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A versatile vapor generation module has been developed for the purpose of both field water vapor isotope calibrations and laboratory liquid water isotope measurements. The vapor generation module is fully scalable allowing in principle an unlimited number of standards or samples to be connected, opening up the possibility for calibrating with multiple standards during field deployment. Compared to a standard autosampler system, the vapor generation module has a more than 2 times lower memory effect. The vapor generation module can in principle generate a constant stream of vapor with constant isotopic composition indefinitely. We document an Allan Deviation for 17O-excess (Δ17O) of less than 2 per meg for an approximate 3 hour averaging time. For similar averaging time the Allan Deviation for δ17O, δ18O, δD, d-excess is 0.004, 0.006, 0.01, 0.03 %. Measuring unknown samples show that it is possible to obtain an average standard deviation of 3 per meg leading to an average standard error (95 % confidence limit) using 4–5 replicates of 5 per meg. Using the vapor generation module we document that an enhancement in the Allan Deviation above the white noise level for integration times between 10 minutes and 1 hour is caused by cyclic variations in the cavity temperature. We further argue that increases in Allan Deviation for longer averaging times could be a result of memory effects and not only driven by instrumental drifts as it is often interpreted as. The vapor generation module as a calibration system have been document to generate a constant water vapor stream for a period of more than 90 hours showing the feasibility of being used as an autonomous field vapor isotope calibration unit for more than 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partly in view of the migratory phenomenon to which Europe is exposed, forced and underage marriages nowadays deserve careful consideration both as social phenomena and as legal institutions. This paper aims to verify whether and to what extent forced and underage marriages should be recognised in Europe. On the one hand, recognising the validity of these acts could arguably clash with fundamental values and rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. On the other hand, it is not possible to a priori exclude that a flat refusal to recognise a marriage validly established abroad might entail a violation of further rights of the spouses and ultimately have detrimental consequences for the parties that the refusal aims to protect. The aim is to assess whether private international law tools and techniques can offer a proper balance between respect for the fundamental values of reception societies and protection of the rights and interests of the parties involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio, millimeter, and sub-millimeter astronomy experiments as well as remote sensing applications often require castable absorbers with well known electromagnetic properties to design and realize calibration targets. In this context, we fabricated and characterized two samples using different ratios of two easily commercially available materials: epoxy (Stycast 2850FT) and magnetite (F e 3 O 4 ) powder. We performed transmission and reflection measurements from 7 GHz up to 170 GHz with a vector network analyzer equipped with a series of standard horn antennas. Using an empirical model, we analyzed the data to extract complex permittivity and permeability from transmission data; then, we used reflection data to validate the results. In this paper, we present the sample fabrication procedure, analysis method, parameter extraction pipeline, and results for two samples with different epoxy-powder mass ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TP53 mutated/deleted acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stands out as one of the poorest prognosis forms of acute leukemia with a median overall survival not reaching one year in most cases, even in selected cases when allogenic stem-cell transplantation is performed. This aggressive behavior relies on intrinsic chemoresistance of blast cells and on high rates of relapse. New insights into the biology of the disease have shown strong linkage between TP53 mutant AML, altered metabolic features and immunoregulation uncovering new scenarios and leading to possibilities beyond current treatment approaches. Furthermore, new targeted therapies acting on misfolded/dysfunctional p53 protein are under current investigation with the aim to improve outcomes. In this review, we sought to offer an insight into TP53 mutant AML current biology and treatment approaches, with a special focus on leukemia-associated immune and metabolic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With this contribution we show the readout electronics for kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) that we are developing based on commercial IQ transceivers from National Instruments and using a Virtex 5 class FPGA. It will be the readout electronics of the COSmic Monopole Observer (COSMO) experiment, a ground based cryogenic Martin–Puplett Interferometer searching for the cosmic microwave background spectral distortions. The readout electronics require a sampling rate in the range of tens of kHz, which is both due to a fast rotating mirror modulating the signal and the time constant of the COSMO KIDs. In this contribution we show the capabilities of our readout electronics using Niobium KIDs developed by Paris Observatory for our 5 K cryogenic system. In particular, we demonstrate the capability to detect 23 resonators from frequency sweeps and to readout the state of each resonator with a sampling rate of about 8 kHz. The readout is based on a finite-state machine where the first two states look for the resonances and generate the comb of tones, while the third one performs the acquisition of phase and amplitude of each detector in free running. Our electronics are based on commercial modules, which brings two key advantages: they can be acquired easily and it is relative simple to write and modify the firmware within the LabView environment in order to meet the needs of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyl (OH) radicals are highly reactive species that can oxidize most pollutant gases. In this study, high concentrations of OH radicals were found when people were exposed to ozone in a climate-controlled chamber. OH concentrations calculated by two methods using measurements of total OH reactivity, speciated alkenes, and oxidation products were consistent with those obtained from a chemically explicit model. Key to establishing this human-induced oxidation field is 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (6-MHO), which forms when ozone reacts with the skin-oil squalene and subsequently generates OH efficiently through gas-phase reaction with ozone. A dynamic model was used to show the spatial extent of the human-generated OH oxidation field and its dependency on ozone influx through ventilation. This finding has implications for the oxidation, lifetime, and perception of chemicals indoors and, ultimately, human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial strains belonging to the genus Rhodococcus are able to degrade various toxic organic compounds and tolerate high concentrations of metal (loid)s. We have previously shown that Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1 is resistant to various levels of the two arsenic inorganic species, arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]. However, while arsenite showed toxic effects at concentrations as low as 5 mM, arsenate at 30 mM boosted the growth rate of BCP1 cells and was toxic only at concentrations of .100 mM. Since such behavior could be linked to peculiar aspects of its metabolism, the transcriptomic analysis of BCP1 cells exposed to 5 mM As(III) and 30 mM As(V) was performed in this work. The aim was to clarify the mechanisms underlying the arsenic stress response of the two growth phenotypes in the presence of the two different oxyanions. The results revealed that As (III) induced higher activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes than As(V) in relation to the expression of enzymes involved in cellular damage recovery and redox buffers/cofactors (ergothioneine, mycofactocin, and mycothiol). Further, As(III) downregulated pathways related to cell division, while both oxyanions downregulated genes involved in glycolysis. Notably, As(V) induced the expression of enzymes participating in the synthesis of metallophores and rearranged the central and energetic metabolism, also inducing alternative pathways for ATP synthesis and glucose consumption. This study, in providing transcriptomic data on R. aetherivorans exposed to arsenic oxyanions, sheds some light on the plasticity of the rhodococcal response to arsenic stress, which may be important for the improvement of biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is now considered a vital sign. