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Noncovalent bonding between atmospheric molecules is central to the formation of aerosol particles and cloud condensation nuclei and, consequently, radiative forcing. While our understanding of O–H⋯B interactions is well developed, S–H⋯B hydrogen bonding has received far less attention. Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing molecules, particularly amines, play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry, yet S–H⋯N interactions are not well understood at a fundamental level. To help characterize these systems, H2S and methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethylamine (MA, EA, n-PA, DMA, and TMA) have been investigated using matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high-level theoretical methods. Experiments showed that H2S forms hydrogen bonded complexes with each of the amines, with bond strengths following the trend MA ≈ EA ≈ n-PA < TMA ≤ DMA, in line with past experimental work on H2SO4·amine complexes. However, the calculated results indicated that the trend should be MA < DMA < TMA, in line with past theoretical work on H2SO4·amine complexes. Evidence of strong Fermi resonances indicated that anharmonicity may play a critical role in the stabilization of each complex. The theoretical results were able to replicate experiment only after binding energies were recalculated to include the anharmonic effects. In the case of H2SO4·amine complexes, our results suggest that the discrepancy between theory and experiment could be reconciled, given an appropriate treatment of anharmonicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims Patients/Methods Results Conclusions Facial aging and dermal conditions may negatively influence the quality of life, leading patients to seek aesthetic procedures to restore a more satisfying appearance. HArmonyCa™ is a recently developed hybrid filler that combines the actions of the most common dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA).This study investigates the efficacy and safety of HArmonyCa™ in patients affected by chrono‐ and photoaging and several facial skin conditions.One hundred and twenty‐nine patients, affected by chrono‐ and photoaging, and skin conditions such as oily and acne‐prone skin, rosacea, or scarring, were treated with HArmonyCa™. Injections followed the retrograde linear fanning technique. A physicians' consensus identified five optimal entry points. The physician and patients assessed treatment outcomes using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) 9 months after treatment (including immediate lift effect, skin firmness, and elasticity), and 3D images were taken for documentation. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated immediately after the procedure and after 9 months.According to the physician's assessments, all patients displayed an improvement in facial appearance, particularly during movement, with the patients' evaluation showing agreement. Only minor AEs were reporte, which resolved spontaneously. Moreover, HArmonyCa™ treatment proved compatible with different medications and aesthetic procedures.This study shows that one treatment with HArmonyCa™ yields highly satisfactory outcomes in patients affected by skin conditions. For the first time, we show that HArmonyCa™ is a dynamic filler that improves facial laxity during movement. The treatment proved to be safe and fully compatible with other cosmetic procedures and medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical grouting is a technique where solution-based binders are used to improve both mechanical and hydraulic properties of the soil or rocks. The following research study shows an extensive laboratory programme where a polyurethane (PU) and an acrylate (AC) were grouted in a tertiary sand under different water contents and relative density, with different gelling time and grouting conditions. Unconfined compressive strength, splitting tests, triaxial tests and creep tests on the grouted materials were conducted. A statistical interpretation considering the kernel probability density function was performed in order to understand the interdependency of the changing parameters. In general, PU-consolidated samples provide higher mechanical properties with respect to ACs; however, the effects and the dependency on the geotechnical base parameters are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay swell potential can be classified based on the value of activity and it is defined as the ratio of plasticity index to clay content as a percentage. This paper outlines the investigation into how activity correlates with other key properties of clayey soils. Specifically, four approaches were evaluated for predicting activity using: (a) liquid limit (LL), specific surface area (SSA), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and clay content; (b) LL, SSA and CEC; (c) LL; and (d) SSA and CEC. For this purpose, a database of 104 samples was collected from which 35 machine learning algorithms were trained. Gradient Boosting Trees showed the highest prediction accuracy in the four approaches and, to improve its prediction performance, a Bayesian Optimization was applied to tune theirs hyperparameters, resulting in the final models. The performance of the developed models was evaluated, showing prominent results with exceptionally good metrics, except in the approach from SSA and CEC where the trained algorithm was not capable of predicting activity with confidence (R2=0.46). This algorithm can predict activity using only LL with high accuracy (R2=0.94), and when combined with SSA and CEC, the precision is further enhanced (R2=0.96). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In animal models of epilepsy, cranial surgery is often required to implant electrodes for electroencephalography (EEG) recording. However, electrode implants can lead to the activation of glial cells and interfere with physiological neuronal activity. In this study, we evaluated the impact of epidural electrode implants in the pilocarpine mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain neuroinflammation was assessed 1 and 3 weeks after surgery by cytokines quantification, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Moreover, we investigated the effect of pilocarpine, administered two weeks after surgery, on mice mortality rate. The reported results indicate that implanted mice suffer from neuroinflammation, characterized by an early release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, microglia activation, and subsequent astrogliosis, which persists after three weeks. Notably, mice subjected to electrode implants displayed a higher mortality rate following pilocarpine injection 2 weeks after the surgery. Moreover, the analysis of EEGs recorded from implanted mice revealed a high number of single spikes, indicating a possible increased susceptibility to seizures. In conclusion, epidural electrode implant in mice promotes neuroinflammation that could lower the seizure thresholds to pilocarpine and increase the death rate. An improved protocol considering the persistent neuroinflammation induced by electrode implants will address refinement and reduction, two of the 3Rs principles for the ethical use of animals in scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study we replicated and extended the validation of the Multidimensional Workaholism Scale through: 1) the examination of the relationship between the MWS and the Bergen Work Addiction Scale; 2) the test of measurement invariance of the U.S. and the Italian versions; and 3) the analysis of predictive validity of the MWS through a series of cross-lagged panel models on a two-wave Italian sample (N = 304), including work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Configural, metric and partial scalar invariance was achieved on a sample of 591 Italian and 313 U.S. workers. Results supported convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the Italian version. Evidence of the predictive role of workaholism was found in relation to work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Finally, the different dimensions demonstrated some incremental validity in the prediction of specific outcomes over and above other dimensions of the MWS. In sum, we provided additional evidence of the validity of the MWS, which represents a tool for researchers and practitioners, validating its use in Italy to better understand the workaholism phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AADCd is an ultrarare, underdiagnosed neurometabolic disorder for which a screening test (3-OMD dosing on dried blood