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An updated version of the ‘Checklist of the Italian Fauna’ for the suborder Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) is presented here. The list reflects the state of art of chorological knowledge of both aquatic and terrestrial Italian Heteroptera in November 2020. The checklist records 1395 species-group taxa belonging to 6 infraorders and 48 families. The total number of species-group taxa includes 44 taxa currently considered endemic to Italy, 12 subendemic, 13 introduced and 10 cryptogenic. The distribution of Italian Heteroptera in the new checklist is based on the subdivision of Italy in two macro-regions, Continental Italy and Peninsular Italy, and two major islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Compared to the previous Checklist by Faraci & Rizzotti Vlach, published in 1995, the new one contains nomenclatural changes, additions and exclusions of species based on the perusal of 220 literature sources. The main changes concern the families Miridae (21 synonymies, 26 exclusions and 34 additions), Rhyparochromidae (15 exclusions and 14 additions) and Pentatomidae (13 exclusions and 5 additions). Explanatory notes are provided for all the updates of the new checklist. The full data set is attached to this paper as supplementary files, while a simplified version is freely accessible from the LifeWatch Italy Data Portal (https://dataportal.lifewatchitaly.eu/data) where it is expected to be regularly updated.

In Metaphor Studies, metaphor is considered as a “form of understanding one thing in terms of something else.” It is assumed that, despite their differences, metaphors share many properties and that a theory of metaphor should capture these essential properties. In short, it is assumed that metaphor is a natural kind. We call this view the Natural Kind Assumption. In this paper, we will challenge it and show that metaphor is not a natural kind. Finally, we will discuss the main philosophical consequences of this view.

Increased emphasis on K-12 engineering education, including the advent and incorporation of the NGSS in many curricula, has spurred the need for increased engineering learning opportunities for younger students. This is particularly true for students from underrepresented minority populations or economically disadvantaged schools, who traditionally lag behind their peers in the pursuit of STEM majors or careers. To address this deficit, we have created the Hk Maker Lab, a summer program for New York City high school students that introduces them to biomedical engineering design. The students learn the design process through a series of interactive workshops and laboratory activities. In coordination with learning the process, students apply the engineering design process to identify real-world problems and create testable prototypes. The students explore the entrepreneurial aspects of their projects, creating basic business plans. The program has been successful in creating a diverse set of program participants who have learned engineering design and created solutions to open-ended problems. This paper presents the structure of the Hk Maker Lab and preliminary assessments of the program, providing a basic framework for those similarly interested in creating STEM education opportunities for high school students.

Un estratto dalla biografia Quando un uomo nasce maledetto (Archivio della Memoria e dell’Immaginario Siciliano AMIS - Le Stelle in Tasca ODV Catania), prima opera classificata nella sezione biografie del premio internazionale di scritture autobiografiche Thrinakìa.

This paper aims at showing the analogies between Hans Blumenberg’s Metaphorology and George Lakoff & Mark Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Starting from the analysis of the proportion for which ABSOLUTE METAPHOR: METAPHORICAL EXPRESSIONS = BACKGROUND METAPHOR: CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR, we propose to compare Blumenberg’s Metaphorology with Lakoff & Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory, outlining similarities and differences in reference to: (a) the fundamental notions on which the two theories are based, (b) the methods and (c) the relationship between language-thought-culture assumed by the two theories. However, the reconstruction of the relation between the two theoretical paradigms is not an end in itself as we will show that the two research paradigms could be integrated to overcome problematic aspects present in both theoretical perspectives.

This paper provides new petrochemical and paleomagnetic data from obsidian sub-sources on the island of Pantelleria, exploited since the Neolithic. Data has been obtained from 14 obsidian samples from 4 locations: Fossa della Pernice (2 sites), Salto la Vecchia and Balata dei Turchi. Here, we aim to better characterize these obsidians using a cross-disciplinary and multi-analytical approach, to further understand their archaeological significance. Major element analyses (EMP) have enabled two compositional super-groups to be distinguished: (i) Fossa della Pernice, less peralkaline and (ii) Balata dei Turchi–Salto la Vecchia, distinctly more peralkaline and having almost identical chemical patterns. Trace element analyses (LA-ICP-MS) corroborate major element groupings, with the Balata dei Turchi–Salto la Vecchia super-group being further characterized by a pronounced negative europium anomaly. Glass H2O contents (FT-IR) reveal an overlap among all the sub-sources (H2O = 0.1–0.3 wt. %). Magnetic methods have refined the petrochemical groupings, permitting further distinction between Balata dei Turchi–Salto La Vecchia and the Fossa della Pernice super-groups. The occurrence of sub-microscopic (< 1 μm) ferromagnetic minerals results in different magnetic susceptibility and Natural Remanent Magnetization values and allows the best distinction among the products from the chosen sites.

Chlorine is a minor element present in obsidians in quantities greater than in average igneous rocks. The chlorine concentration in obsidians is generally low, of the order of tenths of wt %, but it exhibits an appreciable differentiation among geological sources. Despite these characteristics, chlorine has rarely been taken into consideration as a possible indicator of obsidian provenance and it does not appear in the chemical analytical tables accompanying the geochemical characterisation of obsidian samples.

