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Domestic dogs have been shown to engage in interspecific communication with their owners using a flexible repertoire of signals (i.e., gaze, vocalizations, and postures). This ability is influenced by ontogenetic development as well as breed selection. Different aspects of this phenomenon have been studied using the out of reach/hidden object task in which a piece of food is shown to the dog and then hidden in an unreachable spot by the experimenter. Dogs’ behavioral displays toward the target and the owner (ignorant about the location of the food) have been observed. The complex communicative behavior dogs exhibit in this context is defined as showing behavior and includes attention-getting components directed toward the owner, and directional components directed toward the target. No study has investigated the ontogenetic development of this behavior. In the current study, we compared the showing behavior in 4–6 month old puppies and 2–11 year old adults in an out of reach task involving the hiding of a food reward in one of two cabinets. Dogs were exposed to three conditions: (1) Owner with Food (OF), (2) Owner No Food (ONF), and (3) Alone with food (AF). Dogs showed more gaze alternations when both the food and the owner were present confirming the intentional and referential nature of this behavior. Contrary to our expectations, we found no differences between the showing behaviors of 4–6 month old puppies and adult dogs. This study provides interesting preliminary evidence of showing behavior in puppies. Further studies are needed to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this communicative behavior (i.e., breed, level of training). Furthermore, longitudinal studies should be performed from the age of 2 months up to 1 and 2 years to better clarify the influence of development and experience on showing behavior in domestic dogs.

Appeasement signals are behavioural patterns displaying an animal’s non-aggressive attitude and are hypothesized to reduce the aggressive behaviours in the receiver. In domestic dogs, specific displacement behaviours (i.e., behavioural patterns exhibited without an apparent function related to the ongoing situation), have been suggested to function as appeasement signals. To test this possibility, we assessed whether the occurrence of these behaviours was dependent on a social conflict context, predicting that, if displacement behaviours also function as appeasement signals, they should be more prevalent in a conflict vs. non-conflict context. Fifty-three dogs were exposed to two unfamiliar humans approaching them in either a mildly threatening or neutral way. We categorized the attitude of the dogs towards the strangers as “reactive”, i.e., barking and lunging towards the stimulus, and “non-reactive”, i.e., remaining passive in front of the stimuli. We coded dogs’ displacement activities and modelled their duration or frequency as a function of the interaction between the test condition and the attitude of the dog. Displacement behaviours of “blinking”, “nose licking” and “lip wiping” were associated with a “non-reactive” attitude, independently from the test condition, confirming an association with a non-aggressive intention. “Head turning” was associated with a “non-reactive” attitude in the threatening condition. In conclusion, dogs with a non-aggressive attitude exhibited more putative appeasement signals; however, these were not strictly associated with a conflict-ridden situation, calling for further investigation of their function.