spot (DBS)) and targeted gene therapy (authorized in the EU and the UK) are available. Therefore, it is mandatory to raise awareness of presenting symptoms and signs among practitioners. Delivering scientifically sound information to promote screening of patients with the correct cluster of symptoms and signs would be critical. Materials and Methods. In light of the lack of sound evidence on this issue, expert opinion level of evidence was elicited with the Delphi method. Fourteen steering committee members invited a panel of 29 Italian experts to express their opinions on a series of crucial but controversial topics related to using 3-OMD DBS as a screening method in AADCd. Clusters of symptoms and signs were divided into typical or atypical, depending on age groups. Inclusion in newborn screening programs and the usefulness of a clinical score were investigated. A five-point Likert scale was used to rate the level of priority attributed to each statement. Results. The following statements reached the highest priority: testing pediatric patients with hypotonia, developmental delay, movement disorders, and oculogyric crises; inclusion of 3-OMD dosing on DBS in neonatal screening programs; development of a clinical score to support patients’ selection for 3-OMD screening; among atypical phenotypes based on clinical characteristics of Italian patients: testing patients with intellectual disability and parkinsonism-dystonia. Discussion. Clusters of symptoms and signs can be used to prioritize testing with 3-OMD DBS. A clinical score was rated as highly relevant for the patient’s selection. The inclusion of 3-OMD dosing in newborn screening programs was advocated with high clinical priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several materials and tissues are characterized by a microstructure composed of fibrous units embedded in a ground matrix. In this paper, a novel three-dimensional (3D) Fourier transform-based method for quantifying the distribution of fiber orientations is presented. The method allows for an accurate identification of individual fiber families, their in-plane and out-of-plane dispersion, and showed fast computation times. We validated the method using artificially generated 3D images, in terms of fiber dispersion by considering the error between the standard deviation of the reconstructed and the prescribed distributions of the artificial fibers. In addition, we considered the measured mean orientation angles of the fibers and validated the robustness using a measure of fiber density. Finally, the method is employed to reconstruct a full 3D view of the distribution of collagen fiber orientations based on in vitro second harmonic generation microscopy of collagen fibers in human and mouse skin. The dispersion parameters of the reconstructed fiber network can be used to inform mechanical models of soft fiber-reinforced materials and biological tissues that account for non-symmetrical fiber dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic causes of epilepsies and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) with onset in early childhood are increasingly recognized. Their outcomes vary from benign to severe disability. In this paper, we wished to retrospectively review the clinical, genetic, EEG, neuroimaging, and outcome data of patients experiencing the onset of epilepsy in the first three years of life, diagnosed and followed up in four Italian epilepsy centres (Epilepsy Centre of San Paolo University Hospital in Milan, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit of AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Pediatric Neurology Unit of Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, and Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia). We included 168 patients (104 with monogenic conditions, 45 with copy number variations (CNVs) or chromosomal abnormalities, and 19 with variants of unknown significance), who had been followed up for a mean of 14.75 years. We found a high occurrence of generalized seizures at onset, drug resistance, abnormal neurological examination, global developmental delay and intellectual disability, and behavioural and psychiatric comorbidities. We also documented differing presentations between monogenic issues versus CNVs and chromosomal conditions, as well as atypical/rare phenotypes. Genetic early-childhood-onset epilepsies and DEE show a very wide phenotypic and genotypic spectrum, with a high risk of complex neurological and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the influence of Nb addition in the oxide solid solution of Sn and Ti was investigated with regard to the morphological, structural and electrical properties for the production of chemoresistive gas sensors. (Sn,Ti,Nb)xO2-based sensors showed promising features for ethanol monitoring in commercial or industrial settings characterized by frequent variation in relative humidity. Indeed, the three-metal solid solution highlighted a higher response level vs. ethanol than the most widely used SnO2 and a remarkably low effect of relative humidity on the film resistance. Nevertheless, lack of knowledge still persists on the mechanisms of gas reaction occurring at the surface of these nanostructures. In this work, operando Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy was used on SnO2- and on (Sn,Ti,Nb)xO2-based sensors to combine the investigations on the transduction function, i.e., the read-out of the device activity, with the investigations on the receptor function, i.e., compositional characterization of the active sensing element in real time and under operating conditions. The sensors performance was explained by probing the interaction of H2O and ethanol molecules with the material surface sites. This information is fundamental for fine-tuning of material characteristics for any specific gas sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCd) is a rare recessive metabolic disorder caused by pathogenic homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene. Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer of the human DDC gene injected into the putamen is available. The typical presentation is characterized by early-onset hypotonia, severe developmental delay, movement disorders, and dysautonomia. Recently, mild and even atypical phenotypes have been reported, increasing the diagnostic challenge. The aim of this multicentric study is to identify the prevalence of AADCd in a population of patients with phenotypic clusters characterized by neurodevelopmental disorders (developmental delay/intellectual disability, and/or autism) by 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) detection in dried blood spots (DBS). It is essential to identify AADCd promptly, especially within non-typical phenotypic clusters, because better results are obtained when therapy is quickly started in mild-moderate phenotypes. Between 2021 and 2023, 390 patients with non-specific phenotypes possibly associated with AADCd were tested; none resulted in a positive result. This result highlights that the population to be investigated for AADCd should have more defined clinical characteristics: association with common signs (hypotonia) and/or pathognomonic symptoms (oculogyric crisis and dysautonomia). It is necessary to continue to screen selected clusters for reaching diagnosis and improving long-term outcomes through treatment initiation. This underscores the role of newborn screening in identifying AADCd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a coupled approach, based on Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM), to preliminarily investigate hydraulic fracturing of rocks. The novelty of the criterion relies on the assumption of a finite crack extension and on the simultaneous fulfillment of a stress requirement and the energy balance. Two material constants are involved, namely, the tensile strength and the fracture toughness. The FFM unknowns are represented by the critical crack advance, which results a structural parameter and not a simple material one, and the breakdown pressure. The study investigates the longitudinal failure behavior of both impermeable and permeable rocks by supposing that growing cracks are loaded by a pressure proportional to that acting on the borehole wall. The stability growth of hydraulic fractures is discussed case by case. The approach is validated against experimental data available in the literature by considering the effect of rock permeability, fluid viscosity and flow rate. Highlights: The FFM criterion is applied to preliminarily assess hydraulic fracturing in rocks.The pressure of the penetrating fluid is assumed to