Large Spectrum Research Articles

Quantifying Exhaled Particles in Healthy Humans During Various Respiratory Activities Under Realistic Conditions.

Background: Quantitatively collecting and characterizing exhaled aerosols is vital for infection risk assessment, but the entire droplet size spectrum has often been neglected. We analyzed particle number and size distribution of healthy participants in various respiratory activities, considering inter-individual variability, and deployed a simplified far-field model to inform on infection risks. Methods: Participants repeated the same respiratory activities on two visits. Particles were collected using an airtight extraction helmet supplied with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered air. The sampling volume flow was transported to two particle counters covering the small and large particle spectrum. The applied simple mass balance model included respiratory activity, viral load, room size, and air exchange rates. Results: Thirty participants completed the study. The major fraction of the number-based size distribution was <5 μm in all respiratory activities. In contrast, the major fraction of the volume-based size distribution was 2-12 μm in tidal breathing, but >60 μm in all other activities. Aerosol volume flow was lowest in tidal breathing, 10-fold higher in quiet/normal speaking, deep breathing, coughing, and 100-fold higher in loud speaking/singing. Intra-individual reproducibility was high. Between participants, aerosol volume flow varied by two orders of magnitude in droplets <80 μm, and three orders of magnitude in droplets >80 μm. Simple model calculations not accounting for potential particle size-dependent differences in viral load and infection-related differences were used to model airborne pathogen concentrations. Conclusions: Quantitative analysis of exhaled aerosols for the entire droplet size spectrum as well as the variability in aerosol emission between individuals provides information that can support infection research. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT04771585.

Phytochemical Diversity and Related Bioactivity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Different Organs and Provenances of the Edible Halophyte Crithmum Maritimum L.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a facultative halophyte from the Apiaceae family. The variation of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different extracts of different organs of sea fennel were investigated. The roots, stems, leaves and seeds were collected from three bioclimatic stages of Tunisia. Solvent fractionation method (using aqueous acetone, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate) was adopted to separate the extract ingredient and to concentrate phenolics. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins significantly varied between organs and localities. In leaves, the highest level of phenols was detected in the upper and sub-humid zones. However, in stems the high amounts of phenols were observed in semiarid climate. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through four different methods and the antimicrobial activity was assessed against five human pathogenic bacteria and a fungal strain. Multivariate analysis showed significant effect of organ and locality on the antioxidant properties. Results of the antibacterial activities showed significant differences among extracts and was reflected by a large spectrum of activity ranging from totally not active (Zones of inhibition (zi) &lt; 1 mm) to very high activity (zi &gt;16 mm). Combined statistical results allowed to select the more potent fraction to be analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). The flavanol epigallocatechin was identified as a major phenolic compound which contributed greatly to the antioxidant capacity. The results established in this study highlighted the importance of this halophyte cash crop in the human diet as natural source of active components.

Microscale Updrafts within Northeast U.S. Coastal Snowstorms Using High-Resolution Cloud Radar Measurements

Abstract Limited knowledge exists about ∼100-m-scale precipitation processes within U.S. northeast coastal snowstorms because of a lack of high-resolution observations. We investigate characteristics of microscale updraft regions within the cyclone comma head and their relationships with snowbands, wind shear, frontogenesis, and vertical mass flux using high-spatiotemporal-resolution vertically pointing Ka-band radar measurements, soundings, and reanalysis data for four snowstorms observed at Stony Brook, New York. Updraft regions are defined as contiguous time–height plotted areas with upward Doppler velocity without hydrometeor sedimentation that is equal to or greater than 0.4 m s−1. Most updraft regions in the time–height data occur on a time scale of seconds (&lt;20 s), which is equivalent to spatial scales &lt; 500 m. These small updraft regions within cloud echo occur more than 30% of the time for three of the four cases and 18% for the other case. They are found at all altitudes and can occur with or without frontogenesis and with or without snowbands. The updraft regions with relatively large Doppler spectrum width (&gt;0.4 m s−1) occur more frequently within midlevels of the storms, where there are strong wind shear layers and moist shear instability layers. This suggests that the dominant forcing for the updrafts appears to be turbulence associated with the vertical shear instability. The updraft regions can be responsible for upward mass flux when they are closer together in space and time. The higher values of column mean upward mass flux often occur during snowband periods. Significance Statement Small-scale (&lt;500 m) upward motions within four snowstorms along the U.S. northeast coast are analyzed for the first time using high-spatiotemporal-resolution millimeter-wavelength cloud radar pointed vertically. The analysis reveals that updrafts appear in the storms regardless of whether snowbands are present or whether there is larger-scale forcing for ascent. The more turbulent and stronger updrafts frequently occur in midlevels of storms associated with instability from vertical shear and contribute to upward mass flux during snowband periods when they are closer together in space and time.

