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Instabilities in relativistic magnetized jets are thought to be deeply connected to their energy dissipation properties and to the consequent acceleration of the non-thermal emitting relativistic particles. Instabilities lead to the development of small-scale dissipative structures, in which magnetic energy is converted in other forms. In this paper we present three-dimensional numerical simulations of the instability evolution in highly magnetized plasma columns, considering different kinds of equilibria. In fact, the hoop stresses related to the azimuthal component of magnetic field can be balanced either by the magnetic pressure gradient (force-free equilibria, FF) or by the thermal pressure gradient (pressure-balanced equilibria, PB) or by a combination of the two. FF equilibria are prone to current-driven instabilities (CDI), while PB equilibria are prone to pressure-driven instabilities (PDI). We perform a global linear stability analysis, from which we derive the different instability properties in the two regimes, showing that PDI have larger growth rates and are also unstable for high wavenumbers. The numerical simulations of the non-linear instability evolution show similar phases of evolution in which the formation of strong current sheets is followed by a turbulent quasi-steady state. PDI are however characterized by a faster evolution, by the formation of smaller scale dissipative structures and larger magnetic energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed three-dimensional numerical simulations of magnetized relativistic jets propagating in a uniform density environment in order to study the effect of the entrainment and the consequent deceleration, extending a previous work in which magnetic effects were not present. As in previous papers, our aim is to understand the connection between the jet properties and the resulting Fanaroff-Riley classification. We considered jets with different low densities, and therefore low power, and different magnetizations. We find that lower magnetization jets effectively decelerate to sub-relativistic velocities and may then result in an FR I morphology on larger scales. Conversely, in the higher magnetization cases, the entrainment and consequent deceleration are substantially reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The recently discovered population of faint Fanaroff-Riley type 0 (FR0) radio galaxies has been interpreted as the extension to low power of the classical FRI sources. Their radio emission appears to be concentrated in very compact parsec scale cores, any extended emission is very weak or absent, and very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations show that jets are already mildly or sub-relativistic at parsec scales. Based on these observational properties, we propose here that the jets of FR0s are strongly decelerated and disturbed at the parsec scale by hydrodynamical instabilities. Aims. With the above scenario in mind, we studied the dynamics of a low-power relativistic jet propagating into a confining external medium, focusing on the effects of entrainment and mixing promoted by the instabilities developing at the jet-environment interface downstream of a recollimation shock. Methods. We performed a 3D relativistic hydrodynamical simulation of a recollimated jet by means of the state-of-the-art code PLUTO. The jet was initially conical, relativistic (with an initial Lorentz factor Γ = 5), cold, and light with respect to the confining medium, whose pressure is assumed to slowly decline with distance. The magnetic field is assumed to be dynamically unimportant. Results. The 3D simulation shows that, after the first recollimation and reflection shock system, a rapidly growing instability develops, as a result of the interplay between recollimation-induced instabilities and Richtmyer-Meshkov modes. In turn, the instabilities promote strong mixing and entrainment that rapidly lead to the deceleration of the jet and spread its momentum to slowly moving, highly turbulent external gas. We argue that this mechanism could account for the peculiarities of the low-power FR0 jets. For outflows with a higher power, Lorentz factor, or magnetic field, we expect that the destabilizing effects are less effective, allowing the survival of the jet up to the kiloparsec scale, as observed in FRIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cellular communication that can be released by almost all cell types in both physiological and pathological conditions and are present in most biological fluids. Such characteristics make them attractive in the research of biomarkers for age-related pathological conditions. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to examine the changes in EV concentration and size in the context of frailty, a geriatric syndrome associated with a progressive physical and cognitive decline. Specifically, total EVs and neural and microglial-derived EVs (NDVs and MDVs respectively) were investigated in plasma of frail and non-frail controls (CTRL), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects, and in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Results provided evidence that AD patients displayed diminished NDV concentration (3.61 × 109 ± 1.92 × 109 vs 7.16 × 109 ± 4.3 × 109 particles/ml) and showed high diagnostic performance. They are able to discriminate between AD and CTRL with an area under the curve of 0.80, a sensitivity of 78.95% and a specificity of 85.7%, considering the cut-off of 5.27 × 109 particles/ml. Importantly, we also found that MDV concentration was increased in frail MCI patients compared to CTRL (5.89 × 109 ± 3.98 × 109 vs 3.16 × 109 ± 3.04 × 109 particles/ml, P < 0.05) and showed high neurotoxic effect on neurons. MDV concentration discriminate frail MCI vs non-frail CTRL (AUC = 0.76) with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 70%, considering the cut-off of 2.69 × 109 particles/ml. Altogether, these results demonstrated an alteration in NDV and MDV release during cognitive decline, providing important insight into the role of EVs in frailty status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Aging and chronic heart failure (CHF) are responsible for the temporal inhomogeneity of electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization phase. In the past, short period repolarization-dispersion parameters were used as makers of mortality risk in different heart diseases, yet. Aim of this work was to evaluate risk of mortality or worsening condition in CHF elderly subjects by mean of these repolarization variables. Method. An observational, prospective cohort study was performed, collecting 5 minutes ECG recordings to assess the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the following variables: QT end (QTe), QT peak (QTp) and T peak to T end (Te) in 117 decompensated CHF (age range: from 49 to 103 years). 