Disease-specific autoantibodies are considered the most important biomarkers for systemic sclerosis (SSc), due to their ability to stratify patients with different severity and prognosis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), occurring in subjects with isolated Raynuad’s phenomenon, are considered the strongest independent predictors of definite SSc and digital microvascular damage, as observed by nailfold videocapillaroscopy. ANA are present in more than 90% of SSc, but ANA negativity does not exclude SSc diagnosis: a little rate of SSc ANA negative exists and shows a distinct subtype of disease, with less vasculopathy, but more frequent lower gastrointestinal involvement and severe disease course. Anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, and anti-Topoisomerase I antibodies could be considered as classical biomarkers, covering about 60% of SSc and defining patients with well-described cardio-pulmonary complications. In particular, anti-Topoisomerase I represent a risk factor for development of diffuse cutaneous involvement and digital ulcers in the first 3 years of disease, as well as severe interstitial lung disease (ILD). Anti-RNA polymerase III is a biomarker with new clinical implications: very rapid skin thickness progression, gastric antral vascular ectasia, the occurrence of synchronous cancers, and possible association with silicone breast implants rupture. Moreover, novel SSc specific autoantibodies have been globally described in about 10% of “seronegative” SSc patients: anti-elF2B, anti-RuvBL1/2 complex, anti-U11/U12 RNP, and anti-BICD2 depict specific SSc subtypes with severe organ complications. Many autoantibodies could be considered markers of overlap syndromes, including SSc. Anti-Ku are found in 2–7% of SSc, strictly defining the PM/SSc overlap. They are associated with synovitis, joint contractures, myositis, and negatively associated with vascular manifestation of disease. Anti-U3RNP are associated with a well-defined clinical phenotype: Afro-Caribbean male patients, younger at diagnosis, and higher risk of pulmonary hypertension and gastrointestinal involvement. Anti-PM/Scl define SSc patients with high frequency of ILD, calcinosis, dermatomyositis skin changes, and severe myositis. The accurate detection of autoantibodies SSc specific and associated with overlap syndromes is crucial for patients’ stratification. ANA should be correctly identified using indirect immunofluorescent assay and a standardized way of patterns’ interpretation. The gold-standard technique for autoantibodies’ identification in SSc is still considered immunoprecipitation, for its high sensitivity and specificity, but other assays have been widely used in routine practice. The identification of SSc autoantibodies with high diagnostic specificity and high predictive value is mandatory for early diagnosis, a specific follow-up and the possible definition of the best therapy for every SSc subsets. In addition, the validation of novel autoantibodies is mandatory in wider cohorts in order to restrict the gap of so-called seronegative SSc patients.

The aim of this work is to develop an innovative methodology to analyse the time series (TS) of interferometric satellite data. TS are important tools for the ground displacement monitoring, mostly in areas in which in situ instruments are scarce. The proposed methodology allows to classify the trend of TS in three classes (uncorrelated, linear, non-linear) and to obtain the parameters of non-linear time series to characterise the magnitude and timing of changes of ground instabilities. These parameters are the beginning and end of the non-linear deformation break(s), the length of the event(s) in days, and the quantification of the cumulative displacement in mm. The methodology was tested on two Sentinel-1 datasets (2014–2020) covering the Alpine and Apennine sectors of the Piemonte region, an area prone to slow-moving slope instabilities. The results were validated at the basin scale (Pellice-Chisone and Piota basin) and at a local scale (Brenvetto, Champlas du Col and Casaleggio Boiro landslides) comparing with in situ monitoring system measurements, possible triggering factors (rainfall, snow) and already-collected events of the territory. The good correlation of the results has proven that the methodology can be a useful tool to local and regional authorities for risk planning and management of the area, also in terms of near real-time monitoring of the territory both at local and regional scale.

Research on eyewitness identification often involves exposing participants to a simulated crime and later testing memory using a lineup. We conducted a systematic review showing that pre-event instructions, instructions given before event exposure, are rarely reported and those that are reported vary in the extent to which they warn participants about the nature of the event or tasks. At odds with the experience of actual witnesses, some studies use pre-event instructions explicitly warning participants of the upcoming crime and lineup task. Both the basic and applied literature provide reason to believe that pre-event instructions may affect eyewitness identification performance. In the current experiment, we tested the impact of pre-event instructions on lineup identification decisions and confidence. Participants received non-specific pre-event instructions (i.e., “watch this video”) or eyewitness pre-event instructions (i.e., “watch this crime video, you’ll complete a lineup later”) and completed a culprit-absent or -present lineup. We found no support for the hypothesis that participants who receive eyewitness pre-event instructions have higher discriminability than participants who receive non-specific pre-event instructions. Additionally, confidence-accuracy calibration was not significantly different between conditions. However, participants in the eyewitness condition were more likely to see the event as a crime and to make an identification than participants in the non-specific condition. Implications for conducting and interpreting eyewitness identification research and the basic research on instructions and attention are discussed.

