Evaluation of the imaging performance of the TECNOMUSE muon tomograph and its feasibility in a real scenario

Muon tomography is a very promising imaging technique for the control of cargo containers. It takes advantage of cosmic muons and their interaction mechanisms to reconstruct images of the volume traversed by these particles. In the present work, the imaging performance of a novelmuon tomography scanner based on resistive plate chambers detectors is investigated. By means of several Monte Carlo simulations, some imaging parameters are evaluated. The results in terms of spatial resolution, field-of-view and volume and material recognition make the presented scanner and its geometry suitable for muon tomograph

Chronic neural interfacing with cerebral cortex using single-walled carbon nanotube-polymer grids

Objective. The development of electrode arrays able to reliably record brain electrical activity is a critical issue in brain machine interface (BMI) technology. In the present study we undertook a comprehensive physico-chemical, physiological, histological and immunohistochemical characterization of new single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)-based electrode arrays grafted onto medium-density polyethylene (MD-PE) films. Approach. The long-term electrical stability, flexibility, and biocompatibility of the SWCNT arrays were investigated in vivo in laboratory rats by two-months recording and analysis of subdural electrocorticogram (ECoG). Ex-vivo characterization of a thin flexible and single probe SWCNT/polymer electrode is also provided. Main results. The SWCNT arrays were able to capture high quality and very stable ECoG signals across 8 weeks. The histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that SWCNT arrays show promising biocompatibility properties and may be used in chronic conditions. The SWCNT-based arrays are flexible and stretchable, providing low electrode-tissue impedance, and, therefore, high compliance with the irregular topography of the cortical surface. Finally, reliable evoked synaptic local field potentials in rat brain slices were recorded using a special SWCNT-polymer-based flexible electrode. Significance. The results demonstrate that the SWCNT arrays grafted in MD-PE are suitable for manufacturing flexible devices for subdural ECoG recording and might represent promising candidates for long-term neural implants for epilepsy monitoring or neuroprosthetic BMI

Infected pancreatic necrosis: outcomes and clinical predictors of mortality. A post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study

: The identification of high-risk patients in the early stages of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is critical, because it could help the clinicians to adopt more effective management strategies. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study to assess the association between clinical risk factors and mortality among adult patients with IPN. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of mortality. We identified 247 consecutive patients with IPN hospitalised between January 2019 and December 2020. History of uncontrolled arterial hypertension (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.135-15.882; aOR 4.245), qSOFA (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.359-5.879; aOR 2.828), renal failure (p = 0.022; 95% CI 1.138-5.442; aOR 2.489), and haemodynamic failure (p = 0.018; 95% CI 1.184-5.978; aOR 2.661), were identified as independent predictors of mortality in IPN patients. Cholangitis (p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.598-9.930; aOR 3.983), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.090-6.967; aOR 2.735), and gastrointestinal/intra-abdominal bleeding (p = 0.009; 95% CI 1.286-5.712; aOR 2.710) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. Upfront open surgical necrosectomy was strongly associated with the risk of mortality (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.912-7.442; aOR 3.772), whereas endoscopic drainage of pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.018; 95% CI 0.138-0.834; aOR 0.339) and enteral nutrition (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.143-0.716; aOR 0.320) were found as protective factors. Organ failure, acute cholangitis, and upfront open surgical necrosectomy were the most significant predictors of mortality. Our study confirmed that, even in a subgroup of particularly ill patients such as those with IPN, upfront open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Study protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov (I.D. Number NCT04747990)

Annealed central limit theorems for the ising model on random graphs

The aim of this paper is to prove central limit theorems with respect to the annealed measure for the magnetization rescaled by √N of Ising models on random graphs. More precisely, we consider the general rank-1 inhomogeneous random graph (or generalized random graph), the 2-regular configuration model and the configuration model with degrees 1 and 2. For the generalized random graph, we first show the existence of a finite annealed inverse critical temperature 0≤ βan n 0 and B ≠ 0. In the case of the configuration model, the central limit theorem holds in the whole region of the parameters β and B, because phase transitions do not exist for these systems as they are closely related to one-dimensional Ising models. Our proofs are based on explicit computations that are possible since the Ising model on the generalized random graph in the annealed setting is reduced to an inhomogeneous Curie-Weiss model, while the analysis of the configuration model with degrees only taking values 1 and 2 relies on that of the classical one-dimensional Ising model

Annealed central limit theorems for the Ising model on random graphs

The aim of this paper is to prove central limit theorems with respect to the annealed measure for the magnetization rescaled by $\sqrt{N}$ of Ising models on random graphs. More precisely, we consider the general rank-1 inhomogeneous random graph (or generalized random graph), the 2-regular configuration model and the configuration model with degrees 1 and 2. For the generalized random graph, we first show the existence of a finite annealed inverse critical temperature 0 \leq \beta^{\mathrm \scriptscriptstyle an}_c <\infty and then prove our results in the uniqueness regime, i.e., the values of inverse temperature $\beta$ and external magnetic field $B$ for which either \beta <\beta^{\mathrm \scriptscriptstyle an}_c and $B=0$, or \beta>0 and $B \neq 0$. In the case of the configuration model, the central limit theorem holds in the whole region of the parameters $\beta$ and $B$, because phase transitions do not exist for these systems as they are closely related to one-dimensional Ising models. Our proofs are based on explicit computations that are possible since the Ising model on the generalized random graph in the annealed setting is reduced to an inhomogeneous Curie-Weiss model, while the analysis of the configuration model with degrees only taking values 1 and 2 relies on that of the classical one-dimensional Ising model