30-day mortality and high levels of NT-pro BNP (<75 percentile) were considered markers of decompensated CHF. Results. A total of 27 patients (23%) died during the 30-day followup (overall mortality rate 23%). Te mean (odd ratio (OR): 1.04, 95% confidence limit (Cl 7u): 1.02-1.09, p<0.01), NT-pro BNP (OR: 1.00, 95% cl: 1.00-1.00, p<0.01) and LVMI (OR : 0.98, 95% cl: 0.96-0.10, p<0.05) were associated to risk of mortality at the multivariable logistic analysis. On the contrary, the same statistical analysis selected TeSD (OR: 1.36, 95% cl: 1.16-1.59, p<0.001) and LVEF (OR: 0.91, 95% cl: 0.87-0.95, p<0.001) as marker of decompensated CHF. Conclusion. In decompensated CHF elderly subjects, Te mean seem be associated to mortality and TeSD could be considered a risk factor for CHF worsening and complications. These evidences could provide useful tools for telemonitoring CHF elderly patients, ameliorating treatments and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurocognitive mechanisms underlying developmental dyslexia (dD) remain poorly characterized apart from phonological and/or visual processing deficits. Assuming such deficits, the process of learning complex tasks like reading requires the learner to make decisions (i.e., word pronunciation) based on uncertain information (e.g., aberrant phonological percepts)—a cognitive process known as probabilistic decision making, which has been linked to the striatum. We investigate (1) the relationship between dD and probabilistic decision-making and (2) the association between the volume of striatal structures and probabilistic decision-making in dD and typical readers. Methods: Twenty four children diagnosed with dD underwent a comprehensive evaluation and MRI scanning (3T). Children with dD were compared to age-matched typical readers (n = 11) on a probabilistic, risk/reward fishing task that utilized a Bayesian cognitive model with game parameters of risk propensity (γ+) and behavioral consistency (β), as well as an overall adjusted score (average number of casts, excluding forced-fail trials). Volumes of striatal structures (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens) were analyzed between groups and associated with game parameters. Results: dD was associated with greater risk propensity and decreased behavioral consistency estimates compared to typical readers. Cognitive model parameters associated with timed pseudoword reading across groups. Risk propensity related to caudate volumes, particularly in the dD group. Conclusion: Decision-making processes differentiate dD, associate with the caudate, and may impact learning mechanisms. This study suggests the need for further research into domain-general probabilistic decision-making in dD, neurocognitive mechanisms, and targeted interventions in dD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and testing of innovative technologies and automated data analysis methodologies offer tools for the monitoring of complex marine ecosystems and the direct and indirect effects of climate change on natural heritage. Photogrammetric methods allow precise mapping of the underwater landscape as well as detailed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of marine structures, improving the study of complex marine ecosystems. Moreover, fluorescence analyses can provide critical information about the health status of marine organisms. Analysing the variations in their self-fluorescence, allow for early detect changes in their physiological state. These applications provide very useful data to evaluate the health state of biodiversity-rich 3D biogenic structures and make measurements of fine-scale changes, with greater precision than existing methodologies. This contribution shows a multidisciplinary approach to the design, development, and implementation of a technological solution based on the above-mentioned optical measuring systems. Such a system is characterized by a reflex camera, LED-based light sources, and filters to allow the analysis of the self-fluorescence signal. The proposed solution aspires to improve the standardization of monitoring plans through non-destructive fine-scale accurate data collection for image analysis and multi-temporal comparisons, providing challenging stepping-stones for habitat-forming anthozoan management and restoration activities. Initial results of tests carried out in controlled conditions are shown. The photogrammetric approach resulted in 3D reconstructions that allow the monitoring of deformations at millimetre scale. The fluorimetry methodology allowed to obtain high-resolution images with great repeatability, which enabled the identification of stressful status even in absence of geometric deformations. The proposed approaches and obtained results are discussed, together with potential issues related to their implementation in a real-world context adopting remotely operative vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public health measures for COVID-19 containment have implied economic and social life disruptions, which have been particularly deleterious in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to high rates of informal employment, overcrowding, and barriers to accessing health services, amongst others social determinants. Mexico, a LMIC, is a country with a high COVID-19 