Computational spectroscopy of helium-solvated molecules: effective inertia, from small He clusters toward the nano-droplet regime

Accurate computer simulations of the rotational dynamics of linear molecules solvated in He clusters indicate that the large-size (nano-droplet) regime is attained quickly for light rotors (HCN, CO) and slowly for heavy ones (OCS, N$_2$O, CO$_2$), thus challenging previously reported results. Those results spurred the view that the different behavior of light rotors with respect to heavy ones - including a smaller reduction of inertia upon solvation of the former - would result from the lack of adiabatic following of the He density upon molecular rotation. We have performed computer experiments in which the rotational dynamics of OCS and HCN molecules was simulated using a fictitious inertia appropriate to the other molecule. These experiments indicate that the approach to the nano-droplet regime, as well as the reduction of the molecular inertia upon solvation, is determined by the anistropy of the potential, more than by the molecular weight. Our findings are in agreement with recent infrared and/or microwave experimental data which, however, are not yet totally conclusive by themselves.Comment: 11 pages, 13 figure

Freely chosen positive intergroup imagery causes improved outgroup emotions and encourages increased contact seeking immediately and at follow up

In two ethnic contexts, we focus on volitional imagined contact as a potential method to increase individuals’ readiness to voluntarily initiate intergroup contact and engage in responses with implications for reconciliation. In Study 1, we used a quasi-experimental design to determine the causal role of volitional (vs. non-volitional) valenced imagined contact with a refugee on downstream processes. Irrespective of volition, positive visualizations led to more positive outgroup emotions, action tendencies and contact seeking, however manipulated volition amplified the differential impact of valenced contact on outgroup emotions: Negative contact was more detrimental when freely chosen, than forced, whereas positive contact was equally beneficial irrespective of volition. Study 2 investigated factors driving individuals’ choices for positive (vs. negative) imagined contact in conflict-laden Cyprus and assessed immediate and longer-term consequences of such choices for interethnic contact seeking. In both studies, participants chose to engage in imagined contact of a valence that aligned with their prior contact histories consistent with an evaluative fit mechanism. Volitional valenced imagery predicted participants’ active and self-initiated contact seeking immediately and after a 2-week period. Hence, volitional intergroup imagery as a ‘mental contact script’ prepares individuals for actual intergroup contact and behaviors with implications for intergroup reconciliation and cohesion

Papillomavirus E5: the smallest oncoprotein with many functions

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are established agents of human and animal cancers. They infect cutaneous and mucous epithelia. High Risk (HR) Human PVs (HPVs) are consistently associated with cancer of the uterine cervix, but are also involved in the etiopathogenesis of other cancer types. The early oncoproteins of PVs: E5, E6 and E7 are known to contribute to tumour progression. While the oncogenic activities of E6 and E7 are well characterised, the role of E5 is still rather nebulous. The widespread causal association of PVs with cancer makes their study worthwhile not only in humans but also in animal model systems. The Bovine PV (BPV) system has been the most useful animal model in understanding the oncogenic potential of PVs due to the pivotal role of its E5 oncoprotein in cell transformation. This review will highlight the differences between HPV-16 E5 (16E5) and E5 from other PVs, primarily from BPV. It will discuss the targeting of E5 as a possible therapeutic agent

High density balsamic vinegar: application of stable isotope ratio analysis to determine watering down

Aceto balsamico di Modena IGP (ABM) is an Italian worldwide appreciated PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) vinegar, obtained from cooked and/or concentrated grape must (at least 20% of the volume), with the addition of at least 10% of wine vinegar and a maximum 2% of caramel for color stability (EU Reg. 583/ 2009). The geographical origin of ABM ingredients is never specified. Since 2013, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued a method for determining the water fraudulently added to the vinegar and the balsamic vinegar product (EN16466-3 18O-IRMS). The method is based on the stable isotope ratios analysis of the bulk AMB sample (expressed as δ18O in ‰ with respect to the international standard V-SMOW2). Balsamic vinegars with very high density (higher than 1.37 g / mL of sugar) are available on the market. They are obtained by adding a high amount of concentrated must or by a long aging of the product in the barrel, which leads to an intense evaporation and concentration. Products with such high density cannot be analyzed by using the official method as reported in the EN16466-3 18O-IRMS. Indeed, in this conditions, the equilibration between CO2 and the water in the sample, being the base principle of the process, does not occur. In this work, the official method has been modified and validated, calculating repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R), by proceeding with a prior dilution of the sample and by applying a correction to the data in order to eliminate the diluent isotopic contribution. Considering the limit value of δ18O for a non-watered product reported in the literature for vinegar and for rectified concentrated must [1-2], the threshold limit of δ18O below which the ABM product can be considered as adulterated was identified. References [1] J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014, 62, 32, 8197–8203 [2] Food Control 2013, 29(1), 107–11