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among morbid obese individuals: a pilot study

Background and aim. Vaccinations have dramatically impacted on the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As morbid obese (MO) individuals are at high risk for severe complications, their acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is of certain public health interest. Methods. We investigated the knowledge, attitudes and eventual acceptance of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination among MO individuals either in waiting list, or recipients of bariatric surgery from a reference center (Parma University Hospital) shortly before the inception of the Italian mass vaccination campaign (March 2021). Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire. Association of individual factors with acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was assessed by means of a logistic regression analysis with eventual calculation of adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% Confidence Inter-vals (95%CI). Results. Adequate, general knowledge of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 was found in the majority of MO patients. High perception of SARS-CoV-2 risk was found in around 80% of participants (79.2% regarding its occurrence, 73.6% regarding its potential severity). Acceptance of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination was reported by 65.3% of participants, and was more likely endorsed by MO patients who were likely to accept some sort of payment/copayment (aOR 5.783; 1.426; 23.456), or who were more likely towards a vaccination mandate (aOR 7.920; 1.995; 31.444). Conclusions. Around one third of the MO individuals among potential recipient of bariatric surgery exhibited some significant hesitancy towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and a rational approach may fail to capture and address specific barriers/motivators in this subset of individuals, stressing the importance for alternative interventions. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Ising critical behavior of inhomogeneous Curie-Weiss and annealed random graphs

We study the critical behavior for inhomogeneous versions of the Curie-Weiss model, where the coupling constant $J_{ij}(\beta)$ for the edge $ij$ on the complete graph is given by $J_{ij}(\beta)=\beta w_iw_j/(\sum_{k\in[N]}w_k)$. We call the product form of these couplings the rank-1 inhomogeneous Curie-Weiss model. This model also arises (with inverse temperature $\beta$ replaced by $\sinh(\beta)$) from the annealed Ising model on the generalized random graph. We assume that the vertex weights $(w_i)_{i\in[N]}$ are regular, in the sense that their empirical distribution converges and the second moment converges as well. We identify the critical temperatures and exponents for these models, as well as a non-classical limit theorem for the total spin at the critical point. These depend sensitively on the number of finite moments of the weight distribution. When the fourth moment of the weight distribution converges, then the critical behavior is the same as on the (homogeneous) Curie-Weiss model, so that the inhomogeneity is weak. When the fourth moment of the weights converges to infinity, and the weights satisfy an asymptotic power law with exponent $\tau$ with $\tau\in(3,5)$, then the critical exponents depend sensitively on $\tau$. In addition, at criticality, the total spin $S_{N}$ satisfies that $S_{N}/N^{(\tau-1)/(\tau-2)}$ converges in law to some limiting random variable whose distribution we explicitly characterize

Structured catalyst for indirect internal reforming (IIR) of biogas in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)

The aim of this work is the development of a structured catalyst for the dry reforming of biogas to be used as a pre-reformer in the indirect internal reforming configuration (IIR) of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The structured catalyst is based on NiCrAl foams coated with ruthenium (nominal loading 3.0 wt%) supported on a CaZr0.85Sm0.15O3-&amp; delta; (CZS) perovskite oxide. The powder is produced by solution combustion synthesis and deposited on metallic foams by the wash-coating method. Catalytic tests for the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction are carried out at 850 &amp; DEG;C, 700 &amp; DEG;C and 550 &amp; DEG;C for an overall 50 h with CH4/CO2 = 1 and p = 1.3 bar at different gas hourly space velocities (GHSVs). The final goal is a proof-of-concept: a laboratory validation of an IIR-SOFC fed by biogas. The carbon amount on spent structured catalysts is evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and microstructural/compositional investigation

Infected pancreatic necrosis: outcomes and clinical predictors of mortality. A post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study

The identification of high-risk patients in the early stages of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is critical, because it could help the clinicians to adopt more effective management strategies. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study to assess the association between clinical risk factors and mortality among adult patients with IPN. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of mortality. We identified 247 consecutive patients with IPN hospitalised between January 2019 and December 2020. History of uncontrolled arterial hypertension (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.135–15.882; aOR 4.245), qSOFA (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.359–5.879; aOR 2.828), renal failure (p = 0.022; 95% CI 1.138–5.442; aOR 2.489), and haemodynamic failure (p = 0.018; 95% CI 1.184–5.978; aOR 2.661), were identified as independent predictors of mortality in IPN patients. Cholangitis (p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.598–9.930; aOR 3.983), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.090–6.967; aOR 2.735), and gastrointestinal/intra-abdominal bleeding (p = 0.009; 95% CI 1.286–5.712; aOR 2.710) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. Upfront open surgical necrosectomy was strongly associated with the risk of mortality (p &lt; 0.001; 95% CI 1.912–7.442; aOR 3.772), whereas endoscopic drainage of pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.018; 95% CI 0.138–0.834; aOR 0.339) and enteral nutrition (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.143–0.716; aOR 0.320) were found as protective factors. Organ failure, acute cholangitis, and upfront open surgical necrosectomy were the most significant predictors of mortality. Our study confirmed that, even in a subgroup of particularly ill patients such as those with IPN, upfront open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Study protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov (I.D. Number NCT04747990). Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]