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold-standard assessment of CRF; peak oxygen consumption (VO 2) and the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO 2) slope are considered primary CPET measures of CRF. More work is needed to determine the role of this exercise assessment in the primary care setting. 695 subjects (mean age: 62 ± 13 years, body mass index: 28.9 ± 5.3 kg/m2, 375 female and 320 male) underwent CPET using a cycle ergometer. 95% of the cohort had one or more major cardiovascular risk factor (i.e., obesity, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes); no subject was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the time of CPET. Subjects were tracked for the composite endpoint of cardiovascular mortality or hospital admission. Mean peak VO 2 , VE/VCO 2 slope and peak respiratory exchange ratio were 17.8 ± 5.8 mlO 2 •kg−1•min−1, 26.7 ± 4.1, and 1.18 ± 0.13, respectively. There were 42 composite events during the 64 ± 18 month tracking period. Both peak VO 2 (Chi-square 16.3, p < 0.001) and the VE/VCO 2 slope (Chi-square 14.9, p < 0.001) were significant univariate predictors of the composite endpoint. The VE/VCO 2 slope added significant predictive value to peak VO 2 and was retained in the multivariate regression (residual Chi-square 7.0, p = 0.008). These results support the prognostic value of CPET prior to a CVD diagnosis. The prognostic value of the VE/VCO 2 slope, not commonly the focus of CPET trials in patients with one or more major cardiovascular risk factors but without a confirmed CVD diagnosis, is a particularly novel finding in the current study. • Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is the gold-standard assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness. • While the prognostic value of CPET is clear in cardiopulmonary patients, more work is needed to determine its value in the primary care setting. • These results support the prognostic value of peak oxygen consumption and the VE/VCO2 slope prior to a CVD diagnosis. • The prognostic value of the VE/VCO2 slope in patients without a confirmed CVD diagnosis is a particularly novel finding in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HPV-independent in situ adenocarcinomas have been only recently added to the WHO 2020 classification. To date, little information has been published about HPVindependent precursor lesions. In particular, regardiong the extremely rare cervical endometrioid type adenocarcinoma thought to arise in the setting of cervical endometriosis, a premalignant lesion is still not well defined. In this short communication we describe a possible precursor to invasive cervical endometrioid type adenocarcinoma in a 39-yr-old patient, with a previous history of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the design study for a brain SPECT imaging system, referred to as the HelmetSPECT system, based on a spherical synthetic compound-eye (SCE) gamma camera design. The design utilizes a large number ($\sim 500$) of semiconductor detector modules, each coupled to an aperture with a very narrow opening for high-resolution SPECT imaging applications. In this study, we demonstrate that this novel system design could provide an excellent spatial resolution, a very high sensitivity, and a rich angular sampling without scanning motion over a clinically relevant field-of-view (FOV). These properties make the proposed HelmetSPECT system attractive for dynamic imaging of epileptic patients during seizures. In ictal SPECT, there is typically no prior information on where the seizures would happen, and both the imaging resolution and quantitative accuracy of the dynamic SPECT images would provide critical information for staging the seizures outbreak and refining the plans for subsequent surgical intervention.We report the performance evaluation and comparison among similar system geometries using non-conventional apertures, such as micro-ring and micro-slit, and traditional lofthole apertures. We demonstrate that the combination of ultrahigh-resolution imaging detectors, the SCE gamma camera design, and the micro-ring and micro-slit apertures would offer an interesting approach for the future ultrahigh-resolution clinical SPECT imaging systems without sacrificing system sensitivity and FOV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the seminal work of Daniele Mortari ("Moon-Sun Attitude Sensor," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 34, No. 3, 1997, pp. 360-364), the concept of an attitude sensor using images of illuminated celestial bodies has been pushed forward through the years. The basic idea consists of extracting two independent directions from the image of a celestial body, namely, the camera-to-planet and the planet-to-sun directions. The former is estimated from the center of an ellipse fitted to the imaged limb points and the latter from the symmetry axis of the illuminated region. These assumptions, however, only hold for far-distant spherical targets. In this work, the problem is reformulated in the framework of projective camera transformations of quadrics and conics, and an algorithm estimating the line of sight to the planet and the illumination direction from the limb and terminator ellipses, respectively, is presented. The method is applicable to any ellipsoidlike celestial body having known orientation. The algorithm is first validated on synthetically generated images and then tested using real pictures of Dione and Enceladus satellites gathered from Cassini spacecraft. Results show that the sensor concept returns rms errors in the order of the angular width of a pixel in computing the nadir direction, and subdegree accuracy in computing the sun direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the incidence of erroneous diagnosis of pneumatosis (pseudo-pneumatosis) in patients who underwent an emergency abdominal CT and to verify the performance of imaging features, supported by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, to reduce this misinterpretation. Methods: We selected 71 radiological reports where the presence of pneumatosis was considered definitive or suspected. Surgical findings, clinical outcomes, and reevaluation of the CT scans were used to assess the correct diagnosis of pneumatosis. We identified four imaging signs from literature, to differentiate pneumatosis from pseudo-pneumatosis: gas location, dissecting gas in the bowel wall, a circumferential gas pattern, and intramural gas beyond a gas-fluid/faecal level. Two radiologists reevaluated in consensus all the CT scans, assessing the four above-mentioned variables. Variable discriminative importance was assessed using the Fisher exact test. Accurate and statistically significant variables (p-value < 0.05, accuracy > 75%) were pooled using boosted Random Forests (RFs) executed using a Leave-One-Out cross-validation (LOO cv) strategy to obtain unbiased estimates of individual variable importance by permutation analysis. After the LOO cv, the comparison of the variable importance distribution was validated by one-sided Wilcoxon test. Results: Twenty-seven patients proved to have pseudo-pneumatosis (error: 38%). The most significant features to diagnose pneumatosis were presence of dissecting gas in the bowel wall (accuracy: 94%), presence of intramural gas beyond a gas-fluid/faecal level (accuracy: 86%), and a circumferential gas pattern (accuracy: 78%). Conclusion: The incidence of pseudo-pneumatosis can be high. The use of a checklist which includes three imaging signs can be useful to reduce this overestimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents results from an original open-source low-cost sensor (LCS) system developed to measure tropospheric O3 in a remote high altitude alpine site. Our study was conducted at the Col Margherita Observatory (2543 m above sea level), in the Italian Eastern Alps. The sensor system mounts three commercial low-cost O3/NO2 sensors that have been calibrated before field deployment against a laboratory standard (Thermo Scientific; 49i-PS), calibrated against the standard reference photometer no. 15 calibration scale of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Intra- and intercomparison between the sensors and a reference instrument (Thermo Scientific; 49c) have been conducted for 7 months from May to December 2018. The sensors required an individual calibration, both in laboratory and in the field. The sensor's dependence on the environmental meteorological variables has been considered and discussed. We showed that it is possible to reduce the bias of one LCS by using the average coefficient values of another LCS working in tandem, suggesting a way forward for the development of remote field calibration techniques. We showed that it is possible reconstruct the environmental ozone concentration during the loss of reference instrument data in situations caused by power outages. The evaluation of the analytical performances of this sensing system provides a limit of detection (LOD) <5 ppb (parts per billion), limit of quantification (LOQ) <17 ppb , linear dynamic range (LDR) up to 250 ppb , intra-Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) up