Common variable immunodeficiency. Epidemiology and clinical manifestations in 69 patients.

La inmunodeficiencia común variable (IDCV) se caracteriza por una alteración en la producción de anticuerpos y una mayor susceptibilidad a infecciones por bacterias extracelulares capsuladas, principalmente del tracto respiratorio. Analizamos las características clínicas de 69 pacientes, evaluados en un período de 10 años en tres centros de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Al inicio del estudio se encontraban en seguimiento 14 pacientes y al finalizar 60; la mayoría fueron derivados por infecciones o hipogammaglobulinemia, y casi la mitad con diagnóstico establecido de inmunodeficiencia. Sesenta y cinco (94.2%) pacientes presentaron infecciones por gérmenes capsulados, cuatro (6.1%) sepsis y dos tuberculosis. La edad promedio de comienzo de los síntomas infecciosos fue de 18.1 años, la edad promedio al momento del diagnóstico fue de 29.6 años y el retraso diagnóstico de 11.9 años. En 41 (59.4%) pacientes se registró el antecedente de diarreas recurrentes o crónicas. En 22 (31.9%) se diagnosticaron 13 enfermedades autoinmunes, siendo las más frecuentes las hematológicas y el hipotiroidismo. Ocho pacientes tuvieron linfoproliferación policlonal histológica, cuatro (5.8%) como enfermedad granulomatosa de hígado, laringe y piel, y cuatro como neumonía intersticial linfoidea (NIL). Diecinueve (27.5%) pacientes presentaron esplenomegalia y 23/57 (40.3%) imágenes sugestivas de procesos granulomatosos o linfocíticos en la TAC de tórax (incluidos los 4 con NIL). Tres (4.3%) pacientes desarrollaron linfoma B, cuatro (5.8%) adenocarcinoma de estómago y uno cáncer de mama. El estudio tuvo una mediana de seguimiento de 54 meses, rango 1-353 y durante el período del mismo murieron cuatro pacientes (5.8%).Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by an impaired antibody production and an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections of the respiratory tract, mainly by extracellular encapsulated bacteria. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of 69 patients evaluated over a period of 10 years at three centers in the city of Buenos Aires. At the onset of the study 14 patients were on follow up, and at its end the number of patients reached to 60. Most of them consulted for infection or hypogammaglobulinemia and nearly half had an established diagnosis of immunodeficiency. Sixty-five (94.2%) patients had infections by encapsulated bacteria, four (6.1%) sepsis and two tuberculosis. The average age of onset of infectious symptoms was 18.1 years; the average age at diagnosis was 29.6 years and the delay to diagnosis 11.9 years. Forty one (59.4%) patients reported a history of recurrent or chronic diarrhea. In 22 (31.9%) 13 autoimmune diseases were diagnosed, being the most frequent the hematological disorders and hypothyroidism. Eight patients had histological polyclonal lymphoproliferation, four (5.8%) with granulomatous disease affecting the liver, the larynx and/or the skin; and four as lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP). Nineteen (27.5%) patients had splenomegaly and 23/57 (40.3%) images suggestive of lymphocytic or granulomatous processes (including the 4 with LIP) in the chest CT. Three (4.3%) patients developed B cell lymphoma, four (5.8%) stomach adenocarcinoma and one breast cancer. The study had a median follow-up of 54 months, range 1-353 and four patients (5.8%) died during the follow up.Fil: Fernández Romero, Diego S.. Hospital Britanico. Serv. de Alergia E Inmunologia Clinica; ArgentinaFil: Juri, María C.. Hospital Britanico. Serv. de Alergia E Inmunologia Clinica; ArgentinaFil: Paolini, María V.. Hospital Durand; ArgentinaFil: Malbran, Alejandro. Hospital Britanico. Serv. de Alergia E Inmunologia Clinica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Identity inclusiveness and centrality: investigating identity correlates of attitudes toward immigrants and immigration policies