Upper limit of the solar wind protons backscattering efficiency from Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

Context. Solar wind ions backscattering is a fundamental plasma-surface interaction process that may occur on all celestial bodies exposed to the solar wind and lacking a significant atmosphere or magnetosphere. Yet, observations have been limited to the regolith-covered Moon and Phobos, one of the Martian moons. Aims. We aim to expand our knowledge of the process to include comets by investigating the backscattering of solar wind protons from the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Methods. We used one of the ion spectrometers on board ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft to search for evidence of backscattered solar wind protons from the cometary surface. The signal of interest was expected to be very weak and several statistical treatments of the data were essential to eliminate any influence from background noise and instrumental effects. Due to limited knowledge of the signal location within the observed parameter space, we conducted a statistical analysis to identify the most probable conditions for detecting the signal. Results. No significant solar wind backscattered protons were ever observed by the instrument. The statement applies to the large spectrum of observation conditions. An upper limit of the backscattered proton flux is given, as well as an upper limit of the backscattering efficiency of 9 × 10−4. Conclusions. The surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko distinguishes itself as a notably weak reflector of solar wind protons, with its backscattering efficiency, at most, as large as the lowest observed backscattering efficiency from the lunar regolith.

A multiband look at ultraluminous X-ray sources in NGC 7424

ABSTRACT We studied the multiband properties of two ultraluminous X-ray sources (2CXO J225728.9−410211 = X-1 and 2CXO J225724.7−410343 = X-2) and their surroundings, in the spiral galaxy NGC 7424. Both sources have approached X-ray luminosities LX ∼ 1040 erg s−1 at some epochs. Thanks to a more accurate astrometric solution (based on Australia Telescope Compact Array and Gaia data), we identified the point-like optical counterpart of X-1, which looks like an isolated B8 supergiant (M ≈ 9M⊙, age ≈30 Myr). Instead, X-2 is in a star-forming region (size of about 100 pc × 150 pc), near young clusters and ionized gas. Very large telescope long-slit spectra show a spatially extended region of He ii λ4686 emission around the X-ray position, displaced by about 50 pc from the brightest star cluster, which corresponds to the peak of lower ionization line emission. We interpret the He ii λ4686 emission as a signature of X-ray photoionization from the ULX, while the other optical lines are consistent with UV ionization in an ordinary He ii region. The luminosity of this He++ nebula puts it in the same class as other classical photoionized ULX nebulae such as those around Holmberg II X-1 and NGC 5408 X-1. We locate a strong (5.5 GHz luminosity $\nu \, L_{\nu } \approx 10^{35}$ erg s−1), steep-spectrum, unresolved radio source at the peak of the low-ionization lines, and discuss alternative physical scenarios for the radio emission. Finally, we use WISE data to obtain an independent estimate of the reddening of the star-forming clump around X-2.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant capacity of Micromeria flagellaris Baker and M. madagascariensis Baker: Two endemic species from Madagascar as sources of essential oils

