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Abstract Quantum dots are promising candidates for telecom single photon sources due to their tunable emission across the different low-loss telecommunications bands, making them compatible with existing fiber networks. Their suitability for integration into photonic structures allows for enhanced brightness through the Purcell effect, supporting efficient quantum communication technologies. Our work focuses on InAs/InP QDs created via droplet epitaxy MOVPE to operate within the telecoms C-band. We observe a short radiative lifetime of 340 ps, arising from a Purcell factor of 5, owing to integration of the QD within a low-mode-volume photonic crystal cavity. Through in-situ control of the sample temperature, we show both temperature tuning of the QD’s emission wavelength and a preserved single photon emission purity at temperatures up to 25K. These findings suggest the viability of QD-based, cryogen-free C-band single photon sources, supporting applicability in quantum communication technologies.

Summary: The immune checkpoint NKG2A/CD94 is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, and its ligand major histocompatibility complex E (MHC-E) is frequently upregulated in cancer. NKG2A/CD94-mediated inhibition of lymphocytes depends on the presence of specific leader peptides in MHC-E, but when and where they are presented in situ is unknown. We apply a nanobody specific for the Qdm/Qa-1b complex, the NKG2A/CD94 ligand in mouse, and find that presentation of Qdm peptide depends on every member of the endoplasmic reticulum-resident peptide loading complex. With a turnover rate of 30 min, the Qdm peptide reflects antigen processing capacity in real time. Remarkably, Qdm/Qa-1b complexes require inflammatory signals for surface expression in situ, despite the broad presence of Qa-1b molecules in homeostasis. Furthermore, we identify LILRB1 as a functional inhibition receptor for MHC-E in steady state. These data provide a molecular understanding of NKG2A blockade in immunotherapy and assign MHC-E as a convergent ligand for multiple immune checkpoints.

Introduction Recent research on Schizophrenia (SCZ) suggests that reduced sleep spindle and slow wave density could be particularly informative of underlying thalamocortical and cortical synchronization mechanisms and dysfunctions. Although sleep disturbances are also highly prevalent across all stages of Bipolar Disorder (BD), the objective evaluation of sleep macrostructure and microstructural oscillatory activity remains understudied in this population. Objectives We aimed to investigate sleep EEG activity in BD, with a focus on sleep architecture, sleep spindles and slow waves. Methods We recorded high-density EEG (64–channel BrainAmp, Brain Products GmbH, Germany) during sleep in 18 euthymic patients with BD and 18 age/gender-matched healthy control (HC) subjects. After sleep scoring and EEG artifact rejection, several parameters of sleep spindles (12-16 Hz), including density and amplitude, and slow waves (0.1-4 Hz) were identified for the first cycle of sleep using automated algorithms and compared between groups using non-parametric statistics. Results BD subjects showed significantly higher Wake After Sleep Onset and lower Sleep Efficiency (Table 1). Total (12 - 16 Hz), slow (12 - 14 Hz) and fast (14 - 16 Hz) sleep spindle parameters of density (Image 1) and amplitude did not differ significantly between groups. On the other hand, slow wave density was reduced in a large frontal cluster of electrodes in the BD group (Image 2). Table 1 BD (n = 18) HC (n = 18) Difference (p value) WASO (min ± sd) 140,61 ± 74,23 84,34 ± 59,84 0,017 Sleep efficiency (% ± sd) 72,47 ± 14,33 82,43 ± 11,58 0,028 Image: Image 2: Conclusions The absence of sleep spindle deficits in the BD group suggests that the systems involved in generating and maintaining these thalamocortical oscillations are presevered during periods of clinical stability in Bipolar Disorder. Conversely, reduced sleep slow wave density points to an altered cortical synchronization, which might represent a common neurophysiological feature shared with Schizophrenia. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary observations in all–night recordings and with a direct comparison of larger cohorts of patients with both diagnoses. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Cocaine use is a worldwide health problem with psychiatric, somatic, and socioeconomic complications, being the second most widely used illicit drug in the world. Despite several structural neuroimaging studies, the alterations in cortical morphology associated with cocaine use and addiction are still poorly understood. Interestingly, findings from human studies and animal models examined how impulsivity is a risk factor for the emergence of substance use disorders. Objectives In this study we aimed at investigating the complexity of cortical folding (CCF) in patients with cocaine addiction using fractal dimension (FD). Since the frontal, parietal, temporal and insular cortices have been shown to play an important role in decision making and impulsivity, we hypothesized that CCF in the brain of patients would be altered in these regions. Furthermore, we predicted the association between CCF changes and 1) the duration of cocaine use for its widespread neurotoxic effects and 2) impulsivity characteristics in those regions implicated in the predisposition to addiction. Methods We compared the CCF between patients with cocaine addiction (n=52) and controls (n=36) and correlated it with characteristics of addiction and impulsivity. Demographic data, history, and current substance use were collected. Furthermore, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) was administered. Results Patients with cocaine addiction (N=52) Healthy controls (N=36) χ2 or t p Age (M±SD, years) 31.3 ± 6.51 30.1 ± 7.62 0.795 0.429 Education (M±SD, years) 10.9 ± 2.9 13.2 ± 3.53 -3.276 0.002 Total intracranial volume (M±SD, μl) 1442.7 ± 104.6 1460.4 ± 98.31 -0.796 0.428 BIS Total score (M±SD) 61.1 ± 14.6 40.2 ± 10.4 6.52

