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This paper provides insights into the indirect effect of subject matter knowledge on the pre-service teachers’ mitigation action of willingness to include climate change in their future teaching practices. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess the mediating role of emotions and attitudes on direct and indirect mitigation actions with a nationally representative sample of 889 pre-service teachers from Spain. The results show that subject matter knowledge has an indirect effect on pre-service teachers’ willingness to teach and is mediated by emotions and attitudes. Mediation analysis also revealed a relationship between emotional engagement and mitigation actions: students who experience stronger emotions are more likely to take direct and indirect mitigation action, but a more environmentally friendly lifestyle (direct mitigation) is not associated with willingness to engage in climate change education (indirect mitigation). We conclude that educators should consider emotions and attitudes when implementing climate change education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human vasculature is essential in organs and tissues for the transport of nutrients, metabolic waste products, and the maintenance of homeostasis. The integration of vessels in in vitro organs-on-chip may, therefore, improve the similarity to the native organ microenvironment, ensuring proper physiological functions and reducing the gap between experimental research and clinical outcomes. This gap is particularly evident in drug testing and the use of vascularized models may provide more realistic insights into human responses to drugs in the pre-clinical phases of the drug development pipeline. In this context, different vascularized liver models have been developed to recapitulate the architecture of the hepatic sinusoid, exploiting either porous membranes or bioprinting techniques. In this work, we developed a method to generate perfusable vascular channels with a circular cross section within organs-on-chip without any interposing material between the parenchyma and the surrounding environment. Through this technique, vascularized liver sinusoid-on-chip systems with and without the inclusion of the space of Disse were designed and developed. The recapitulation of the Disse layer, therefore, a gap between hepatocytes and endothelial cells physiologically present in the native liver milieu, seems to enhance hepatic functionality (e.g., albumin production) compared to when hepatocytes are in close contact with endothelial cells. These findings pave the way to numerous further uses of microfluidic technologies coupled with vascularized tissue models (e.g., immune system perfusion) as well as the integration within multiorgan-on-chip settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased postural balance challenge is associated with more fluctuations in centre of pressure movement, indicating increased interference from the postural control system. The role of intrinsic foot muscles in balance control is relatively understudied and whether such control system interference occurs at the level of these muscles is unknown.Research Question: Do fewer fluctuations in intrinsic foot muscle excitation occur in response to increased postural balance challenge?Methods: Surface EMGs were recorded using a grid of 13 × 5 channels from the plantar surface of the foot of 17 participants, who completed three balance tasks: bipedal stance; single leg stance and bipedal tip-toe. Centre of pressure (CoP) movement was calculated from simultaneously recorded force plate signals. Fluctuations in CoP and EMGs for each task were quantified using a sample entropy based metric, Entropy Halflife (EnHL). Longer EnHL indicates fewer signal fluctuations.Results: The shortest EMG EnHL, 9.27 ± 3.34 ms (median ± interquartile range), occurred during bipedal stance and the longest during bipedal tip-toe 15.46 ± 11.16 ms, with 18.80 ± 8.00 ms recorded for single leg stance. Differences were statistically significant between bipedal stance and both bipedal tip-toe (p < 0.001) and single leg stance (p < 0.001). CoP EnHL for both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral movements also differed significantly between tasks (p < 0.001, both cases). However, anterior-posterior CoP EnHL was longest for bipedal stance 259.84±230.22 ms and shortest for bipedal tip-toe 146.25±73.35 ms. Medial-lateral CoP EnHL was also longest during bipedal stance 215.73±187.58 ms, but shortest for single leg stance 113.48±83.01 ms.Significance: Fewer fluctuations in intrinsic foot muscle excitation occur in response to increased postural balance challenge. Fluctuations in CoP movement during balance must be predominantly driven by excitation of muscles extrinsic to the foot. Intrinsic foot muscles therefore likely play a greater role in stabilisation of the foot than balance control during the postural tasks studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explains the thermal behavior of the coercivity and remanence of melt-spun copper-cobalt ribbons using Monte Carlo simulations and a model of balance between the magnetization of superparamagnetic and blocked granules of cobalt. Monte Carlo simulations; Balance model of coercivity; Conclusions.

Intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) are a crucial component within the human foot. Investigating their functioning can help understand healthy and pathological behaviour of foot and ankle, fundamental for everyday activities. Recording muscle activation from IFM has been attempted with invasive techniques, mainly investigating single muscles. Here we present a novel methodology, to investigate the feasibility of recording physiological surface EMG (sEMG) non-invasively and quantify patterns of activation across the whole plantar region of the foot. sEMG were recorded with a 13 × 5 array from the sole of the foot (n = 25) during two-foot stance, two-foot tiptoe and anterior/posterior sways. Physiological features of sEMG were analysed. During anterior/posterior epochs within the sway task, sEMG patterns were analysed in terms of signal amplitude (intensity) and structure (Sample Entropy) distribution, by evaluating the centre of gravity (CoG) of each topographical map. Results suggest signals are physiological and not affected by loading. Both amplitude and sample entropy CoG coordinates were grouped in one region and overlapped, suggesting that the region with highest amplitude corresponds with the most predictable signal. Therefore, both spatial and temporal features of IFM activation may be recorded non-invasively, providing opportunity for more detailed investigation of IFM function in healthy and patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctica has been affected directly and indirectly by human pressure for more than two centuries and recently plastic pollution has been recognized as a further potential threat for its unique biodiversity. Global long-range transport as well as local input from anthropogenic activities are potential sources of plastic pollution in both terrestrial and marine Antarctic territories. The present study evaluated the presence of microplastics in specimens of the Antarctic whelk Neobuccinum eatoni , a key species in benthic communities of the Ross Sea, one of the largest marine protected areas worldwide. To this aim, a thermo-oxidative extraction method was applied for microplastic isolation and quantification, and polymer identification was performed by manual μ-FTIR spectroscopy. Textile (semi-)synthetic or composite microfibers (length range: 0.8–5.7 mm) were found in 27.3% of whelk specimens, suggesting a low risk of bioaccumulation along Antarctic benthic food webs in the Ross Sea. Their polymer composition (of polyethylene terephthalate and cellulose-polyamide composites) matched those of outdoor technical clothing in use by the personnel of the Italian "Mario Zucchelli" station near Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea. Such findings indicate that sewage from base stations may act as potential local sources of textile microplastic fibers in this remote environment. More in-depth monitoring studies aiming at defining the extent of microplastic contamination related to such sources in Antarctica are encouraged. • Textile microfibers were extracted from Antarctic whelk specimens from the Ross Sea. • 27.3% of whelks contained colored (semi-)synthetic or composite microfibers. • μ-FTIR revealed composition of polyester, rayon and cellulose-polyamide composites. • Microplastic content suggests low bioaccumulation risk in Antarctic benthic foodweb. • Technical clothing from nearby base station is suggested as contamination source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-heater systems are essential tools to control and optimize high-gain free-electron lasers (FELs) working in the x-ray wavelength range. Indeed, these systems induce a controllable increase of the energy spread of the electron bunch. The heating suppresses longitudinal microbunching instability which otherwise would limit the FEL performance. Here, we demonstrate that, through the action of the microbunching instability, a long-wavelength modulation of the electron beam induced by the laser heater at low energy can persist until the beam entrance into the undulators. This coherent longitudinal modulation is exploited to control the FEL spectral properties, in particular, multicolor extreme-ultraviolet FEL pulses can be generated through a frequency mixing of the modulations produced by the laser heater and the seed laser in the electron beam. We present an experimental demonstration of this novel configuration carried out at the FERMI FEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body image dissatisfaction and body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) and to identify which of these anthropometric indicators are more strongly associated, and finally to estimate the prevalence of overweight and high body adiposity in male children and adolescents, according to maturational stages.Subjects/methods: Overall, 1499 students aged from 7 to 17 years from Cascavel, PR, Brazil, were evaluated. Body image was self-rated through the body silhouette scale. Body weight, height and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured and BMI and BF% were calculated. Sexual maturity was self-assessed by the development of pubic hair. Data analysis used the Fisher exact test, the χ(2)-test and multinomial logistic regression.Results: Body image dissatisfaction because of excess weight was associated with BMI and BF%, whereas in prepubertal students, this association did not remain in the adjusted analysis. In pubescent students, both BMI (odds ratio (OR)=5.25, confidence interval (CI) 95%=3.06-9.01) and BF% (OR=2.42, CI 95%=1.60-3.66), and