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While customer journey (CJ) research proliferates, prior studies have adopted different CJ conceptualisations, theoretical perspectives, and methods, fostering fragmentation in CJ research. Addressing this literature-based tension or gap, we systematically map the corpus of CJ literature to uncover its intellectual structure, reducing the rising fragmentation observed in this topic area. Specifically, we chart the CJ literature's evolutionary path and central themes in the period of 2001–2023. Using bibliometric- and thematic analysis, we identify six main CJ themes, including the CJ-based customer experience, CJ-based customer behaviour, CJ-based design, CJ-based smart technology, CJ-based social media, and CJ mapping, which collectively depict the CJ's intellectual structure in the study period. We also develop a conceptual framework of the CJ, which includes the focal concept and its key antecedents, mediators, moderators, and consequences. We conclude by outlining important theoretical and practical implications that arise from our analyses, and by offering an agenda for further CJ research. • The study systematically maps customer journey (CJ) research from 2001–2023, identifying six key CJ themes. • A conceptual framework of the CJ is proposed, highlighting its antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes. • Bibliometric and thematic analyses reveal the evolution and intellectual structure of CJ research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the levels of 10 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 3 hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in liver and fat tissue of 45 Caretta caretta stranded along the Adriatic Sea. The analytical methodology was based on gas or liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. The mean values of PBDEs and α-HBCDD were 0.83 ± 0.39 and 0.069 ± 0.10 ng g−1 w.w. in liver, while 2.54 ± 0.80 and 0.56 ± 0.47 ng g−1 w.w. in fat tissue, respectively. The levels were higher in fat tissue than in liver. The PBDE profile was similar to that found in aquatic species while for HBCCDs, only the α-isomer was detected. No correlation between the contamination levels and sex and size was found. This study adds information about contamination levels of some brominated compounds in C. caretta , providing a background level in liver and fat tissue of loggerhead sea turtles from the Adriatic Sea. [Display omitted] • C. caretta could ingest and bioaccumulate BFRs from the environment. • Levels of brominated compounds were generally higher in fat tissue than in liver. • Differences emerged between liver and fat tissue in congeners patterns. • No correlation between contamination levels and sex and size was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinoschisis is a poorly documented form of retinal degeneration characterized by cyst-like splitting that occurs between the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. The pathogenesis of retinoschisis is incompletely understood, but congenital, acquired and secondary aetiologies (glaucoma, inflammation, neoplasia) are described in humans. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and associated histological and clinical features of retinoschisis in cats and dogs submitted for biopsy over a 10-year period. Of 140 samples with documented 'retinal vacuolation', four out of 120 (3%) canine samples and one out of 20 (5%) feline samples had changes consistent with retinoschisis. In most cases (80%), there was concurrent retinal detachment. In cases with available histories, increased intraocular pressure, proptosis and retinal detachment were reported clinical findings. In cats and dogs, retinoschisis is a retinal change that is generally secondary to other ocular lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss an extension to the adaptive control strategy presented in di Bernardo et al. (2013) able to counter eventual instabilities due to disturbances at the input of an otherwise L 2 stable closed-loop system. These disturbances are due to the presence of affine terms in the plant and reference model. The existence of a common Lyapunov function for the linear part of the PWA reference model is used to prove global convergence of the error system, even in the presence of sliding solutions, as well as boundedness of all the adaptive gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While computational approaches based on chemical structures have been extensively used in drug discovery, drug induced transcriptional responses provide a complementary view of their effects. Network visualizations facilitate the exploration of the chemical space in a comprehensive, integrated view. Systematic approaches can be particularly useful for repositioning drugs acting on the CNS, where polypharmacology, targets promiscuity and pharmacokinetic properties must be finely tuned. Here we present a review of the most recently developed methodologies for comparative structure-based and transcriptomics analyses together with applications to the field of Drug Repositioning. We also show an application example in which we searched for drugs and perturbagens inducing cellular autophagy, a suitable strategy to improve phenotype of neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Recent experimental work suggests the therapeutic role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) during lung morphogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential paracrine effects of amniotic fluid-derived MSCs (AF-MSCs) on fetal lung growth in a nitrofen explant model. Methods: Pregnant Sprague–Dawley dams were gavage fed nitrofen on gestational day 9.5 (E9.5). E14.5 lung explants were subsequently harvested and cultured ex vivo for three days on filter membranes in conditioned media from rat AF-MSCs isolated from control (AF-Ctr) or nitrofen-exposed (AF-Nitro) dams. The lungs were analyzed morphometrically and by quantitative gene expression. Results: Although there were no significant differences in total lung surface area among hypoplastic lungs, there were significant increases in terminal budding among E14.5+3 nitrofen explants exposed to AF-Ctr compared to explants exposed to medium alone (58.8±8.4 vs. 39.0±10.0 terminal buds, respectively; p<0.05). In contrast, lungs cultured in AF-Nitro medium failed to augment terminal budding. Nitrofen explants exposed to AF-Ctr showed significant upregulation of surfactant protein C to levels observed in normal fetal lungs. Conclusions: AF-MSCs can augment branching morphogenesis and lung epithelial maturation in a fetal explant model of pulmonary hypoplasia. Cell therapy using donor-derived AF-MSCs may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neural stem cells (NSCs) raised the hope for cell-based therapies in human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Current research strategies aim to isolate, enrich, and propagate homogeneous populations of neural stem cells. Unfortunately, several concerns with NSC cultures currently may limit their therapeutic promise. Exhaustion of growth factors and/or their uncontrolled release with burst and fall in their concentration may greatly affect the in vitro behavior of NSCs. In this context, we investigate whether a device containing heparan sulfate (HS), which is a co-factor in growth factor-mediated cell proliferation and differentiation, could potentiate and prolong the delivery of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and thus improve in vitro NSC cultivation. We demonstrated that NSCs cultivated in media with a controlled release of FGF-2 from a polyelectrolyte polymer showed a higher proliferation rate, and reduced apoptosis and senescence. In these experimental conditions NSCs preserve their stemness properties for a longer period of time compared with controls. Also of interest is that cell fate properties are conserved as well. The controlled release of FGF-2 reduced the level of oxidative stress and this is associated with a lower level of damaged DNA. This result may explain the reduced level of senescence and apoptosis in NSCs cultivated in the presence of hydrogel-releasing FGF-2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In late-diagnosed transposition of the great arteries (TGA), the left ventricle (LV) involutes as it pumps against low resistance and needs retraining by applying a pulmonary artery band (PAB) in preparation for an arterial switch operation. We report our experience with a telemetrically adaptable band compared with classic banding. Methods: Ten patients underwent retraining of the LV, 4 patients with an adaptable band and progressive weekly tightening of the band (group 1) and 6 patients with a traditional band (group 2). Results: Mean weight and age at pulmonary band placement was 5.8 ± 2.36 kg and 11.7 ± 11.1 months for group 1 and 5.0 ± 2.3 kg and 6.4 ± 7.6 months for group 2. Time between palliation and switch procedure was 4.2 months in both groups. Group 1 showed an initial mean pulmonary gradient of 25.5 ± 4.43 mm Hg with a 5% closure of the device. The mean gradient increased with progressive closure to 63.5 ± 9.8 mm Hg at the time of the arterial switch operation. There were no reinterventions or deaths in this group. In group 2, the mean pulmonary gradient increased with growth from 49 ± 21.4 mm Hg to 68.4 ± 7.86 mm Hg at the time of the switch procedure. However, 4 of these patients required reoperations during retraining: 2 needed 1 reoperation and 2 needed 2 reoperations. Two patients died—1 after banding and 1 after the switch operation. Conclusions: Retraining of the LV by the adaptable device allows precise control of the tightening, avoids repetitive operations, and diminishes morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel identification method is presented, aimed at the reconstruction of biological networks, exploiting a piecewise affine modelling approach. The iterative identification algorithm is based on least squares linear regression. Biological process modelling requires the use of nonlinear descriptions, due to the presence of nonlinear phenomena, such as multiple equilibrium points. On the other hand, experimental knowledge suggests that the behaviour of many biological systems can be described with good approximation by means of piecewise affine models. On the basis of these considerations, the present work focuses on the problem of identifying a piecewise affine model fitting a given set of experimental data. The problem is tackled by means of a two-step procedure: the first step consists of determining an optimal splitting of the experimental data set into pseudo-linear subintervals, by identifying the points where nonlinear phenomena occur; subsequently, a linear model, representative of the network topology, is identified for each subinterval. The devised technique is assessed by comparing identification results with a well-established in silico model of the cell division cycle in fission yeast, developed by Novak and Tyson. Finally it is applied to an in vitro experimental data set, published in literature, in order to infer a genetic interaction network involved in the cell cycle of fission yeast. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