Introduction: Drug-related problems (DRP) are events or circumstances in which drug therapy does or could interfere with desired health outcomes. In December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, appeared. Little knowledge about this type of infection resulted in the administration of various drugs with limited use in other pathologies. Evidence about DRP in patients with COVID-19 is lacking.Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe identified cases of DRP and those drugs involved in the first wave of patients with COVID-19, and evaluate associated risk factors.Material and methods: Observational, retrospective study performed in a tertiary university hospital between 14th March 2020 and 31 May 2020 (corresponding to the first COVID-19 wave). We recruited patients admitted during the study period. Exclusion criteria included age < 18 years; admission to critically ill units; and care received either in the emergency room, at-home hospitalization or a healthcare center.Results: A total of 817 patients were included. The mean age was 62.5 years (SD 16.4) (range 18–97), and 453 (55.4%) were male. A total of 516 DRP were detected. Among the patients, 271 (33.2%) presented at least one DRP. The mean DRP per patient with an identified case was 1.9. The prevailing DRPs among those observed were: incorrect dosage (over or underdosage) in 145 patients (28.2%); wrong drug combination in 131 (25.5%); prescriptions not in adherence to the then COVID-19 treatment protocol in 73 (14.1%); prescription errors due to the wrong use of the computerized physician order entry in 47 (9.2%); and incorrect dosage due to renal function in 36 (7%). The logistic regression analysis showed that patients who received only prescriptions of antibacterials for systemic use (J01 ATC group) faced a higher likelihood of experiencing a DRP (OR 2.408 (1.071–5.411), p = 0.033).Conclusion: We identified several factors associated with an increased risk of DRPs, similar to those reported in other pre-pandemic studies, including a prolonged length of stay, higher number of prescribed drugs and antimicrobial administration. The relevance of pharmacists and tools like pharmacy warning systems can help prevent, identify and resolve DRP efficiently.

Abstract This work describes the project submitted to the University-Society-Business 2021 call for proposals whose aim is to integrate the knowledge and university practices in the field of energy in buildings into secondary school students. The aim is to define the energy strategies to be implemented to strengthen the relationship between secondary education and university studies, by means of a "pilot project" at a secondary school, as well as to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) scientific vocations in young people, with particular emphasis on the female gender. The project will carry out an energetic study at a school developed by university research staff and secondary school students. The aim is to motivate and confirm the qualities of people in STEM teaching, to arouse interest and closeness as well as to promote education in the subject of energy efficiency in buildings

In this work thermoeconomics is applied to a central thermal system covering three buildings that consists of a cogeneration engine, an aerothermal heat pump and a natural gas condensing boiler. Cogeneration systems integrated with renewable energy technologies are very attractive solutions in the building sector. Nevertheless, the use of cogeneration systems together with active envelope solutions, such as the one encountered in this work, are scarce and the efforts to enhance the synergies between both systems are even scarcer. A heat pump is connected to a so-called solar wall to provide hot air and a renewable photovoltaic system supplies the electricity consumed by the heat pump. Thermoeconomics is applied to evaluate the cost of flows based on its energy-quality. Hence, this innovative and complex system can be analysed and diagnosed by this methodology. As a result, thermoeconomics is presented as an effective tool for the detailed study of the energy cost distribution and the key to enhancing energy efficiency.

Abstract Microplastics ( 333 μm microplastics. Mini‐microplastics were the most abundant in nearshore waters and more evenly distributed from the California Current through the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Every salp examined had ingested mini‐microplastics, regardless of species, life history stage, or oceanic region. Salps ingested significantly smaller plastic particles than were available in ambient surface seawater. The blastozooid stage of salps had higher ingestion rates than oozooids.