in post-pubescent students for BMI (OR=3.77, CI 95%=1.33-10.70), the association remained. Body image dissatisfaction because of thinness was associated only with BF% in pubescent (OR=0.50, CI 95%= 0.33-0.75) and post-pubescent students (OR=0.38, CI 95%= 0.16-0.94).Conclusions: Body image dissatisfaction was associated with BMI and BF%, especially in pubescent and post-pubescent students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin film magnetization reversal without applying external fields is an attractive perspective for applications in sensors and devices. One way to accomplish it is by fine-tuning the microstructure of a magnetic substrate via temperature control, as in the case of a thin Fe layer deposited on a MnAs/GaAs(001) template. This work reports a time-resolved resonant scattering study exploring the magnetic and structural properties of the Fe/MnAs system, using a 100 fs optical laser pulse to trigger local temperature variations and a 100 fs x-ray free-electron laser pulse to probe the induced magnetic and structural dynamics. The experiment provides direct evidence that a single optical laser pulse can reverse the Fe magnetization locally. It reveals that the time scale of the magnetization reversal is slower than that of the MnAs structural transformations triggered by the optical pulse, which take place after a few picoseconds already. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological innovations in agricultural tractors have revolutionised farming, increased labour productivity and reduced operator's hazards. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relation between agricultural tractors’ technological innovations and farm size, as well as users’ attitude on environmental impact of agricultural tractors according to their age and years of activity in the farm. Results, concerning Italy, highlight that high technological innovations of tractors are associated to larger farms, which are managed professionally by more efficient and sophisticated agricultural machineries. Empirical evidence also shows that the older the tractor adopters are and the longer they have been working in agriculture, the higher is their commitment to environment protection and safe working conditions. These results could be important for critical strategic management implications to spur technological innovation in agricultural tractors that better satisfy farmer's needs and to support the fruitful adoption of innovations for an efficient and safe modern agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-heater systems have been demonstrated to be an important component for the accelerators that drive high gain free electron laser (FEL) facilities. These heater systems suppress longitudinal micro-bunching instabilities by inducing a small and controllable slice energy spread to the electron beam. For transversely uniform heating, the energy spread augmentation is characterized by a non-Gaussian distribution. In this Letter, we demonstrate experimentally that in addition to suppression of the microbunching instability, the laser heater-induced energy distribution can be preserved to the FEL undulator entrance, significantly impacting the performance of high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) FELs, especially at soft x-ray wavelengths. In particular, we show that the FEL intensity has several local maxima as a function of the induced heating caused by the non-Gaussian energy distribution together with a strong enhancement of the power at high harmonics relative to that expected for an electron beam with an equivalent Gaussian energy spread at an undulator entrance. These results suggest that a single stage HGHG FEL can produce scientifically interesting power levels at harmonic numbers m⩾25 and with current seed laser technology could reach output photon energies above 100 eV or greater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal rainfall amounts, directly responsible for availability of water resources on a specified area, are strongly dependent on the climate system. In order to highlight some features of such dependence, generally circulation indexes based on the difference in the sea level pressure between two geographic areas are taken into account. In the present study, the relationships between winter rainfall series observed in the Calabria region (southern Italy) and the North Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAOI) have been analysed. Firstly, a correlation analysis between precipitation and the NAOI was performed. Subsequently, the influence of the different phases of the NAO on the winter precipitation has been detected by a composite analysis, and by identifying changes in the behaviour of the probability density functions (gamma distribution) fitted on monthly rainfall. The results evidence a clear link existing between the phases of the climatic index and the amount of winter rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of body image dissatisfaction with physical activity level and nutritional status in freshmen from a public Brazilian university. A total of 832 university students (485 men) with a mean age of 20.1 years (standard deviation = 4.6) participated in the study. Self-reported body weight and height were used for the calculation of body mass index. The students responded to the Body Shape Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, considering p < .05. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and physical inactivity was 10.1% and 14.5%, respectively. No significant association was observed between body image dissatisfaction and physical activity level. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with nutritional status in both genders (p < .05). University students with excess body weight should be encouraged to pursue a healthier lifestyle in order to promote an adequate nutritional status and also to improve their body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of body image dissatisfaction with physical activity level and nutritional status in freshmen from a public Brazilian university. A total of 832 university students (485 men) with a mean age of 20.1 years (standard deviation = 4.6) participated in the study. Self-reported body weight and height were used for the calculation of body mass index. The students responded to the Body Shape Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, considering p < .05. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and physical inactivity was 10.1% and 14.5%, respectively. No significant association was observed between body image dissatisfaction and physical activity level. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with nutritional status in both genders (p < .05). University students with excess body weight should be encouraged to pursue a healthier lifestyle in order to promote an adequate nutritional status and also to improve their body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Troponin I (TnI) is an important prognostic marker and risk-stratification tool in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the best timing for this biomarker measurement is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the kinetics of TnI in patients hospitalised for PE in order to better ascertain the evolution of the biomarker in this disease. In particular, we attempted to determine which measurement is the most appropriate to assess the PE risk according to this biomarker's status. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This was a prospective, single center, cohort study. TnI (Beckman Access method) was measured on admission, then every 8 h for 72 h in 200 stable patients hospitalised for PE in our cardiology department. Patients were classified into two groups: TnI-(negative) or TnI +. RESULTS: Mean TnI peak occurred at H8: 0.67±0.55 ng/ml. TnI values then decreased quickly, but remained positive (>0.06 ng/ml) beyond the 72-h surveillance period. The TnI biological profile varied widely after admission. Of the patients TnI- on the first assessment, 15% were positive at the second measurement. Among patients hospitalised less than 24 h after the onset of symptoms, 30% were misclassified on admission. In all cases, the second assessment, eight hours after admission, gave the biomarker's true status. CONCLUSION: Our study clarifies the kinetics of TnI in PE and highlights the situations in which an early TnI can be false negative. Many misclassifications could be avoided by taking into account the value of this biomarker obtained at H8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the Italian oenological industry, the regular practice used to naturally increase the colour of red wines consists in blending them with a wine very rich in anthocyanins, namely Rossissimo. In the Asian market, on the other hand, anthocyanins extracted by black rice are frequently used as correctors for wine colour. This practice does not produce negative effects on health; however, in many countries, it is considered as a food adulteration. The present study is therefore aimed to discriminate wines containing anthocyanins originated from black rice and grapevine by using reliable spectroscopic techniques requiring minimum sample preparation. Two series of samples have been prepared from five original wines, that were added with different amounts of Rossissimo or of black rice anthocyanins solution, until the desired Colour Index was reached. The samples have been analysed by FT-NIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies and the resulting spectra matrices were subjected to multivariate classification. Initially, PLS-DA was used as classification method, then also variable selection/classification methods were applied, i.e. iPLS-DA and WILMA-D. The classification with variable selection of NIR spectra permitted to classify the test set samples with an efficiency of about 70%. Probably these not excellent performances are due to the matrix effect, together with the lack of sensitivity of NIR with respect to minor compounds. On the contrary, very satisfactory results were obtained on NMR spectra in the aromatic region between 6.5 and 9.5ppm. The classification method based on wavelet-based variables selection, permitted to reach an efficiency in validation greater than 95%. Finally, 2D correlation analysis was applied to FT-NIR and 1H NMR matrices, in order to recognise the spectral zones bringing the same chemical information. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since 1990 FN S.p.A (a 98.65% ENEA participated Company), in collaboration with ENEA and AFCo-Ansaldo Fuel Cells Company, has been involved in research and development activities in the field of high temperature fuel cell porous components and in their traditional manufacturing processes (tape casting and sintering). In alternative to the traditional tape casting technology, FN has developed an innovative process based on the moulding plastic technology for the production of MCFC ceramic matrixes. With the new technology the environmental impact is reduced as it has been shown by LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) preliminary studies. These results are not the only advantages: the new process allows the realization of various and/or complex component shapes, a higher productivity level, cost reducing and the complete re-workability of rejects. In this paper a comparison between the traditional tape casting process and the new route process is shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The psychopathology in the aged is an increasing burden for the last decades of the life and a large source of expenditure. An early recognition and treatment could lead to reduce personal distress and improve prognosis. For the use in the general practitioner (GP) office and ward settings most of the short check-lists available are focused on depression symptoms. For this reason a 15 items check-list, oriented to cover a wider array of symptoms, has been designed for the Italian population in the ‘90 (called SVEBA abbreviated from its Italian name). This work intended to investigate the presence of symptomatological clusters in order to detect different profiles of symptoms in populations with different comorbidities, in 214 home-dwelling elderly, with a mean age 80.2 years, referred to the geriatric memory clinic. We used the Keiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett tests to check for applicability of factorial analysis, then a principal axis factoring extraction method was applied. The analysis identified the following factors: the first, collected items related to lack of motivation and initiative The second is related to the perceived “locus of control”. The third, collected items related to sleep disturbance. The fourth, included items related to somatic complaints and anxiety. In the structure of SVEBA index is possible to identify three main symptom profiles related to motivation, anxiety and somatic symptoms and sleep disturbances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to evaluate the effects of some neuro-endocrine changes during aging we have studied adrenal, thyroid and pineal secretion in young, healthy old and centenarians. The number of subjects in each hormone group varied. The following parameters were evaluated: serum levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroxine (FT4), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Urinary 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (aMT6s) and free cortisol were measured twice daily. Centenarians exhibited significantly lower TSH levels together with slightly higher rT3 levels than old controls. These changes could be due to reduced 5′-deiodinase activity occurring also in absence of substantial changes of the nutritional pattern. Morning serum cortisol levels were found to be similar in the 3 age groups, whereas the decline of serum DHEAS levels was well evident also after the ninth decade of life. The cortisol/DHEAS molar ratio, which usually increases with age and considered to be an expression of a neurotoxic pattern of the steroidal milieu in the central nervous system, did not shown any further increase in centenarians. The urinary free cortisol and aMT6s excretion declined with age; however only in centenarians and in young controls aMT6s excretion was significantly higher at night than during the day. These findings suggest that the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion is maintained in centenarians and, based on the limitations of this study, could be considered one factor in successful aging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Standard molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out on pure alcohols and alcohol/water mixtures. A simple atom–atom force field consisting of Lennard–Jones potentials plus coulombic terms over atomic point charges, but without explicit polarization terms, has been specifically fitted to reproduce several experimental properties of the pure alcohols, and has been used for mixtures by developing combination rules with the TIP3P water model. Densities, enthalpies of vaporization, radial distribution functions, self-diffusion coefficients, and rotational correlation functions of the pure alcohols are well reproduced and compare favorably with those from more sophisticated force fields. Some key aspects of the phase behaviour are correctly reproduced by the molecular dynamics simulation, showing a distinct demixing process for the n-butanol/water mixture as opposed to the stability of the t-butanol/water mixtures. The results demonstrate the ability of a molecular dynamics simulation, even in its standard form and with easily accessible time ranges, but with a carefully optimized force field, to simulate and, to a certain extent, predict the properties of binary mixtures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1211–1219, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A solution study on the ability of some derivatised sugars [glucuronic acid (GluA), galacturonic acid (GalA) and glucosaminic acid (GlNA)] to complex the Hg(II) ion is reported. The stability constants of the complex species were determined by potentiometric measurements while 1H NMR experiments allow to define the coordination sites of sugar molecules. GluA coordinates