Regularity for general functionals with double phase

We prove sharp regularity results for a general class of functionals of the type $$w \mapsto \int F(x, w, Dw) \, dx\;,$$ featuring non-standard growth conditions and non-uniform ellipticity properties. The model case is given by the double phase integral $$w \mapsto \int b(x,w)(|Dw|^p+a(x)|Dw|^q) \, dx\;,\quad 1 <p < q\,, \quad a(x)\geq 0\;,$$ with $0<\nu \leq b(\cdot)\leq L$. This changes its ellipticity rate according to the geometry of the level set $\{a(x)=0\}$ of the modulating coefficient $a(\cdot)$. We also present new methods and proofs, that are suitable to build regularity theorems for larger classes of non-autonomous functionals. Finally, we disclose some new interpolation type effects that, as we conjecture, should draw a general phenomenon in the setting of non-uniformly elliptic problems. Such effects naturally connect with the Lavrentiev phenomenon

PVT1: a rising star among oncogenic long non-coding RNAs

It is becoming increasingly clear that short and long noncoding RNAs critically participate in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and (mis)function. However, while the functional characterization of short non-coding RNAs has been reaching maturity, there is still a paucity of well characterized long noncoding RNAs, even though large studies in recent years are rapidly increasing the number of annotated ones. The long noncoding RNA PVT1 is encoded by a gene that has been long known since it resides in the well-known cancer risk region 8q24. However, a couple of accidental concurrent conditions have slowed down the study of this gene, that is, a preconception on the primacy of the protein-coding over noncoding RNAs and the prevalent interest in its neighbor MYC oncogene. Recent studies have brought PVT1 under the spotlight suggesting interesting models of functioning, such as competing endogenous RNA activity and regulation of protein stability of important oncogenes, primarily of the MYC oncogene. Despite some advancements in modelling the PVT1 role in cancer, there are many questions that remain unanswered concerning the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its functioning

A Combination of Artificial Ground Freezing and Grouting for the Excavation of a Large Size Tunnel Below Groundwater

Within the Metro Line 1 extension project in Napoli (Italy), the service tunnel at Toledo station was one of the most critical sections of the project. The 13m wide, 17m high, 40m long tunnel is located downtown under a deeply urbanized area. It was excavated starting from an access shaft and from this tunnel four platform tunnels are under excavation. The geology of the site is characterized by volcanic soils: loose pozzolana silty sand and tuff. The underground works were carried out under a hydrostatic head of 27 m. In order to allow a safe and substantially dry excavation, soil/rock improvements were carried out by a combination of two different methods: cement and chemical grouting at the sides and invert (in tuff) and Artificial Ground Freezing (AGF) at the crown (in pozzolana). The treatments were carried out both from a drift located approximately 10 m above the crown and from the access shaft. The grouting process was controlled and monitored by a computerized system. To check the development and the efficacy of the freezing process, suitable sensors and automatic data acquisition and recording systems were installed. The variation of the temperature within the soil and the cooling fluids were monitored during the entire freezing operation

The Link between Action and Language: Recent Findings and Future Perspectives

This paper aims to present a critical review of studies focused on embodied cognition and, more specifically, on the relationship between language and action. A critical analysis of studies using methods such as TMS and fMRI will be presented, and results reported by the different studies will be discussed, both theoretically and methodologically. Then, in response to some inconsistency detected by the analysis of literature, Virtual Reality will be presented as a possible answer or enrichment for the study of this topic. Possible future research tracks and application are discussed

Development of Fed and Starved Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Larvae from the Roanoke River, North Carolina