The morphology of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) is related not only to the genetics of the motile dinoflagellate from which it derives, but is also dependent on a range of environmental factors including salinity, temperature and nutrient status. Although this knowledge improves our understanding of the drivers behind dinocyst morphological variations, it makes the taxonomy governing their description somewhat complex. In basins such as the Black Sea, where environmental change can be extreme and occurs on relatively short (millennial) timescales, taxonomy becomes particularly challenging. Morphological continua can be observed between described forms, displaying a large range of intermediate phenotypes that do not necessarily correspond to any genetic difference. As these morphological nuances may preserve information about palaeoenvironments, it is important to find a systematic method of characterising morphotypes. Here, we show a dinocyst matrix within which dinocysts are described according to their similarity to (or difference from) described forms based on key descriptive parameters. In the example set out here, cyst shape and degree of process and/or ectophragm development are taken as two key parameters in Pyxidinopsis psilata and Spiniferites cruciformis, and can allow the description of intermediate forms even though the definitions do not overlap. We review some frequently occurring morphotypes and propose that using matrices to show the gradual variation between endmember forms is the most pragmatic approach until cyst–theca studies and genetic sequencing can be used to demonstrate relationships between genotypes and morphotypes. As prior studies propose salinity to be a primary driver of intraspecific variability, the endmembers presented may represent salinity extremes within an overall brackish environment. Although we cannot assign each morphotype to a value or a range of an environmental parameter (e.g. salinity) as the different morphotypes can occur in the same sample, using this matrix allows preservation of information about morphological variability without creating taxonomic categories that are likely to require alteration if genetic evidence becomes available.

High frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) employs high frequency low tidal volumes (100–400 bursts/min) to provide respiration in awake patients while simultaneously reducing respiratory motion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate HFPV as a technique for respiratory motion immobilization in radiotherapy. In this study fifteen healthy volunteers (age 30–75 y) underwent HFPV using three different oral interfaces. We evaluated each HFPV oral interface device for compliance, ease of use, comfort, geometric interference, minimal chest wall motion, duty cycle and prolonged percussive time. Their chest wall motion was monitored using an external respiratory motion laser system. The percussive ventilations were delivered via an air driven pneumatic system. All volunteers were monitored for PO2 and tc-CO2 with a pulse oximeter and CO2 Monitoring System. A total of N = 62 percussive sessions were analyzed from the external respiratory motion laser system. Chest-wall motion was well tolerated and drastically reduced using HFPV in each volunteer evaluated. As a result, we believe HFPV may provide thoracic immobilization during radiotherapy, particularly for SBRT and pencil beam scanning proton therapy. Keywords: Percussive ventilation, Lung cancer radiotherapy, Motion reduction, Pencil beam scanning proton

The roughness of metallic surfaces has a vital impact on the erosion of plasma-facing materials. Roughness determines the effective sputtering yield Yeff of the facing material. The angular/energy distribution of sputtered particles, and the spatial erosion and deposition distribution. The model for simulation the effect of the surface roughness was earlier implemented into the 3D Monte-Carlo code ERO2.0 and validated using results of ion beam experiments and experiments in the linear plasma device PSI-2. In the present study the developed ERO2.0 surface morphology model was applied to the JET-ILW tungsten (W) divertor consisting of smooth bulk W and W-coated CFC components. Influence of the surface roughness on the W erosion as well as on the transport of sputtered material in conditions of inclined magnetic field was investigated. Simulation results are in a good agreement with existing experimental findings.

Along with neuronal mechanisms devoted to memory consolidation –including long term potentiation of synaptic strength as prominent electrophysiological correlate, and inherent dendritic spines stabilization as structural counterpart– negative control of memory formation and synaptic plasticity has been described at the molecular and behavioral level. Within this work, we report a role for the epigenetic corepressor Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) as a negative neuroplastic factor whose stress-enhanced activity may participate in coping with adverse experiences. Constitutively increasing LSD1 activity via knocking out its dominant negative splicing isoform neuroLSD1 (neuroLSD1KO mice), we observed extensive structural, functional and behavioral signs of excitatory decay, including disrupted memory consolidation. A similar LSD1 increase, obtained with acute antisense oligonucleotide-mediated neuroLSD1 splicing knock down in primary neuronal cultures, dampens spontaneous glutamatergic transmission, reducing mEPSCs. Remarkably, LSD1 physiological increase occurs in response to psychosocial stress-induced glutamatergic signaling. Since this mechanism entails neuroLSD1 splicing downregulation, we conclude that LSD1/neuroLSD1 ratio modulation in the hippocampus is instrumental to a negative homeostatic feedback, restraining glutamatergic neuroplasticity in response to glutamate. The active process of forgetting provides memories with salience. With our work, we propose that softening memory traces of adversities could further represent a stress-coping process in which LSD1/neuroLSD1 ratio modulation may help preserving healthy emotional references.