be constant around the borehole.The breakdown pressure is governed by a competition between strength and toughness.It is reasonable to suppose that the crack onset is stable for nonpenetrating fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R-(+)-limonene, one of the major constituents of citrus oils, is a monoterpene that is widely used as a fragrance additive in cosmetics, foods, and industrial solvents. Nowadays, its detection mainly relies on bulky and expensive analytical methods and only a few research works proved its revelation through affordable and portable sensors, such as electrochemical and quartz crystal microbalance sensors. In response to the demand for effective miniaturized sensing devices to be integrated into Internet of Things systems, this study represents a pioneering investigation of chemoresistive gas sensor capabilities addressed to R-(+)-limonene detection. An array of seven metal-oxide sensors was exploited to perform a complete electrical characterization of the target analyte. The experimental evidence allowed us to identify the WO3-based sensor as the most promising candidate for R-(+)-limonene detection. The material was highly sensitive already at sub-ppm concentrations (response of 2.5 at 100 ppb), consistent with applicative parameters, and it resulted in selective vs. different gases at a lower operating temperature (200 °C) than the other sensors tested. Furthermore, it exhibited a humidity-independent behavior under real-life conditions (relative humidity > 20%). Finally, the WO3 sensor also demonstrated a remarkable cross-selectivity, thus enabling its exploitation in cutting-edge applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a cue-based feeding protocol in improving time to nipple feed and time to discharge in very low birth weight infants in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Demographic, feeding, and discharge data were recorded and compared between the two cohorts. The pre-protocol cohort included infants born from August 2013 through April 2016 and the post-protocol cohort included infants born from January 2017 through December 2019. 272 infants were included in the pre-protocol cohort and 314 infants in the post-protocol cohort. Both cohorts were statistically comparable in gestational age, gender, race, birthweight, prenatal care, antenatal steroid use, and rates of maternal diabetes. There were statistically significant differences between the pre- versus post-protocol cohorts in median post-menstrual age (PMA) in days at first nipple feed (PO) (240 vs 238, p = 0.025), PMA in days at full PO (250 vs 247, p = 0.015), and length of stay in days (55 vs 48, p = 0.0113). Comparing each year in the post-protocol cohort, for each outcome measure, a similar trend was noted in 2017 and 2018, but not in 2019. In conclusion, the cue-based feeding protocol was associated with a decrease in the time to first PO, time to full nipple feeds, and the length of stay in very-low-birthweight infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil compaction is a key operation regarding the construction of, for example, railway and road embankments, earth dams and clay liners for waste disposals. Standard and modified Proctor tests are employed to obtain the optimum compaction properties at different energy levels. The choice of compaction technique depends on the type of compacted earthworks to be carried out. In practice, it is possible that the same material deployed in the past for a certain engineering work has to be reused in different work, requiring a different compaction energy. As compaction tests are time consuming, a preliminary assessment of optimum compaction properties from one energy level to another can be useful in geotechnical applications. Two empirical models linking different compaction energies are presented in this paper. Using the liquid limit, the possibility of evaluating the optimum moisture content and maximum dry unit weight from modified properties was investigated. A database of 49 data sets from the literature was used to build a model, which was validated with 14 other independent data sets. Statistical analysis was carried out and Monte Carlo simulations were also performed. This paper provides an update on knowledge regarding compaction at different energy levels using a larger database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fracture of compliant materials is preceded by large deformations that reshape initially sharp cracks into rounded defects. This phenomenon, known as elastic crack blunting, is peculiar of rubber‐like polymers and soft biological tissues, such as skin, vessel walls, and tendons. With this work, we aim to provide a discussion on crack‐tip blunting and its implications in terms of tearing resistance and flaw tolerance of soft elastic materials. The characteristic features of the crack‐tip zone in the framework of nonlinear elasticity are reviewed analytically and with the help of finite element analyses on pure shear cracked geometries. Specifically, the strain‐hardening behavior typical of soft biological tissues is addressed, and we illustrate its effect on crack‐tip blunting, in terms of a local radius of curvature at the crack tip. A simplified geometrically nonlinear model, proposed to describe the progressive blunting at the crack tip and its effect on flaw tolerance, is validated through finite element analyses and experimental tests on silicone samples. We show how this can lead to a simplified criterion to define the fracture condition in nonlinear soft materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atterberg limits of soils are the most basic and widely used geotechnical characterisation of fine-grained soils. While the indicative values for different clay types (e.g. kaolinite, smectite, illite) are quite known, no in-depth statistical analysis has been performed to understand any possible variations of the values. In this note, 128 data on Atterberg limits of kaolinitic clays have been gathered and statistically analysed to understand the distribution of the data and to understand whether variations in mean values and variances are detectable. A measurement system analysis has been performed on a kaolinitic sample to detect possible variations of measurements. Based on regression analysis to obtain plasticity index (PI) values from liquid limit (LL) values, a Monte Carlo analysis was performed by building models of possible results by substituting a range of values for the LL factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic early-onset Parkinsonism is unique due to frequent co-occurrence of hyperkinetic movement disorder(s) (MD), or additional neurological of systemic findings, including epilepsy in up to 10–15% of cases. Based on both the classification of Parkinsonism in children proposed by Leuzzi and coworkers and the 2017 ILAE epilepsies classification, we performed a literature review in PubMed. A few discrete presentations can be identified: Parkinsonism as a late manifestation of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DE-EE), with multiple, refractory seizure types and severely abnormal EEG characteristics, with or without preceding hyperkinetic MD; Parkinsonism in the context of syndromic conditions with unspecific reduced seizure threshold in infancy and childhood; neurodegenerative conditions with brain iron accumulation, in which childhood DE-EE is followed by neurodegeneration; and finally, monogenic juvenile Parkinsonism, in which a subset of patients with intellectual disability or developmental delay (ID/DD) develop hypokinetic MD between 10 and 30 years of age, following unspecific, usually well-controlled, childhood epilepsy. This emerging group of genetic conditions leading to epilepsy or DE-EE in childhood followed by juvenile Parkinsonism highlights the need for careful long-term follow-up, especially in the context of ID/DD, in order to readily identify individuals at increased risk of later Parkinsonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Proper management of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer is open to research. Three factors influence the immune response against cancer: the genetic makeup of the host, the somatic profile of cancer cells, and the surrounding environment. Immunonutrition has been suggested to impact tumor microenvironment and improve clinical outcomes in operated patients; however, its effects in vivo are far from being fully elucidated. Comparing immune function related indicators in tumor microenvironment before and after immunonutrient supplementation, we showed a favorable modulation towards an enhanced immune