to 0.96 , inter-PCC >0.8 , bias >3.5 ppb and ±8.5 at 95 % confidence. This first implementation of a LCS system in an alpine remote location demonstrated how to obtain valuable data from a low-cost instrument in a remote environment, opening new perspectives for the adoption of low-cost sensor networks in atmospheric sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisited the nematic-isotropic (NI) transition of the Lebwohl-Lasher lattice model with a detailed investigation of samples containing 200 x 200 x 200 particles. The large-scale Monte Carlo (MC) simulations involved were carried out following the standard Metropolis, as well as the cluster MC Wolff algorithms. A notable free-energy barrier was observed between the isotropic and nematic phase, leading to long-lived metastable states and hysteresis. We provide an improved estimate of the nematic-isotropic transition temperature TNI, of the supercooling and superheating temperatures, of the temperature of divergence of pretransitional effects TC* as well as an analysis of the size distribution of the ordered domains above TNI, contributing to a better understanding of this transition of key importance for liquid crystals. This article is part of the theme issue 'Topics in mathematical design of complex materials'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work presents the results obtained using an original open-source low-cost sensor (LCS) system developed to measure tropospheric O3 in a remote high altitude alpine site. We conducted our study at the Col Margherita Observatory (2543 m a.s.l.), a World Meteorological Organization Global Atmosphere Watch Regional Station, located in the Italian Eastern Alps. The sensing system mounts three equivalent commercial low-cost sensors that have been calibrated using a laboratory standard (Thermo 49iPS), referenced to the Standard Reference Photometer #15 calibration scale by the WMO, before field deployment. Intra and inter-comparison between sensors and reference (Thermo 49c) have been conducted for seven months from May to December 2018. The sensors required an individual calibration, both in laboratory and in the field. The sensor's dependence on the environmental meteorological variables has been considered and discussed. The evaluation of the analytical performances of this sensing system provides an LOD < 5 ppb, LOQ < 17 ppb, LDR up to 250 ppb, intra-Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) up to 0.96, inter-PCC > 0.8, bias > 3.5 ppb and ±8.5 at 95 % of confidence. Thanks to the first implementation of an LCS System in an alpine site, it has been demonstrated how it is possible to obtain valuable data from a low-cost instrument in a remote environment. This opens new perspectives for the adoption of a low-cost sensor network in atmospheric sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is devoted to the specifics of the influence of demographic processes in the muslim community of Russia on political aspects. The study of the data obtained made it possible to determine the specific aspects of the impact of demographic processes on muslim community and to describe the socio-political mean of these processes for russian society. The results obtained are consistent with the conclusions of a number of researchers, expand the existing understanding of the nature of demographic processes among muslims, and determine the specific results of their impact on russian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stapedial artery (SA) is an embryonic vessel connecting the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the branches of the future external carotid artery (ECA). It passes through the primordium of the stapes that progressively develops around the SA. Normally, SA disappears during the tenth week in utero. Approximately 0.4% of the population can have a persistent SA. It can persist as four types of embryological variations, of which the pharyngo-hyo-stapedial variant has been rarely described before. We reported a case of a 61-year-old woman presented with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Computed tomography angiography showed an unusual "duplicated" aspect of the left ICA. Digital subtraction angiography depicted a persistent pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery with an atherosclerotic wall and was considered the cause of the TIAs. After failure of the antiplatelet therapy in preventing recurrent TIAs, stenting of the artery was planned and successfully performed. Patient was asymptomatic during 12-month follow-up. The pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery is a very rare variation in which the SA is supplied by the inferior tympanic (rising from the ascending pharyngeal artery) and the hyoid artery (rising from the ICA). To our knowledge, this is a unique case of a pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery in a patient presenting associated ischemic symptoms. Radiological and embryological findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: CT segmentation of psoas muscles at L3 level is used to measure sarcopenia status, but it is not feasible when L3 is not included in the examination. We tested the correlation of psoas muscle mass and quality estimation at L3 with that of hip muscles, which could be opportunistically used in patients undergoing hip surgery.Materials and Methods: Unenhanced abdominal CT performed in 50 patients (29 males, mean/median age 69/72 years) were reviewed. Regions of interest were drawn to assess cross-sectional area (CSA) and attenuation of psoas muscles at L3. These values were correlated with CSA and attenuation of iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, and tensor fascia latae at the level of the hip, separately on each side. After applying Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, statistical significance was set as P < .002.Results: Attenuation of each psoas at L3 and ipsilateral hip muscles was significantly correlated (P ≤ .001, r = .491-.754). A significant correlation was observed between CSA of right psoas and ipsilateral muscles (P ≤ .00, r = .432-.525). We observed a significant correlation between CSA of left psoas and ipsilateral rectus femoris, iliopsoas, tensor fascia latae at the apex of the femoral head, and sartorius at the level of the lesser trochanter (P ≤ .001, r = .431-.502). Average time to measure CSA and attenuation of psoas muscles at L3 was 41 s, that of hip muscles was 2 min 12 s.Conclusion: Measurements of mass and quality of hip muscles are feasible and correlate to those of psoas muscles at L3, being potentially used in future works on the association of sarcopenia and outcomes after hip surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a large-scale extraction of resources from outer space does not seem feasible yet, associated legal debates are already underway. Indeed, anticipating a race for space resources, some States are taking the lead in enacting legislation regulating future exploitation by their subjects. Sales of "extraterrestrial real estate" by private entities have been taking place for decades. This article addresses the topic of exploitation of space resources from an international law perspective—regardless of whether it will be firmly on the agenda tomorrow or in thirty years' time. The crucial issue is to establish if, and eventually how, it is possible to conciliate the two principles at stake here: freedom to use outer space and celestial bodies, which arguably includes exploitation, and the impermissibility of their appropriation. It will be pointed out that, rather than proposing a comprehensive and rigid mechanism, the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement could represent a starting point, a proactive framework for achieving consensus among States and for seeking multilateral solutions for the exploitation of space resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is unclear.Objectives: To assess the differences in the risk of developing early, delayed, and comprehensive bleeding after MTBI among patients treated with DOACs as compared with those treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs).Methods: All MTBI patients taking oral anticoagulants in our emergency department between June 2017 and August 2018 were included. All patients on oral anticoagulants underwent immediate cerebral computed tomography (CT) and a second CT scan after 24 h of clinical observation.Results: There were 451 patients enrolled: 268 were on VKAs and 183 on DOACs. Of the DOAC-treated patients, 7.7% (14/183) presented overall intracranial bleeding, compared with 14.9% (40/268) of VKA-treated patients (p = 0.026). Early bleeding was present in 5.5% (10/183) of DOAC-treated patients and in 11.6% (31/268) of VKA-treated patients (p = 0.030). Multivariable analysis showed that VKA therapy (odds ratio [OR] 2.327), high-energy impact (OR 11.229), amnesia (OR 2.814), loss of consciousness (OR 5.286), Glasgow Coma Scale score < 15 (OR 4.719), and the presence of lesion above the clavicles (OR 2.742) were associated with