BackgroundThe aerial parts of Micromeria madagascariensis Baker and M. flagellaris Baker are used by the population of the Vakinankaratra and Itasy regions (Madagascar) to treat breathing difficulty, fever and/or headache, wounds, and sores. PurposeThis work aimed to characterise plant materials from M. madagascariensis and M. flagellaris to report i) chemical composition, ii) antimicrobial properties, and iii) antioxidant capacity of the essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of these species. Materials and methodsThe essential oils from M. madagascariensis (MMO) and M. flagellaris (MFO) were obtained by hydrodistillation. Their chemical composition was quantified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MMO and MFO were also tested against 7 microbial strains using the disk diffusion method and their antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay. ResultsHydrodistillation yielded 0.26% MMO and 0.29% MFO (w/w) in relation to the fresh weight. Twenty-seven compounds were identified by GC-MS in MMO extract against 36 in MFO one. The main compounds in MMO were pulegone (24.67%), trans-menthone (24.67%), eucalyptol (8.12%), β-caryophyllene (4.98%), α-guanene (4.47), iso-menthone (3.85%), iso-pulegone (3.34%), azulene (3.28%) and 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexenone (2.82%). The main compounds in the MFO were eudesma-4,11-dien-2-ol (13.88%), δ-guanene (6.62%), pulegone (6.40%), cyperone (5.56%), 4-epi-dehydrobietinol acetate (5.39%), eucalyptol (5.12%), trans-menthone (4.67%), limonene (3.77%) and sabinene (2.29%). Regarding the chemotaxonomy, M. flagellaris was very different from M. madagascariensis and both species also differed from the other Micromeria species, as confirmed by multivariate statistical analysis. Both MMO and MFO exerted activities against a large microbial spectrum; the antimicrobial activity of MMO was higher than MFO one against S. pneumoniae and C. albicans due to the presence of pulegone as the main component. MFO showed an excellent scavenging capacity with an SC50 value of 2.17 ± 0.03 μg/mL. ConclusionThe biological properties of the essential oils extracted from the selected species may explain their therapeutic value showing that Malagasy Micromeria species may be very important as new natural sources of bioactive compounds. This study may promote the effectiveness and quality of Malagasy Micromeria species, contributing to sustainable development and commercial valorisation of traditional preparations based on natural local resources.

Whole exome sequencing of 491 individuals with inherited retinal diseases reveals a large spectrum of variants and identification of novel candidate genes

BackgroundInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) include a range of vision loss conditions caused by variants in different genes. The clinical and genetic heterogeneity make identification of the genetic cause challenging. Here,...

A photoheterotrophic bacterium from Iceland has adapted its photosynthetic machinery to the long days of polar summer.

During their long evolution, anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria have inhabited a wide variety of natural habitats and developed specific strategies to cope with the challenges of any particular environment. Expression, assembly, and safe operation of the photosynthetic apparatus must be regulated to prevent reactive oxygen species generation under illumination in the presence of oxygen. Here, we report on the photoheterotrophic Sediminicoccus sp. strain KRV36, which was isolated from a cold stream in north-western Iceland, 30 km south of the Arctic Circle. In contrast to most aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs, which stop pigment synthesis when illuminated, strain KRV36 maintained its bacteriochlorophyll synthesis even under continuous light. Its cells also contained between 100 and 180 chromatophores, each accommodating photosynthetic complexes that exhibit an unusually large carotenoid absorption spectrum. The expression of photosynthesis genes in dark-adapted cells was transiently downregulated in the first 2 hours exposed to light but recovered to the initial level within 24 hours. An excess of membrane-bound carotenoids as well as high, constitutive expression of oxidative stress response genes provided the required potential for scavenging reactive oxygen species, safeguarding bacteriochlorophyll synthesis and photosystem assembly. The unique cellular architecture and an unusual gene expression pattern represent a specific adaptation that allows the maintenance of anoxygenic phototrophy under arctic conditions characterized by long summer days with relatively low irradiance.IMPORTANCEThe photoheterotrophic bacterium Sediminicoccus sp. KRV36 was isolated from a cold stream in Iceland. It expresses its photosynthesis genes, synthesizes bacteriochlorophyll, and assembles functional photosynthetic complexes under continuous light in the presence of oxygen. Unraveling the molecular basis of this ability, which is exceptional among aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic species, will help to understand the evolution of bacterial photosynthesis in response to changing environmental conditions. It might also open new possibilities for genetic engineering of biotechnologically relevant phototrophs, with the aim of increasing photosynthetic activity and their tolerance to reactive oxygen species.

