Computing the Jordan structure of an eigenvalue

In this paper we revisit the problem of finding an orthogonal similarity transformation that puts an $n\times n$ matrix $A$ in a block upper-triangular form that reveals its Jordan structure at a particular eigenvalue $\lambda_0$. The obtained form in fact reveals the dimensions of the null spaces of $(A-\lambda_0 I)^i$ at that eigenvalue via the sizes of the leading diagonal blocks, and from this the Jordan structure at $\lambda_0$ is then easily recovered. The method starts from a Hessenberg form that already reveals several properties of the Jordan structure of $A$.

Local membrane length conservation in two-dimensional vesicle simulation using a multicomponent lattice Boltzmann equation method

We present a method for applying a class of velocity-dependent forces within a multicomponent lattice Boltzmann equation simulation that is designed to recover continuum regime incompressible hydrodynamics. This method is applied to the problem, in two dimensions, of constraining to uniformity the tangential velocity of a vesicle membrane implemented within a recent multicomponent lattice Boltzmann simulation method, which avoids the use of Lagrangian boundary tracers.

Dynamic mesh refinement for discrete models of jet electro-hydrodynamics

Nowadays, several models of unidimensional fluid jets exploit discrete element methods. In some cases, as for models aiming at describing the electrospinning nanofabrication process of polymer fibers, discrete element methods suffer a non-constant resolution of the jet representation. We develop a dynamic mesh- refinement method for the numerical study of the electro-hydrodynamic behavior of charged jets using discrete element methods. To this purpose, we import ideas and techniques from the string method originally developed in the framework of free-energy landscape simulations.

Altered brain criticality in Schizophrenia: New insights from MEG

Schizophrenia has a complex etiology and symptomatology that is difficult to untangle. After decades of research, important advancements towards a central biomarker are still lacking. One of the missing pieces is a better understanding of how non-linear neural dynamics are altered in this patient population. In this study, the resting-state neuromagnetic signals of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls were analyzed in the framework of criticality.

Mathematical tools for controlling invasive species in Protected Areas

A challenging task in the management of Protected Areas is the conservation of natural habitats and native endangered species through the optimization of control strategies for invasive plant or animal species, typically competing for the use of resources in a fragmented habitat [1]. We review two cases of control strategies on the wolf-wild boar populations in a Southern Italy Protected Area belonging to the Natura 2000 network [2,3].

Distinct Antigen Delivery Systems Induce Dendritic Cells' Divergent Transcriptional Response: New Insights from a Comparative and Reproducible Computational Analysis.

Vaccination is the most successful and cost-effective method to prevent infectious diseases. However, many vaccine antigens have poor in vivo immunogenic potential and need adjuvants to enhance immune response. The application of systems biology to immunity and vaccinology has yielded crucial insights about how vaccines and adjuvants work. We have previously characterized two safe and powerful delivery systems derived from non-pathogenic prokaryotic organisms: E2 and fd filamentous bacteriophage systems.

Neural oscillations track natural but not artificial fast speech: Novel insights from speech-brain coupling using MEG

Neural oscillations contribute to speech parsing via cortical tracking of hierarchical linguistic structures, including syllable rate. While the properties of neural entrainment have been largely probed with speech stimuli at either normal or artificially accelerated rates, the important case of natural fast speech has been largely overlooked. Using magnetoencephalography, we found that listening to naturally-produced speech was associated with cortico-acoustic coupling, both at normal (~6 syllables/s) and fast (~9 syllables/s) rates, with a corresponding shift in peak entrainment frequency.

High-resolution analysis of the human retina miRNome reveals isomiR variations and novel microRNAs

MicroRNAs play a fundamental role in retinal development and function. To characterise the miRNome of the human retina, we carried out deep sequencing analysis on sixteen individuals. We established the catalogue of retina-expressed miRNAs, determined their relative abundance and found that a small number of miRNAs accounts for almost 90% of the retina miRNome. We discovered more than 3000 miRNA variants (isomiRs), encompassing a wide range of sequence variations, which include seed modifications that are predicted to have an impact on miRNA action.