After a strong earthquake, the rapid identification of the extent of the affected area is the most crucial task of civil protection authorities. The information provided by those directly affected by an event makes the difference since it offers the opportunity to take advantage of direct observations and, in the case alert systems are available, to verify if they worked properly. Thanks to the fruitful collaboration between the Regional Civil Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS in Italy, a procedure for collecting rapid information about the impact of an earthquake using an expert crowdsourcing approach has been in place for some years. The volunteers of the civil protection, appropriately trained, upon receipt of the seismic event notification, are asked to rapidly compile a specific questionnaire, describing the impact of the event. Data are rapidly coded, and the results are summarized in a seismic impact map showing the effect of the earthquake throughout the territory in a simplified way. This map complements the impact estimation provided by the analysis of recorded shaking data. This paper describes the results obtained by analyzing the "Trained Volunteers Seismic Evaluation" questionnaire (TVSE) completed by volunteers for some of the most significant events in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been only a few reports regarding aripiprazole causing false positive urine amphetamine drug screens, exclusively on children accidently ingesting aripiprazole. Herein, we present the first reported case of a 40 year old woman affected by Bipolar I Disorder, treated with aripirazole at therapeutic oral dose ranging from 15 mg/day to 30 mg/day, in the context of a depressive episode with mixed and psychotic features, showing a false positive urine amphetamine drug screen. We document the relationship between aripiprazole-dose, plasma concentration and amphetamines values in toxicologic urine examinations over time. Awareness of potential false positive urine amphetamine drug screens during aripiprazole treatment can condition therapeutic choices and prevent legal implications. • Aripirazole can cause false positivity (FP) for amphetamine in urine drug screen. • First reported case of BDI patient assuming aripirazole with FP for amphetamine • Urine amphetamine values showed a proportional trend to the dosage of Aripiprazole. • Misinterpretation of data can condition therapeutic choices. • False positive urine amphetamine drug screens can have legal implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we report the synthesis procedure for the attainment of thin pellets composed of lanthanum dicarbide (LaC2) grains and graphite, as a candidate material for the production of targets for the generation of radioactive ion beams (RIBs). The samples were obtained by thermal treatment of green pellets of lanthanum oxide or lanthanum oxalate (La2O3 and La2(C2O4)3, respectively) mixed with pure graphite, in a selected amount, at high temperature and in vacuum or inert gas flux. Several treatments, carried out at different temperatures and for different times, were applied and the obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with the X-ray probe for elemental analysis (EDS) in order to investigate their surface morphology, sintering degree, grain size and chemical composition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was adopted to unambiguously identify the final phases and their crystallographic features. XRD analyses allowed to study the carburization reaction extent and LaC2 crystals growth as a function of the treatment temperature. Moreover, the total porosity of the pellets was evaluated by measuring the bulk density after thermal treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The SPES Project at INFN Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro SPES Technichal Design Report –www.lnl.infn.it/~spes/TDR2008/ is now in its early construction phase. SPES is an ISOL type Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) J.Khalili, E. Roeckl, The Euroschool Lect. on Phys. with Exotic Beams, Vol. II, Springer (2006) facility for the production of neutron-rich radioactive nuclei by uranium fission. RIBs will be produced by proton induced fission on a UCx multi foil direct target at a rate of 1013 fps, more than one order of magnitude larger than the currently available beam intensities. The recent developments on the production, ionization and acceleration of RIBs at SPES are hereafter presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]