identified: an adaptively resilient profile and a maladaptively vulnerable profile, characterized by distinct personality traits, coping methods, life events, and social support networks. A notable external criterion, self-compassion, discerned the profiles with maladaptively vulnerable individuals who exhibited higher self-judgment, social isolation, and emotional over-identification. The study also examined the impact of job roles on these profiles, discovering a prevalence of adaptive resilience among drivers, contrasting with team members who displayed maladaptive resilience and lower self-compassion scores. These insights suggest a nuanced method for identifying RWs who require specialized support, proposing tailored interventions, especially those enhancing self-compassion. The study, through an extensive psychological metric analysis, provides a deeper comprehension of resilience and vulnerability among RWs. This research highlights the importance of recognizing individual differences in protective and risk factors, thereby contributing to the enhancement of mental health and resilience in high-stress professions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authoritarian, revisionist, and revanchist powers are exerting pressure on the liberal international order and challenging the United States' vital security interests across theaters. The United States will increasingly need to simultaneously tackle challenges in two critical theaters while also addressing global threats. To do so effectively, it will need to lean in and actively capitalize on its chief geostrategic advantage over its competitors and adversaries – its global network of alliances and strategic partnerships. However, alliance management faces both traditional and emerging challenges. These range from ensuring effective burden sharing, to providing alliance assurance and balancing interests and values along with allies' contributions across theaters and domains. In addition, because the United States is operating in a world where all instruments of power, military and non-military, are increasingly utilized in an interconnected way, it will also need to look at defense and security alliance management through the lens of issues ranging from industrial policy to economic security. This essay sheds light on these "old" and "new" challenges, providing insights into critical issues of alliance management that the United States will face in the emerging security environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensation of self-motion in the absence of physical motion, known as vection, has been scientifically investigated for over a century. As objective measures of, or physiological correlates to, vection have yet to emerge, researchers have typically employed a variety of subjective methods to quantify the phenomenon of vection. These measures can be broadly categorized into the occurrence of vection (e.g., binary choice yes/no), temporal characteristics of vection (e.g., onset time/latency, duration), the quality of the vection experience (e.g., intensity rating scales, magnitude estimation), or indirect (e.g., distance travelled) measures. The present review provides an overview and critical evaluation of the most utilized vection measures to date and assesses their respective merit. Furthermore, recommendations for the selection of the most appropriate vection measures will be provided to assist with the process of vection research and to help improve the comparability of research findings across different vection studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by high invasiveness, is associated with poor prognosis and elevated mortality rates. Despite the development of effective therapeutic targets for TNBC, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RdT) remain prevalent treatment modalities. One notable challenge of RdT is the acquisition of radioresistance, which poses a significant obstacle in achieving optimal treatment response. Compelling evidence implicates non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), gene expression regulators, in the development of radioresistance. This systematic review focuses on describing the role, association, and/or involvement of ncRNAs in modulating radioresponse in TNBC. In adhrence to the PRISMA guidelines, an extensive and comprehensive search was conducted across four databases using carefully selected entry terms. Following the evaluation of the studies based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a refined selection of 37 original research articles published up to October 2023 was obtained. In total, 33 different ncRNAs, including lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, were identified to be associated with radiation response impacting diverse molecular mechanisms, primarily the regulation of cell death and DNA damage repair. The findings highlighted in this review demonstrate the critical roles and the intricate network of ncRNAs that significantly modulates TNBC's responsiveness to radiation. The understanding of these underlying mechanisms offers potential for the early identification of non-responders and patients prone to radioresistance during RdT, ultimately improving TNBC survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods solve the full‐waveform inversion making use of gradient‐based algorithms to minimize an error function, which commonly measure the Euclidean distance between observed and predicted waveforms. This deterministic approach only provides a 'best‐fitting' model and cannot account for the uncertainties affecting the predicted solution. Local methods are also usually prone to get trapped into local minima of the error function. On the other hand, casting this inverse problem into a probabilistic framework has to deal with the formidable computational effort of the Bayesian approach when applied to non‐linear problems with expensive forward evaluations and large model spaces. We present