response against cancer. In addition to confirming improved short-term outcomes, we found that overall survival was prolonged in patients receiving immunonutrition. Finally, immunonutrition was proven to be a cost saving intervention. This study supports the rationale for implementing immunonutrition in the routine management of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Introduction. Published evidence suggests that immunonutrition has the potential to decrease postoperative complications and reduce length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effects of immunonutrition on tumor microenvironment and evaluated its prognostic impact. Material and methods. This is a single center retrospective study enrolling 50 patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer managed with immunonutrition and 50 patients managed with standard nutrition for comparison. Tumor microenvironment was analyzed before (on the biopsy at the time of diagnosis) and after (on the matched surgical specimen) administration of immunonutrition. Immune function related indicators, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, helper T-cells, antigen presenting cells, natural killer cells, T-exhausted lymphocytes, T-regulatory cells, M1 and M2 tumor associated macrophages and PD-L1 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. For both groups, clinicopathological data were collected and a 5-year follow-up was available. Results. We found that immunonutrition significantly activated the T-cell response against cancer, alter tumor microenvironment phenotype towards M2 polarization and inhibits the PD1/PD-L1 axis. A lower rate of postoperative complications and a shorter length of stay (p = 0.04) were observed in the immune nutrition group. Compared to standard nutrition group, patients managed wit immune nutrition showed a higher 5-year overall survival (p = 0.001). Finally, immune nutrition allowed to reduce the hospital care costs. Conclusions. Immunonutrition modulates tumor microenvironment by improving immune function and could prolong survival in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to optimize IN protocols and confirm their prognostic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the measurement of the Fluxes of Dissolved Compounds at the Sediment-Water Interface (DFSWIs), obtained by analyzing data collected in the Italian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea from 1982. We also describe the methods, honed by Italy's Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), employed to measure and calculate DFSWIs, including benthic chambers and landers, sediment-water interface micro-profiling, on-board incubation, and pore water modeling. Data analysis demonstrated that in situ measurements are the most reliable approaches, but that on-board collected data also supply interesting results. The DFSWI data allowed to divide the Adriatic seafloor into areas with similar DFSWI types and intensities and to define the role of sediments as sources or sinks of chemicals such as nutrients, Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), and metals. DFSWIs mainly depend on dissolved and solid river inputs, Marine Organic Matter (mOM) production, and sediment reworking. They show a seasonal temperature-related trend, which in summer induces increased chemical reaction kinetics and microbial activity. DFSWIs decline from the Po River mouths southward, along the Holocene mud wedge. North of the Po River Delta, the DFSWIs are weaker and confined to the areas in front of the major river mouths, due to poor Organic Matter (OM) inputs and strong reworking of bottom sediments. The area south of the Po Delta cusp is characterized by strong DFSWIs, due to the high deposition of solid inputs from the Po River, strong primary production, and protection from the Western Adriatic Current and Bora storms; in summer, higher temperatures, and calm hydrodynamic conditions generate near-bottom hypoxic to anoxic environments in this area. In Northern and Central Adriatic offshore areas, negative DIC and phosphate fluxes are due to poorly reactive OM reaching this area and to the mainly carbonate composition and oxic environment of local bottom sediments. DFSWI data analysis highlighted the important contribution of sediments to marine carbon and nutrient cycles. This is particularly important for carbon, which plays a major role in seawater acidification and global climate change. The study also provides average DFSWI data for each diagenetic area, which allow calculating the carbon and nutrient budgets in the Adriatic Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socialization practices support undergraduates' transitional processes when beginning their academic careers and afterwards. Anyhow, the absence of specific socialization measures for academic contexts does not allow Universities to assess it. Aims: The present study aimed to contribute to the socialization literature by proposing a reliable measure (USQ, Undergraduate Socialization Questionnaire) specific for the academic context, that is, reflecting the same construct at different developmental stages. Method and samples: Based on an organizational socialization scale (NSQ; Haueter al., 2003, Journal of Vocational Behavior, 63, 20), we examined in Study One the USQ's three‐factor structure (task, group, organization) (n. 451 undergraduates) and, in Study Two, we tested the construct invariance across time, comparing undergraduates' developmental changes through a two‐wave longitudinal design (n.185 undergraduates attending their first and their second year). Results: Findings supported both the USQ's dimensionality and measurement invariance, thus ensuring that the same underlying construct is being assessed, and its concurrent and predictive validity. Conclusions: Overall, results showed that USQ is a reliable instrument useful to monitor the effectiveness of undergraduates' adjustment process, also allowing comparison between specific groups of students or longitudinal comparison to evaluate their career development or the effectiveness of policies targeted to reduce the risk of marginalization and dropout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undrained shear strength is a key geotechnical parameter for site-specific preliminary foundation design and slope stability analysis of fine-grained soils. However, at a specific project site, it is common to deal with sparse, limited, and incomplete direct observations of undrained shear strength. It is then common practice to rely on indirect methods provided by well-established generic correlations or by computing qualitative multivariate similarities with worldwide sites. Drawbacks of such approaches (e.g., introduction of high systematic uncertainties and problem of pertinence for the local project site) are well known but seldom assessed due to several sources and type of uncertainties involved. In this context, a multivariate cluster-based hierarchical Bayesian model, based on site-clustering, is proposed and applied for local undrained shear strength predictions to improve accuracy and precision of local geotechnical parameter prediction. The approach allows to integrate the abundant generic sites information available in literature under the concept of multimodal hierarchicity. Novelty of the work consists of eliciting and quantified site-clustering criteria according to analyst's experience and knowledge which varies depending on site-specific design purpose. • Undrained shear strength is often obtained from Atterberg limits. • The shortcomings of this approach include the variety of sources and uncertainties they entail. • A Bayesian clustered-hierarchical model was created to estimate undrained shear strength. • Two publicly available data sets were used. • Adding a clustered-generic level improves the accuracy of findings obtained for local prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of this study are to use density functional theory to study the core structure energetics of the 30° and 90° partial dislocations in HgTe, CdTe, and Hg0.7Cd0.3Te as well as the density of states of these dislocations in CdTe and Hg0.7Cd0.3Te. For the 30° partial dislocations, two stable dislocation pairs were found. The pair with a double‐periodic α‐core (Te) dislocation and a single‐periodic β‐core (Hg/Cd) dislocation was found to be the most stable out of the two for the simulation sizes tested. For the 90° partial dislocations, two stable dislocation pairs were also found. The first has a single‐periodic β‐core dislocation and a single‐periodic α‐core dislocation, whereas the second has a double‐periodic β‐core dislocation and a single‐periodic α‐core dislocation. The most stable out of the two depends on the simulation size tested. For both of these partial dislocations in Hg0.7Cd0.3Te, it was found that it is energetically favourable for Hg atoms to segregate to the dislocation cores. Furthermore, in CdTe and Hg0.7Cd0.3Te, it was found that the 90° partial dislocations are likely to be more detrimental to the material optoelectronic properties since they introduce more mid‐gap states within the band gap in comparison to the 30° partial dislocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare congenital autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by pathogenic homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene. Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer of the human AADC gene into the putamina has become available. This systematic review on PubMed, Scopus databases, and other sources is aimed at describing the AADC whole phenotypic spectrum in order to facilitate its early diagnosis. Literature reviews, original articles, retrospective and comparative studies, large case series, case reports, and short communications were considered. A database was set up using Microsoft Excel to collect clinical, molecular, biochemical, and therapeutic data. By analysing 261 patients from 41 papers with molecular and/or biochemical diagnosis of AADC deficiency for which individuality could be determined with certainty, we found symptom onset to occur in the first 6 months of life in 93% of cases. Hypotonia and developmental delay are cardinal signs, reported as present in 73.9% and 72% of cases, respectively. Oculogyric crises were seen in 67% of patients while hypokinesia in 42% and ptosis in 26%. Dysautonomic features have been revealed in 53% and gastrointestinal symptoms in 19% of cases. With 37% and 30% of patients reported being affected by sleep and behavioural disorders, it seems to be commoner than previously acknowledged. Although reporting bias cannot be excluded, there is still a need for comprehensive clinical descriptions of symptoms at onset and during follow-up. In fact, our review suggests that most of the neurological and extraneurological symptoms and signs reported, although quite frequent in this condition, are not pathognomonic, and therefore, ADCC deficiency can remain an underdiscovered disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil strength is responsible for all aspects of soil engineering regarding geotechnical underground constructions or slope stability. As Atterberg limits, are the easiest but at the same time very important properties to measure soil strength, this paper summarised and interpreted over 1600 data both from literature and novel experimental data. Correlations considering peak effective friction angle, undrained shear strength ratio and coefficient of earth pressure at rest with Atterberg limits are presented. Besides, critical state soil mechanics parameters were interpreted by correlating them with the plasticity index and the undrained strength ratio for normal consolidated soils. The goal of this research is to provide a general overview between Atterberg limits and strength parameters of fine-grained soils. Based on the overview, the existing predicted models in the literature need to be carefully considered if utilised for practical use due to some correlation discrepancies. One of the reasons for dissimilarities is due to the fact that such correlations are developed based on the data pertaining to particular sites and therefore a general validity is still missing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research on workaholism has been conducted at the between-person level and has considered mainly psychological outcomes of the phenomenon (e.g. burnout, job satisfaction). Building on the allostatic load model and on the idea that workaholic cognition and behaviour may show variation at the within-person level, we tested the hypothesis that fluctuations in daily workaholism would be related to parallel fluctuations in daily systolic blood pressure as reported at the end of the working day. Additionally, based on previous research and theoretical contributions in the field, we also tested the hypothesis that the daily workaholism-systolic blood pressure relationship would be particularly accentuated for women, when compared to men. Data have been collected from a sample of 61 participants who were followed for ten consecutive working days, for a total of 544 observations. In line with the hypotheses, workaholism revealed substantial variation at the day level and daily workaholism predicted daily systolic blood pressure. The workaholism-systolic blood pressure relationship was only partially mediated by the objective number of hours worked in the day and, as hypothesised, was more accentuated in women. The study contributes to advancing workaholism research by showing micro-processual (i.e. day-level) aspects of the health impairment path potentially activated by workaholism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is needed to understand the effects that perfectionism may have in the occupational sector and whether its implications vary cross-nationally. In the current study the relationship of perfectionism on workaholism and work engagement was assessed through multiple groups structural equations models to compare strengths of association in the two countries after measurement invariance was examined for the measures in a sample of 804 U.S. and Italian participants. Evidence of similarities but also some differences were found between the countries. In particular, perfectionistic strivings was similarly related to workaholism in both the countries, whereas it was more strongly related to work engagement in Italy than in U.S. A statistically significant difference for work engagement (Italians more engaged that Americans) was also found, whereas no differences were found for workaholism. Cross-sectional nature of the study and culture used as a proxy is the main limitations. However, the cross-cultural approach adopted in the current study allowed us to report that evidence provided in a country might not be directly applied to another country, even if cultures are quite similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies support a strong link between organ fibrosis and epithelial cancers. Moreover, clinical and experimental investigations consistently indicate that these diseases intertwine and share strikingly overlapping features. As a deregulated response to injury occurring in all body tissues, fibrosis is characterized by activation of fibroblasts and immune cells, contributing to progressive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation. Cancers are driven by genetic alterations resulting in dysregulated cell survival, proliferation and dissemination. However, non-cancerous components of tumour tissues including fibroblasts, inflammatory cells and ECM play key roles in oncogenesis and cancer progression by providing a pro-mutagenic environment where cancer cells can develop, favouring their survival, expansion and invasiveness. Additional commonalities of fibrosis and cancer are also represented by overproduction of growth factors, like transforming growth factor β, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, high oxidative stress, Hippo pathway dysfunctions and enhanced cellular senescence. Here, we review advances in the analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of both organ fibrosis and cancer, with particular reference to chronic kidney diseases and renal cell cancers. Most importantly, improved understanding of common features is contributing to the development of innovative treatment strategies targeting shared mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensus among academic scholars and practitioners has grown on the principle that established food safety management systems (to control and assure food safety in food businesses) need to be complemented by human components, to develop, nurture and shape a mature food safety culture. This study explores how food safety culture, focused on human organizational elements, can be matured by dedicated interventions. A database of potential intervention strategies was set up through literature reviews. The literature-based database of interventions was enriched with practitioners' insights, through a modified Delphi study with a panel of food safety experts active in the food industry. Combining results, a portfolio is presented consisting of 68 unique and science-based food safety culture interventions. These are ranked by stakeholders based