mortality in which there has been a very limited governmental response to help mitigate such COVID-related disruptions. This study analyzes the association of the first wave of the COVID-19 crisis in Mexico with four well-being indicators: income, employment, anxiety, and food security. Methods: It uses pooled cross-sectional data (n = 5453) of five monthly nationally representative surveys collected between April and August 2020. Probit models are estimated to assess the association of the pandemic with job loss and anxiety; a multinomial logistic regression is estimated for food security, and an ordinary least squares regression assesses the association between the pandemic and changes in household's income. Results: Females were significantly associated with worse outcomes for the 4 well-being measures with an average reduction of 2.3% in household income compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, an increased probability (6.4 pp) of being in a household that had lost jobs, decreased probability of food security (6.9 pp), and an increased risk of anxiety symptoms (8.5 pp). In addition, those with lower SES and household with children also reported worse outcomes for employment, income and food security. The month variable was also statistically significant in these models suggesting that as more months of the pandemic elapsed the effects persisted. Conclusion: The currents study documents how the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with different well-being indicators in a LMIC. It suggests the urgent need to take actions to support vulnerable groups, particularly women, households with children and those in the lowest SES. If policy actions are not taken, the pandemic will increase social and gender disparities, and will jeopardize childhood development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the evolution of current-driven kink instabilities of a highly magnetized relativistic plasma column, focusing in particular on its dissipation properties. The instability evolution leads to the formation of thin current sheets where the magnetic energy is dissipated. We find that the total amount of dissipated magnetic energy is independent of the dissipation properties. Dissipation occurs in two stages: a peak when the instability saturates that is characterized by the formation of a helicoidal current sheet at the boundary of the deformed plasma column, followed by a weaker almost flat phase, in which turbulence develops. The detailed properties of these two phases depend on the equilibrium configuration and other parameters, in particular on the steepness of the pitch radial profile, on the presence of an external axial magnetic field and on the amount of magnetization. These results are relevant for high energy astrophysical sources, since current sheets can be the sites of magnetic reconnection where particles can be accelerated to relativistic energies and give rise to the observed radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because breastfeeding offers short- and long- term health benefits to mothers and children, breastfeeding promotion and support is a public health priority. Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is not likely to be transmitted via breastmilk. Moreover, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are thought to be contained in breastmilk of mothers with history of COVID-19 infection or vaccination. WHO recommends direct breastfeeding as the preferred infant feeding option during the COVID-19 pandemic, even among women with COVID-19; but conflicting practices have been adopted, which could widen existing inequities in breastfeeding. This study aims to describe how information about breastfeeding was communicated in Mexican media during the pandemic and assess Mexican adults' beliefs regarding breastfeeding among mothers infected with COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective content analysis of media coverage on breastfeeding in Mexico between March 1 and September 24, 2020, excluding advertisements. For the content analysis, we performed both a sentiment analysis and an analysis based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) for breastfeeding promotion. Additionally, we conducted a descriptive analysis of nationally representative data on adults' beliefs about breastfeeding from the July 2020 round of the ENCOVID-19 survey in Mexico and stratified the results by gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: A total of 1014 publications on breastfeeding were identified on the internet and television and in newspapers and magazines. Most information was published during World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated in August. The sentiment analysis showed that 57.2% of all information was classified as positive. The SWOT analysis indicated that most information focused on current actions, messages, policies, or programs that enable breastfeeding (i.e., strengths) or those not currently in place but that may enable breastfeeding (i.e., opportunities) for breastfeeding promotion. However, ENCOVID-19 survey results showed that 67.3% of adults living in households with children under 3 years of age believe that mothers with COVID-19 should not breastfeed, and 19.8% do not know whether these mothers should breastfeed. These beliefs showed differences both by gender and by socioeconomic status. Conclusions: While the Mexican government endorsed the recommendation on breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, communication was sporadic, inconstant and unequal across types of media. There was a widespread notion that mothers with COVID-19 should not breastfeed and due to differences on beliefs by socioeconomic status, health inequities could be exacerbated by increasing the risk of poorer breastfeeding practices and preventing vulnerable groups from reaping the short and long-term benefits of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of intermetallic compound (IMC) formation in thermally evaporated Ag-In bilayers, with In on top of Ag, was investigated using X-ray diffractometry, applied