In this work, we discuss the exposures of polycrystalline tungsten (W) and nanostructured W coatings to high energy (~30÷300eV) medium-flux D (~1020m-2s-1) deuterium plasmas of the linear machine GyM at an overall fluence of 1024m-2. The energy and particle flux are tailored to that of charge-exchange neutrals at the vessel main chamber of present-day tokamaks and expected in ITER. Scanning Electron Microscopy measurements show the formation of surface nanostructures that are found to strongly depend on the W morphology and crystallinity, as well as on the energy of the ion species. The obtained nanostructures are few nanometres deep and similar to the one obtained after exposure of bulk W to divertor-like conditions. Dedicated annealing experiments are performed on selected samples, showing that the nanostructures developed on W coatings are thermally stable up to their recrystallisation temperature. The development of micrometric-sized blisters is also observed and found to strongly depend on the features of the W coatings, the substrate and the applied bias voltage.

Abstract Sequentially hermaphroditic fish change sex from male to female (protandry) or vice versa (protogyny), increasing their fitness by becoming highly fecund females or large dominant males, respectively. These life-history strategies present different social organizations and reproductive modes, from near-random mating in protandry, to aggregate- and harem-spawning in protogyny. Using a combination of theoretical and molecular approaches, we compared variance in reproductive success (V k*) and effective population sizes (N e) in several species of sex-changing fish. We observed that, regardless of the direction of sex change, individuals conform to the same overall strategy, producing more offspring and exhibiting greater V k* in the second sex. However, protogynous species show greater V k*, especially pronounced in haremic species, resulting in an overall reduction of N e compared to protandrous species. Collectively and independently, our results demonstrate that the direction of sex change is a pivotal variable in predicting demographic changes and resilience in sex-changing fish, many of which sustain highly valued and vulnerable fisheries worldwide.

In oligotrophic regions, such as the Mediterranean Sea, atmospheric deposition has the potential to stimulate heterotrophic prokaryote growth and production in surface waters, especially during the summer stratification period. Previous studies focused on the role of leaching nutrients from mineral particles of Saharan (S) origin, and were restricted to single locations at given times of the year. In this study, we evaluate the effect of atmospheric particles from diverse sources and with a markedly different chemical composition [S dust and anthropogenic (A) aerosols] on marine planktonic communities from three locations of the northwestern Mediterranean with contrasted anthropogenic footprint. Experiments were also carried out at different times of the year, considering diverse initial conditions. We followed the dynamics of the heterotrophic community and a range of biogeochemical and physiological parameters in six experiments. While the effect of aerosols on bacterial abundance was overall low, bacterial heterotrophic production was up to 3.3 and 2.1 times higher in the samples amended with A and S aerosols, respectively, than in the controls. Extracellular enzymatic activities [leu-aminopeptidase (AMA) and β-glucosidase (β-Gl)] were also enhanced with aerosols, especially from A origin. AMA and β-Gl increased up to 7.1 in the samples amended with A aerosols, and up to 1.7 and 2.1 times, respectively, with S dust. The larger stimulation observed with A aerosols might be attributed to their higher content in nitrate. However, the response was variable depending the initial status of the seawater. In addition, we found that both A and S aerosols stimulated bacterial abundance and metabolism significantly more in the absence of competitors and predators.

We present herein a case of bacterial gastroenteritis due to Yersinia enterocolitica, occurred in a young woman undergoing haemodialysis with a previous history positive for prolonged (20 years) immunosuppressive therapy for glomerulonephritis before and for kidney transplant later. The patient’s outcome was favourable after a third-generation cephalosporin treatment without complications. The possible pathophysiological association between patient clinical condition and Yersinia bacteraemia is discussed, along with the review of literature.

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. It commonly expresses clinical resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, and hence, it is considered the paradigm of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterium. XDR A. baumannii is a rapidly emerging pathogen, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU), causing nosocomial infections including sepsis, ventilatorassociated pneumonia, meningitis, peritonitis, urinary tract infection, and central venous catheter-related infection. In the present report, we described an in vivo evolution of A. baumannii strain from a colistinsusceptibility to a colistin-resistance state. A 65-year-old male, who suffered a duodenal ulcer, two days after hospitalization and during the stay in ICU, contracted a pneumonia and peritoneal infection by a carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strain. After a combination treatment with colistin, vancomycin plus imipenem, and within seven days, the pathogen rapidly evolved in seven days to a pandrug-resistant phenotype. As the antimicrobial treatment was stopped, the A. baumannii isolate changed another time its profile to colistin, becoming newly susceptible, showing a very high level of adaptability to external conditions. We also have reviewed here the current literature on this worryingly public health threat.