significantly higher risk of global ICH. A nomogram was constructed to predict ICH using these six variables. Discrimination of the nomogram revealed good predictive abilities (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.817).Conclusions: DOAC-treated patients seem to have lower risk of posttraumatic intracranial bleeding compared with VKA-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine smooth muscle tumors of unknown malignant potential [STUMP]s are neoplasms with pathological features that preclude an equivocal diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, but that do not fulfill the criteria for leiomyoma or its variants, and raise concerns that the tumors may behave in a malign fashion. Total hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the standard treatment if fertility is completed, whereas myomectomy alone can be taken into consideration in young patients who desire to preserve childbearing potential. A careful surveillance every 6 months for 5 years and then yearly is strongly warranted. Patients with STUMP can relapse as either STUMP or leiomyosarcoma in approximately 11–13% of the cases, and their 5-year overall survival ranges from 92 to 100%. The present paper reviews the clinicopathological features of uterine STUMPs with a particular focus on most commonly accepted histopathological criteria for the diagnosis and on biological behaviour of these controversial neoplasms. • Pathological features of STUMPs preclude an equivocal diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, but do not fulfill criteria for leiomyoma. • Genomic index seems to represent a prognostic tool for predicting the clinical outcome of patients with STUMPs. • Surgery is the standard therapy of STUMPs, whereas there is no role for adjuvant hormone therapy or chemotherapy. • The recurrence rate of STUMPs ranges between 0% and 36%, with a mean value of approximately 13%. • STUMP can relapse as either STUMP or leiomyosarcoma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gay–Berne (GB) potential has proved highly successful in the simulation of liquid crystal phases, although it is fairly demanding in terms of resources for simulations of large (e.g., N>105) systems, as increasingly required in applications. Here, we introduce a soft-core GB model, which exhibits both liquid crystal phase behavior and rapid equilibration. We show that the Hamiltonian replica exchange method, coupled with the newly introduced soft-core GB model, can effectively speed up the equilibration of a GB liquid crystal phase by frequent exchange of configurations between replicas, while still recovering the mesogenic properties of the standard GB potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform model calculations of the macroscopic diffusion coefficient for a solute moving in a chiral nematic (cholesteric) liquid crystal (LC) phase applying the methodology developed by Frezzato et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 122, 164904 (2005)]. Three types of solutes with different features are studied: ellipsoid [roto-translational coupling (RTC) absent], bent rod (RTC present), and two-blade propeller (with RTC and chiral shape). For each prototype molecule we estimate the effect of cholesteric helix pitch and local order on the diffusion along the helix axis. For the ellipsoidal particle we find that translational diffusion is slowed down by rotation around the short axis. For the chiral solute we show that the enantiomer with shape chirality opposite to that of the LC phase is slowed down more than the other. This provides a proof of principle of the possibility of separating the two enantiomers via transport in a suitable chiral medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) represent a significant portion of total atmospheric aerosols. They are generated by the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particularly biogenic VOCs (BVOCs). The analysis of such samples is usually performed by targeted methods that often require time‐consuming preparation steps that can induce loss of compounds and/or sample contaminations. Methods: Recently, untargeted methods using high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have been successfully employed for a broad characterization of chemicals in SOAs. Herein we propose a new application of the direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization method combined with HRMS to quickly detect several hundred chemicals in SOAs collected on a quartz filter without sample preparation or separation techniques. Results: The reproducibility of measurements was good, with several hundred elemental compositions common to three different replicates. The relative standard deviations of the intensities of the chemical families ranged from 6% to 35%, with sufficient sensitivity to allow the unambiguous detection of 4 ng/mm2 of pinic acid. The presence of oligomers and specific tracers was highlighted by MSn (n ≤ 4) experiments, an achievement that is difficult to attain with other ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometers. Contributions of this untargeted DART‐HRMS method were illustrated by the analysis of fresh and aged SOAs from different gaseous precursors such as limonene, a β‐pinene/limonene mixture or scots pines emissions. Conclusions: The results show that it is possible to use DART‐HRMS for the identification of tracers of specific aging reactions, or for the identification of aerosols from specific biogenic precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isotopic composition of the hydrosphere of a coastal lagoon at midlatitudes. • Vapor and rain d-excess studied highlighting local and regional processes. • First attempt of modeling the isotopic composition of the lagoon surface water. • Local evapotranspiration flux partitioned with isotopic method. The interaction between the different components of the water cycle at ecosystem scale is of great interest in hydroecology. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in the water molecule can be used to study these processes quantitatively due to their different physical properties. This study aims at quantifying the contribution of local moisture sources to the isotopic signature of water vapor in the specific estuary system of a coastal lagoon. Here we present a framework of the isotopic composition of the atmospheric water cycle components (water vapor and precipitation) for the coastal lagoon of Venice (Italy) and we discuss the interaction between the atmospheric component and the surface component of the local water cycle, i.e. the atmospheric moisture and the lagoon water. The Venetian Lagoon is an enclosed basin with low freshwater influx, resulting in the presence of large horizontal gradients of the isotopic composition of surface water. This feature allows to determine the sensitivity of the isotopic signal in near surface atmospheric moisture under a range of humidity conditions. We observed that when the lower atmosphere is close to water vapor saturation pressure condition, the isotopic composition of water vapor at the ground appears to be in isotopic equilibrium with lagoon surface water in a range of approximately 6–26 km from the sampling point. On the other hand, under unsaturated conditions, we estimated that lagoon evaporation flux accounts on average for ∼27% to the daily (06–18 Local Sidereal Time) total evapotranspiration surface flux. This is the first study that discusses the spatio-temporal variability of water vapor, precipitation and surface water isotopic composition for a coastal lagoon, thus including the major components of the local water cycle in an estuarine system with the isotope approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Ground-based astro-geodetic observations and atmospheric radio occultations are two examples of observational techniques requiring a scrutiny analysis of atmospheric refraction. In both cases, the measured changes of the observables are geometrically related to changes in the photon path through the refractive profile of the crossed medium. Therefore, having a clear knowledge of how the refractivity governs the photon path evolution is of prime importance to clearly understand observational features. Aims. We analytically performed the integration of the photon path and the light time of rays traveling across a non-spherically symmetric planetary atmosphere. Methods. Assuming that the atmospheric refraction evolves linearly with the Newtonian potential, we derived an exact solution to the equations of geometrical optics. By varying the solution's arbitrary constants of integration, we reformulated the equation of geometrical optics into a new set of osculating equations describing the constants' evolution following any changes in the refractive profile. We have highlighted the capabilities of the formalism, carrying out five realistic applications in which we derived analytical expressions. Finally, we assessed the accuracy by comparing the solution to results from a numerical integration of the equations of geometrical optics in the presence of