to the surfaces of the bilayer specimens, as well as scanning electron microscopy, applied to cross-sections of the bilayer specimens, prepared by a focused ion beam instrument. IMC formation was followed at room temperature as well as at elevated temperatures of 50 °C; 60 °C, and 70 °C. Two distinct growth regimes were observed coinciding with the availability of pure In. The AgIn2 IMC nucleated initially, followed by nucleation of the Ag2In IMC. The growth of AgIn2 was found to be controlled by both diffusional processes as well as interfacial reactions. The growth of the Ag2In IMC is dominantly diffusion-controlled. An interdiffusion coefficient of D = 1:1±3:9 · 10-4 cm² s-1 exp(-60:5±9:2kJmol-1R-1T-1) was obtained for the Ag2In IMC. The observations were discussed in terms of the interplay of thermodynamic and kinetic constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water flows in peatland margins is an under-researched topic. This study examines recharge from a peatland to an esker aquifer in an aapa mire complex of northern Finland. Our objective was to study how the aapa mire margin is hydrogeologically connected to the riverside aquifer and spatial and temporal variations in the recharge of peatland water to groundwater (GW). Following geophysical studies and monitoring of the saturated zone, a GW model (MODFLOW) was used in combination with stable isotopes to quantify GW flow volumes and directions. Peatland water recharge to the sandy aquifer indicated a strong connection at the peatland-aquifer boundary. Recharge volumes from peatland to esker were high and rather constant (873 m³ d-1) and dominated esker recharge at the study site. The peat water recharging the esker boundary was rich in dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Stable isotope studies on water (δ18O, δ²H, and d-excess) from GW wells verified the recharge of DOC-rich water from peatlands to mineral soil esker. Biogeochemical analysis revealed changes from DOC to dissolved inorganic carbon in the flow pathway from peatland margin to the river Kitinen. This study highlights the importance of careful investigation of aapa mire margin areas and their potential role in regional GW recharge patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an HPV vaccination programme in reducing the risk of cervical abnormalities identified at subsequent screening. Design: Retrospective cohort study using administrative health data. Setting: General population of Ferrara Province, Italy. Population: Female residents born in 1986–1993 and participating in the organized cervical screening programme in 2011–2018, who were eligible for HPV vaccination in catch‐up cohorts. Methods: Logistic regression to evaluate the potential association between abnormal cervical cytology and one, two, three or at least one dose of HPV vaccine. Main outcome measures: Cervical abnormalities, as predicted by low‐grade or high‐grade cytology, by number of vaccine doses, stratified by age. Results: The sample consisted of 7785 women (mean age 27.5 years, SD 2.3). Overall, 391 (5.0%) were vaccinated with ≥1 dose and 893 (11.5%) had abnormal cytology. Women receiving at least one vaccine dose were significantly less likely to have an abnormal cytology (adjusted odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.79). Similar results were observed for women receiving a single dose, for both bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines, and applying buffer periods (excluding cytological outcomes within 1 month, 6 months and 1 year of the first dose). Conclusions: In the context of an organised cervical screening programme in Italy, catch‐up HPV vaccination almost halved the risk of cytological abnormalities. Among Ferrara women, vaccination against human papillomavirus halved the risk of screening cervical abnormalities. Among Ferrara women, vaccination against human papillomavirus halved the risk of screening cervical abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform three-dimensional numerical simulations of relativistic (with a Lorentz factor of 10), non-magnetized jets propagating in a uniform density environment in order to study the effect of the entrainment and the consequent deceleration. Our simulations investigate the jet propagation inside the galaxy core, where the deceleration most likely occurs more efficiently. We compare cases with different density and pressure ratios with respect to the ambient medium and find that low density jets are efficiently decelerated and reach a quasi-steady state in which, over a length of 600 jet radii, they slow down from highly relativistic to sub-relativistic velocities. Conversely, denser jets keep highly relativistic velocities over the same length. We discuss these results in relation to the Faranoff Riley (FR) radio source classification. We infer that lower density jets can give rise to FR 0 and FR I radio sources, while higher density jets may be connected to FR II radio sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the practical implication of employing virtual massive multiple-input-multiple output (MIMO) based distributed decision fusion (DF) for collaborative wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) in a cognitive radio (CR)-like network. Towards that end, an indoor-only measurement campaign has been conducted to capture the propagation statistics of a $4 \times 64$ massive MIMO system with one authorized primary user (PU) and 4 unauthorized secondary users (SUs) transmitting simultaneously over a 20 MHz band divided into 1200 subcarriers. The frequency subcarriers belong to an Orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM)-like set-up without the addition of cyclic prefix (CP) to the transmit symbols. Measurements are accumulated for different relative positions of the SUs which are analyzed to extract fading, shadowing, noise and interference power statistics. Log-likelihood ratio (LLR) based fusion rule and three different sets of sub-optimum fusion rules along with their time-reversed versions are formulated for combining decisions on the availability of each subcarrier transmitted