Four conjectures in Nonlinear Analysis

In this chapter, I formulate four challenging conjectures in Nonlinear Analysis. More precisely: a conjecture on the Monge-Amp\`ere equation; a conjecture on an eigenvalue problem; a conjecture on a non-local problem; a conjecture on disconnectedness versus infinitely many solutions.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1504.01010, arXiv:1409.5919, arXiv:1612.0819

Fixed points of nonexpansive potential operators in Hilbert spaces

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Unraveling the role of feed temperature and cross-flow velocity on organic fouling in membrane distillation using response surface methodology

Understanding the role of operating condition on fouling development in membrane distillation (MD) is critical for the further optimization of MD technology. In this study, organic fouling development in MD was investigated varying the feed inlet temperature from 35 to 65 degrees C and the cross-flow velocity from 0.21 to 0.42 m/s. The fouling layer thickness was estimated at the end of each experiment non-invasively with optical coherence tomography. The set of experiments was mined to model the initial flux decline, the near-stable flux, and the final foulant thickness responses by central composite design, a useful response surface methodology (RSM) tool. The results indicated a linear increment of the fouling thickness by increasing the feed inlet temperatures. Overall, the feed inlet temperature governed both the initial flux decline and the fouling deposition. The benefits in water productivity obtained by increasing the feed temperature were always offset by higher fouling deposition. Higher cross-flow velocities showed a positive effect on the initial flux, which however translated in larger values of the initial flux decline rate. On the other hand, the higher shear stress contributed to a decrease of the final steadystate fouling layer thickness. The proposed approach was proven to be a valuable tool to assess the role of the operating conditions on fouling and process performance in MD

Sex-dependent effects of developmental lead exposure in Wistar rats: Evidence from behavioral and molecular correlates

Lead (Pb) exposure in early life affects brain development resulting in cognitive and behavioral deficits. Epidemiologic and experimental evidence of sex as an effect modifier of developmental Pb exposure is emerging. In the present study, we investigated Pb effects on behavior and mechanisms of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and potential sex differences. To this aim, dams were exposed, from one month pre-mating to offspring weaning, to Pb via drinking water at 5 mg/kg body weight per day. In the offspring of both sexes, the longitudinal assessment of motor, emotional, and cognitive end points was performed. We also evaluated the expression and synaptic distribution of N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDA) and ff-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits at post-natal day (pnd) 23 and 70 in the hippocampus. Neonatal motor patterns and explorative behavior in offspring were affected in both sexes. Pb effects in emotional response and memory retention were observed in adult females only, preceded by increased levels of GluN2A and GluA1 subunits at the post-synapse at pnd 23. These data suggest that Pb exposure during development affects glutamatergic receptors distribution at the post-synaptic spine in females. These effects may contribute to alterations in selected behavioral domains

Perturbed nonlocal fourth order equations of Kirchhoff type with Navier boundary conditions

Abstract We investigate the existence of multiple solutions for perturbed nonlocal fourth-order equations of Kirchhoff type under Navier boundary conditions. We give some new criteria for guaranteeing that the perturbed fourth-order equations of Kirchhoff type have at least three weak solutions by using a variational method and some critical point theorems due to Ricceri. We extend and improve some recent results. Finally, by presenting two examples, we ensure the applicability of our results

Demonstrating open science for modeling & simulation research

Most conference and journal publications present contributions based on research artefacts (data, results, software, etc.) that are difficult for researchers to access. Open science aims to promote open access to research presented in academic works. Ideally, the software, data and results presented in a scientific article should be available for other scientists to use, validate and build upon for their own research. This is particularly true in some Modeling & Simulation (M&S) research where in addition to the above access might also be required to complex models. Using a case study based on an Infection Model, this demonstration shows how Open Science approaches based on Digital Object Identifiers, Researcher Registries, Open Access Data Repositories, Scientific Gateways and e-Infrastructures project can support M&S research.This work partially supported by the H2020 Energising Scientific Endeavour through Science Gateways and e-Infrastructures in Africa (Sci-GaIA) project (GA# 654237)

Persistent Unresolved Inflammation in the Mecp2-308 Female Mutated Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder usually caused by mutations in the X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Several Mecp2 mutant mouse lines have been developed recapitulating part of the clinical features. In particular, Mecp2-308 female heterozygous mice, bearing a truncating mutation, are a validated model of the disease. While recent data suggest a role for inflammation in RTT, little information on the inflammatory status in murine models of the disease is available. Here, we investigated the inflammatory status by proteomic 2-DE/MALDI-ToF/ToF analyses in symptomatic Mecp2-308 female mice. Ten differentially expressed proteins were evidenced in the Mecp2-308 mutated plasma proteome. In particular, 5 positive acute-phase response (APR) proteins increased (i.e., kininogen-1, alpha-fetoprotein, mannose-binding protein C, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin), and 3 negative APR reactants were decreased (i.e., serotransferrin, albumin, and apolipoprotein A1). CD5 antigen-like and vitamin D-binding protein, two proteins strictly related to inflammation, were also changed. These results indicate for the first time a persistent unresolved inflammation of unknown origin in the Mecp2-308 mouse model

Is the association between precarious employment and mental health mediated by economic difficulties in males? Results from two Italian studies

Flexible employment is increasing across Europe and recent studies show an association with poor mental health. The goal of the current study is to examine this association in the Italian population to assess the possible mediating role of financial strain. Methods: Data were obtained by two Italian cross-sectional studies (PASSI and HIS) aimed at monitoring the general population health status, health behaviours and determinants. Mental health status was assessed using alternatively two validated questionnaires (the PHQ-2 and the MCS-12 score) and Poisson regression models were performed to assess if precarious work was associated with poor mental health. A formal mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate if the association between precarious work and mental health was mediated by financial strain. Results: The analyses were performed on 31,948 subjects in PASSI and on 21,894 subjects in HIS. A nearly two-fold risk of depression and poor mental health was found among precarious workers, compared to workers with a permanent contract, which was strongly mediated by financial strain. Conclusions: Even with the limitations of a cross-sectional design, this research supports that precarious employment contributes through financial strain to reduce the mental health related quality of life and to increase mental disorders such as symptoms of depression or dysthymia. This suggests that when stability in work cannot be guaranteed, it would be appropriate to intervene on the wages of precarious jobs and to provide social safety nets for ensuring adequate income