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We propose WS-DeepSfT, a novel deep learning-based approach to the Shape-from-Template (SfT) problem, which aims at reconstructing the 3D shape of a deformable object from a single RGB image and a template. WS-DeepSfT addresses the limitations of existing SfT techniques by combining a weakly-supervised deep neural network (DNN) for registration and a classical As-Rigid-As-Possible (ARAP) algorithm for 3D reconstruction. Unlike previous deep learning-based SfT methods, which require extensive synthetic data and depth sensors for training, WS-DeepSfT only requires regular RGB video of the deforming object and a segmentation mask to discriminate the object from the background. The registration model is trained without synthetic data, using videos where the object undergoes deformations, while ARAP does not require training and infers the 3D shape in real-time with minimal overhead. We show that WS-DeepSfT outperforms the state-of-the-art, in both accuracy and robustness, without requiring depth sensors or synthetic data generation. WS-DeepSfT thus offers a robust, efficient, and scalable approach to SfT, bringing it closer to applications such as augmented reality.

Les riches archives de la commune de Vic-en-Bigorre ont permis de suivre la totalité des actions sylvicoles dans la petite futaie du Baradat, chênaie pédonculée « de l’Adour » à croissance très rapide et de haute qualité. Du milieu du XVIIe siècle à celui du XIXe, se succèdent des coupes suivant les pratiques de l’Ancien Régime puis, à partir de 1797, des coupes avec éclaircies. Mais l’Administration des forêts, qui voyait dans le Baradat « sans contredit un des plus beaux [bois] qu’il y ait en France » (1824), en accepta le défrichement (1857) et le remplacement par un semis de glands sur 30 hectares, voisins dont les produits furent récoltés en 1980… Messages clés : - Une croissance rapide des Chênes ne déprécie par leur qualité. - En deux révolutions complètes, un historique complet des coupes dans une très petite futaie régulière permet de suivre correctement l’évolution des pratiques et des idées sylvicoles du XVIIe au XIXe siècle.

In this study, we focused on the computational analysis of a selected single-point mutation identified by a NGS screening panel in the TET2 enzyme classified as “variant of uncertain clinical significance.” The mutation, namely Q1084P, occurs at the interface between TET2, an important epigenetic regulator, and NANOG, a transcription factor fundamental for hematopoietic cells differentiation. Notably, the mutation occurs in a protein region distant from the active site; moreover, the experimental structures of the interacting region of both proteins are unknown, making it difficult to validate the impact of TET2 mutation on its binding with NANOG. To address these challenges, we employed an integrated computational approach combining molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and protein-protein interaction prediction. Our findings indicate that the single-point mutation might effectively reduce the TET2-NANOG interaction, which would consequently impair cells differentiation and hematopoiesis process, consistent with the clinical presentation of pure red cell aplastic anemia. These results, along with the proposed computational method, provide insights for establishing clinical correlations between variants of uncertain significance and anemias in general, comprising common hematological problems widespread in the world population and for which dedicated NGS panels are still not available.

Introduction: Vascular access device (VAD)-associated infections, including catheter-related (CRBSI) and catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI), present significant challenges in patient care. While multidisciplinary VAD teams (VATs) are equipped with protocols for managing these infections, adherence to these guidelines in real-life practice is inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the alignment between actual VAD infection management practices and VAT-recommended protocols. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study at Luigi Sacco Hospital (May 2021–October 2023) involving non-ICU adult patients with diagnosed CRBSI or CABSI. VAT experts independently reviewed infection management choices, which were divided into eight specific procedural options. These options included variations in VAD removal, timing of repositioning, and combinations of antimicrobial lock therapy and systemic therapy. Concordance between real-life practices and VAT recommendations was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: Of 2419 VAD placements, 146 (6%) developed infections (84 CABSI, 62 CRBSI). Clinicians removed VADs in 66.4% of cases compared to 62.3% per VAT recommendations, with moderate overall agreement (Cohen’s kappa = 0.58). Analysis of the eight management categories revealed moderate to low alignment (unweighted kappa = 0.44, weighted kappa = 0.30) between real-life practices and VAT guidance, with slightly improved concordance in CRBSI cases. Conclusions: Our findings underscore a discrepancy between real-life VAD infection management and VAT-recommended protocols, suggesting a need for clearer, more accessible guidelines and increased multidisciplinary collaboration. Enhanced VAT consultation and simplified protocol dissemination may improve consistency in infection management and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.