by the SUs. The extracted channel characteristics are incorporated in both analytical and simulated performance analysis of the devised fusion rules for comparison and testing the validity of distributed DF in realistic collaborative WSS scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to tackle major challenges of spectrum exploration & allocation in Cognitive Radio (CR) networks, we apply the general framework of Decision Fusion (DF) to wideband collaborative spectrum sensing based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) reporting. At the transmitter side, we employ OFDM without Cyclic Prefix (CP) in order to improve overall bandwidth efficiency of the reporting phase in networks with high user density. On the other hand, at the receiver side (of the reporting channel) we device the Time-Reversal Widely Linear (TR-WL), Time-Reversal Maximal Ratio Combining (TR-MRC) and modified TR-MRC (TR-mMRC) rules for DF. The DF Center (DFC) is assumed to be equipped with a large antenna array, serving a number of unauthorized users competing for the spectrum, thereby resulting in a “virtual” massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) channel. The effectiveness of the proposed TR-based rules in combating ($a$) inter-symbol and ($b$) inter-carrier interference over conventional (non-TR) counterparts is then examined, as a function of the Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR). Closed-form performance, in terms of system false-alarm and detection probabilities, is derived for the formulated fusion rules. Finally, the impact of large-scale channel effects on the proposed fusion rules is also investigated, via Monte-Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multi-temporal underwater photogrammetric survey of a reef patch located in Moorea, French Polynesia, designed to detect a coral growth of 10–15 mm/year. Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry and underwater imagery allows the three-dimensional quantification of reef structural complexity and ecologically relevant characteristics at the patch scale. A high degree of accuracy and fine resolution are required in order to guarantee the repeatability of surveys over time within the same reference system, meaning a proper geodetic network and acquisition scheme are mandatory. Measuring tools and reference points were properly designed in order to constrain the photogrammetric reconstruction. The network adjustment, performed with distance and height difference observations, provided an average accuracy of ± 1.2 mm and ± 2.9 mm in the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. The final accuracies of photogrammetric reconstructions are on the order of 1 cm and few millimeters for the 2017 and 2018 monitoring campaigns, respectively. This results in realized errors in the comparison of about ± 1 cm. Coordinate variations larger than this magnitude can be reasonably interpreted as coral growth or dissolution. The direct comparison of the two subsequent point clouds is effective in order to evaluate trends in growth and perform morphometric analyses. For highly accurate quantitative assessment of local changes, an expert operator can create and analyze specific 2D profiles that are easily produced from the point clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) expression in the normal and pathological prostate is controversial. Objectives: This study aimed at identifying the cell type/s, if any, expressing PDE5 in human healthy or pathological prostate sections in order to further validate the rationale of PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5i) treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their safety in the treatment of erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer (PCa) surgery. Materials and methods: By immunohistochemical analysis, we studied PDE5 expression in tissue microarrays containing sections obtained from healthy, BPH, and PCa samples. Results: Our results showed that PDE5 is barely expressed in the epithelial or stromal compartment of normal human prostates, but it is highly expressed in the stromal compartment of BPH sections. We also found that a low but significant number of PCa samples (22%) expressed PDE5 in the epithelial cancer cells but not in stromal cells and that such expression was not correlated with the tumor aggressiveness, according to their Gleason score. Discussion and conclusion: PDE5 overexpression in the stromal compartment of BPH samples supports the rationale of PDE5 as a target in lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH. PDE5 expression in a significant percentage of PCa samples but the lack of correlation with the Gleason score suggests that this enzyme is not correlated with tumor aggressiveness; however, a role of PDE5 in the minimal residual disease of PCa cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Generation of antigen‐specific humoral responses following vaccination or infection requires the maturation and function of highly specialized immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), such as lymph nodes or tonsils. Factors that orchestrate the dynamics of these cells are still poorly understood. Currently, experimental approaches that enable a detailed description of the function of the immune system in SLO have been mainly developed and optimized in animal models. Conversely, methodological approaches in humans are mainly based on the use of blood‐associated material because of the challenging access to tissues. Indeed, only few studies in humans were able to provide a discrete description of the complex network of cytokines, chemokines and lymphocytes acting in tissues after antigenic challenge. Furthermore, even fewer data are currently available on the interaction occurring within the complex micro‐architecture of the SLO. This information is crucial in order to design particular vaccination strategies, especially for patients affected by chronic and immune compromising medical conditions who are under‐vaccinated or who respond poorly to immunizations. Analysis of immune cells in different human tissues