on their perceived effectiveness to improve food safety culture, reported with their most relevant barriers of success, and extra comments concerning their implementation or concept. With this approach, the topic of food safety culture improvement is elucidated through the proposition of tangible and science-based, yet practical and industry oriented, intervention strategies for maturation. [Display omitted] • A database of interventions was set up through two scoping reviews. • Interventions were enriched with practitioners' insights through a Delphi study. • Interventions are ranked and reported with their most relevant barriers. • A portfolio of 68 science-based food safety culture interventions is presented. • The portfolio presented can help FBOs to improve food safety culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a complete calculation, fully accounting for quantum effects and for molecular flexibility, of the first dielectric virial coefficient of water and its isotopologues. The contribution of the electronic polarizability is computed from a state-of-the-art intramolecular potential and polarizability surface from the literature, and its small temperature dependence is quantified. The dipolar polarizability is calculated in a similar manner with an accurate literature dipole-moment surface; it differs from the classical result both due to the different molecular geometries sampled at different temperatures and due to the quantization of rotation. We calculate the dipolar contribution independently from spectroscopic information in the HITRAN2020 database and find that the two methods yield consistent results. The resulting first dielectric virial coefficient provides a complete description of the dielectric constant at low density that can be used in humidity metrology and as a boundary condition for new formulations for the static dielectric constant of water and heavy water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attractive approach to reduce the carbon dioxide footprint of deep soil mixing (DSM) is to replace Portland cement-based binders by geopolymers based on metakaolin. Safe design requires a good understanding of the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the improved ground, but very little is known about metakaolin–soil mixtures. For instance, shrinkage during curing is a significant issue for metakaolin-based concretes but has not been previously studied in soilcretes. In this work the permeability and strength of sand- and silty sand-based metakaolin soilcretes are studied under different curing conditions. The development of microcracks induced by geopolymer shrinkage is confirmed through a microstructural study using mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray computed tomography. The influence of microporosity and binder filling on permeability and strength is clarified adapting well-established soil models. A modified Kozeny–Carman formulation is proposed for permeability. A mixture ratio model is calibrated to represent strength. In general, the metakaolin-stabilised materials present excellent mechanical and hydraulic properties, although these are very sensitive to curing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endometriosis is known for its substantial effect on women's wellbeing and quality of life. In order to evaluate disease burden, treatments and health services, assessments of healthcare consumption and cost estimates are necessary.Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate healthcare consumption and annual cost per woman with endometriosis in Sweden and to examine healthcare consumption and costs in different age groups.Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 400 members of the Endometriosis Association and to 400 randomly selected women with surgically confirmed endometriosis. Official statistics were obtained via correspondence, publications, and database searches.Results: Analysis of the 431 returned questionnaires showed that women under 30 years utilized more inpatient and outpatient care than older women. The mean annual cost among all women was EUR 8,768/woman. The direct healthcare cost of managing the disease was EUR 4,282, while the indirect cost was EUR 4,486. Absence from work was reported by 32% of the women, while 36% reported reduced time at work because of endometriosis.Conclusion: Our results confirm the substantial negative effect of endometriosis upon women's lives and their relatively high healthcare consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRAPH: Videoclip S3 Ultrasound-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion using a real fusion technique modality, in which ultrasound and MRI analysis are merged together. These combine the advantages of two individual imaging methods (e.g. ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (19FDG-PET)) by superimposing their diagnostic information. In order to optimize the MRI-ultrasound fusion technique, there are a number of technical considerations that need to be addressed, concerning conventional ultrasound imaging and MRI protocols, the MRI and ultrasound fusion imaging technique, indications for the fusion technique in gynecological imaging and the limitations of ultrasound and MRI. MRI and ultrasound fusion imaging Acquisition and storage of data Due to the limited number of published studies, there is as yet no consensus on the optimal requirements for fusion of ultrasound and MRI. [Extracted from the article]

Vaccines not requiring cold-chain storage/distribution and suitable for needle-free delivery are urgently needed. Pulmonary administration is one of the most promising non-parenteral routes for vaccine delivery. Through a multi-component excipient and spray-drying approach, we engineered highly respirable dry-powder vaccine particles containing a three-fold repeated peptide epitope derived from human papillomavirus (HPV16) minor capsid protein L2 displayed on Pyrococcus furious thioredoxin as antigen. A key feature of our engineering approach was the use of the amphiphilic endotoxin derivative glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA) as both a coating agent enhancing particle de-aggregation and respirability as well as a built-in immune-adjuvant. Following an extensive characterization of the in vitro aerodynamic performance, lung deposition was verified in vivo by intratracheal administration in mice of a vaccine powder containing a fluorescently labeled derivative of the antigen. This was followed by a short-term immunization study that highlighted the ability of the GLA-adjuvanted vaccine powder to induce an anti-L2 systemic immune response comparable to (or even better than) that of the subcutaneously administered liquid-form vaccine. Despite the very short-term immunization conditions employed for this preliminary vaccination experiment, the intratracheally administered dry-powder, but not the subcutaneously injected liquid-state, vaccine induced consistent HPV neutralizing responses. Overall, the present data provide proof-of-concept validation of a new formulation design to produce a dry-powder vaccine that may be easily transferred to other antigens. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders, which results from insufficient functional pancreatic β-cell mass either due to the autoimmune destruction of insulin producing β-cells, or their death or de-differentiation as compensation for insulin resistance. The ability to reprogram cell types within close developmental proximity to β-cells offers a strategy to replenish β-cell mass and a future possible treatment of diabetes. Here, we review recent advances in the fields of pancreas development and lineage reprogramming. We also probe the possibility of using reprogrammed cells as an approach by which to further understand developmental mechanisms, in particular roadblocks to changing cell identity. Finally, we highlight fundamental challenges that need to be overcome to advance lineage reprogramming for generating pancreatic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second EMBO-EMBL Symposium 'Synthetic Morphogenesis: From Gene Circuits to Tissue Architecture' was held virtually in March 2021, with participants from all over the world joining from the comfort of their sofas to discuss synthetic morphogenesis at large. Leading scientists from a range of disciplines, including developmental biology, physics, chemistry and computer science, covered a gamut of topics from the principles of cell and tissue organization, patterning and gene regulatory networks, to synthetic approaches for exploring evolutionary and developmental biology principles. Here, we