a gradient‐based Markov Chain Monte Carlo full‐waveform inversion in which the posterior sampling is accelerated by compressing the data and model spaces through the discrete cosine transform, and by also defining a proposal that is a local, Gaussian approximation of the target posterior probability density. This proposal is constructed using the local Hessian and gradient informations of the log posterior, which are made computationally manageable thanks to the compression of the data and model spaces. We demonstrate the applicability of the approach by performing two synthetic inversion tests on portions of the Marmousi and BP acoustic model. In these examples, the forward modelling is performed using Devito, a finite difference domain‐specific language that solves the discretized wave equation on a Cartesian grid. For both examples, the results obtained by the implemented method are also validated against those obtained using a classic deterministic approach. Our tests illustrate the efficiency of the proposed probabilistic method, which seems quite robust against cycle‐skipping issues and also characterized by a computational cost comparable to that of the local inversion. The outcomes of the proposed probabilistic inversion can also play the role of starting models for a subsequent local inversion step aimed at improving the spatial resolution of the probabilistic result, which was limited by the model compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a model, inspired by Johnston et al. (2017) to describe the movement of a biological population which consists of isolated and grouped organisms. We introduce biases in the movements and then obtain a scalar reaction–diffusion equation that includes a convective term as a consequence of the biases. We focus on the case the diffusivity makes the parabolic equation of forward–backward–forward type and the reaction term models a strong Allee effect, with the Allee parameter lying between the two internal zeros of the diffusion. In such a case, the unbiased equation (i.e., without convection) possesses no smooth traveling‐wave solutions; on the contrary, in the presence of convection, we show that traveling‐wave solutions do exist for some significant choices of the parameters. We also study the sign of their speeds, which provides information on the long term behavior of the population, namely, its survival or extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) include four entities, primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma, and primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T-cell lymphoma, which were previously considered provisional and are now included in the new 5th World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors as distinct entities. An updated summary of the clinical, histological, and genomic characteristics of these uncommon CTCL subtypes is given in this review, with a focus on the growing body of knowledge regarding their classification and possible treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apresenta-se um estudo de caso sobre a feitura e as consequências do projeto "Pelas ondas da saída do menor IDH do Piauí. Ecos juvenis comunicacionais comunitários e a apicultura em São Francisco de Assis do Piauí" no sentido de mediar cidadania e maior participação coletiva envolvendo os jovens da única escola pública, e gratuita, diurna do município. Busca-se mostrar como ocorreu a convergência (midiática, social, emancipatória e inclusiva) entre atores sociais das zonas rural e urbana desse município do Nordeste do Brasil no sentido de entendimento, ampliação e vivência de técnicas de mediações, envolvendo conteúdos sobre a cadeia produtiva do mel (notadamente o orgânico) atualmente uma das maiores potencialidades do lugar. Em termos práticos utilizou-se de conteúdos para falar da importância dessa cadeia produtiva mediando para o município, via a única rádio comunitária da cidade, a Serra FM (87,9 MHz), e também para fora do município, via perfil no Instagram (@omelhormeldomundo). Nota-se que a cadeia produtiva precisa ser construída em termos de midiatizações para agregar valor aos produtos melíferos, bem como as consequências já notadas nesses processos comunicacionais têm surtido efeitos nas organizações e também nas maneiras de ver e ser de uma parte desses jovens, garantindo emprego, renda, fixação em suas terras e em suas famílias e inspiração de conhecimentos e uma área historicamente isolada, rural e alijada de atenção de parte dos poderes públicos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen science is a multilayered concept. Although it is generally understood as a form of public engagement with science and technology, it can take various forms, with widely different roles for citizens. Despite this vastness, a contributory strand of citizen science dominates the field, which formally limits citizens' roles to those of data gatherers for professional scientists or experts. This has led critics to argue that citizen science is not as inclusive, socially transformative, or democratizing as its advocates claim, and to appeals by scholars, practitioners, and policymakers for more dialogue and deliberation in all stages of citizen science processes. In this piece, we share our reflections on these questions drawing on our experiences as participant observers in contributory citizen science projects in various parts of the world. Responding to the above critiques, we illustrate how such projects can have emancipatory potential in terms of impacting policy agendas, inciting behavioral change, and engaging hard-to-reach societal groups. We argue that the future of citizen science lies in pluralizing the citizen sciences by experimenting with various modes of democratic representation, participation, and deliberation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove the existence of global solutions and of a global attractor for a regularized viscous 3D tropical climate