Influence of cytochrome P450 2D6*10/*10 genotype on the risk for tramadol associated adverse effects: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Tramadol is primarily metabolized by the highly polymorphic CYP2D6 enzyme, leading to a large spectrum of adverse events and clinical response. Ample evidence pointed a reduced CYPD26 activity score in individuals harboring the CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype, nevertheless, there is scarce studies on the impact of CYP2D6*10/*10 genetic polymorphism on long-term tramadol's adverse effects. Aim: To test the correlation between CYP2D6*10/*10 expression and the risk for tramadol-associated adverse effects. Method: Using a database of Leumit Healthcare Services in Israel, we retrospectively assessed the occurrence of adverse events in patients who were prescribed tramadol. A binary logistic regression model was applied to model the relationship between CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype and the occurrence of adverse effects. Results: Data from four hundred ninety-three patients were included in this study. Only 25 (5.1%) patients were heterozygous for the CYP2D6*10 variant, while 56 patients (11%) were tested positive to the CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype. Compared to carriers of other variants, patients with the CYP2D6*10/*10 variant exhibited a higher occurrence of adverse events (odds ratio [OR] = 6.14, 95% confidence interval 3.18-11.83); the odds ratio for central nervous system adverse events and gastrointestinal adverse events were 5.13 (95% CI 2.84-9.28), and 3.25 (95% CI 1.78-5.93), respectively. Conclusion: Among the different CYP2D6 genotypes, CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype carries the higher risk of tramadol related adverse events. Appreciating the frequency of this specific allele it seems prudent to pharmacogenetically screen patients considered for long term tramadol treatment for better tolerability and efficacy outcomes.

Searching for cold gas traced by MgII quasar absorbers in massive X-ray-selected galaxy clusters

Almost 50&lt;!PCT!&gt; of galaxies in the local Universe are in clusters or groups coexisting with both hot and cold gas components. In the present study, we observationally probed the cold-gas content of X-ray-selected massive galaxy clusters with spectroscopic redshift measured from the SDSS/SPIDERS survey. This paper focuses on the most massive structures: galaxy clusters with a mean mass of M$_ 500c $ M$_ odot We used a large number of background quasar optical spectra from SDSS DR16 to probe the diffuse T$=$10$^4$K gas in their intracluster medium. We first analysed a sample of spectra with known MgII absorbers, and then blindly stacked about 16\,000 archival spectra at the redshifts of the foreground galaxy clusters. We tentatively ($3.7 significance) detect MgII in the clusters with an equivalent width EW(MgII lambda 2796) of 0.056pm 0.015 corresponding to a column density of log N(MgII)/cm$^ We tested our methodology by generating 22\,000 mock SDSS spectra with MgII absorbers from Illustris-TNG50 cosmological magnetohydrodynamical simulations, combining photo-ionisation modelling and ray tracing. We also performed bootstrapping stacking at different cluster redshifts and stacked quasar spectra with no intervening clusters in the line of sight to measure the significance of our detection. These results are in line with the findings of recent, similar observational studies but challenge predictions from Illustris-TNG simulations. Together, our findings indicate that large amounts of cold gas may be found in the most massive structures of the Universe.