by high‐throughput technologies, able to obtain data ranging from gene signature to protein expression and cell phenotypes, is needed to dissect the peculiarity of each immune cell in a definite human tissue. The main aim of this review is to provide an in‐depth description of the current available methodologies, proven evidence and future perspectives in the analysis of immune mechanisms following immunization or infections in SLO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the 5-year risk of high-grade lesions in women with a transient high-risk HPV infection.Design: Population-based cohort study.Setting: HPV primary testing within population-based organised cervical cancer screening programmes.Population: Italian women enrolled in seven pilot projects and attending the second round.Methods: On the basis of the cytology triage performed on HPV-positive women, immediate colposcopy or HPV repeat at 12 months was recommended. Data were collected at the subsequent round 3-4 years after HPV infection clearance.Main Outcome Measures: Rates of HPV infection, CIN2+ and CIN3+ detection at subsequent round after HPV clearance, and relative risks (RR) in comparison with HPV-negative women (with 95% confidence interval).Results: Data on 1230 women (1027 aged 25-64 years and 203 aged 35-64 years) have been analysed. Overall compliance with repeat HPV testing was 84%. In comparison with HPV-negative women, those with a transient HPV infection had higher proportions of HPV positivity (15% versus 3.7%) and of CIN2+ lesions (0.87% versus 0.23%) in round two; most of these (7/10) were CIN2; no cancers were detected, and CIN3 occurred in 3/1230 (0.24%).Conclusions: HPV-based protocols for cervical cancer screening allow long intervals for HPV-negative women; it is important to monitor the clinical outcome in the women with transient high-risk HPV infection. CIN3 detection is similar to that observed in routine European cytology-based screening programmes (CIN3+: 2.7‰); 5-year intervals may provide reasonable protection but longer intervals are not recommended.Tweetable Abstract: A screening interval of 5 years (but no longer) appears safe in women with transient HPV detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the practical implications of employing virtual multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems for prototyping future-generation wireless sensor networks (WSNs), especially in the light of recently proposed distributed detection based decision fusion (DF) rules. In order to do that, an indoor-to-outdoor measurement campaign has been conducted recently for investigating the propagation characteristics of an $8 \times 8$ virtual MIMO system. The campaign is conducted with transmit antennas representing the sensors deployed in different indoor environments and receiver antennas mounted on an outside tower representing the DF center. Channel measurements are reported when a 20 MHz wide signal is transmitted at 2.53 GHz. Measurements are collected for different spatial combinations of the transmit antennas. After analyzing the collected data, the performance of different DF rules is compared and tested over the measured channel. The results show that the fusion rules perform differently over different sets of measured channels. The results obtained here are important for maximizing performance and enabling the air-interface design of next-generation WSNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carry out a linear stability analysis of a magnetized relativistic rotating cylindrical jet flow using the approximation of zero thermal pressure. We identify several modes of instability in the jet: Kelvin–Helmholtz, current-driven and two kinds of centrifugal-buoyancy modes – toroidal and poloidal. The Kelvin–Helmholtz mode is found at low magnetization and its growth rate depends very weakly on the pitch parameter of the background magnetic field and on rotation. The current-driven mode is found at high magnetization, the values of its growth rate and the wavenumber, corresponding to the maximum growth, increase as we decrease the pitch parameter of the background magnetic field. This mode is stabilized by rotation, especially, at high magnetization. The centrifugal-buoyancy modes, arising due to rotation, tend also to be more stable when magnetization is increased. Overall, relativistic jet flows appear to be more stable with respect to their non-relativistic counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater photogrammetry is a well-established technique for measuring and modelling the subaquatic environment in fields ranging from archaeology to marine ecology. While for simple tasks the acquisition and processing of images have become straightforward, applications requiring relative accuracy better then 1:1000 are still considered challenging. This study focuses on the metric evaluation of different off-the-shelf camera systems for making high resolution and high accuracy measurements of coral reefs monitoring through time, where the variations to be measured are in the range of a few centimeters per year. High quality and low-cost systems (reflex and mirrorless vs action cameras, i.e. GoPro) with multiple lenses (prime and zoom), different fields of views (from fisheye to moderate wide angle), pressure housing materials and lens ports (dome and flat) are compared. Tests are repeated at different camera to object distances to investigate distance dependent induced errors and assess the accuracy of the photogrammetrically derived models. An extensive statistical analysis of the different systems is performed and comparisons against reference control point measured through a high precision underwater geodetic network are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin (LCH) were investigated in matrinxa Brycon amazonicus, a non-target freshwater teleost. The fish were submitted to a single-pulse exposure (10% of LC50; 96 h, 0.65 μg L−1), followed by 7 days of recovery in clean water. Hematologic parameters indicated impairments in oxygen transport, which were not recovered. Plasma [Na+], [Cl−], and protein were diminished, and only [Na+] remained low after recovery. Gill Na+/K+ATPase activity was increased and recovered to basal values. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was not responsive to LCH. Liver ascorbic acid concentration was not altered, and reduced glutathione levels remained augmented even after recovery. LCH inhibited hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, while glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities were steady. After recovery, SOD remained low, and GPx was augmented. Liver depicted lipid peroxidation, which was not observed after recovery. Hepatic morphology was affected by LCH and was not completely recovered. These responses, combined with the persistence of changes even after recovery span, clearly show the feasibility of these biomarkers in evaluating LCH toxic potential to non-target organisms, highlighting the importance of pyrethroids' responsible use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio sources of low power are the most common in the universe. Their jets typically move at nonrelativistic velocity and show plume-like morphologies that in many instances appear distorted and bent. We investigate the role of magnetic field on the propagation and evolution of low-power jets and the connection between the field intensity and the resulting morphology. The problem is addressed by means of three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. We consider supersonic jets that propagate in a stratified medium. The ambient temperature increases with distance from the jet origin maintaining constant pressure. Jets with low magnetization show an enhanced collimation at small distances with respect to hydrodynamic (HD) cases studied in a previous paper. These jets eventually evolve in a way similar to the HD cases. Jets with higher magnetization are affected by strong nonaxisymmetric modes that lead to the sudden jet energy release. From there on, distorted plumes of jet material move at subsonic velocities. This transition is associated with the formation of structures reminiscent of the "warm spots" observed in wide-angle-tail (WAT) sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique enabling the study of adherence occurring among implant materials and epithelial and connective cells cultured in vitro and freshly obtained from explants of human gingival tissue is described. The data show that cell adherence to titanium alloy is influenced by the modality of implant surface preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the problem of change detection through a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) whose nodes report only binary decisions (on the presence/absence of a certain event to be monitored), due to bandwidth/energy constraints. The resulting problem can be modelled as testing the equality of samples drawn from independent Bernoulli probability mass functions, when the bit probabilities under both hypotheses are not known. Both One-Sided (OS) and Two-Sided (TS) tests are considered, with reference to: (i) identical bit probability (a homogeneous scenario), (ii) different per-sensor bit probabilities (a non-homogeneous scenario) and (iii) regions with identical bit probability (a block-homogeneous scenario) for the observed samples. The goal is to provide a systematic framework collecting a plethora of viable detectors (designed via theoretically founded criteria) which can be used for each instance of the problem. Finally, verification of the derived detectors in two relevant WSN-related problems is provided to show the appeal of the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of genomic datasets in association with clinical, phenotypic, and drug sensitivity information represents an invaluable source for potential therapeutic applications, supporting the identification of new drug sensitivity biomarkers and pharmacological targets. Drug discovery and precision oncology can largely benefit from the integration of treatment molecular discriminants obtained from cell line models and clinical tumor samples; however this task demands comprehensive analysis approaches for the discovery of underlying data connections. Here we introduce PATRI (Platform for the Analysis of TRanslational Integrated data), a standalone tool accessible through a user-friendly graphical interface, conceived for the identification of treatment sensitivity biomarkers from user-provided genomics data, associated with information on sample characteristics. PATRI streamlines a translational analysis workflow: first, baseline genomics signatures are statistically identified, differentiating treatment sensitive from resistant preclinical models; then, these signatures are used for the prediction of treatment sensitivity in clinical samples, via random forest categorization of clinical genomics datasets and statistical evaluation of the relative phenotypic features. The same workflow can also be applied across distinct clinical datasets. The ease of use of the PATRI tool is illustrated with validation analysis examples, performed with sensitivity data for drug treatments with known molecular discriminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluate effects of maternal immunization in a mouse model of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaginal colonization using clinical isolates.Materials and Methods: Female pregnant mice were immunized with heat-killed GBS 21 days before pregnancy and were inoculated intravaginally with GBS cultures (5 × 107 CFU twice a day for three days) from the 16th day of pregnancy. Gestation period and mice survival were monitored. Maternal anti-GBS IgG levels have been determined by ELISA analysis in vaccinated, unvaccinated mothers and newborns.Results: Maternal immunization before pregnancy provided protection to newborns for three of the four GBS strains used. Evaluation of the immunogenicity showed that this vaccination induced higher levels of IgG in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated dams and the presence of antibodies in the offspring at embryonic and postnatal age, and a Th1 response and high