model. The regularization is carried out by means of the Helmholtz filter, in the spirit of what is done for some families of LES-turbulence models, thus obtaining (as α-model) the 3D Bardina tropical climate model for which we consider the associated dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International diplomacy has been essential in resolving conflicts in Ecuador. Throughout its history, it has contributed to resolving border disputes and political tensions at the national and international levels. However, there are factors that can negatively influence these efforts. Despite the challenges, diplomacy will always be vital to maintaining the peace and security of the country. This study focuses on analyzing the role of international diplomacy in conflict resolution in Ecuador and evaluating its impact on the stability of the country and the region. The neutrosophic AHP method was used to obtain the factors that can act as obstacles to carrying out effective diplomacy. It was recognized that internal policy can have a negative impact, so solutions are proposed that can contribute to a more effective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double traumatic non-contiguous lesions of the subaxial cervical region are a rare event mostly caused by multiple, simultaneous or rapidly consecutive high-energy-impact traumas. The modality of treatment chosen for these lesions must be related to local lower cervical spine biomechanics. We present the case of a 59 year-old patient who suffered a subaxial cervical spine double fracture-dislocation following a complex-dynamic trauma. Radiological imaging displayed a C4-C5 and C7-T1 fracture-dislocation with cord signal intensity abnormalities. This patient showed a complete neurological deficit (ASIA A; mJOA 0) with a C4 sensory-motor level. He was urgently operated upon through an anterior approach, reduction of both dislocations and positioning of intervertebral cages and anterior plates at C4-C5 and C7-T1. At a 16-month follow-up he displays neurological improvement, moving his upper extremities at the C7-C8 motor level and a T5 sensory level (mJOA 3; Odom's Criteria 3). The check-CT scan at 24-month shows the correct positioning of the stabilization system and a complete bone fusion. Double traumatic lesions of the subaxial cervical spine, when interposed by healthy functional segments can be treated as two single independent lesions in order to allow a better outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article conceptualizes character assassination (CA) as a tactic of populist communication on social media by using the case study of Italian politician Matteo Salvini. CA consists of personal attacks aimed at damaging the reputation of individuals, used as political means to attack the "enemies of the people." By means of CA, populists operate a shift from issues and arguments toward individual traits and behaviors. CA's importance is linked to the features of social media communication (i.e. disintermediation, speed, virality, fragmentation, emotionality). The article uses content analysis of tweets, and qualitative analysis of relevant examples; it demonstrates the strategic nature of CA in Salvini's communication and identifies five functions (i.e. polarizing, personalizing, symbolic, discriminating, emotional) of CA in right-wing populist communication. CA's logic is unpacked, by showing how the delegitimization of individuals is used to reinforce a populist communication strategy. Potential implications and responses to CA are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common phenomenon when using visual devices such as smartphones and virtual reality applications, with symptoms including nausea, fatigue, and headache. To date, the neuro-cognitive processes underlying VIMS are not fully understood. Previous studies using electroencephalography (EEG) delivered mixed findings, with some reporting an increase in delta and theta power, and others reporting increases in alpha and beta frequencies. The goal of the study was to gain further insight into EEG correlates for VIMS. Participants viewed a VIMS-inducing visual stimulus, composed of moving black-and-white vertical bars presented on an array of three adjacent monitors. The EEG was recorded during visual stimulation and VIMS ratings were recorded after each trial using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale. Time–frequency analyses were conducted comparing neural activity of participants reporting minimal VIMS (n = 21) and mild–moderate VIMS (n = 12). Results suggested a potential increase in delta power in the centro-parietal regions (CP2) and a decrease in alpha power in the central regions (Cz) for participants experiencing mild–moderate VIMS compared to those with minimal VIMS. Event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs) suggested that group differences in EEG activity developed with increasing duration of a trial. These results support the hypothesis that the EEG might be sensitive to differences in information processing in VIMS and minimal VIMS contexts, and indicate that it may be possible to identify neurophysiological correlate of VIMS. Differences in EEG activity related to VIMS may reflect differential processing of conflicting visual and vestibular sensory information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forward η mesons production has been observed by the Large Hadron Collider forward (LHCf) experiment in proton-proton collision at s = 13 TeV. This paper presents the measurement of the inclusive production rate of η in pT< 1.1 GeV/c, expressed as a function of the Feynman-x variable. These results are compared with the predictions of several hadronic interaction models commonly used for the modelling of the air showers produced by ultra-high energy cosmic rays. This is both the first measurement of η mesons from LHCf and the first time a particle containing strange quarks has been observed in the forward