a quadrupolar moment (J2). Results. Analytical expressions for the light time and the refractive bending are given with relative errors at the level of one part in 108 and one part in 105, for typical values of the refractivity and J2 at levels of 10−4 and 10−2, respectively. Conclusions. The establishment of the osculating equations for the ray propagation has two main advantages. Firstly, it provides an easy and comprehensive geometrical picture for interpreting the photon path. Secondly, it allows the analytical solving of the ray propagation in the presence of non-radial dependencies in the refractive profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The analysis of radionuclides content in the waste product of urban wastewater treatment (i.e. sewage sludges) is of great concern for both the safety of workers and in a re-use perspective of the final product. The study of the behavior and the partitioning of radionuclides into sewage sludge samples can be useful not only to determine engineering issues in removal efficiency of radioactive pollutants, but also to determine the factors affecting the content and trends of radionuclides (natural and artificial) in urban wastewater systems. In this study we determine people-related and environmental factors that affect the activity of 131I (nuclear medicine) and 137Cs (fallout) in urban wastewater in a large area of northern Italy. 624 sewage sludge samples coming from 17 wastewater treatment plants were collected between 2012 and 2017 and analyzed with high resolution gamma-spectrometry. In addition to 131I and 137Cs, also the following radionuclides were analyzed for the periodic monitoring: 7Be, 40K, 60Co, 67Ga, 111In, 125I, 134Cs, 192Ir, 201Tl. 131I is the most frequently detected artificial radionuclide in sewage sludge samples (56%), showing a large variability (mean activity ± standard deviation 93 ± 184 Bq kg−1). The detection frequency of this radionuclide is significantly correlated to population density (R = 0.75, p-value<0.01) and its activity concentration is significantly correlated to wastewater treatment plant size, expressed in population equivalents (R = −0.56, p-value<0.05). The detection frequency of 131I in sewage sludge samples is modeled as a function of population density, sewer length, inflow rates and population equivalents, accounting for 83% of the variability of observations. Despite the frequency of detection, the activity of 131I was relevant for workers safety only in less than 0.5% of the cases. On the other hand, 137Cs is detected in 36% of samples and its activity shows high correlation with mean annual precipitation (R = 0.67, p-value<0.01) and the activity of natural radionuclides (R = 0.58 and 0.63, for 7Be and 40K, respectively, p-values <0.05). With a hybrid geostatistical model, we demonstrate that the spatial pattern of 137Cs activity in wastewater estimated from sewage sludge samples is consistent with soil contamination from Chernobyl fallout. Moreover, we hypothesize a possible horizontal transport of 137Cs in the study area highlighted by different trends of 137Cs activity concentration in sludges. The results of this study depict the sensitivity of sewage sludges to the persistent contamination of 137Cs, after 30 years from Chernobyl accident, and can be used as a database for future monitoring activities after any accident that includes the spreading of radioactive materials into the environment. Highlights • Correlations between natural and man-made radionuclides in sewage sludge samples. • Sources of 131I and 137Cs in sewage sludges are identified. • A model for the detection of 131I and 137Cs in sewage sludge samples is proposed. • A geostatistical model for wastewater concentration activity of 137Cs is proposed. • A possible displacement of 137Cs in wastewaters of the study area is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Processes on both synoptic scale and mesoscale contribute to variations in the atmospheric water vapor isotopic signal in the lower troposphere. The drivers of the isotopic composition of water vapor at these temporal scales is a key topic of discussion. The aim of this paper is to decouple mesoscale from synoptic processes that affect the water vapor isotopic composition over a coastal lagoon and to quantify the vertical mixing and sea breeze contributions to the daily water vapor cycle. We monitored the water vapor isotopic composition at the beginning of the 2017 spring season for 21 days, at the inland boundary of the Venetian Lagoon (Italy) with a commercially available cavity ring-down spectroscopy analyzer. Mean atmospheric pressure fields and back trajectories are used to investigate the long-range transport of water vapor to the study area. Moisture source areas and d-excess correlation maps show that the control on the d-excess parameter is dominated by the mesoscale contribution. The daily cycle of water vapor is studied in detail, showing that the intrusion of air from the free atmosphere represents the main process that occurs in the morning. Under those circumstances, the morning variability of the water vapor isotopic composition can be used as a proxy for the Planetary Boundary Layer height. The study period was characterized by a constant development of the sea breeze circulation that conserved the marine signature of water vapor until the afternoon. However, the water vapor isotopic signal tends to stabilize when atmospheric conditions such as high relative humidity and a weak gradient in the atmospheric pressure field occur, leading to the establishment of an isotopic equilibrium between the atmospheric water vapor and surface waters. Highlights • Synoptic and mesoscale processes highlighted by the water vapor isotopic composition. • Trend of water vapor isotopic signal related to SLP field at the regional scale. • Daily depletion of water vapor isotopes strongly related to PBL height. • Sea breeze imprints a clear pattern to water vapor d-excess. • Daily component of isotopic signal dominated by entrainment and mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission is a joint ESA/NASA collaboration to study the binary Near-Earth Asteroid (65,803) Didymos and assess the feasibility of the kinetic impactor technique to deflect an asteroid. The European contribution to AIDA is the Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM), which will characterize in detail the Didymos system, investigating the surface, subsurface, and internal properties of the asteroid. This paper presents a possible Radio Science Experiment (RSE) to be performed with AIM focused at its precise orbit determination within the Didymos system, providing an assessment of the accuracies achievable in the estimation of the scientific parameters of interest, like the masses and the extended gravity fields of Didymos primary and secondary, their relative orbit, and their rotational states. The experiment expected performances were assessed through numerical simulations, based upon a complete and realistic dynamical model of the Didymos system and the AIM spacecraft. Given the small mass of the Didymos system, optical navigation images proved to be crucial to obtain good accuracies for the scientific parameters of interest, even keeping AIM at relatively large distances from Didymos. At 10 km, after 8 flybys dedicated to gravity science, the masses of the primary and secondary can be estimated to about 0.2% and 1.6% (1-sigma), respectively, with the mass of the secondary being mainly given by observing the wobble of the primary around the common center of mass due to the mutual orbital motion; the orbital motion of the secondary around the primary can be estimated to about 1 m, and the pole orientation of the primary and the secondary can be estimated to about 0.1 deg and 0.4 deg, respectively (1-sigma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion of non-conventionally fuelled vehicles compared to conventional ones experienced significant constraints due to their higher cost and the lack of adequate public charging facilities. The EU, to overcome such constraints, adopted measures that encourage a shift towards more sustainable forms of mobility. In this domain EU Member States are adopting fiscal and direct incentives. The lack of coordination has nonetheless generated discrepancies among States in terms of vehicles sales. The article will focus on the relationship between fiscal and direct incentives and State aid. An assessment will verify under what conditions fiscal and direct incentives, aiming to promote clean transport, may be exempted from the general prohibition of State aid. To obtain a full picture, the impact of the freedoms of movement on tax legislation will be considered in tandem to EU provisions on discriminatory levies. The study concludes highlighting how electric vehicles cannot be axiomatically assumed to have zero CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief review and personal perspective of modelling and simulations of liquid crystals and of how this has dramatically changed over the years, from idealised lattice to molecular level