In situ bioremediation (ISB) is a widely accepted method for eradicating petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) from contaminated aquifers. To achieve full removal of all toxic compounds that originated from microbial degradation, sequential anaerobic/aerobic bioremediation systems are recommended. While several works based on laboratory analyses targeting sequential bioremediation have been documented, examples of sequential ISB are limited. The purpose of this study is to report and analyze the results obtained from the multiscale characterization activities propaedeutic to the construction of Italy’s largest (> 400 m long) sequential ISB system. The rich wealth of information produced during this study provides a useful example that can be followed for the construction of new sequential ISBs. The system was set up to remediate a solute plume containing PHCs and CAHs in an alluvial aquifer in Italy. Microcosm experiments were carried out to determine the biodegradation potential under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. In situ tests were performed by installing two 40-m-long pilot biobarriers for sequential anaerobic and aerobic degradation intercepting part of the contamination plume. These experiments pointed out the need of adding biostimulating compounds to accelerate the biodegradation process, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In situ tests showed removal efficiencies of up to 95 and 99% for total CAHs and PHCs, respectively, proving the feasibility of the full-scale ISB system. Apparent discrepancies between laboratory and in situ tests can be ascribed to scale effects and aquifer heterogeneities.

In the present study we investigated the influence of positive and negative arousal situations and the presence of an audience on dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions. We exposed dogs to positive anticipation, non-social frustration and social frustration evoking test sessions and measured pre and post-test salivary cortisol concentrations. Cortisol concentration did not increase during the tests and there was no difference in pre or post-test concentrations in the different test conditions, excluding a different level of arousal. Displacement behaviours of “looking away” and “sniffing the environment” occurred more in the frustration-evoking situations compared to the positive anticipation and were correlated with cortisol concentrations. “Ears forward” occurred more in the positive anticipation condition compared to the frustration-evoking conditions, was positively influenced by the presence of an audience, and negatively correlated to the pre-test cortisol concentrations, suggesting it may be a good indicator of dogs’ level of attention. “Ears flattener”, “blink”, “nose lick”, “tail wagging” and “whining” were associated with the presence of an audience but were not correlated to cortisol concentrations, suggesting a communicative component of these visual displays. These findings are a first step to systematically test which subtle cues could be considered communicative signals in domestic dogs.

Once dominated by a focus on collecting and preserving, and later communicating science through hands-on experiences, science museums are slowly reshaping their identities and purposes to explicitly include and promote active citizenship, social responsibility, engagement with complex science and technology issues, and agency. Informed by progressive views of scientific literacy and dialogic and participatory models of communication, science museums are beginning to re-imagine their spaces and practices to embrace broader goals. This theoretical paper explores and discusses the changing roles and identities of these institutions through the emergence of what we identify as fourth-generation science museums and their six defining drivers (Pedretti & Navas Iannini, 2020). We argue science museums can become places that (1) embrace change and transformation; (2) promote productive struggle; (3) develop allyship; (4) foster empathy; (5) support epistemic democracy; and (6) act as a hybrid third space.

Polluted drainage from weathering of sulfide-rich waste rock deposits can cause long-term impairment to waterways and biodiversity near mining sites. Mechanistic models represent established tools to support the predictions of the quantity and quality of waste rock drainage, and their associated risks. Yet, model-based predictions in typical waste rock systems are ubiquitously uncertain because of the strongly heterogeneous nature of these waste deposits. Embedding heterogeneity within predictive modeling is complicated by the magnitude and level of knowledge of the waste rock heterogeneity, and the large number of scale-dependent parameters feeding the model equations. This review encompasses deterministic and stochastic modeling approaches that emphasize consolidated tools and emerging modeling solutions to deal with heterogeneity for the modeling of waste rocks. Physical (e.g., variability of texture, hydraulic and pneumatic properties), geochemical (e.g., variability of mineralogy and kinetic parameters), and thermal heterogeneities are evaluated. The review points out the importance of stochastic modeling as a fundamental approach to embed uncertainty in long-term model-based decisions. Regulators and decision makers must be convinced of the benefit of using stochastic modeling, which is still considered to belong mainly to the academic sphere.

