Search Results (3,856)

A robust procedure for compensating for inaccuracies caused by 3-D positioning errors in the measurement of the near-field (NF) data required by the non-redundant (NR) spherical near-to-far-field (NtFF) transformations for long antennas is presented in this article. These errors may arise from hardware defects and positioners’ controlling inaccuracies, which may cause the probe to deviate from the intended spherical scan surface and prevent it from reaching the NR sampling points required by either of the two NR representations for long antennas. To account for these errors, the method proceeds through two steps. The first step, called spherical wave correction, compensates for the phase shifts due to radial displacements from the intended scanning sphere. As a result of this correction, the NF samples belong to the intended scanning sphere, but at points different from those required by the adopted NR representation, thus impairing the subsequent NF reconstruction via the optimal sampling interpolation (OSI) algorithm. Such an algorithm enables one to efficiently build the iterative scheme used in the second step, which makes it possible to effectively retrieve the NF samples at the prescribed NR positions. Test results are shown to numerically validate the capability of the developed two-step compensation technique to correct even significant and pessimistic 3-D positioning errors affecting the collection of the NF data. Full article

Among myrmecophilous insects, beetles represent the most specialised and diverse group. Myrmecophily is a complex evolutionary strategy encompassing a wide spectrum of interactions with ants, ranging from occasional to obligate relationships, and from mutualistic associations (e.g., trophobionts) to fully parasitic symbioses (social parasites). One of the most remarkable examples of an obligate ant parasite is Paussus favieri Fairmaire,1851 (Carabidae, Paussinae, Paussini), a West-Mediterranean ant-nest beetle. This species spends most of its life inside the nests of Pheidole pallidula (Nylander, 1849) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), where it exploits the colony’s most valuable resources (ant larvae, pupae, and tenerals) through a suite of sophisticated chemical and structural adaptations that allow it to evade detection and integrate seamlessly into the host colony. For these reasons, P. favieri has recently emerged as a key model organism for studying host–parasite interactions in eusocial systems. In this study, we investigated possible correlations between the nervous system of P. favieri and its remarkable morphological and behavioural adaptations, shedding light on how an extreme environment such as the ant nest may have shaped the beetle’s brain. Our results, although requiring more in-depth analysis, reveal an exceptional development of the central body and the antennal lobes, which rank among the largest recorded across all insect species studied to date. We also report two previously undescribed morphological asymmetries affecting the optic lobes and mushroom bodies. Together, these findings provide new insights into the neuroanatomy of carabid beetles and, more broadly, into the biology of a unique model of ant parasitism, advancing our understanding of the evolutionary adaptations that characterise the highly specialised Paussinae subfamily, laying down the basis for further analysis. Full article

This paper generalizes a fractional Cournot–Bertrand duopoly model with delayed self-feedback by replacing discrete memory effects with equal-mean, distributed Gamma memories. The resulting framework preserves the original economic structure while distinguishing the effect of the shape of the memory distribution from that of its average length. We derive the equilibria, the linearized characteristic equations, and real–imaginary crossing conditions for point, weak-Gamma and strong-Gamma memories. For the reference output-feedback configuration, the point-delay benchmark has the reported Hopf threshold ${\tau }_0=3.6355$ at frequency ${\psi }_0=0.5947$, whereas the two Gamma kernels remain separated from an imaginary-axis crossing over the tested equal-mean interval. At the reference crossing frequency, their feedback gains are approximately $0.42$ and $0.46$, respectively, compared with unit gain for the point delay. Numerical root tracking, stability diagnostics, parameter scans, and solver-convergence checks support the conclusion that distributed aggregation can materially enlarge the practically stable operating region. Full article

Background and Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) remains a challenging condition to manage, as current treatments show variable efficacy and are often limited by tolerability, particularly in older and medically complex patients. This has prompted interest in topical neuromodulatory strategies targeting peripheral mechanisms while minimizing systemic exposure, with topical pregabalin emerging as a potential option. Materials and Methods: In this prospective longitudinal real-world study, 100 patients with BMS treated at a tertiary referral center received topical pregabalin as an off-label intraoral swish-and-spit solution. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 months using validated measures of pain intensity (VAS), qualitative pain perception (SF-MPQ), anxiety (HAM-A), depression (HAM-D), sleep quality (PSQI, ESS), and global clinical severity (CGI-S). Results: After 3 months, median VAS decreased from 8 (IQR 7–9) to 5 (IQR 4–6) and SF-MPQ from 10 (IQR 7–17) to 6.5 (IQR 4–10) (both p < 0.001), with concurrent improvements in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and clinical severity. Overall, 46% of patients achieved ≥30% pain reduction, while 73% and 16% reached ≥20% and ≥50% reductions, respectively. Higher baseline pain predicted greater improvement. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: These findings suggest that topical pregabalin may represent a safe and potentially effective option for BMS, although controlled studies are required to confirm its efficacy. Full article