and now to predictive atomistic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. In-depth studies of exoplanetary atmospheres are starting to become reality. In order to unveil their properties in detail, we need spectra with a higher signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and also more sophisticated analysis methods. Aims. With high-resolution spectrographs, we can not only detect the sodium feature in the atmosphere of exoplanets, but also characterize it by studying its line profile. After finding a clearly w-shaped sodium line profile in the transmission spectrum of HD 189733b, we investigated the possible sources of contamination given by the star and tried to correct for these spurious deformations. Methods. By analyzing the single transmission spectra of HD 189733b in the wavelength space, we show that the main sodium signal that causes the absorption in the transmission spectrum is centered on the stellar rest frame. We concentrate on two main stellar effects that contaminate the exoplanetary transmission spectrum: center-to-limb variations (CLVs) and stellar rotation. We show the effects on the line profile: while we correct for the CLV using simulated theoretical stellar spectra, we provide a new method, based directly on observational data, to correct for the Rossiter–McLaughlin contribution to the line profile of the retrieved transmission spectrum. Results. We apply the corrections to the spectra of HD 189733b. Our analysis shows line profiles of the Na D lines in the transmission spectrum that are narrower than reported previously. The correction of the sodium D2 line, which is deeper than the D1 line, is probably still incomplete since the planetary radius is larger at this wavelength. A careful detrending from spurious stellar effects followed by an inspection in the velocity space is mandatory when studying the line profile of atmospheric features in the high-resolution transmission spectrum of exoplanets. Since the line profile is used to retrieve atmospheric properties, the resulting atmospheric parameters could be incorrectly estimated when the stellar contamination is not corrected for. Data with higher S/N coupled with improved atmospheric models will allow us to adapt the magnitude of the corrections of stellar effects in an iterative way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a nonperturbative solution of the rotational diffusion equation for an asymmetric rotor reorienting in a uniaxial liquid crystal, such as a nematic, smectic A or membrane bilayer covering the full range of order parameters from isotropic to complete order for rod-like and plate-like molecules. We obtain explicit expressions for the rotational diffusion matrix elements for a potential containing arbitrary rank interactions. For the actual numerical computations we consider the rotor with biaxial diffusion tensor to be subject to a second rank biaxial orienting potential. We study in detail the influence of changes in diffusion tensor and ordering matrix biaxiality on correlation functions and correlation times of first and second rank and we comment on experiments that can be sensitive to biaxiality effects in the diffusion tensor. We give a comparison with approximate results that have appeared in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Monte Carlo method for studying anisotropic systems with a new type of boundary conditions is proposed. The missing interactions at the sample box surface are replaced by interactions with ghost molecules. The orientations of these ghost particles are sampled from a ‘‘least biased’’ singlet distribution obtained self-consistently from the order parameter inside the sample. The method is tested on the Lebwohl–Lasher model with 125 and 1000 particles. Results for the transition temperature and order parameters are in good agreement with those obtained from simulation of much larger systems. The method is fairly general and should be applicable in a variety of simulations. Here we show that it can also be used to study director fluctuations in nematogen models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice dynamical calculations of undoped and doped polyparaphenylene are carried out and the results compared with the vibrational spectra presently available in the literature. The purpose of the work is to determine from vibrational spectra the extent of delocalization of π electrons along the chain. Moreover, it is suggested that the doping induced spectra are consistent with the formation of bipolarionic type defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road dust is a non-exhaust source that can significantly contribute to atmospheric particulate by resuspension. Beside the issue of the overcoming of guidelines limits for the air quality, the characterization of this matrix is of crucially high interest for the inherent toxicity of resuspended particles, that can act as carriers of heavy metals and toxic-carcinogenic components. In this paper, road dust collected in the Venice international airport is characterized with a multi-technique approach in order to identify the main pollutant sources and to highlight the differences between airside/landside places. The most polluted sites are identified and a preliminary risk assessment is performed taking into account ingestion, dermal intake and inhalation of fugitive particulate pathways. Specifically, the main sources are related to construction activities, anti-icing safety procedures, and brake, tire and road wear; streets are the most polluted landside places; PAHs, Na, Al, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd are more concentrated in airside area; as regards the risk assessment As, BaP, Cr, Sb, BaA, and BbF are the most critical pollutants. Considering the high number of people passing or working in this airport and the ongoing works related to its enlargement which promotes the emission and the resuspension of fugitive dusts, this research addresses a fundamental step for the protection of potential receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed at assessing the capacity of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter to absorb and accumulate in its tissues some potentially harmful elements (PHEs), as Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn, in order to verify its possible use as phytoremediation in polluted mine soils. Plants from two different Italian mine areas, Montevecchio and Libiola, were considered and compared with plants from unpolluted areas. In each site ( n = 21), both rhizospheric soil materials and D. viscosa plants were sampled, suitably prepared and analyzed. Soil samples were examined for both total composition (XRF) and bioavailable fractions (DTPA-extraction). Dittrichia viscosa roots, stems and leaves were analyzed separately to quantify the metal presence in the different plant parts. The root/soil ratio values calculated on the basis of the total soil concentrations, displayed a generally scarce capacity of D. viscosa to absorb soils PHEs, especially those more concentrated in the substrata. Concerning the root/soil ratio calculated on the basis of DTPA-extractable soil metals, values displayed instead a greater capacity of D. viscosa to absorb metals in the roots thus behaving as a potential phytostabilization plant in both mine areas. Regarding the leaf/root ratio, this species also displayed a greater capacity, in sub alkaline mine areas, to shift PHEs from roots to aboveground tissues, along with Ca transfer, revealing interesting characteristics for phytoextraction. In sub acid mine areas, this tendency was instead weaker and PHEs tended to be accumulated in all plant parts. Dittrichia viscosa seems to be appropriate for mine soil stabilization in both sub acid and sub alkaline environments and also for phytoextraction in the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of soluble ions in the soils of a pinewood forest of the Mediterranean coastal area in the Province of Ravenna, Italy. A one year monitoring was carried out in four Entisols of the San Vitale pinewood forest, a vulnerable natural area due to subsidence and salt water intrusion. Ionic soluble forms were examined in saturated paste extracts (SPEs) and compared to groundwater soluble forms. Due to the local thermo-pluviometric conditions, both the water table depth and groundwater electrical conductivity (ECw) varied widely ranging respectively from 0 to − 162 cm in depth and from 2 to 28 dS·m − 1 in salinity content. As expected, this greatly influenced soluble ions concentrations in soil horizons, leading to variations in salt's speciation. In soils with a deep water table ( Typic Ustipsamments) , superficial horizons showed a prevalence of Ca 2 + and HCO 3 – ion forms during the whole year, while in the deep horizons, Na + and Cl − were the dominant ions. During summertime in soils with a shallow water table ( Sodic Psammaquents ), superficial ions enrichment was detected with Na + and Cl − ions being prevalent. Autumn and winter rainfall provoked the leaching of both Na + and especially of Cl − ions, leaving HCO 3 – as the main anion. In the soils with intermediate water table depth and moderate salinity ( Aquic Ustipsamments) , less relevant variations were observed. During winter the Ca 2 + ion was the most present at the soil surface together with HCO 3 − . During summer Ca 2 + and Cl − were the most present ions at the soil surface. At deeper horizons Na + and Cl − ions always prevailed. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) reached the greatest values (> 40) during summertime in Sodic Psammaquents superficial horizons and in Typic Ustipsamments deep horizons. On the basis of mixing curves, Na + and Cl − displayed a conservative behavior and a likely sea origin. Both the Ca 2 + and SO 4 2 − ions appeared to be partially released from the solid soil fraction, while the Mg 2 + ion seemed to be partially absorbed by the solid matrix. On the basis of the hydrochemical characterization of both groundwater and soil SPEs, it was possible to identify different refreshing and salinization processes along the soil profiles. The one year monitoring of both the whole soil profile and groundwater, never performed before, allows a better understanding of the presence of distinct plant species and disease symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe clinical and ultrasound findings of mucinous ovarian tumors.Methods: Patients with a histological diagnosis of mucinous ovarian tumor who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination were retrospectively identified from a single ultrasound center. The histological examination was performed by the same pathologist in all cases. The masses were described using the terms and definitions of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group.Results: We identified 57 (46%) women with a benign cystadenoma, 34 (28%) with a gastrointestinal (GI)-type borderline, 10 (8%) with an endocervical-type borderline and 22 (18%) with a GI-type invasive carcinoma. On ultrasound examination, 65% (37/57) of cystadenomas were multilocular cysts with few locules (≤10) in 22/37 (59%) cases; 79% (27/34) of GI-type borderline tumors were multilocular cysts with more than 10 locules in 24/27 (89%) cases. Conversely, 60% (6/10) of endocervical-type borderlines were cysts with papillations. 82% (18/22) of invasive masses contained solid components and 55% (12/22) of the invasive masses were multilocular-solid cysts. Bilateral mucinous cystadenomas were found in two women (2/57; 4% of women with benign tumors) and bilateral borderline tumors of endocervical type in two women (2/10; 20% of women with borderline tumor of endocervical type). No woman had a bilateral GI-type borderline tumor (0/34 women) or a bilateral invasive tumor (0/22 women).Conclusions: A multilocular cyst with 2-10 locules is a representative image of a benign cystadenoma whereas a multilocular cyst with > 10 locules is indicative of a GI-type borderline tumor. Most invasive tumors of mucinous GI type contain solid components, the most typical ultrasound appearance being that of a multilocular solid tumor. Papillary projections are typical features of endocervical-type borderlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The publication of the results of LEADER and SUSTAIN-6 trials suggested a possible beneficial effect of the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to collect and synthetize all available evidence on the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular events and mortality. Methods A Medline search for GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, or semaglutide) was performed, collecting all randomized clinical trials with a duration > 11 weeks, enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes, and comparing a GLP-1 receptor agonist with placebo or any other non-GLP-1 receptor agonist drug. The principal outcome of this analysis was the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, overall (fatal plus nonfatal) myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Results Out of 113 trials fulfilling inclusion criteria (mean duration 41.7 ± 38.2 weeks), 32, 25, 48, 43 and 32 reported at least one event for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, overall (fatal plus nonfatal) myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure, respectively. In GLP-1 receptor agonist-treated patients, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction were significantly lower than in comparators (MH-OR [95% CI] 0.88 [0.79–0.97], p = 0.015, 0.84 [0.74–0.96], p = 0.009, and 0.90 [0.80–1.00], p = 0.050, respectively), whereas no beneficial effect was observed for stroke and heart failure (MH-OR [95% CI] 0.90 [0.81–1.00]. p = 0.059. 0.89 [0.76–1.04]. p = 0.15. and 0.92 [0.81–1.06]. p = 0.25. respectively). Conclusions Overall, the agents of this class appear to reduce all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and the incidence of myocardial infarction at mid-term follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present large-scale lattice Monte Carlo simulations of nematic ordering in the vicinity of submicron objects — colloids or viruses — of different shapes (spherical, cubical or icosahedral) immersed in a nematic liquid crystal. We simulate polarized light transmission patterns for the various particles and find that they are distinguishable, suggesting that they might be useful for object shape recognition or, in case of viruses, for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the interaction between synthetic bioactive peptides and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) used as pseudostationary phase in capillary electrochromatography was studied. NPs were prepared from methacrylic acid and ethylenglycol dimethacrylate with benzoyl peroxide by utilizing a precipitation polymerization technique. The reaction was monitored by infrared spectroscopy. Polymer characterization was performed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental running conditions were tested, including organic solvent proportion in the background electrolyte, capillary conditioning, applied voltage, sample introduction amount, and how NPs were incorporated into the system. A continuous full filling technique in which the NPs were suspended in the entire electrolyte volume as well as a conventional partial filling technique were used. Results obtained at pH 7.0 suggest that the NPs have a very strong interaction with more basic peptides. The interaction between analytes and NPs was found to be predominantly ionic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) controller unit for Transition Edge Sensors (TES) readout, designed to be used in a space mission. The unit is made of 8 boards and each board can condition four SQUID array amplifiers. The board design is inspired by a similar one developed for ground based experiments, but specific changes have been made to adopt Components Off The Shelf (COTS) with space grade equivalents, to implement redundancy and cross-strapping capabilities. The design also includes the thermal path to lift the heat off the boards towards an in-house designed monolithic aluminum rack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary are uncommon neoplasms, accounting for ∼5% of all malignant ovarian tumors. GCTs are a relatively homogeneous group of tumors, categorized into two distinct subtypes, juvenile GCT and adult GCT (AGCT), likely arising from a limited set of molecular events usually involving the disruption of pathways that regulate granulosa cell proliferation. In the present study, the presence of forkheadbox L2 (FOXL2) c.402C>G mutation was investigated in a series of 42 samples of primary and metastatic AGCT of the ovary. The samples consisted of 37 primary and 5 metastatic ovarian AGCTs from 37 patients. FOXL2 mutational status was evaluated using a pyrosequencing approach on 2.5-μm sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation was found in 33/37 (89.2%) primary AGCTs and in 4/5 (80.0%) metastases, with the molecular status of the metastases recapitulating that of the primary tumors (4 mutated cases and 1 wild-type case). Overall, FOXL2 mutation is present in the majority of primary and metastatic AGCTs, and could be used as a valid tool in the diagnosis of the disease and in cases of metastatic lesions from an unknown primary origin. Moreover the concordance of FOXL2 molecular status in primary and associated metastases suggests its early appearance and genomic stability in AGCT tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road dust is an important non-exhaust traffic source of atmospheric particulate matter, from re-suspension of finer particles carried out by wind and traffic flow. Particles of road dust have both natural and anthropogenic origin; the latter is characterized by higher concentrations of several pollutants and are significantly emitted by other non-exhaust traffic source such as the brake and road wear process. Therefore the discrimination between atmospheric particles directly emitted from abrasion process and those related to re-suspension is currently an open issue. Unlike