University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
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High- and low-energy many-body effects of graphene in a unified approach
No full textWe show that the many-body features of graphene band structure and electronic response can be accurately evaluated by applying many-body perturbation theory to a tight-binding (TB) model. In particular, we compare TB results for the optical conductivity with previous ab initio calculations, showing nearly perfect agreement both in the low-energy region near the Dirac cone (∼100 meV) and at the higher energies of the π plasmon (∼5 eV). A reasonable agreement is reached also for the density-density response at the Brillouin zone corner. With the help of the reduced computational cost of the TB model, we study the effect of self-consistency on the screened interaction (W) and on the quasiparticle corrections, a task that is not yet achievable in ab initio frameworks. We find that self-consistency is important to reproduce the experimental results on the divergence of the Fermi velocity, as confirmed by previous studies, while it marginally affects the optical conductivity. Finally, we study the robustness of our results against doping or the introduction of a uniform dielectric environment
Acting and Practising Together: Modulations of the Joint Simon Effect in 6- to 8-Year-Old Children
No full textThe study investigated joint action performance and joint unintentional transfer of learning in two cohorts of elementary school children. Thirty-two first-graders (mean age 6.6 ± 1.22 years; 22 females; all White) and 32 second-graders (mean age 7.8 ± 0.27 years; 15 females; all White) performed a Joint Simon task before and after performing a joint spatial compatibility task in which stimulus position was mapped incompatibly to the response position. We assessed whether, prior to training, children displayed a reliable Joint Simon effect (JSE), indicative of co-representation, and whether age-related differences emerged in its magnitude. Furthermore, we assessed whether the effect was affected by a jointly performed practice. Both age groups showed a significant JSE that was eliminated by the joint incompatible practice. No significant age-related differences emerged. Our results indicate that 6- to 8-year-old children are influenced by the presence of another agent and suggest that the knowledge acquired during joint task performance may automatically and unintentionally transfer to a subsequent similar task
Measurement of the Branching Fraction Ratios (Formula presented) and (Formula presented) Using Muonic (Formula presented) Decays
No full textThe branching fraction ratios of (Formula presented) and (Formula presented) decays are measured with respect to their muonic counterparts, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of (Formula presented) collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at (Formula presented). The reconstructed final states are formed by combining (Formula presented) mesons with (Formula presented) candidates, where the (Formula presented) is reconstructed via the (Formula presented) decay. The results are (Formula presented), (Formula presented), where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The two measurements have a correlation coefficient of (Formula presented) and are compatible with the standard model
Design Optimization of a Photoacoustic System for Gas Detection in Exhaled Breath
No full textExhaled breath analysis is a promising non-invasive approach for detecting disease-related biomarkers, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is associated with airway inflammation. A compact photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) system was developed using a 405 nm LED source and a resonant acoustic chamber optimized for NO2 detection. Focused optical excitation enhances localized absorption, generating an acoustic signal detected by a MEMS microphone. The system demonstrated a good response to 50 ppm gas variation, supporting its suitability for low-cost breath analysis applications
Compound Heterozygous Structural Variants in Cases with Unsolved PRKN-Associated Parkinson's Disease
No full textBackground: Biallelic mutations in the PRKN gene are a common cause of early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). In addition to single nucleotide variants, structural variants contribute substantially to the mutational profile of PRKN. A significant portion of patients with EOPD remains genetically unsolved. Objectives: By using short-read whole genome sequencing (sr-WGS), we aimed to uncover complex genetic alterations at the PRKN locus in EOPD cases which tested negative for mutations in Mendelian PD genes with clinical exome sequencing (CES) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Methods: We evaluated 498 unrelated EOPD patients, who tested negative using gold-standard diagnostic methods, using sr-WGS. In selected cases, long-read whole genome sequencing (lr-WGS) with Oxford Nanopore technology was employed for an in-depth analysis and validation. The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) dataset was interrogated to assess the prevalence of any newly identified elusive pathogenic genetic configurations. Results: sr-WGS revealed elusive compound heterozygous structural variations, consisting of partially overlapping deletions and duplications within the PRKN gene in three unrelated EOPD cases (two familial, one sporadic). In familial cases, biallelic PRKN structural variants co-segregated with the disease. The exact structure of each variant was resolved using lr-WGS. Similar variants were absent in the large PPMI database, suggesting that they are a rare occurrence. Conclusions: In this article we describe a rare configuration of compound heterozygous structural variations involving partially overlapping chromosomal regions at the PRKN locus, which are difficult to detect through standard diagnostic genetic technologies. This study highlights the importance of integrating WGS into clinical practice. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Update on infection prevention in the ICU
No full textPurpose of reviewHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a critical challenge in intensive care units (ICUs) due to the high prevalence of invasive procedures, vulnerable patient populations, and the increasing threat of antimicrobial-resistant organisms (MDROs). This review synthesizes current evidence on infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies in the ICU setting, highlighting recent findings and innovations in this evolving field, particularly in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Recent findingsThe review outlines ten key IPC strategies for ICUs, categorizing them into horizontal (universal) and vertical (pathogen-specific) approaches. Recent literature emphasizes the importance of enhanced hand hygiene compliance through motivational interventions and feedback. The role of selective decontamination strategies remains debated, with evidence suggesting potential benefits in specific patient subgroups. Vertical strategies, including active screening for MDROs and per-pathogen bundles, are increasingly being tailored based on local epidemiology and pathogen characteristics. Studies suggest that de-escalating routine contact precautions for certain MDROs like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus may be safe in settings with robust horizontal measures. Conversely, intensified "search and destroy"strategies show promise in controlling carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreaks.SummaryEffective IPC in the ICU requires a multifaceted and adaptable approach, integrating both universal precautions and targeted interventions against specific pathogens. While consistent implementation of horizontal strategies like hand hygiene is foundational, tailoring vertical strategies based on local MDRO epidemiology and patient risk profiles is crucial. Future research should focus on harmonizing IPC policies, optimizing screening methods, and evaluating the long-term impact of combined IPC and antimicrobial stewardship programs to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance in critical care settings
Long-term results of the FIL MCL0208 trial of lenalidomide maintenance versus observation after ASCT in MCL patients
No full textTraining in-service subject teachers to implement formative assessment through action research
No full textAtoms in hollow-core fibers: a QED approach
No full textWe outline mechanical effects of light-matter interaction inside hollow-core optical fibers. Starting with quantized electromagnetic radiation, we demonstrate how dispersion, mode functions and losses define an open quantum system and how subsequent Langevin equations can be used to predict spatially-dependent vacuum forces. Conceptually, we reveal new, geometry-induced, forces that have no equivalence in unbounded 3D space and, practically, show how the general spatial dependence can be greatly approximated by free-space Ince-Gaussian modes: such that the forces can be described analytically. By also considering the effects of drive and fluctuations, we provide an extensive overview of both control and cooling within the limitations of a two-level atomic system