The study of degradation behavior of electrocatalysts in an industrial context calls for rapid and efficient analysis methods. Optical methods like Raman spectroscopy fulfil these requirements and are thus predestined for this purpose. However, the iridium utilized in proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMEL) is Raman inactive in its metallic state. This work demonstrates the high oxidation sensitivity of iridium and its utilization in analysis of catalyst materials. Laser induced oxidation Raman spectroscopy (LIORS) is established as a novel method for qualitative, chemical and structural analysis of iridium catalysts. Differences in particle sizes of iridium powders drastically change oxidation sensitivity. Oxidation of the iridium powders to IrO2 occurred at a laser power density of 0.47 ± 0.06 mW μm−2 for the 850 μm powder and at 0.12 ± 0.06 mW μm−2 and 0.019 ± 0.015 mW μm−2 for the 50 μm and 0.7–0.9 μm powders respectively. LIORS was utilized to assess possible deterioration of an iridium electrocatalyst due to operation under electrolysis. The operating electrocatalyst exhibited higher oxidation sensitivity, suggesting smaller iridium particle size due to catalyst dissolution. Peak shifts of the IrO2 signal were utilized to assess differences in transformation temperatures. The operated electrocatalyst transformed to IrO2 at lower temperature (8 cm−1 redshift) relative to the pristine catalyst (10 cm−1 redshift), demonstrating that pre-oxidation of the iridium to amorphous IrOx during electrolysis diminishes the energy barrier needed for IrO2 formation. Thus, LIORS can be utilized as a straightforward screening method for the analysis of iridium electrocatalysts in the industrial application of PEMEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red mud (RM) and non‐woody biomass are both underutilized resources for renewable composite materials, which could be used in environmental decontamination processes. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of co‐pyrolyzing non‐woody biomass with RM to produce a magnetic biochar composite. When pyrolyzed, RM is reduced to magnetic iron while the non‐woody biochar is responsible for the adsorption of organic compounds. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, methyl orange, and methylene blue were used as test compounds to investigate the overall adsorptive capacity of the composite and to determine the possible adsorption mechanisms of biochar produced from RM pyrolyzed with switch grass, phragmites, rice husk, and miscanthus. The composite produced from a 1 to 1 mixture of RM and miscanthus showed the highest adsorption capacity with 13.8 and 8.34 mg/g of ibuprofen and acetaminophen adsorbed, respectively, which is attributed to its greater π‐interactions as a result of lower surface oxygen sites. Different ratios of RM to biomass were also tested for the production of the miscanthus composite, where it was found that the 1:2 ratio showed the best overall adsorption with 25.9 mg/g removal of acetaminophen, surpassing the miscanthus biochar's at 17.9 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective binding and optical sensing of Zn(II) and Cd(II) by L1, HL2, L3, H2L4 and H2L5 receptors were analysed in aqueous solutions by coupling potentiometric, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission measurements, with the aim to determine the effect of complex stability on selective signalling of metals with similar electronic configurations. All receptors share the same cyclic tetra-amine binding unit attached to a single quinoline (Q) or 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-OHQ) unit (L1 and HL2, respectively), two Q or 8-OHQ moieties (L3 and H2L4, respectively), and, finally, two Q and two acetate groups (H2L5). The crystal structures of the Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes show that L3 and H2L4 feature a cavity in which the larger Cd(II) complex is better fitted than the Zn(II) complex, leading to the formation of more stable Cd(II) complexes. In turn, Zn(II) forms more stable complexes with L1 and HL2, owing to its high tendency to give 5-coordinated complexes. Considering optical selectivity, Zn(II) gives the most emissive complex with L3, while the corresponding Cd(II) complex is basically quenched. The gathered structure of the Zn(II) complex, in which the two Q units are associated with one another—a structural motif not observed in the [CdL3]2+ complex—leads to poor solvation of the Q units, favouring complex emission. Among 8-OHQ-containing receptors, the most emissive complex is formed by Cd(II) with HL2, containing a single 8-OHQ moiety. H2L4 