region for high-energy collisions. These results will provide a powerful constraint on hadronic interaction models for the purpose of improving the understanding of the processes underlying the air showers produced in the Earth's atmosphere by ultra-energetic cosmic rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of safe, sustainable and accepted ways of water supply for the Mediterranean basin by using non-conventional water resources is key to reducing the gap between agricultural water demand and supply. The article offers a review of the current policy and legislative frameworks addressing non-conventional water resources in agriculture in selected Mediterranean countries, including non-European Union countries. A particular focus is put on the EU Water Reuse Regulation of 2020. By combining a literature review and stakeholders' consultations, this study offers different visions from EU countries and non-EU countries around the Mediterranean which might be affected by the regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitham and Benjamin predicted in 1967 that small-amplitude periodic traveling Stokes waves of the 2d-gravity water waves equations are linearly unstable with respect to long-wave perturbations, if the depth h is larger than a critical threshold h WB ≈ 1.363 . In this paper, we completely describe, for any finite value of h > 0 , the four eigenvalues close to zero of the linearized equations at the Stokes wave, as the Floquet exponent μ is turned on. We prove, in particular, the existence of a unique depth h WB , which coincides with the one predicted by Whitham and Benjamin, such that, for any 0 < h < h WB , the eigenvalues close to zero are purely imaginary and, for any h > h WB , a pair of non-purely imaginary eigenvalues depicts a closed figure “8”, parameterized by the Floquet exponent. As h → h WB + the “8” collapses to the origin of the complex plane. The complete bifurcation diagram of the spectrum is not deduced as in deep water, since the limits h → + ∞ (deep water) and μ → 0 (long waves) do not commute. In finite depth, the four eigenvalues have all the same size O (μ) , unlike in deep water, and the analysis of their splitting is much more delicate, requiring, as a new ingredient, a non-perturbative step of block-diagonalization. Along the whole proof, the explicit dependence of the matrix entries with respect to the depth h is carefully tracked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 virus) has infected more than 646 million people and caused more than 6.6 million deaths worldwide (December/2022). It is surprising that a virus that affects airways can trigger neurological manifestations. The aim of this study was to create and apply specific questionnaires/evaluations for post-COVID-19 patients to profile any neurofunctional sequelae. Methods: Epidemiological and psychomotor aspects as well as the intensity of cognitive, memory, attention, and concentration impairment were assessed. A total of 184 subjects post-COVID-19 and a control group (n = 30) were evaluated. Results: The most prevalent blood types in the COVID-19 group were the same as those from control group and in Brazilian population (no influence). Loss of smell/taste and headache were the most common reported symptoms. Talking about psychomotor and neurofunctional aspects, COVID-19 induced marked impairments in the tests: fine motor development (diadochokinesis, puppets, fan, and knead paper); balance (immobility, static balance, feet in line, and persistence); episodic memory after distractors; verbal fluency; and clock, compared to the control group data. There was also marked increase of synkinesis. Therefore, COVID-19 induced impairments in psychomotor assessments and in different cognitive aspects of the Mini-Mental State Examination. These results are more surprising considering that most participants did not report pre-existing disease and did not require hospitalisation. Conclusion: COVID-19 induced psychomotor, neurofunctional, and memory impairments, including in young and healthy subjects. The present study revealed neurological impairments, which should be considered in the development of rehabilitation protocols for patients affected by COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species‐rich communities exhibit higher levels of ecosystem functioning compared with species‐poor ones, and this positive relationship strengthens over time. One proposed explanation for this phenomenon is the reduction of niche overlap among plants or animals, which corresponds to increased complementarity and reduced competition.In order to examine the potential of increased complementarity among plants or animals to strengthen the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functions, we integrated models of bio‐energetic population dynamics and food‐web assembly. Through the simulation of various scenarios of plant and animal complementarity change, we sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed increases in (1) primary productivity, (2) control of herbivores by predators and (3) reduction of herbivore pressure on plants in species‐rich communities.Our findings reveal that increased niche complementarity of plants can steepen the diversity–function relationships if it does not increase their intraspecific competition, while increasing complementarity among animals during community assembly can also have a positive effect but with considerable variability.The study highlights the importance of trait variation both among and within species and the interplay between intra‐ and interspecific competition strength in shaping the functioning of ecosystems over time. These results offer insights into the mechanisms underpinning the diversity–functioning relationship and have practical implications for ecosystem management and conservation efforts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) and functional diarrhea (FD) are disorders of gut–brain interaction