Il perimetro geografico entro cui sono ambientate le novelle degli Ecatommiti è molto esteso, eppure circa i due terzi dei racconti hanno per cornice la penisola italiana. Due novelle consecutive e affini narrano vicende che si svolgono a Milano agli inizi del Cinquecento, all’epoca di Gian Giacomo Trivulzio (V 4 e 5). Sono esempi di fedeltà coniugale articolati sull’espediente narrativo comune della fuga di un prigioniero per mezzo di uno scambio di persona. Il saggio analizza le fonti di questo motivo e le pone in confronto con la versione di Giraldi, per mostrare le caratteristiche e i significati implicati nella rappresentazione di Milano all’interno del novelliere. The geographic setting of the Ecatommiti outlines a very wide perimeter. Nevertheless, about two thirds of the tales are set in the Italian peninsula. Two consecutive and related tales narrate events taking place in Milan at the beginning of the Sixteenth Century, at the time of Gian Giacomo Trivulzio (V 4 and 5). They are examples of marital fidelity based on the common narrative means of the escape of a prisoner changing clothes with a helper. The essay analyzes the sources of that theme and compares them with Giraldi’s tales. Its aim is to show the characteristics and meanings of Milan’s representation within the book.

Abstract Cava dei Selci (CdS) is the main degassing site of the Colli Albani quiescent volcano and since 20 years it is the site of geochemical volcano monitoring. Emitted gas consists mostly of CO2 (≥98 vol.%) with minor H2S, and helium isotopes suggest it has a significant magmatic component. The diffuse soil CO2 flux was monitored in the period 2000–2020, with 55 surveys on a target area. The total CO2 output fluctuates from 5.6 to 24.8 t d−1. The soil CO2 flux per unit surface (average 2.323 kg m−2 d−1) is the highest of 15 Italian actively degassing volcanic and geothermal areas. Soil CO2 flux and environmental parameter data collected over 4‐year of continuous monitoring (2004–2008) were analyzed by stochastic Gradient Boosting Trees regression (sGBT), Multiple Linear Regression, and Principal Component Regression. Only sGBT predicts the entire data set and effectively identifies the relationship between soil CO2 flux and environmental parameters. Residuals indicate two anomalous degassing periods (March‐2005, summer‐2007). Colli Albani area is affected by moderate seismicity (Md ≤ 4). 575 earthquakes occurring from 2009 to 2021 were analyzed determining their location, hypocenter depth, and focal mechanism (of 43 selected events). Evaluation of seismic events occurred across geochemical surveys within 30 km from CdS shows that there is a relationship between CO2 flux, earthquake focal mechanism and depth: shallow strike‐slip hypocenters are associated to low fluxes, deep normal‐faulting hypocenters to high CO2 output.

The intervertebral disc is a highly hydrated tissue that acts to absorb and distribute large complex loads placed on the spine. Diurnal loading and disc degeneration causes significant changes in water volume and proteoglycan content, which alters the internal osmotic environment. Short-term osmotic loading alters disc cell gene expression; however, the long-term effect of osmotic loading on disc cell matrix synthesis is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term osmotic loading on matrix turnover and proliferation by juvenile and adult cells from the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the cartilaginous endplate (EP). Matrix synthesis was evaluated using pellets and a 3D agarose system, which has been used for developing engineered tissues. Intervertebral discs were acquired from juvenile and adult cows. Cells were acquired through enzymatic digestion and expanded in culture. Pellets were formed through centrifugation, and constructs were created by encapsulating cells within 2% w/v agarose hydrogel. Pellets and constructs were cultured up to 42 days in chemically defined medium with the osmolality adjusted to 300, 400, or 500 mOsm/kg. EP cells were evaluated as a chondrocyte comparison to chondrocyte-like NP cells. Pellet and agarose cultures of juvenile NP and EP cells demonstrated similarities with respect to cell proliferation and functional mechanical properties. Cell proliferation decreased significantly with increased osmotic loading. The final compressive Youngs modulus of juvenile NP cells was 10-40× greater than initial properties (i.e., day 0) and was greater than the final Youngs modulus of adult NP and juvenile EP constructs. In juvenile NP constructs, there were no significant differences in GAG content with respect to osmotic loading. However, GAG synthesis and mechanical properties were greatest for the 400 mOsm/kg group in adult NP constructs. Taken together, the results presented here suggest a tradeoff between cell proliferation and matrix production under osmotic loading conditions. In conclusion, culturing disc cells in an osmotic environment that best mimics the healthy disc environment (400 mOsm/kg) may be ideal for balancing cell proliferation, matrix production, and mechanical properties of engineered disc tissues.