Social psychology highlights ingroup identity as an important determinant of intergroup attitudes and relations; however, research has demonstrated that its effects can be positive, negative, or nonexistent depending on how such identity is conceptualized. This research explores how national identity inclusiveness (Study 1) and centrality (Study 2) are associated with immigration related attitudes in school and countrywide settings, respectively. Study 1 showed that teachers’ inclusive (i.e., overlapping) identities regarding their immigrant students related to positive attitudes toward these students, but not to attitudes about immigrants in general or immigration policy preferences. Study 2 found that national identity centrality was related to negative attitudes toward the social impact of immigrants, and to higher support for policies inhibiting the social inclusion of immigrants in the receiving community. Combined, these studies highlight the importance of considering different conceptualizations of ingroup identity in identifying relations to immigration‐based attitudes. Moreover, the studies highlight the value of promoting inclusive identities when aiming to improve attitudes toward immigrants. We conclude by discussing a new approach for promoting inclusive identities by framing immigrants as indispensable to the receiving community.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Aroma characterization of mold resistant basewines for sparkling wine produced in a warm-temperate area at two different altitudes

In a recent context where consumers pay an increasing attention to sustainability and eco-friendly aspects in the decision-making process, the use of the resistant varieties in the winesector have returned to the attention. In this context, the use of mould-resistant grape varietieswould be an opportunity for sparkling wine producers as it can reduced the pesticideutilization in grape management and hence production costs. However, the use of the resistant varieties to produce the base wine may be strongly infl uenceddue to its requirements for a particular balance between sugars and acidity to ensure thequality of the fi nal product. In addition, the aromatic profi le of base wine plays a crucial rolein the perception of the quality of the sparkling wine. This work aims to study the volatile composition of base wines produced from fi ve resistantvarieties (Bronner, Solaris, Johanniter, Souvignier Gris, Vinera) cultivated in two experimentalvineyards located in Trentino (IT): one situated on the valley bottom and one in the hill. Theresults were comparing with those of Chardonnay, the main variety used in this areanowadays for this product, cultivated in the same plots. The volatiles were extracted from thebase wines and the GC-MS/MS analysis allowed to quantify the aromatic compoundsbelonging to six different chemical classes: acetates, ethyl esters, alcohols, fatty acids, terpenesand norisoprenoids. Among the varieties, Souvignier Gris was characterised by methyl salicylate and 1-hexanol,while Solaris stood out for the concentration of β-damascone, acetates and ethyl esters.Bronner showed signifi cant contents of some grape-derived metabolites, such as β-damasconeand linalool. This terpene was also present in higher quantities in Solaris and Johanniter.Regarding the location, acetates and ethyl esters were higher in base wines of the valleybottom and fatty acids, higher alcohols and terpenes in the hilly plot wines

Radiation therapy for atypical and anaplastic meningiomas: an overview of current results and controversial issues

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Most meningiomas are WHO grade 1 tumors whereas less than one-quarter of all meningiomas are classified as atypical (WHO grade 2) and anaplastic (WHO grade 3) tumors, based on local invasiveness and cellular features of atypia. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of meningioma therapy and represents the definitive treatment for the majority of patients; however, grade 2 and grade 3 meningiomas display more aggressive behavior and are difficult to treat. Several retrospective series have shown the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (RT) for patients with atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. More recently, two phase II prospective trials by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG 0539) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC 2042) have confirmed the potential benefits of fractionated RT for patients with intermediate and high-risk meningiomas; however, several issues remain a matter of debate. Controversial topics include the timing of radiation treatment in patients with totally resected atypical meningiomas, the optimal radiation technique, dose and fractionation, and treatment planning/target delineation. Ongoing randomized trials are evaluating the efficacy of early adjuvant RT over observation in patients undergoing gross total resection. © 2022, The Author(s