forms non-emissive complexes: the presence of two coordinating 8-OHQ moieties weakens metal interactions with the tetra-amine unit, favouring PET to the excited fluorophore that quench the emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re di Castello is the southernmost unit of the composite Adamello batholith (central Alps, Italy). It was emplaced between 43 and 40 Ma, yet its depth of emplacement is not well constrained. We have studied the contact metamorphism of pelitic country rocks in two localities: the upper Caffaro Valley and the Borzago Valley in the southern and the northern sub‐units of the Re di Castello, respectively. In the Caffaro Valley, the country rocks comprise the Triassic sedimentary Lozio Shale, a carbon‐rich slate–siltstone, which was intruded by quartz‐dioritic magma. Near the contact, the hornfelses display the mineralogical assemblage Kfs‐Crd‐Bt‐Ms‐Pl‐Qz‐Gr, with rare fibrolitic sillimanite in a single sample. Andalusite was never observed throughout the aureole at this locality. In the Borzago Valley, contact metamorphism developed on schists of the pre‐Permian basement with a Variscan, regional metamorphic overprint. The sequence of contact metamorphic mineral assemblages progresses from And‐Bt‐bearing parageneses to the Sil‐Crd‐Bt‐Kfs‐Ms‐Pl‐Qz that characterizes peak conditions, at which incipient melting is also observed. K‐feldspar forms slightly upgrade the first appearance of sillimanite. For samples at both localities, thermodynamic modelling in the NCKFMASHT system failed at predicting a stability field for the sequences of mineral assemblages developed during contact metamorphism. Also the Ti‐in biotite thermometer did not constrain temperatures adequately. The P–T conditions at the thermal peak were thus evaluated by an alternative bathograd‐like approach, considering phase relationships in the simplified NKASH‐C system. To form sillimanite only as product of the incomplete Ms‐Qz breakdown—divariant for the presence of Na in Ms and Kfs and shifted to lower temperature due to the presence of graphite (in the Lozio Shale)—an isobaric path typical of contact metamophism must have crossed above the Msss‐Qz‐Kfsss‐Sil‐And‐fluid invariant point. This constrains an emplacement pressure >3.3 kbar in the Caffaro Valley, and >3.2 kbar in the Borzago Valley. Concerning temperature, the same univariant point also constrains the minimum temperature in the Caffaro Valley as >615°C–620°C, consistent with results of RSCM thermometry on graphite from the Lozio Shale. The evidence of incipient melting in some samples from the Borzago Valley indicates higher temperatures, probably approaching 670°C, near the contact to the intrusion. Assuming an average crust density of 2.7 g cm−3, the estimated pressures correspond to a minimum paleo‐depth of emplacement of about 12 km. These depths are somewhat greater than normally considered and should be regarded as revised constraints on models of the emplacement dynamics of the Adamello batholith and on paleogeographic reconstructions of this part of the Southalpine domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to a novel curriculum for teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and share appropriate techniques for use in school-based settings. The traditional BJJ has been modified (e.g., submissions are excluded) to provide a safer version that includes fundamental strategies and content that teachers and coaches might like to introduce in school-based programming (e.g., physical education, intramural, before- or after-school club sports). The article presents the basic BJJ positions, techniques, mindfulness practices, and related games appropriate for students. It also includes a sample unit plan and several lesson plan outlines to help instructors get started. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted significant attention in the scientific community and in the industrial environment due to their unique structure and remarkable properties, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and chemical inertness. Despite their potential, large-scale applications have been limited by challenges such as high production costs and catalyst contamination. In aerospace applications, CNTs have demonstrated considerable promise either in the form of thin layers or as reinforcements in polymer and metal matrices, where they enhance mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic performance in lightweight composites. In this short review, we provide an overview of CNTs' properties and structures, explore CNT growth methods, with a focus on chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and examine their integration into aerospace materials both as films and as multifunctional reinforcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vascular access device (VAD)-associated infections, including catheter-related (CRBSI) and catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI), present significant challenges in patient care. While multidisciplinary VAD teams (VATs) are equipped with protocols for managing these infections, adherence to these guidelines in real-life practice is inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the alignment between actual VAD infection management practices and VAT-recommended protocols. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study at Luigi Sacco Hospital (May 2021–October 2023) involving non-ICU adult patients with diagnosed CRBSI or CABSI. VAT experts independently reviewed infection management choices, which were divided into eight specific procedural options. These options included variations in VAD removal, timing of repositioning, and combinations of antimicrobial lock therapy and systemic therapy. Concordance between real-life practices and VAT recommendations was evaluated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: Of 2419 VAD placements, 146 (6%) developed infections (84 CABSI, 62 CRBSI). Clinicians removed VADs in 66.4% of cases compared to 62.3% per VAT recommendations, with moderate overall agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.58). Analysis of the eight management categories revealed moderate to low alignment (unweighted kappa = 0.44, weighted kappa = 0.30) between real-life practices and VAT guidance, with slightly improved concordance in CRBSI cases. Conclusions: Our findings underscore a discrepancy between real-life VAD infection management and VAT-recommended protocols, suggesting a need for clearer, more accessible guidelines and increased multidisciplinary collaboration. Enhanced VAT consultation and simplified protocol dissemination may improve consistency in infection management and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notch3 receptor is involved in different aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, to unlock Notch3 therapeutic/diagnostic/prognostic potential a deeper understanding of its role in HCC onset/progression is needed. KDM2A demethylase epigenetically regulates gene expression. Its levels increase with HCC grading. To investigate the involvement of KDM2A in controlling Notch3 expression in HCC. An expression analysis of Notch3 and KDM2A was conducted by Real-Time PCR on mRNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) HCCs and peritumoral tissue (PT). Huh7 cells were transiently silenced for KDM2A using siRNAs for a first evaluation of Notch3/KDM2A association. KDM2A and Notch3 levels after silencing were assessed by Real-Time PCR and Western-Blotting (WB). The stem-cell marker CD133, associated with Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition, was evaluated in Notch3-silenced cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted using anti-Notch3 and anti-KDM2A antibodies. Notch3 and KDM2A in FFPE samples were higher in HCCs compared to PT (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) and increased from G1 to G3 HCC. In well differentiated HCC the staining was mainly localized in the vascular endothelium while in G3 HCC it involved clusters of tumoral hepatocytes, sometimes invading portal areas. CD34 staining showed that the Notch3 positive blood vessels were consequences of neo-angiogenesis. The transient KDM2A silencing resulted in Notch3 transcript downregulation (p≤0.001), confirmed by WB (p≤0.01). CD133 was downregulated in Notch3-silenced Huh7 (p≤0.0001). An increasing Notch3 expression was observed during HCC progression. IHC revealed the involvement of Notch3 in neo-angiogenesis in early HCC and a role in invasiveness of stromal portal areas in G3 tumors. This latter, together with Notch3/CD133 association, suggests an involvement of Notch3 in local invasiveness. Furthermore, we found an association between Notch3 and KDM2A suggesting a possible mechanism of epigenetic regulation that could be responsible for the higher Notch3 expression in poorly differentiated HCC with high KDM2A levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction for 'Selective binding and fluorescence sensing of Zn(II)/Cd(II) using macrocyclic tetra-amines with different fluorophores: insights into the design of selective chemosensors for transition metals' by Giammarco Maria Romano et al., Dalton Trans., 2025, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4dt02415j. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]