The Role of Reactive Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents in Sustainable Biocatalysis

AbstractDeep eutectic solvents (DESs) advanced in the past decade as the new generation of green and sustainable extraction and reaction media in biorefineries and in a multitude of chemical and biotechnological processes. Particularly, enzyme catalyzed reactions benefit from the specific properties of DESs, which not only ensure good substrate solubility but also enhance enzyme stability and operational efficiency. Recent studies showed that natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) comprising choline chloride or betaine as hydrogen bond acceptor and a large spectrum of natural compounds, such as carbohydrates, polyols carboxylic acids, as hydrogen bond donors, can have multiple functions, acting simultaneously as extraction solvent, reaction medium, source of substrate and source as catalyst. This novel approach for the utilization of multifunctional reactive natural deep eutectic solvents (R‐NADESs) in catalytic conversions opens the way to the development of greener biocatalytic and chemo‐catalytic processes, with simpler downstream processing and minimal discarded wastes, which will speed up their durable implementation in industry. This paper reviews the innovative applications of R‐NADESs in biocatalytic reactions for the synthesis of a large diversity of high value chemicals and materials, including biosurfactants, flavors, biobased building blocks and biobased polymers, with highlight on esterification, transesterification, glycerolysis, polymerization, and redox reactions.

Epidemiology and Treatment of Surgical Infection after Ankle Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Ankle arthroscopy is indicated for both diagnosis and treatment of a large spectrum of common ankle disorders. It has certain advantages over the open procedure; however, it is important to recognize that there are some complications associated with it. Infections after this procedure are quite uncommon, with an overall estimated incidence of 2%. Given the low incidence of infections after ankle arthroscopy, not a great deal of literature on the topic has been published. The present review aims to provide an overview of the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of infections after ankle arthroscopy. Methods: A systematic review of the literature indexed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases using search term "ankle arthroscopy infections" was performed in November 2023. No restrictions were applied concerning the date of publication. The Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) were followed. Among all surgical operations for the treatment of ankle and foot pathologies, we included articles with a described superficial or deep infection after ankle arthroscopy. Results: The search resulted in 201 studies. Only 21 studies met our inclusion criteria, and they were included in this systematic review. We evaluated 1706 patients who underwent 1720 arthroscopic tibiotalar procedures at an average age of 42 years old. Out of the 1720 procedures, 41 (2%) were complicated by infection. We divided infectious complications into superficial (68%; 28/41) and deep (32%; 13/41) infections. The most common pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus aureus. Arthroscopic arthrodesis was found to be the most affected by deep infections. Conclusions: Infection after ankle arthroscopy is an uncommon complication. Superficial infections were successfully treated with antibiotics, while surgical debridement, arthroscopic drainage, and intravenous antibiotics were necessary in cases of deep infections. Considering the amount of information on pathogens associated with knee and shoulder infections, there is still a lack of literature on pathogens associated with ankle infections, which makes their management difficulty.

Preface

The International Summer School on Vacuum, Electron and Ion Technologies (VEIT) has been organized biennially since 1978, when the series of VEIT Schools was launched by the Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, with the aim to act as a forum for exchange and dissemination of knowledge and ideas on the latest developments in electron-, ion-, and plasma-assisted technologies. The organizers of the 2023 edition of the event were the Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria and the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The School is a major scientific event and a meeting place for young scientists involved in research and development associated with high-tech industries. Many former School participants went on to become successful scientists in their field of research in leading institutions and companies all over the world. The School Proceedings have been published in special issues of the international journals Vacuum, Plasma Processes and Polymers, Journal of Physics: Conference Series.The twenty-third edition of VEIT was held in the Black Sea resort Sozopol, Bulgaria, from 18 to 22 September 2023. It was attended by 108 participants (33 students and young researchers) from 16 countries on two continents: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, The Netherlands, Ukraine, UK.The School Program covered a large spectrum of fundamental problems of the nanotechnologies, the interaction of charged particles with solid surfaces, the deposition and characterization of thin films, which were balanced out by reports on a wide range of significant high-technology applications – from equipment for deposition of hard coatings or thin optical/protective films to nanostructures prepared via evaporation, sputtering or irradiation. By their subjects, the lectures and reports were grouped for presentation and discussion in three sessions, each of them including oral presentations at plenary sessions and posters.List of Chairs of the School, International Advisory Committee, Local Organizing Committee, Invited Speakers, Participants are available in the pdf.