Many scholars suggest that recent major science education initiatives apparently tied to intense economic competitiveness and growth have prioritized education about “products” (e.g., laws, theories, innovations) and skills (e.g., experimentation) of fields of science and technology. Such initiatives also, apparently, tend to avoid research findings from fields of humanities and social sciences that frequently link, more or less directly, fields of science and technology with many often-controversial harms for individuals, societies and environments. Cited as particularly problematic among humanity’s many challenges is devastation from climate change associated with humans’ uses of petroleum-fuelled technologies. Over about the last five decades, however, science education scholars have been conducting research that may help educate students about “science-in-context” (SinC) conceptions, perspectives, skills, etc., regarding controversial harms like those mentioned above. In this review article, we analyze summaries provided here by four prominent scholars in their respective SinC fields, that is, about: Science, Technology, Society and Environment relationships, Socially-Acute Questions and Socioscientific Issues. Based on extended experiences by the authors here with aspects of the three SinC fields, we suggest that despite some niche differences in ontological, epistemological and axiological positions of scholarship among them, their congruences perhaps offer hope to those wanting to provide students with more holistic and critical conceptions of associations of fields of science and technology with many of humanity’s numerous personal, social and environmental threats that students may, in turn, use to contribute to a more just and environmentally sound world.

To investigate the present attitude of the Italian Radiation Oncologists in the management of breast cancer (BC) concerning hypofractionated radiotherapy (hRT), partial-breast irradiation (PBI), re-irradiation (rRT) and radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (post-NAC RT). A nationwide, 21-point questionnaire was distributed online via SurveyMonkey. Seventy-four Italian Radiotherapy Centers answered to the survey. In most cases, the responding centers treated more than 100 BC patients/year between January 2016 and December 2017. Almost half of responding centers (49%) treated patients with hRT, out of these, 95% as routine practice for early-stage BC. Dose prescriptions ranged between 39 and 45 Gy indicating a high use of moderate hRT. The chest wall and regional lymph nodes were irradiated with hRT by 13% and 15% of the responding centers, respectively. PBI was used by 60% of responders, with different techniques. Only 0.6% of participants perform rRT after BC recurrence. Finally, only 11% of the interviewed centers responded to their attitude toward post-NAC RT, which, however, was indicated in 97% of patients after breast-conserving surgery. This survey shows a fairly good use of hRT and a moderate practice of PBI in Italy. Some practices like hRT to the chest wall and regional lymph nodes as well as rRT need further verification. Likewise, the management of post-NAC RT is very heterogeneous. Future national clinical collaborative studies are advocated in order to investigate these controversial topics about breast cancer radiotherapy.

Heterogeneity in waste rock piles (WRPs) determines uncertainty in acid mine drainage (ARD) predictions from these deposits. Numerical modeling based on a novel and efficient stochastic framework to evaluate influential heterogeneity-linked factors controlling such uncertainty. The analysis considers a representative WRP with a mean neutralization potential ratio $$\overline{NPR} = 2$$. The heterogeneity-linked factors are: (1) Scale-dependent mineralogical variability. At the “local” scale, the variability within individual rock blocks in the waste rocks (10 s of cm) is measured through the correlation coefficient ($$\rho$$) between acid producing and acid consuming minerals, here considered a geogenic property of the site. For the analyzed conditions, as $$\rho \to 0$$ WRPs tend generate a higher risk of ARD and higher variability among results, which can be explained by the increasing mineralogical mixing (blending) as $$\rho$$ grows. At the “field” scale, the coefficient of variation ($$CV$$) is measured as the mineralogical variability of all rock blocks within the WRP. Since $$CV$$ is an engineering design parameter of a WRP, the results suggest that building WRPs with lower $$CVs$$ results in less uncertain predictions of long-term neutralization capacity of the piles. (2) Flow heterogeneity. The variance of solute travel times through a pile, here measured by $$\sigma_{w}^{2}$$, can be used to characterize flow heterogeneity, where high variance means stronger preferential flow in the WRP. Simulated ARD mass loadings with strong flow heterogeneity ($$\sigma_{w}^{2} \ge 1$$) leads to significant differences to the homogeneous case, increasing the uncertainty in the estimation of the ARD risk. (3) Pore gas concentration. In well-ventilated WRPs the effect of mineralogical heterogeneity is enhanced (WRPs generate much higher risk than WRPs with diffusion-limited gas transport modalities. Gas diffusion limits the amount of acidity produced in sulfidic-rich zones, thus attenuating the effect of mineralogical variability at the scale of the WRPs compared to well-ventilated piles.

Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases, resulting in better outcomes. However, their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. Following patent expiration for biologicals, the availability of biosimilars, which typically are less expensive due to lower development costs, provides additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. The availability of biosimilars in North American and Latin American countries is evolving, with differing regulations and clinical indications. The objective of the study was to present the consensus statement on biosimilars in rheumatology developed by Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR). Using a modified Delphi process approach, the following topics were addressed: regulation, efficacy and safety, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, automatic substitution, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. Consensus was achieved when there was agreement among 80% or more of the panel members. Three Delphi rounds were conducted to reach consensus. Questionnaires were sent electronically to panel members and comments about each question were solicited. Eight recommendations were formulated regarding regulation, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. The recommendations highlighted that, after receiving regulatory approval, pharmacovigilance is a fundamental strategy to ensure safety of all medications. Registries should be employed to monitor use of biosimilars and to identify potential adverse effects. The price of biosimilars should be significantly lower than that of reference products to enhance patient access. Biomimics are not biosimilars and, if they are to be marketed, they must first be evaluated and approved according to established regulatory pathways for novel biopharmaceuticals. • Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases. • Their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. • Biosimilars typically are less expensive, providing additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. • PANLAR presents its consensus on biosimilars in rheumatology

Water balance uncertainties have long been known to lead to potential environmental hazards, but their effect on economic profitability of mines is an under-studied field of research. Historical rainfall data are analyzed using the extreme value theory (EVT) and the peak over threshold method (POT). The resulting distributions are used as inputs into a system dynamics techno-economic metal mining investment profitability model, and simulation analysis is performed. The proposed methodology incorporates rainfall extremes and uncertainty into techno-economic modeling of metal mining operations. A case study with real-life historical rainfall data was used to illustrate the relationship between hydrologic uncertainty and the economic value of a metal mining investment.