levels of IgG2a subclass antibody and IFN-γ were detected. A significant reduction of preterm births was observed in vaccinated mothers (p< 0.05).Conclusions: Our finding suggest that vaccinated mothers could protect their progeny from GBS infection and preterm birth through passive immunization. The proposed mouse model may represent a noninvasive and effective tool to investigate pathogenetic mechanisms of GBS ascending infection and for vaccine protection studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate contamination of surface water and shallow groundwater was studied in transboundary (Russia/Ukraine) catchment with heterogeneous land use. Dominant sources of nitrate contamination were determined by applying a dual δ N-NO and δ O-NO isotope approach, multivariate statistics, and land use analysis. Nitrate concentration was highly variable from 0.25 to 22 mg L in surface water and from 0.5 to 100 mg L in groundwater. The applied method indicated that sewage to surface water and sewage and manure to groundwater were dominant sources of nitrate contamination. Nitrate/chloride molar ratio was added to support the dual isotope signature and indicated the contribution of fertilizers to the nitrate content in groundwater. Groundwater temperature was found to be an additional indicator of manure and sewerage leaks in the shallow aquifer which has limited protection and is vulnerable to groundwater pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports two new silver metalorganic precursors for the chemical vapor deposition of Ag metallic coatings. Both precursors are based on β-diketonate adducts, namely, Ag(hfac)(L) (H-hfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione), where L is 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,5,8,11-tetraoxadodecane (triglyme). Using these ligands, the designed precursors have better solubility in alcoholic solvents and are less toxic and costly than previously reported ones. The new precursors have been characterized and their crystallographic structure solved. With the new triglyme precursor, [Ag(triglyme)2]+[Ag(hfac)2]−, pure metallic Ag coatings made of Ag nanoparticles about 20 nm in diameter were succesfully deposited on glass and Si substrates using Aerosol Assisted Metalorganic CVD (AA-CVD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, we derive a mathematically tractable expression for the outage probability in the presence of self-interference over indoor wireless environments modeled through the recently proposed joint fading and two-path shadowing channel model. The effect of self-interference is studied under two different conditions encountered in single-frequency network architectures: 1) long propagation delay and correlated shadow fading in a densely deployed single access point to single mobile user communication scenario and 2) interference between radiated and received signal power in full-duplex radios equipped with multiple antennas both for transmission and reception of data. The analysis is validated numerically both for single-channel and multiple-channel receivers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context. Extragalactic radio sources have been classified into two classes, Fanaroff-Riley I and II, which differ in morphology and radio power. Strongly emitting sources belong to the edge-brightened FR II class, and weakly emitting sources to the edge-darkened FR I class. The origin of this dichotomy is not yet fully understood. Numerical simulations are successful in generating FR II morphologies, but they fail to reproduce the diffuse structure of FR Is. Aims. By means of hydro-dynamical 3D simulations of supersonic jets, we investigate how the displayed morphologies depend on the jet parameters. Bow shocks and Mach disks at the jet head, which are probably responsible for the hot spots in the FR II sources, disappear for a jet kinetic power ℒkin ≲ 1043 erg s-1. This threshold compares favorably with the luminosity at which the FR I/FR II transition is observed. Methods. The problem is addressed by numerical means carrying out 3D HD simulations of supersonic jets that propagate in a non-homogeneous medium with the ambient temperature that increases with distance from the jet origin, which maintains constant pressure. Results. The jet energy in the lower power sources, instead of being deposited at the terminal shock, is gradually dissipated by the turbulence. The jets spread out while propagating, and they smoothly decelerate while mixing with the ambient medium and produce the plumes characteristic of FR I objects. Conclusions. Three-dimensionality is an essential ingredient to explore the FR I evolution becausethe properties of turbulence in two and three dimensions are very different, since there is no energy cascade to small scales in two dimensions, and two-dimensional simulations with the same parameters lead to FRII-like behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are one of the most challenging issues in the management and care of people with dementia. Their accurate assessment is thus crucial for properly approaching subjects with cognitive disorders in the clinical setting. In parallel, the correct evaluation of NPS is also particularly relevant in the research field where they serve as critical indicators for measuring the efficacy of interventions against cognitive disorders. However, the study of NPS is extremely challenging given their extreme inter- and intraindividual variability. Moreover, the available assessment tools are often inadequate to fully capture their complexity and phenotypic expression. Based on these considerations, novel modalities for the assessment and measurement of NPS may be important to identify and develop. In this regard, a promising alternative (or, at least, a complementary aid) to traditional scales and questionnaires might be constituted by diaries. In the present article, we discuss the potential advantages and implications that may result from the adoption of this kind of instruments for the ecological assessment of NPS in subjects with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]