characterized by recurring symptoms which have a serious impact on the patient's quality of life. Their pathophysiology is far from being completely understood. In IBS-D growing evidence suggests that bile acid malabsorption (BAM) could be present in up to 30% of patients. Microscopic colitis (MC) is a well-known cause of watery diarrhea and some patients, at first, can be diagnosed as IBS-D or FD. Both BAM and MC are often responsible for the lack of response to conventional treatments in patients labelled as "refractory". Moreover, because BAM and MC are not mutually exclusive, and can be found in the same patient, they should always be considered in the diagnostic workout when a specific treatment for BAM or MC is unsatisfactory. In the present review the possible shared pathogenetic mechanisms between BAM and MC are discussed highlighting how MC can induce a secondary BAM. Moreover, a brief overview of the current literature regarding the prevalence of their association is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use subhalo abundance and age distribution matching to create magnitude-limited mock galaxy catalogs at z ∼ 0.43, 0.52, and 0.63 with z -band and 3.4 μ m W 1-band absolute magnitudes and r − z and r − W 1 colors. From these magnitude-limited mocks, we select mock luminous red galaxy (LRG) samples according to the (r − z)-based (optical) and (r − W 1)-based (infrared) selection criteria for the LRG sample of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. Our models reproduce the number densities, luminosity functions, color distributions, and projected clustering of the DESI Legacy Surveys that are the basis for DESI LRG target selection. We predict the halo occupation statistics of both optical and IR DESI LRGs at fixed cosmology and assess the differences between the two LRG samples. We find that IR-based SHAM modeling represents the differences between the optical and IR LRG populations better than using the z band and that age distribution matching overpredicts the clustering of LRGs, implying that galaxy color is uncorrelated with halo age in the LRG regime. Both the optical and IR DESI LRG target selections exclude some of the most luminous galaxies that would appear to be LRGs based on their position on the red sequence in optical color–magnitude space. Both selections also yield populations with a nontrivial LRG–halo connection that does not reach unity for the most massive halos. We find that the IR selection achieves greater completeness (≳90%) than the optical selection across all redshift bins studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implant of self‐expandable Ni‐Ti stents for the treatment of peripheral diseases has become an established medical practice. However, the reported failure in clinics highlights the open issue of the fatigue characterization of these devices. One of the most common approaches for calculating the Ni‐Ti fatigue limit (commonly defined in terms of mean and alternate strain for a fixed number of cycles) consists of using surrogate specimens which replicate the strain distributions of the final device but in simplified geometries. The main drawback lies in the need for computational models to determine the local distribution and, hence, interpret the experimental results. This study aims at investigating the role of different choices in the model preparation, such as the mesh refinement and the element formulation, on the output of the fatigue analysis. The analyses show a strong dependency of the numerical results on modeling choices. The use of linear reduced elements enriched by a layer of membrane elements is successful to increase the accuracy of the results, especially when coarser meshes are used. Due to material nonlinearity and stent complex geometries, for the same loading conditions and element type, (i) different meshes result in different couples of mean and amplitude strains and (ii) for the same mesh, the position of the maximum mean strain is not coincident with the maximum amplitude, making difficult the selection of the limit values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices are key determinants of child malnutrition and impact one-third of the under-five mortality rate worldwide. The district of Namuno in Cabo Delgado (Mozambique) has been long registering a high prevalence of acute malnutrition. To date, no data exists about Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in the area. The current pilot study explores the feeding practices among children aged 0–23 months in Namuno and sets out its main drivers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was realized between August and September 2019 and drew on questionnaires for mothers/caregivers of children aged 0 to 23 months. We computed IYCF indicators and correlated them with mothers'/caregivers' school attendance, delivery setting, and distance between home and the place where livelihood activities took place (workplace), using univariate and multivariate (age-adjusted) logistic regression analysis. Results: The survey was data derived from a sample of 632 mothers/caregivers. 62% of 0–23-month-old children received colostrum whilst only 31% of 0–5 months babies were on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Among 6–23 months old children, 17% consumed foods and beverages from at least five out of eight defined food groups, 31% received a minimum frequency of meals, and 23% had a minimum acceptable diet. Data revealed a positive correlation between early initiation of breastfeeding and delivery in a maternity ward (OR 6.9, CI 3.2–16.1, p-value < 0.001). No difference in the IYCF indicators between female and male babies was detected. Conclusions: In the Namuno district, IYCF practices did not fulfill WHO/UNICEF's indicators and recommendations. This suggests that efforts should be focused on EBF-enabling interventions to improve children's dietary consumption patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]