the exhaust sources related to the fuel combustion, the non-exhaust emissions are not regulated by Communitarian Directives, although their percentage contribution is becoming more relevant due to the recent technological upgrades in the automotive field, focused on the reduction of exhaust emissions. In this work we studied the morphology and the chemical composition of road dust particles collected on urban, sub-urban and rural roads of Venice mainland (Northern Italy) in August 2013. Results of SEM-EDS and ICP-OES were processed with statistical tools (i.e., enrichment factors and principal components analysis) in order to identify the main pollutant sources affecting the monitored areas. Peculiar associations among Cr, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe suggested brake pads and tires wear as the dominant source of these elements, whereas the presence of Pb, Co, Ba, Ti was attributed to the tear of the painted horizontal signals. Moreover, the presence of particles originated from the latter source was also confirmed by the presence of glass beads with diameters ranging from 20 μm to 250 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vascular functional and structural integrity is essential for the maintenance of the whole organism and it has been demonstrated that different types of vascular progenitor cells resident in the vessel wall play an important role in this process. The purpose of the present research was to observe the effect of tributyltin (TBT), a risk factor for vascular disorders, on porcine Aortic Vascular Precursor Cells (pAVPCs) in term of cytotoxicity, gene expression profile, functionality and differentiation potential. We have demonstrated that pAVPCs morphology deeply changed following TBT treatment. After 48 h a cytotoxic effect has been detected and Annexin binding assay demonstrated that TBT induced apoptosis. The transcriptional profile of characteristic pericyte markers has been altered: TBT 10 nM substantially induced alpha-SMA, while, TBT 500 nM determined a significant reduction of all pericyte markers. IL-6 protein detected in the medium of pAVPCs treated with TBT at both doses studied and with a dose response. TBT has interfered with normal pAVPC functionality preventing their ability to support a capillary-like network. In addition TBT has determined an increase of pAVPC adipogenic differentiation. In conclusion in the present paper we have demonstrated that TBT alters the vascular stem cells in terms of structure, functionality and differentiating capability, therefore effects of TBT in blood should be deeply explored to understand the potential vascular risk associated with the alteration of vascular stem cell physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at assessing the capability of semen experimentally infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) to produce porcine blastocysts PCR positive for PCV2. Embryos were obtained from in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of porcine oocytes or by parthenogenesis. Sperm suspension was exposed to PCV2b and utilized for IVF. PCV2 spiked semen did not reveal any reduction in sperm viability or motility but its ability to produce infected blastocysts was irrelevant as only one out of 15 blastocysts obtained by IVF were PCV2b; however two blastocysts were PCV2a positive. Furthermore, the presence of PCV2 was demonstrated also in embryos obtained by parthenogenesis (one out of 17 was PCV2b and one PCV2a positive). Even if PCV2 firmly attaches to the surface of spermatozoa, experimentally spiked sperm were not effective in infecting oocytes during IVF and in producing PCR positive embryos. The infected blastocysts we obtained derivedmost probably from infected oocytes recovered at the abattoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been recognized as a reliable therapeutic strategy in patients with unresectable advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The molecular events leading to platinum (Pt) response in NACT settings have hitherto not been explored. In the present work, longitudinal changes of miRNA expression profile were investigated to identify miRNA families with prognostic role in high-grade serous EOC patients who received the NACT regimen. Patients and methods: One hundred sixty-four matched tumor biopsies taken at initial laparoscopic evaluation and at interval-debulking surgery (IDS) after four courses of Pt-based therapy were selected from 82 stage IIIC-IV high-grade serous-EOC patients that were judged unsuitable for complete primary debulking and subjected the NACT protocol. miRNA profiling by microarray, real-time PCR and immuno-histochemical staining for Smad2 phosphorylation (P-Smad2) were used for data analysis. Results: Analysis revealed that 369 miRNAs were differentially expressed in matched biopsies (referred to as DEMs). DEMs were not scattered across the genome, but clustered into families: miR-199, let-7, miR-30, miR-181 and miR-29. Multivariate analysis showed that miR-199a-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-181a-5p and let-7g-5p associated with overall and progression-free survival (P<0.05); miR-199a-3p, miR-199a-5p and miR-181a-5p associated with residual tumor volume and Pt-free interval (P < 0.05). Immuno-histochemical staining confirmed an enrichment of P-Smad2, a marker of transforming growth factor-β activation, in tumors from patients with shorter PFS and OS, and with high levels of expression of miR-181a-5p (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves plotting concomitant expression of P-Smad2 and miR-181a-5p show significant differences in PFS and OS compared with those depicting the expression of each biomarker alone (P<0.001). Conclusions: This study describes several miRNA families with a prognostic role in the NACT setting. It also confirms that concomitant analysis of P-Smad2 and miR-181a-5p in surgical samples may be capable of identifying those ovarian cancer patients with poor outcome and little chance of response to Pt-based NACT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Male sex is a risk factor for medulloblastoma ( MB), and is also a negative predictor for clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in tumour biological features and hormone receptor profiles in a cohort of MB patients. Methods and results Sixty-four MBs and five normal cerebella were included in the study. Cell proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3) and microvessel density ( CD31) were evaluated in tumours by immunohistochemistry. Tissues were analysed for oestrogen receptor ( ER)α, ERβ1, ERβ2, ERβ5 and androgen receptor ( AR) expression. The results demonstrated sex-specific features in MBs, with tumours from females showing a higher apoptosis/proliferation ratio and less tumour vascularization than tumours from males. MBs were negative for ERα and AR, but expressed ERβ isoforms at similar levels between the sexes. Altogether, these findings indicate that signalling mechanisms that control cell turnover and angiogenesis operate more efficiently in females than in males. The lack of sex differences in the hormone receptor profiles suggests that circulating oestrogens could be the major determinants of the sexual dimorphism observed in MB features. Conclusions Here, we provide molecular support for epidemiological data showing sex differences in MB incidence and outcome, completely defining the hormone receptor profile of the tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During its tour of the Saturn system, Cassini performed two close flybys of Rhea dedicated to gravity investigations, the first in November 2005 and the second in March 2013. This paper presents an estimation of Rhea’s fully unconstrained quadrupole gravity field obtained from a joint multi-arc analysis of the two Cassini flybys. Our best estimates of the main gravity quadrupole unnormalized coefficients are J 2 × 10 6 = 946.0 ± 13.9, C 22 × 10 6 = 242.1 ± 4.0 (uncertainties are 1-σ). Their resulting ratio is J 2 / C 22 = 3.91 ± 0.10, statistically not compatible (at a 5-σ level) with the theoretical value of 10/3, predicted for a hydrostatic satellite in slow, synchronous rotation around a planet. Therefore, it is not possible to infer the moment of inertia factor directly using the Radau–Darwin approximation. The observed excess J 2 (gravity oblateness) was investigated using a combined analysis of gravity and topography, under different plausible geophysical assumptions. The observed gravity is consistent with that generated by the observed shape for an undifferentiated (uniform density) body. However, because the surface is more likely to be water ice, a two-layer model may be a better approximation. In this case, and assuming a mantle density of 920 kg/m 3 , some 1–3 km of excess core oblateness is consistent with the observed gravity. A wide range of moments of inertia is allowed, but models with low moments of inertia (i.e., more differentiation) require greater magnitudes of excess core topography to satisfy the observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]