Snapshot Survey of the Presence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Products, Articles, and the Environment in Ecuador

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a legally binding instrument for 186 Parties (status: April 2023). Accordingly, among other responsibilities, countries are obliged to report the production, import, or export of the POPs listed in Annexes A, B, or C; provide information to registers; maintain inventories; and monitor the presence of POPs in the environment. In the broader context of international chemicals and waste management, producer responsibilities, harmonized reporting, and compliance with national and international regulations, Ecuador has addressed the newly listed group of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in its national implementation plan and sent selected products from its national market for PFAS analysis. The products analyzed came from the initially listed fields of specific exemptions and acceptable purposes, including: fire-fighting foams; photographic aids; greasers/degreasers; various kinds of paper/packaging; textiles; and leather, coatings, cleaners, metal plating, and pesticides. Our results showed that the three PFAS presently listed in the Stockholm Convention could be quantified in only a few samples; additional PFAS, not yet listed in the Convention also had low detection frequencies. Although the number of samples was limited, the samples covered a large spectrum of sample matrices, making it possible to conclude that—once these products become waste and are regulated under the Basel Convention—they would not constitute a disposal problem. Nevertheless, verification of the presence of PFAS in products on the market is expected to pose an analytical challenge for both, developed and developing countries.

High-fidelity and polarization-insensitive universal photonic processors fabricated by femtosecond laser writing

Abstract Universal photonic processors (UPPs) are fully programmable photonic integrated circuits that are key components in quantum photonics. With this work, we present a novel platform for the realization of low-loss, low-power, and high-fidelity UPPs based on femtosecond laser writing (FLW) and compatible with a large wavelength spectrum. In fact, we demonstrate different UPPs, tailored for operation at 785 nm and 1550 nm, providing similar high-level performances. Moreover, we show that standard calibration techniques applied to FLW-UPPs result in Haar random polarization-insensitive photonic transformations implemented with average amplitude fidelity as high as 0.9979 at 785 nm (0.9970 at 1550 nm), with the possibility of increasing the fidelity over 0.9990 thanks to novel optimization algorithms. Besides being the first demonstrations of polarization-insensitive UPPs, these devices show the highest level of control and reconfigurability ever reported for a FLW circuit. These qualities will be greatly beneficial to applications in quantum information processing.

EEG Emotion Classification Based on Graph Convolutional Network

EEG-based emotion recognition is a task that uses scalp-EEG data to classify the emotion states of humans. The study of EEG-based emotion recognition can contribute to a large spectrum of application fields including healthcare and human–computer interaction. Recent studies in neuroscience reveal that the brain regions and their interactions play an essential role in the processing of different stimuli and the generation of corresponding emotional states. Nevertheless, such regional interactions, which have been proven to be critical in recognizing emotions in neuroscience, are largely overlooked in existing machine learning or deep learning models, which focus on individual channels in brain signals. Motivated by this, in this paper, we present RGNet, a model that is designed to learn the regional level representation of EEG signal for accurate emotion recognition. Specifically, after applying preprocessing and feature extraction techniques on raw signals, RGNet adopts a novel region-wise encoder to extract the features of channels located within each region as input to compute the regional level features, enabling the model to effectively explore the regional functionality. A graph is then constructed by considering each region as a node and connections between regions as edges, upon which a graph convolutional network is designed with spectral filtering and learned adjacency matrix. Instead of focusing on only the spatial proximity, it allows the model to capture more complex functional relationships. We conducted experiments from the perspective of region division strategies, region encoders and input feature types. Our model has achieved 98.64% and 99.33% for Deap and Dreamer datasets, respectively. The comparison studies show that RGNet outperforms the majority of the existing models for emotion recognition from EEG signals.