Completion Report for ECU Grant/Contract No. 5-21431. ICMR Tech Report 86-03Fed and unfed striped bass larvae were reared in a laboratory using ambient Roanoke River water to determine differences in growth and development. These differences were used to histologically determine the nutritional state of Roanoke River striped bass larvae collected from the Roanoke River delta and western Albemarle Sound from 1984 through 1986. An additional experiment examined the effects of high concentrations of aluminum in acidified waters on larval striped bass skin. Larvae that were given Artemia as a food source were successful at feeding by 6.5 days post—hatch. Decline in nutritional state of unfed larvae was apparent as soon as 5.5 days post—hatch. The organs and tissues showing signs of poor nutritional state were the eyes, liver, digestive tract, kidney, and trunk musculature. The pancreas may also be an indicator organ but results were not conclusive. Changes in these tissues occurred within 11.5 days post—hatch. Unfed larvae showed abnormal eye development by 7.5 days post—hatch. The livers of fed larvae showed moderate multifocal glycogen accumulation, while unfed larvae showed reduction in liver glycogen by 6.5 days post—hatch. Fed and unfed larvae possessed yolk 4.5 days after hatching; the rate of yolk absorption was highly variable In both groups. Fed larvae had distended, thick—walled digestive tracts; the guts of unfed larvae were collapsed and empty as soon as 4.5 days post—hatch. The hemopoietic tissue in the pronephric kidneys was reduced in unfed larvae 5.5 days post—hatch and older. Fed larvae had thickened, well—developed muscle fibers, while muscles of unfed larvae appeared thinner and separated as soon as 6 days post—hatch. Wild Roanoke River larvae examined histologically showed normal tissue development, Indicating that they were not in a starving condition. It is quite likely, however, that larvae dying from or weakened by starvation are easily preyed upon or are not susceptible to net capture. Results of the pH—aluminum experiment indicated that the microridge structure of the larval epidermis was severely altered In the presence of low pH (5.5) and high aluminum (680 ug Al3/l). Our results suggest that Roanoke striped bass larvae may suffer high mortality one to two days post—hatch from skin stress1 followed by a second mortality from starvation.North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City. This project was funded by the North Carolina Legislature, House Bill 129 (Chapter 15, 1985 Session Laws)

Indicatori di desertificazione: approccio integrato e supporto alle decisioni

Gli indicatori forniscono una rappresentazione dei fenomeni di desertificazione utile a prevenirne e/o a mitigarne gli effetti negativi; la rappresentazione deve risultare completa ed articolata e comprendere i rapporti causa-effetto che caratterizzano i singoli processi, così da ottenere un’immagine complessiva della situazione e dei possibili livelli di intervento. L’obiettivo di questo lavoro è quello di sintetizzare, senza pretesa di esaustività, le attuali conoscenze in tema di indicatori e di proporre uno schema concettuale integrato, come possibile alternativa rispetto ai sistemi esistenti. Lo studio è stato articolato in tre parti: inquadramento e implicazioni delle problematiche di desertificazione nella sponda Nord del bacino del Mediterraneo; rassegna e analisi di indicatori di desertificazione già sviluppati e/o proposti in Italia e all’estero; contributo all’organizzazione dei sistemi di indicatori. Sulla base delle conoscenze contenute nelle prime due parti del lavoro, è stato proposto un nuovo schema di sistematizzazione, nel quale sono stati inquadrati gli indicatori riferiti alle aree pilota del progetto RIADE

Creación de un ensayo clínico: algunas sugerencias metodológicas.

Well-designed clinical trials are the gold standard for evidence-based research and for the assessment of the effectiveness of a clinical intervention. Methodological guidelines are available from various sources, such as textbook, funding applications and institutional guidelines. Nevertheless, a high number of published trials still lack methodological rigor, decreasing their utility, quality and scientific validity. In this article, we aim at providing some methodological recommendations for the development and report of a clinical trial, including the definition and recruitment of the sample, the basic study designs, randomization, blindness, data analysis and data report. Finally, we will discuss some of the most important ethical issues. Los ensayos clínicos bien diseñados son el estándar por excelencia para la investigación basada en la evidencia y para la evaluación de la eficacia de una intervención clínica. Las directrices metodológicas se encuentran disponibles en varias fuentes, tales como libros de texto, solicitudes de financiamiento y directrices institucionales. Sin embargo, un gran número de ensayos publicados todavía carecen de rigor metodológico, disminuyendo su utilidad, calidad y validez científica. En este artículo, nuestro objetivo es proporcionar algunas recomendaciones metodológicas para el desarrollo e informe de un ensayo clínico, incluyendo la definición y selección de la muestra, los diseños básicos de estudio, la aleatorización, el cegamiento, el análisis y el reporte de datos. Finalmente, discutiremos algunas de las consideraciones éticas más importantes