In search of different categories of abstract concepts: a fMRI adaptation study

Concrete conceptual knowledge is supported by a distributed neural network representing different semantic features according to the neuroanatomy of sensory and motor systems. If and how this framework applies to abstract knowledge is currently debated. Here we investigated the specific brain correlates of different abstract categories. After a systematic a priori selection of brain regions involved in semantic cognition, i.e. responsible of, respectively, semantic representations and cognitive control, we used a fMRI-adaptation paradigm with a passive reading task, in order to modulate the neural response to abstract (emotions, cognitions, attitudes, human actions) and concrete (biological entities, artefacts) categories. Different portions of the left anterior temporal lobe responded selectively to abstract and concrete concepts. Emotions and attitudes adapted the left middle temporal gyrus, whereas concrete items adapted the left fusiform gyrus. Our results suggest that, similarly to concrete concepts, some categories of abstract knowledge have specific brain correlates corresponding to the prevalent semantic dimensions involved in their representation

Actual and potential impact of air pollution on Italian forests: results from the long-term national forest monitoring networks under the ICP Forests

Actual and potential pressure and impacts of air pollution have been summarized by using the dataseries of the Italian forest monitoring networks (CONECOFOR), mostly on the basis of evaluations carried out within the LIFE project SMART4Action. Trends in air pollution shows only few important reductions (e.g.: sulphate and ozone). The impacts on forest health status, increments and standing volumes, plant diversity, soil and nutrient are discussed. Evidences of risk are also reported, mainly due to N deposition, on all the response factors

Inter-domain networking innovation on steroids: Empowering IXPs with SDN capabilities

While innovation in inter-domain routing has remained stagnant for over a decade, Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are consolidating their role as economically advantageous interconnection points for reducing path latencies and exchanging ever increasing amounts of traffic. As such, IXPs appear as a natural place to foster network innovation and assess the benefits of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), a recent technological trend that has already boosted innovation within data-center networks. In this paper, we give a comprehensive overview of use cases for SDN at IXPs, which leverage the superior vantage point of an IXP to introduce advanced features like load-balancing and DDoS mitigation. We discuss the benefits of SDN solutions by analyzing real-world data from one of the largest IXPs. We also leverage insights into IXP operations to not only shape benefits for members but also for operators.This research is (in part) supported by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the ENDEAVOUR project (grant agreement 644960).This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from IEEE via https://doi.org/ 10.1109/MCOM.2016.758827

Validation of a microarrays protocol for detection and genotyping isolates of Plum pox virus

A genomic strategy for PPV identification has been recently developed (Pasquini et al., 2008). The method is based on using a 70-mer oligonucleotide DNA microarray chip capable of simultaneously detecting and genotyping PPV strains. Universal and specific probes have been identified and used with a sensitive protocol of hybridization using an indirect fluorescent labelling of cDNA product with cyanine able to enhance the sensitivity of the virus detection avoiding the use of the PCR amplification step. In order to evaluate the protocol fitness for diagnostic use, about 30 samples belonging to a PPV isolates collection, including M, D, EA and C strains, have been used for its validation, that was determined, estimating the performance criteria that include the following parameters: diagnostic sensitivity (D-SN), diagnostic specificity (D-SP) and diagnostic accuracy (D-AC). Keywords: oligonucleotides chip, PPV, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, performance criteri

Biostimulants promoting growth of Vicia faba L. seedlings: inulin coated ZnO nanoparticles

In the present contribution, inulin coated ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO@inu NPs) were investigated for their potential application on crop production systems, by appraisal of their biostimulating effects on Vicia faba L (faba bean). Naked and coated ZnO NPs were synthesized according to purposely implemented eco-friendly protocols and characterized with multiple techniques to determine their crystallographic phase, average particle size, and degree of coating. Faba beans were grown in culture medium supplemented with NPs at 50 or 100 mg kg−1, using ZnO NPs alone, inulin alone, a mixture of the two, or ZnO@inu NPs. Seed germination rate and biometric evaluations on seedlings were carried out, together with Zn localization in the plant tissues. cellular and molecular effects were ascertained by analyses of photosynthetic pigments, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, viability, induction of oxidative stress and tissue damage, antioxidant response, and modulation of gene expression. these combined studies indicated a potential role of ZnO@inu NPs in promoting growth and development of V. faba seedlings, acting at a post-germinative phase, probably by stimulating the stem cell mitosis. Finally, inulin as a coating agent for the ZnO NPs favored the bioavailability and adsorption of the nanomaterials into the plant tissues, without altering their bioactivity but mitigating any adverse side effect. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Correction to: Human behavior and Homo-mammal interactions at the first European peopling: new evidence from the Pirro Nord site (Apricena, Southern Italy)