describe some of the high points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlement of structures is determined by the stiffness of the soil where they are built. Compression index (c c) quantifies the compressibility of the soil and is a key parameter in the design of geotechnical structures. To predict the value of c c in clay soils, a global database of more than 1000 data points was collected and analysed. Liquid limit, plasticity index, natural water content, and initial void ratio were considered as predictor variables. A super-learner machine learning model was developed to predict c c from these variables. The model demonstrated a reasonable predictive performance and was subsequently integrated into an online tool. Additionally, four symbolic regression expressions were obtained to relate c c with some of the input variables when not all data are available, providing simple and practical alternatives for c c , estimation. This study provided two major contributions: (1) the non-local nature of the data expands the scope and generalizability of the findings, and (2) the availability of the proposed algorithm through an online application ensures its accessibility for geotechnical engineers, enhancing the work's practical applicability and intrinsic value. • Prediction of compression index from liquid limit, plasticity index, water content and void ratio. • Over 1000 data points worldwide were collected to predict compression index value in clays. • Optimized ensemble of three ML models offers reliable compression index estimates. • The online tool developed aids engineers in estimating the compression index from soil parameters. • Symbolic regression expressions are proposed for use when full data is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When subjected to cyclic loading, complete contacts with à la Coulomb friction may sometimes develop a favourable situation where slips cease after a few cycles, an occurrence commonly known as frictional shakedown. However, if the amplitude of the cyclic load is greater than a so-called shakedown limit, the system is unable to adapt and indefinitely persists in a dissipative state. In this paper, we present a comprehensive theoretical and numerical analysis of the shakedown in three-dimensional elastic systems with conforming frictional interfaces. In a discrete framework, the limit states of the frictional system are investigated through two distinct approaches: incremental analysis based on a novel Gauss–Seidel algorithm, which allowed us to explore the whole transient response under a given cyclic loading scenario, and a linear optimisation algorithm to directly determine the stick and shakedown limits. Illustrative examples, ranging from a single-node model to multi-node systems with both coupled and uncoupled contacts, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: We studied the quality of the job-related emotional experiences associated with work addiction. We hypothesized that work addiction would fuel both a higher level of daily job-related negative affect and a lower level of daily job-related positive affect and that such affective experiences would mediate the relationship between work addiction and emotional exhaustion reported at the end of the working day. Additionally, in light of typical behaviors and cognitions associated with work addiction, we also hypothesized that work addiction would modify the relationships between day workload and same day emotional strain reactions (i.e., job-related negative affect and job-related positive affect). Methods: Participants were 213 workers (42.5% female), most of whom holding a high-profile job position, who were followed for 10 consecutive working days in the context of a daily diary study. Results: Multilevel analyses controlling for neuroticism revealed that work addiction was uniquely and positively related to daily job-related negative affect and that the latter mediated the relationship between work addiction and daily emotional exhaustion. On the other hand, work addiction was not negatively related to daily job-related positive affect; this relationship emerged only when removing neuroticism from the model. Additionally, work addiction strengthened the relationship between day workload and day job-related negative affect. Discussion: Results indicate that work addicted are characterized by the experience of a negatively connotated affect during work, and that this kind of affect may be a mechanism explaining the work addiction-burnout relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clays are very important in environmental geotechnical applications because of their characteristics. This paper considered over 500 data from literature and from laboratory. Undrained shear strength (remolded and undisturbed), liquidity index (IL), and water content ratio (WCR) have been compared among each other. Because natural clays have different physical and mineralogical properties, no unique relationship exists. The relationship between remolded and undisturbed undrained shear strength and liquidity index (IL) is scattered. On the contrary, if only remolded undrained shear strength values are plotted against the liquidity index, a good tendency is observed considering also the ratio of plastic limit to liquid limit in the range of IL between 0.8 and 1.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helical piles are used mainly to resist tension forces generated by uplift and overturning moments of various structures, therefore they have been suggested as a potential alternative to driven piles as offshore pile because they provide a large uplift capacity due to the anchor effect of the helix. To date no standards are available for the assessment of the use of helical piles in the offshore environment. State-of-the art installation and uplift capacity assessment is based on field onshore tests on small helical piles. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the current knowledge on helical piles considering uplift capacity, cyclic load, installation torque models and the parameters affecting the installation torque, to understand whether they can be considered for potential offshore applications. The paper could be of valuable interest for engineers and contractors involved in the offshore installation of piles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the clinical and neurogenetic spectrum of paediatric-onset hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) diagnosed in our unit.Method: We report on 47 patients (30 males, 17 females; mean [SD] age 12y 7mo [6y 2mo], range 4-34y) clinically diagnosed with an HSP at the Child Neurology Unit, IRCCS-ASMN (Reggio Emilia, Italy) between 1990 and 2018, who were genetically investigated by means of single-gene direct sequencing and/or next-generation sequencing technologies (targeted panels, whole-exome sequencing [WES]).Results: Complex forms prevailed slightly (n=26), autosomal dominant being the main inheritance pattern (n=11), followed by recessive (n=5) and X-linked (n=1). A definite genetic diagnosis was achieved in 17 patients. Spastic paraplegia 3A (n=4) was the most frequent cause of autosomal dominant HSP in our cohort, while no genetic variant prevailed in autosomal recessive forms and pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were disclosed in a wide range of different genes.Interpretation: We found wide phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. With increasing accessibility to WES, a higher number of patients receive a diagnosis, allowing detection of variants in ultra-rare disease-causing genes and refining genotype-phenotype correlations.What This Paper Adds: A genetic diagnosis of paediatric-onset hereditary spastic paraplegia was achieved in one-third of patients. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in rare genes were found. Genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity favours targeted panel/whole-exome sequencing for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprayed concrete linings (SCLs) used in tunnels generally develop secondary deformations over time, even in the presence of constant stress levels within the lining. These deformations influence the loading process on the lining and therefore also the stress levels within the support structure. The behaviour of a SCL in a tunnel was investigated under different operating conditions in order to evaluate the effect of secondary deformations on the evolution of stability conditions (safety margins with respect to the possible concrete failure) over time, after completion of the tunnel construction. A parametric analysis was performed to study eight different types of tunnels, with variable geometry and rock quality, and eight different types of sprayed concrete. The 64 cases of the parametric analysis covered the vast range of variability of influential parameters and yielded useful information concerning the effects of secondary deformations over time on the static behaviour of the lining and on the safety factor with reference to the possible failure of the sprayed concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet deep-soil mixing methods are well-established procedures involving the mixing of a self-hardening slurry with in situ soil in order to improve its original hydraulic and mechanical properties. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive experimental investigation conducted on cement-stabilised sandy soil samples collected from six panels produced by the cutter soil mixing method. The wet-grab material used in the tests was taken at a depth of 2·0 m below ground level and cured in a controlled laboratory environment. A comparison of the outcomes obtained from qualitative and semi-quantitative mineralogical analyses (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray powder diffraction) along with the interpretation of mechanical tests performed on the wet-grab samples provided a better understanding of the reaction mechanisms that occurred on site during hydration of the binder. Qualitative mineralogical analyses supported by an innovative semi-quantitative approach based on SEM–EDS investigations confirmed the presence and the influence of specific binder components (e.g. slag) involved in the hydration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of organisational career growth (OCG) in the process linking organisational work–family support and work–family conflict. Design/methodology/approach: Since previous contributions reported theoretical and empirical evidence of possible gender differences in this process, a moderated mediation model was examined including gender as moderating variable of both direct and indirect effects. Conditional process analysis was used to test the hypotheses on a sample of 507 Italian employees who were also parents. Findings: Results showed a significant mediation effect of OCG in the relationship between organisational work–family support and work–family conflict. Furthermore, evidence of a moderated effect of gender was found in the way that the negative direct effect of organisational work–family support on work–family conflict was stronger among women, whereas the direct effect of OCG on work–family conflict was significant only for men. Originality/value: This is the first study addressing the possible negative effect of OCG on a specific target of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geotechnical site characterization using multivariate, limited (sparse), and missing (incomplete) data is an important but challenging task, particularly in high dimensions. Toward this problem, this study proposes a Bayesian vine algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, the task of Bayesian update in higher dimensions is translated into a series of lower-dimensional (usually ≤2) update tasks using conditional correlation vine. This feature of the proposed algorithm makes it scalable and computationally efficient in higher dimensions. Multiple examples using two-dimensional (2D), five-dimensional (5D), 10-dimensional (10D), 20-dimensional (20D), 50-dimensional (50D), and 100-dimensional (100D) data are shown to demonstrate the capability of the proposed algorithm. The results suggest that the proposed algorithm can be used successfully for geotechnical site characterization. Even an ultrahigh 50D joint distribution with >1,000 parameters (1,325) can be estimated in around 20 min. The proposed algorithm can handle multivariate data sets with limited and missing values and can also handle non-Gaussian multivariate joint distributions. The proposed algorithm only considers cross-correlation in the site data and doesn't take into account spatial correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, only 13 studies have described patients with large overlapping deletions of 10p11.2-p12. These individuals shared a common phenotype characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, distinct facial dysmorphic features, abnormal behaviour, visual impairment, cardiac malformation, and cryptorchidism in males. Molecular cytogenetic analysis revealed that the deletion in this chromosomal region shares a common smallest region of overlap (SRO) of 80 kb, which contains only the WAC gene (WW-domain-containing adaptor with coiled coil). In this clinical case report, we report a 5-year-old girl, born from non-consanguineous parents, with a 10p11.22p11.21 microdeletion. She presents clinical features that overlap with other patients described in the literature, such as dysmorphic traits, speech delay, and behavioural abnormalities (hyperactivity), even though the WAC gene is not involved in the microdeletion. Our results are the first to highlight that the deletion described here represents a contiguous gene syndrome that is enough to explain the distinct phenotype but partially overlaps with the previous cases reported in the literature, even though the same genes are not involved. In particular, in this study, we speculate about the role of the WAC gene that seems to be associated with normal motor development. In fact, we found that our patient is the only one described in the literature with a large deletion in the 10p11.22p11.21 region without the involvement of the WAC gene deletion, and, interestingly, the patient did not have motor delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looks into the development of wrinkles in a bilayer fused deposition modeling (FDM)‐printed system. The specimen is composed of two polymeric materials (ABS and TPU) to emphasize the difference in stiffness between the two layers, i.e., the film and the substrate. The specimen production process allows to take into account a variety of printing parameters, including infill density, the number of film layers, and printing orientation. During the experimental stage, a distributed compressive force is applied to the specimens, which are confined so as to avoid out‐of‐plane instabilities, allowing wrinkles to form. The research shows that surface instabilities can develop in the surface film depending on the stiffness mismatch and resulting in variations in the wrinkles' magnitude and wavelength during compression. Furthermore, the study observes the transition from wrinkles to folds (creases). The results of this study are a step forward in explaining the mechanisms that govern surface instabilities and promoting advanced application in future research. In fact, understanding the formation of wrinkles in bilayer membranes with a limited stiffness mismatch will allow the development of soft printed matter with adaptable properties that are easily applicable, for instance, in the fields of soft robotics and biomedical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fully grouted passive bolts take load when the block of rock tends to move. • Simplified equations were developed to measure the two stabilizing forces. • Numerical models were developed to study shear and normal interaction rock/bolt. Fully-grouted passive bolts are widely used in underground or surface rock excavations and in particular in stabilizing potentially unstable blocks of rock due to sliding on natural discontinuities. Their operating mechanism is complex, but it is possible to consider two stabilizing forces that each bolt applies to the block of rock. These forces depend on the mechanical parameters governing the bolt-rock interaction, which are difficult to evaluate. In this work, specific numerical analyses have been developed, able of evaluating the bolt-rock interaction (in shear and perpendicular to the interface that separates them) for numerous cases that were obtained by varying the main geometric parameters of the bolt, the mechanical properties of the binder material and rock. Thanks to this complex study, it was possible to describe the variability of the interaction parameters and to define, through graphs, the trend of the stabilization forces as the main geometric and mechanical parameters that can be encountered in practice change. The graphs obtained are a useful tool for the correct design of fully-grouted passive bolts and the stabilization of potentially unstable rock blocks on the walls of underground cavities or on the faces of surface excavations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]