A New Avenue in Hybrid Polyoxometalate Chemistry: Synthesis and Characterization of Mn (II) Functionalized POM Based Ionic Liquids

The synthesis of novel hybrid materials, combining the properties of organic and inorganic components in one compound, results in materials with unique physical and chemical properties. The organic-functionalization of POMs with covalently or non-covalently linked organic species opens a large spectrum of possibilities and research challenges. The development of such novel systems for metal−organic architectures is an attractive research field. Lacunary polyoxometalates (POMs) offer structurally well-defined coordination sites with various coordination directions; thus, lacunary POMs are ideal building blocks for inorganic−organic architectures. Here, we report the successful self-assembly of transition metal substituted anionic POM along with a new generation POM based ionic liquid. We know that the counter-cations in polyoxometalate chemistry play immense role beyond charge balance. That is why the resultant structure is furthermore utilized as a stable and reactive building block to synthesize POM based ionic liquid (POM-IL), an inorganic−organic architecture comprising 3d-metal substituted mono-lacunary POM and tetrabutyl ammonium (TBA) ligands.

Aesthetic Considerations on György Ligeti’s Works

This article represents a revised chapter of my book György Ligeti’s Creation in the Stylistic Context of the 20st Century, published in 1999. It shows the divergent and contrasting aspects of the com poser’s pieces, their synaesthesis and their preference for allusions and illusions. Ligeti’s whole work is a large spectrum built with associable musical structures that are also found with other composers or even in extramusical artistic productions. But despite this, it remains original and innovative, not belonging to any stylistic orientation of 20th century music.

Standard specification-based intrusion detection for hierarchical industrial control systems

In this paper, we develop a specification-based, process-aware, Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for complex Industrial Control Systems (ICSs). Complex ICSs are distributed and hierarchical control systems built on top of local control loops which are the system's elementary building blocks. Process-aware attacks are sophisticated cyberattacks that aim to compromise the safety of the controlled physical process.Our approach aims to link safety specifications and security properties. Thus, we use international and industry standards specifications concerning local safety, global safety and networks of the industrial process, in order to obtain security properties. The obtained security properties are cybersecurity related requirements. They are translated into security patterns in order to be runtime monitored by our network IDS. This latter relies on a distributed monitoring framework, capturing network traffic between the local loops and the distributed control level, as well as between distributed control and supervisory control. We implemented and evaluated our IDS on a real ICS. We experimentally show that our IDS detects a large spectrum of attacks. We also show that our distributed IDS is scalable since its detection response time as a function of the number of monitored security patterns, is linear. A demonstrator comprising code extracts is made available.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pericardial Effusion - A Unique Major Manifestation.

Pericardial effusion is common in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, it is rarely its first manifestation. An 82-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Blood analysis revealed elevated systemic inflammatory markers, and an abdominal computed tomography scan revealed non-specific alveolar condensation of the right pulmonary base and pericardial effusion subsequently quantified as medium size by transthoracic echocardiography. A large aetiological panel was requested, with the autoimmunity study revealing high levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Since the patient did not present articular involvement, the initial hypothesis was pericardial effusion due to pneumonia and no specific treatment for RA was started. At follow-up, the pericardial effusion recurred and a pericardiocentesis was performed. The pericardial fluid analysis was sterile, and no malignant cells were identified. A new serological study confirmed high levels of RF and anti-CCP antibodies, and immunomodulatory treatment was initiated. After one year, the pericardial effusion recurred due to non-compliance with immunomodulatory therapy. A surgical pleuro-pericardial window was performed, and the cytological study of the pericardial patch revealed submesothelial thickening and foci of perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. The patient remained asymptomatic. After exclusion of a large spectrum of infectious and non-infectious causes and the relapse after suspension of immunomodulatory treatment, the most probable aetiology for the pericardial effusion remains RA. Pericardial syndromes can be the first manifestation of AR even in the absence of articular symptoms and this disease must be considered in the aetiological investigation. The occurrence of pericardial effusion in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a usual finding but this form of extra-articular manifestation is possibly the first and only presentation of the disease.In the case of recurrent pericardial effusion, the diagnosis of RA must be considered in the aetiological investigation even in the absence of more common manifestations of the disease.