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist and mutually worsen prognosis, creating a complex clinical scenario in which treatment decisions are increasingly imaging driven. Catheter ablation has emerged as a pivotal rhythm control strategy in selected patients with HF, but careful phenotyping of the atrial and ventricular substrate is essential to balance potential benefits against procedural risk and the likelihood of durable sinus rhythm. In this narrative review, we summarize the role of multimodality imaging across the entire AF care pathway in patients with HF, from candidate selection to intraprocedural guidance and post-ablation follow-up. Ultrasound imaging remains the cornerstone of pre-procedural assessment. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) refines anatomical characterization of the left atrium, pulmonary veins, and left atrial appendage. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers comprehensive tissue characterization of atrial and ventricular fibrosis, allowing distinction between atrial primary and atrial secondary AF phenotypes and informing expectations of reverse remodelling. During ablation, intracardiac echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography optimize transseptal access, catheter navigation, and complication monitoring, and they are particularly relevant with contemporary Pulsed Field Ablation systems. In follow-up, echocardiography, CCT, and CMR are pivotal for quantifying structural reverse remodelling and detecting rare but life-threatening complications such as atrio esophageal fistula and pulmonary vein stenosis. An integrated, multimodality, substrate-based imaging strategy is therefore crucial to personalize rhythm versus rate control decisions and to guide safe, effective ablation in patients with AF and HF. Full article

Maturation and signaling in tumor-associated macrophages are distributed over time rather than concentrated at a single instant. We replace the discrete maturation lag in a tumor–macrophage model with weak and strong gamma memory kernels. Because the kernels are normalized, the equilibria of the original model are preserved, whereas the linear chain trick yields distinct polynomial characteristic equations for the two memory shapes. The analysis identifies kernel-dependent local stability thresholds for the coexistence equilibrium and shows that the same memory scale can correspond to different local regimes under weak and strong memory. We establish simple imaginary-axis crossings and verify transversality, so the results identify local Hopf thresholds. Sensitivity and two-parameter stability diagrams further describe how these thresholds depend on M2 growth, phenotype conversion and M2 loss. Full article

This study presents a BIM-integrated life cycle analysis framework (screening-level) for climate-responsive urban energy performance assessment at district scale. The methodology addresses the need for consistent evaluation of operational energy demand under both design interventions and future climate conditions. A mixed-use district in Milan is used as a case study, where parametric BIM massing models (LOD 200–300) are coupled with building energy simulation to analyze three scenarios: a baseline configuration (S0), an envelope optimization scenario (S1), and a future climate scenario based on CMIP6 morphed weather data (S2). The framework enables comparative assessment of energy performance across consistent geometric, operational, and climatic assumptions. Results indicate that envelope optimization reduces energy use intensity by approximately 15–22% across building typologies. Under future climate conditions, cooling demand increases significantly, while reduced heating requirements result in a total district energy use intensity of 33.6 kWh/m²·year (1.60 GWh/year). An indicative carbon assessment based on simulated energy use highlights cooling-driven electricity as the dominant contributor to operational emissions under future conditions. The findings demonstrate that climate change primarily redistributes energy demand between heating and cooling rather than uniformly increasing total consumption, and confirm the value of BIM-integrated, scenario-based workflows for supporting climate-responsive urban design decisions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intrinsic genetic instability and the marked heterogeneity of malignant cell populations represent significant clinical challenges in oncology, often limiting the efficacy of conventional receptor-targeted and antigen-based therapies. To overcome these limitations, [⁶⁴Cu]CuCl₂ has emerged as a particularly promising theranostic agent because it combines PET imaging (β⁺ emission) with therapeutic effects (β⁻ particles and Auger electrons). In particular, Auger electrons, when delivered to the cell nucleus, induce severe DNA damage due to their high linear energy transfer and very short tissue range. This work aimed to deepen existing preclinical knowledge by providing a comprehensive in vitro analysis of the interactions of [⁶⁴Cu]CuCl₂ with various human cancer cell lines—specifically, the breast adenocarcinoma (MDAf-MB-231) and gastric carcinoma (NCI-N87) cell lines—and a healthy control (IMR-90 normal human fetal lung fibroblasts). Methods: We focused on evaluating cellular uptake, subcellular localization, impact on metabolic activity, and induction of apoptosis. Cell lines (MDA-MB-231, NCI-N87, IMR-90) were exposed to increasing activities of [⁶⁴Cu]CuCl₂ (10, 100, and 250 µCi/mL). Uptake was assessed in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments after 4 h. Metabolic activity and apoptosis/necrosis were evaluated at 96 and 120 h post-treatment. Results: Tumor cell lines demonstrated significantly higher [⁶⁴Cu]CuCl₂ uptake, particularly at the nuclear level, compared to healthy controls. A marked decrease in metabolic activity and an increase in apoptosis were observed in MDA-MB-231 and NCI-N87 cells (from 50% to 90% and 5% to 60% apoptosis, respectively). In contrast, IMR-90 cells exhibited minimal cytotoxic response (≤20%), suggesting a preferential response in the malignant cell models tested. Conclusions: [⁶⁴Cu]CuCl₂ induced distinct patterns of intracellular accumulation and biological response among the investigated cell models, with cancer cells displaying greater nuclear uptake and apoptotic susceptibility than non-malignant cells. These findings provide a high-resolution radiobiological baseline and microdosimetric validation, supporting the rigorous design of future, dedicated in vivo preclinical investigations to evaluate the translational potential of ionic [⁶⁴Cu]CuCl₂. Full article

Greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution are closely interconnected environmental challenges with major implications for human health and global sustainability. Many of the activities that drive climate change also release pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, which directly affect air quality and population health. This review synthesises current evidence on the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants, the atmospheric processes that influence air quality, and the epidemiological evidence linking air pollution exposure to adverse health outcomes. The paper also discusses the public health co-benefits of climate mitigation strategies, including the transition to cleaner energy systems, sustainable transport policies, and urban environmental interventions. Finally, the review places air pollution and climate change within the broader framework of human security, highlighting their implications for health security, environmental stability, food systems, and economic resilience. By integrating perspectives from environmental epidemiology, public health, and global environmental governance, this review provides a multidisciplinary overview of the links between greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, and human well-being, and underscores the importance of coordinated policy responses to address these interconnected challenges. Full article

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease frequently associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), widely used for T2DM and obesity, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may be relevant in psoriasis. However, individual GLP-1RAs differ substantially in their pharmacological characteristics and clinical effects. Our objective was to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of individual GLP-1RAs in patients with psoriasis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were searched up to April 2026 for studies evaluating GLP-1RAs in psoriasis. Case reports, case series, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials were included. Preclinical, clinical and safety outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesized. Results: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Most involved patients with concomitant obesity and/or T2DM. Overall, semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, and tirzepatide were associated with improvements in psoriasis severity, often accompanied by reductions in body weight, glycated haemoglobin, inflammatory markers, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Semaglutide and liraglutide showed the most consistent evidence of benefit. Experimental and clinical data also suggested direct immunomodulatory effects on pathways involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. However, paradoxical psoriasiform eruptions and psoriasis exacerbations were reported with some agents. The evidence base was limited by the predominance of case reports and small observational studies, substantial heterogeneity, and the limited availability of randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs may improve both psoriatic disease activity and cardiometabolic outcomes, particularly in patients with obesity or T2DM. Nevertheless, potential differences among individual agents warrant further investigation in larger controlled studies. Full article

This study investigates the impact of clinically relevant sterilization methods, such as ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma (γ) irradiation, autoclaving, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, on the physical, structural, and functional properties of methacrylated silk fibroin hydrogels obtained by photo- and enzymatic crosslinking. EtO, γ irradiation, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma were applied as terminal sterilization methods to the fabricated hydrogels, whereas autoclaving was performed on the SilMA precursor solution prior to hydrogel formation. Silk fibroin hydrogels at 5 and 7 wt.% concentrations were evaluated for transparency, rheological behavior, water content, secondary structure, chemical composition, thermal stability, microbial growth, and morphology after sterilization and during storage. EtO sterilization effectively maintained high optical transparency (>98%) but compromised the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. In contrast, γ-irradiation and autoclaving promoted greater β-sheet formation, resulting in increased mechanical stiffness and thermal stability but reduced transparency after autoclaving. Plasma sterilization proved unsuitable, as incomplete cycles related to the high-water content of hydrogels. Overall, the results delineate the influence of different sterilization strategies and identify approaches that best preserve or enhance the performance of silk hydrogels, supporting their clinical translation in tissue engineering. Full article