International audience; Extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical cues have powerful effects on cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Here, starting from an unbiased metabolomics approach, we identify synthesis of neutral lipids as a general response to mechanical signals delivered by cell–matrix adhesions. Extracellular physical cues reverberate on the mechanical properties of the Golgi apparatus and regulate the Lipin-1 phosphatidate phosphatase. Conditions of reduced actomyosin contractility lead to inhibition of Lipin-1, accumulation of SCAP/SREBP to the Golgi apparatus and activation of SREBP transcription factors, in turn driving lipid synthesis and accumulation. This occurs independently of YAP/TAZ, mTOR and AMPK, and in parallel to feedback control by sterols. Regulation of SREBP can be observed in a stiffened diseased tissue, and contributes to the pro-survival activity of ROCK inhibitors in pluripotent stem cells. We thus identify a general mechanism centered on Lipin-1 and SREBP that links the physical cell microenvironment to a key metabolic pathway.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, several articles have reported considerable results with the Mini/One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (MGB/OAGB) in terms of both weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. Despite those positive reports, some controversies still limit the widespread acceptance of this procedure. Therefore, a multicenter retrospective study, with the aim to investigate complications following this procedure, has been designed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To report the complications rate following the MGB/OAGB and their management, and to assess the role of this approach in determining eventual complications related especially to the loop reconstruction, in the early and late postoperative periods, the clinical records of 2678 patients who underwent MGB/OAGB between 2006 and 2015 have been studied. RESULTS: Intraoperative and early complications rates were 0.5 and 3.1%, respectively. Follow-up at 5 years was 62.6%. Late complications rate was 10.1%. A statistical correlation was found for perioperative bleeding both with operative time (p < 0.001) or a learning curve of less than 50 cases (p < 0.001). A statistical correlation was found for postoperative duodenal-gastro-esophageal reflux (DGER) with a preexisting gastro-esophageal-reflux disease (GERD) or with a gastric pouch shorter than 9 cm, (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001), respectively. An excessive weight loss correlated with a biliopancreatic limb longer than 250 cm (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm MGB/OAGB to be a reliable bariatric procedure. According to other large and long-term published series, MGB/OAGB seems to compare very favorably, in terms of complication rate, with two mainstream procedures as standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Pump-and-treat (P&T) is a widely-adopted solution for the containment of solute plumes in contaminated aquifers. A cost-effective design of P&T systems requires optimizing (minimizing) the overall pumping rates (Q). This optimization is a stochastic process, as Q is a random variable linked to the randomness of the aquifer hydraulic conductivity (K). Previously presented stochastic approaches to minimize Q adopted two-dimensional (2D) Gaussian random spatial fields (r.s.f.) of log-transformed K. Recent studies based on geological entropy have demonstrated the limited ability of Gaussian r.s.f. to reproduce extreme K patterns, which mostly control transport in heterogeneous aquifers, when compared to non-Gaussian r.s.f. Moreover, 2D models generate different flow and transport connectivity than three-dimensional (3D) models. On these premises, this work aimed at extending previous works on P&T optimization in heterogeneous aquifers through Monte-Carlo groundwater simulations of 2D and 3D Gaussian and non-Gaussian r.s.f. The results indicated that the mean ( $$ \bar{Q}_{n} $$ ) and variance ( $$ \sigma_{Qn}^{2} $$ ) of the optimal Q distribution depend strictly on the chosen model dimensionality and r.s.f. generator. In particular, 2D models and models embedding indicator-based (i.e. non-Gaussian) r.s.f. tended to generate higher $$ \bar{Q}_{n} $$ and $$ \sigma_{Qn}^{2} $$ than 3D models with increasing number of model layers (KL) and Gaussian models. This behavior can be explained considering the spatial ordering of K clusters in the simulated aquifers, which is measured through metrics derived from the concept of geological entropy. It was found that 2D models and models embedding non-Gaussian r.s.f. displayed more spatially-persistent ordered K structures than 3D models and Gaussian models, resulting in higher $$ \bar{Q}_{n} $$ and $$ \sigma_{Qn}^{2} $$ . This is attributed to the relative amount of heterogeneity sampled by the solute source and the increased likelihood of more ordered K clusters to generate preferential flow and solute transport channeling than more disordered and chaotic systems, which enhance solute mixing. Combining P&T with physical barriers (i.e. cut-off walls) was helpful to reduce both $$ \bar{Q}_{n} $$ and $$ \sigma_{Qn}^{2} $$ in all tested scenarios, corroborating previous findings. However, the relative efficacy of a specific physical barrier geometry to reduce $$ \bar{Q}_{n} $$ and $$ \sigma_{Qn}^{2} $$ also depends on the chosen model dimensionality and r.s.f. generator.

ACL injuries in prepubescent patients are being seen with increasing frequency. The reasons include intensive year round training regimens and early sport specialisation, but also a more precise diagnosis of the trauma and its causes. The traditional treatment was conservative, but with poor outcomes and an high rate of chondral and articular damages caused by prolonged instability. As a result, there is the need for surgical anterior cruciate reconstruction even in skeletally immature patients. Many surgical techniques have been described to achieve a physeal sparing reconstruction, thus avoiding iatrogenic damages of the limb growth. The proposed techniques can be divide into three groups: extra-epiphyseal, trans-epiphyseal and all-epiphyseal. Some issues are related to the non-anatomical stabilisation achieved with the extra-epiphyseal reconstruction. All-epiphyseal reconstruction, which involves some technical complexities, should be preferred in younger patients with fully open physes. The trans-epiphyseal approach has shown satisfactory outcomes in patients with older skeletal age, reducing the surgical impact on growth cartilages with some technical adjustments if compared with the usual technique for adults.