In the original publication of this article, one of the author names was incorrectly captured. The first name should be Razika, then family name should be Chelli–Cheheb

Antioxidant phytocomplexes extracted from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) using hydrodynamic cavitation show potential anticancer activity in vitro

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), as an effective, efficient, and scalable extraction technique for natural products, could enable the affordable production of valuable antioxidant extracts from plant resources. For the first time, whole pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits, rich in bioactive phytochemicals endowed with anti-cancer properties, were extracted in water using HC. Aqueous fractions sequentially collected during the process (M1–M5) were lyophilized (L), filtered (A), or used as such, i.e., crude (C), and analyzed for their biochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant power. The fractions M3 and M4 from the L and C series showed the highest antiradical activity and phytochemical content. While the lyophilized form is preferable for application purposes, sample L-M3, which was produced faster and with lower energy consumption than M4, was used to assess the potential antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer line (AU565-PAR) and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells from healthy donors. In a pilot study, cell growth, death, and redox state were assessed, showing that L-M3 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and intracellular oxygen reactive species. No effect on PBMCs was detected. Thus, the antioxidant phytocomplex extracted from pomegranate quickly (15 min), at room temperature (30 °C), and efficiently showed potential anticancer activity without harming healthy cells

Modelling Stochastic and Deterministic Behaviours in Virus Infection Dynamics

Many human infections with viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV--1) are characterized by low numbers of founder viruses for which the random effects and discrete nature of populations have a strong effect on the dynamics, e.g., extinction versus spread. It remains to be established whether HIV transmission is a stochastic process on the whole. In this study, we consider the simplest (so-called, 'consensus') virus dynamics model and develop a computational methodology for building an equivalent stochastic model based on Markov Chain accounting for random interactions between the components. The model is used to study the evolution of the probability densities for the virus and target cell populations. It predicts the probability of infection spread as a function of the number of the transmitted viruses. A hybrid algorithm is suggested to compute efficiently the dynamics in state space domain characterized by a mix of small and large species densities

Emergency hernia repair in the elderly. multivariate analysis of morbidity and mortality from an Italian registry

Purpose The incidence of inguinal hernia is higher in elderly because of aging-related diseases like prostatism, bronchitis, collagen laxity. A conservative management is common in elderly to reduce surgery-related risks, however watchful waiting can expose to obstruction and strangulation. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of emergency surgery in a large series of elderly with complicated groin hernia and to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The predictive performance of prognostic risk scores has been also assessed. Methods This is a prospective observational study carried out between January 2017 and June 2018 in elderly patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated hernia in 38 Italian hospitals. Pre-operative, surgical and postoperative data were recorded for each patient. ASA score, Charlson's comorbidity index, P-POSSUM and CR-POSSUM were assessed. Results 259 patients were recruited, mean age was 80 years. A direct repair without mesh was performed in 62 (23.9%) patients. Explorative laparotomy was performed in 56 (21.6%) patients and bowel resection was necessary in 44 (17%). Mortality occurred in seven (2.8%) patients. Fifty-five (21.2%) patients developed complications, 12 of whom had a major one. At univariate and multivariate analyses, Charlson's comorbidity index >= 6, altered mental status, and need for laparotomy were associated with major complications and mortality Conclusion Emergency surgery for complicated hernia is burdened by high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Preoperative comorbidity played a pivotal role in predicting complications and mortality and therefore Charlson's comorbidity index could be adopted to select patients for elective operation