In the late nineteenth century, Paris is at the origin of an impressive flow of words and multiplied images. The article introduces the principal Catalan modernist artists having made the Bohemian life in Paris and having shown it in Barcelone. Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas show modern painting that comes from the French capital. The visitors are able to discover the subjects of Montmartre’s mythology, an urban landscape quite distinctive and deranged life of women and artists. A second generation begins to hatch in the late 1890s and at the very beginning of the twentieth century, which meet in Els Quatre Gats. Isidre Nonell and Ricard Canals arrived in Paris after the 1897 and they are followed by Pablo Picasso, Carles Casagemas and some other artists, with the unique presence of a woman, Lluïsa Vidal.

Information on the distribution and related epidemiological characteristics of herpesvirus infections, and in particular referring to Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV1) and Bubaline Herpesvirus 1 (BuHV1) in buffaloes, have to date not been reported. Different studies based on serological surveys and viral isolation describe the circulation of both infections in this species. The specific etiological attribution of the infections in sero-surveys can be uncertain because of antigenic cross-reactivity of these ruminant α-herpesvirus and therefore depends on the diagnostic techniques employed. For this , we proceeded in verifying the diffusion of the two infections in a buffalo population of Central Italy. The sample size for the number of herds to test was defined considering an expected prevalence > 20% and the number of heads to be tested within each herd was established using an expected prevalence of > 25% (absolute precision of 5%, with 95% confidence level). The 155 herds to test were those with no IBR vaccination history. A maximum of 15 random blood samples were collected within the >3 year age category. The same sampling criteria was adopted when cows were present on buffalo farms to study the possible role of this species. Through the combined use of gB-gE Elisa tests, we assigned a specific infection status, for the BuHV1 infection status (gB-pos/gE-neg), as confirmed by an experimental infection conducted by us inoculating buffaloes with the BuHV1 “strain Metzler”, and for the BoHV1 status (gBpos/ gE-pos) as that observed for the infection in bovines. Prevalence of infection, based on the Elisa status of each animal, were estimated for the whole sample and within each herd. Furthermore, the selected farms were investigated for their numeric consistency, presence of bovines, occurrence of typical clinical herpesvirus disorders occurring during the year prior to sampling. The association of these factors with the infection status was verified using logistic linear regression models. Prevalence for all infection status were observed at population level with no statistical difference between them, while the highest prevalence obtained at herd level was that for the co-existence of the two infections within the same herd. From the linear regression analysis, only the numeric consistency was associated with herds positive for BuHV1 and BoHV1 infection. Concomitance of the two herpesvirus infection in buffaloes as well as in bovine herds should be kept in focus both in their diagnosis as well as in their control.

Objetivo: Presentamos un método para evaluar la factibilidad de los programas de promoción de la salud en el trabajo como paso previo a su diseño. Métodos: Un total de 167 trabajadores de cinco ramas de actividad económica participaron en el estudio. Se administró un cuestionario con preguntas sobre los componentes básicos de la factibilidad (factores de riesgo de cáncer, actitudes hacia los programas de promoción de la salud y entorno sociolaboral). Resultados: Las conductas de riesgo para el cáncer son frecuentes entre los trabajadores entrevistados. Un 79% demostró interés por los programas de promoción de la salud, pero la participación sería inferior. Dieta y ejercicio físico serían los factores de riesgo más susceptibles a la intervención. La participación más alta se hallaría entre los trabajadores de la administración local. Conclusiones: La información obtenida parece válida y útil para orientar el objeto y la planificación de un programa promoción de la salud en el trabajo.Objetive: We describe a method for feasibility assessment of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs as a necessary prerequisite of any WHP program. Methods: A total of 167 employees from five workplace communities participated in the study. A questionnaire on the basic components of feasibility (risk factors, attitudes to workplace health promotion interventions, and social-occupational context) was administered. Results: Risk behaviours were common among the employees interviewed. Health promotion in the workplace was favorably viewed by 79% of subjects but reported participation would be lower. Interventions on diet and physical activity received the highest acceptance. Participation would be greatest among local administration employees. Conclusions: The method demonstrated its utility in obtaining useful data for designing workplace health promotion interventions.