The intervertebral disc is a highly hydrated tissue that acts to absorb and distribute large complex loads placed on the spine. Diurnal loading and disc degeneration causes significant changes in water volume and proteoglycan content, which alters the internal osmotic environment. Short-term osmotic loading alters disc cell gene expression; however, the long-term effect of osmotic loading on disc cell matrix synthesis is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term osmotic loading on matrix turnover and proliferation by juvenile and adult cells from the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the cartilaginous endplate (EP). Matrix synthesis was evaluated using pellets and a 3D agarose system, which has been used for developing engineered tissues. Intervertebral discs were acquired from juvenile and adult cows. Cells were acquired through enzymatic digestion and expanded in culture. Pellets were formed through centrifugation, and constructs were created by encapsulating cells within 2% w/v agarose hydrogel. Pellets and constructs were cultured up to 42 days in chemically defined medium with the osmolality adjusted to 300, 400, or 500 mOsm/kg. EP cells were evaluated as a chondrocyte comparison to chondrocyte-like NP cells. Pellet and agarose cultures of juvenile NP and EP cells demonstrated similarities with respect to cell proliferation and functional mechanical properties. Cell proliferation decreased significantly with increased osmotic loading. The final compressive Young's modulus of juvenile NP cells was 10-40× greater than initial properties (i.e., day 0) and was greater than the final Young's modulus of adult NP and juvenile EP constructs. In juvenile NP constructs, there were no significant differences in GAG content with respect to osmotic loading. However, GAG synthesis and mechanical properties were greatest for the 400 mOsm/kg group in adult NP constructs. Taken together, the results presented here suggest a tradeoff between cell proliferation and matrix production under osmotic loading conditions. In conclusion, culturing disc cells in an osmotic environment that best mimics the healthy disc environment (400 mOsm/kg) may be ideal for balancing cell proliferation, matrix production, and mechanical properties of engineered disc tissues.

The ant Crematogaster scutellaris, distributed across the western Mediterranean region and east to the west Balkans, is a visual mimicry model for various other organisms, including different other species of ants. It is an ecologically and behaviorally dominant species, foraging through large permanent trails that workers pugnaciously defend by biting and spraying a toxic secretion. Here we report on two interesting novelties discovered by monitoring Cr. scutellaris foraging trails in Tunisia: first, we present the first records of the mimicking ant Colobopsis imitans in the country, filling a distribution gap and confirming a previous biogeographic hypothesis; second, we identified the miridMimocoris rugicollis, whose brachypterous females are known as myrmecomorphs, as a mimic of Cr. scutellaris. Both Co. imitans and M. rugicollis were observed following or stationing near Cr. scutellaris trails, often in the presence of another mimicking ant, Camponotus lateralis. Still little is known about the ecology and behavior of most Cr. scutellaris mimics, with some species still undescribed. Further research is needed to investigate the evolutionary pressures shaping this adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Rome region contains several sites where endogenous gas is brought to the surface through deep reaching faults, creating locally hazardous conditions for people and animals. Lavinio is a touristic borough of Anzio (Rome Capital Metropolitan City) that hosts a country club with a swimming pool and an adjacent basement balance tank. In early September 2011, the pool and the tank had been emptied for cleaning. On 5 September, four men descended into the tank and immediately lost consciousness. On 12 August 2012, after a long coma the first person died, the second one reported permanent damage to his central nervous system, and the other two men recovered completely. Detailed geochemical investigations show that the site is affected by a huge release of endogenous gas (CO2 ≈ 96 vol.% and H2S ≈ 4 vol.%). High soil CO2 and H2S flux values were measured near the pool (up to 898 and 7.155 g·m−2·day−1, respectively), and a high CO2 concentration (23–25 vol.%) was found at 50–70 cm depth in the soil. We were able to demonstrate that gas had been transported into the balance tank from the swimming pool through two hubs connected to the lateral overflow channels of the pool. We show also that the time before the accident (60 hr), during which the balance tank had remained closed to external air, had been largely sufficient to reach indoor nearly lethal conditions (oxygen deficiency and high concentration of both CO2 and H2S).

Abstract Background Protein kinases are enzymes controlling different cellular functions. Genetic alterations often result in kinase dysregulation, making kinases a very attractive class of druggable targets in several human diseases. Existing approved drugs still target a very limited portion of the human ‘kinome’, demanding a broader functional knowledge of individual and co-expressed kinase patterns in physiologic and pathologic settings. The development of novel rapid and cost-effective methods for kinome screening is therefore highly desirable, potentially leading to the identification of novel kinase drug targets. Results In this work, we describe the development of KING-REX (KINase Gene RNA EXpression), a comprehensive kinome RNA targeted custom assay-based panel designed for Next Generation Sequencing analysis, coupled with a dedicated data analysis pipeline. We have conceived KING-REX for the gene expression analysis of 512 human kinases; for 319 kinases, paired assays and custom analysis pipeline features allow the evaluation of 3′- and 5′-end transcript imbalances as readout for the prediction of gene rearrangements. Validation tests on cell line models harboring known gene fusions demonstrated a comparable accuracy of KING-REX gene expression assessment as in whole transcriptome analyses, together with a robust detection of transcript portion imbalances in rearranged kinases, even in complex RNA mixtures or in degraded RNA. Conclusions These results support the use of KING-REX as a rapid and cost effective kinome investigation tool in the field of kinase target identification for applications in cancer biology and other human diseases.