Background and Objectives: Traumatic hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death following major injury, with most hemorrhage-related fatalities occurring within the first hours after trauma. During this early phase, trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) frequently develops as an independent pathophysiological response, affecting up to one-third of severely injured patients and being strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Over the past two decades, TIC has been recognized as a complex endogenous process rather than a simple consequence of dilution, hypothermia, or acidosis, prompting a paradigm shift in early trauma resuscitation. Materials and Methods: This narrative review analyzes the current literature on the pathophysiology of TIC and the evolution of hemostatic resuscitation strategies. Key topics include the mechanisms underlying early coagulopathy, its clinical impact, and the evidence supporting contemporary therapeutic approaches. Published data on balanced transfusion strategies, whole blood transfusion, fibrinogen replacement, cryoprecipitate, prothrombin complex concentrates, tranexamic acid and viscoelastic-guided resuscitation were reviewed, along with relevant international guidelines. Results: Emerging evidence supports early, balanced, and targeted hemostatic resuscitation to mitigate the effects of TIC and improve outcomes in bleeding trauma patients. Balanced transfusion ratios, prompt correction of fibrinogen deficiency, early antifibrinolytic therapy and selective use of coagulation factor concentrates have been associated with reduced transfusion requirements and improved survival. Viscoelastic testing enables rapid, individualized assessment of coagulation abnormalities, although its availability and implementation remain inconsistent across trauma systems. Conclusions: Early recognition and aggressive, structured management of trauma-induced coagulopathy are essential to reduce preventable deaths from traumatic hemorrhage. While advances in hemostatic resuscitation have improved outcomes, significant challenges remain in standardizing treatment protocols and expanding access to viscoelastic diagnostics. Ongoing research and system-level optimization are needed to further refine and disseminate evidence-based strategies for the management of TIC. Full article

A patch-enabled delayed SLBP computer-virus model is extended by replacing the fixed delay in the breaking-out class with a distributed memory. Two gamma kernels are considered: the weak (single-stage) kernel, which encodes an exponentially fading memory, and the strong (two-stage) kernel, which encodes a memory peaked at a positive past time. The linear-chain trick converts the integro-differential equations into finite-dimensional ODE systems of dimension five and six, respectively, yielding polynomial characteristic equations amenable to a Routh–Hurwitz and Hopf analysis. We then carry out a direct numerical comparison of the three formulations on a common parameter set. The discrete-delay model loses stability through a Hopf bifurcation at a critical delay; both gamma models retain stability up to a substantially larger mean memory time, the weak kernel being the most stabilising and the strong kernel intermediate between the weak kernel and the discrete delay. The smearing of the past contribution by the gamma kernels therefore delays the onset of oscillations by a sizeable factor at fixed mean memory. Full article

AI systems increasingly exhibit behavior that differs systematically between evaluation and deployment contexts. Alignment faking, sandbagging, benchmark gaming, deceptive scheming, specification gaming, and trojans have each been documented separately, with each line of work characterizing one facet of what we argue is a single structural mechanism: we propose that this common mechanism is a defeat device, an engineering and regulatory concept long established in vehicle-emissions law and brought to broad public attention by the 2015 Volkswagen emissions case. A defeat device in an AI system has three necessary elements: a discriminator that detects evaluation context, a concealed swap that conditions behavior on detection, and a gap between eval-distribution and deployment-distribution performance on the stated evaluation criterion. We formalize this triadic test as a behavioral definition, organize documented cases along three taxonomic axes (origin, trigger, swap mechanism), propose Trigger-Axis-Aware Differential Probing (TADP) as a forensic detection protocol, and advance the claim that defeat devices can naturally emerge in current frontier AI systems without any operator engineering. We characterize naturally emerging defeat devices as potentially one of the harmful emerging phenomena that AI safety practice should monitor and test for systematically. An illustrative study applying TADP across eight open-weight models finds the discriminator to be near-universal (every model detects evaluation context well above chance), while the conditional swap is real but heterogeneous: it appears strongly as sycophantic stance-conditioning and as an evaluation-cued register shift, yet not as overt demographic discrimination, indicating that the mechanism’s discriminator generalizes even where individual swaps do not. Implications for evaluation methodology, post-training pipeline design, interpretability research priorities, and AI governance follow. Full article

Inflammatory pain arises from the interaction between nociceptive activation and immune signalling within injured or inflamed tissues. While the production of inflammatory mediators has been extensively investigated, less attention has been directed toward mechanisms governing their clearance and spatial redistribution. In this review, we examine how lymphatic vessels actively regulate inflammatory signal persistence in the interstitial space by integrating endothelial barrier behaviour, structural remodelling and intrinsic contractility. The lymphatic system, traditionally regarded as a passive conduit for fluid return and immune cell trafficking, is increasingly recognised as a dynamic regulator of tissue homeostasis. Neuropeptides released from nociceptive afferents, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP), influence lymphatic permeability, lymphangiogenesis and lymph propulsion, thereby shaping the kinetics of inflammatory mediator clearance. Endogenous opioid signalling and pain-related anaesthetic agents may further modulate lymphatic function through effects on lymphatic muscle excitability and endothelial dynamics. Collectively, we propose a systems-level framework in which lymphatic physiology operates as a regulatory interface linking neural activation to immune resolution. Recognising this integrative role may refine current concepts of inflammatory pain and provide a physiologically grounded basis for future translational investigation. Full article