the metal ion through the carboxylic oxygen and the O-4 hydroxyl group and is found to form more stable complexes with respect to GalA in which metal ligation is from the carboxylic oxygen and the O-5 ring oxygen. GlNA forms stable complexes chelating Hg(II) ion through carboxylic oxygen and the α-amino group. The ternary 2,2′-bipyridine containing systems were also investigated by means of potentiometric studies. The ML2 complexes were also isolated in the solid state and characterised by IR spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protection and secure exchange of Web documents is becoming a crucial need for many Internet‐based applications. Securing Web documents entail addressing two main issues: confidentiality and integrity. Ensuring document confidentiality means that document contents can only be disclosed to subjects authorized according to specified security policies, whereas by document integrity we mean that the document contents are correct with respect to a given application domain and that the document contents are modified only by authorized subjects. While the problem of document confidentiality has been widely investigated in the literature, the problem of how to ensure that a document, when moving among different parties, is modified only according to the stated policies still lacks comprehensive solutions. In this paper we present a solution to this problem by proposing a model for specifying update policies, and an infrastructure supporting the specification and enforcement of these policies in a distributed and cooperative environment, in which subjects in different organizational roles can modify possibly different portions of the same document. The key aspect of our proposal is that, by using a combination of hash functions and digital signature techniques, we create a distributed environment that enables subjects, in most cases, to verify, upon receiving a document, whether the update operations performed on the document up to that point are correct with respect to the update policies, without interacting with the document server. Our approach is particularly suited for environments, such as mobile systems, pervasive systems, decentralized workflows, and peer‐to‐peer systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this work is to investigate the usefulness of the optical tweezers for biological sample micro-manipulation. We report multiple optical trapping and manipulation of Escherichia coli cells, immersed in growth medium, by means of diffractive optical elements (DOE). The DOEs are implemented on a spatial light modulator to generate movable geometries of traps. We report also an experiment that allows to mimic the mechanical environment of cells in tissues. Micro-meter sized beads are trapped in circular geometry in order to surround living cells. By dynamically varying the geometry of the configuration and the trapping forces, we can reproduce a controlled environment where only mechanical stimuli are present and biological responses can be monitored. These experiments have been implemented in two different setups. In the first, cell manipulation is performed by the use of two-dimensional optical tweezers system generated by dual axis acousto-optical deflectors. In the second setup, trapping configuration is extended to three-dimensional volumes using DOEs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Changes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion have recently been demonstrated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since VEGF has been involved in brain angiogenesis, neuroprotection and cerebromicrovascular exchange of substrates and nutrients, the study of VEGF could have important relapses into the pathogenesis and treatment of AD. Within this context, 35 healthy subjects (16 of young and 19 of old age), 18 patients with dementia of the vascular type (VAD) and 22 with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD) were included in the study. VEGF levels were determined in the supernates of circulating natural killer (NK) immune cells isolated by immunomagnetic separation (pure CD16 + CD56 + NK cells at a final density of 7.75 x 10(6) cells/ml). VEGF was measured in spontaneous conditions (without modulation) and after exposure of NK cells with IL-2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), LPS + insulin, amyloid-beta (Abeta) fragment 1-42, the inactive sequence Abeta(40-1) and Abeta(1-42) + insulin. A significant decrease in VEGF released by NK cells was demonstrated in AD subjects compared to the other groups. No differences of VEGF levels were found between healthy subjects of old age and the VAD group. The incubation with LPS and DHEAS significantly increased, in a dose-dependent manner, VEGF levels in AD as well as in healthy subjects of young and old age and in VAD patients. The incubation of NK cells with Abeta(1-42) completely suppressed VEGF generation in AD subjects, also reducing VEGF release in the other groups. The co-incubation of NK with LPS + insulin, at different molar concentrations, significantly restored (4- and 6-fold increase from LPS alone) VEGF in AD, also enhancing VEGF secretion in healthy subjects and the VAD group, while the co-incubation of NK with Abeta(1-42) + insulin promptly abolished the negative effects of Abeta(1-42) on VEGF release. These data might suggest that the decreased VEGF secretion by peripheral immune cells of AD subjects could have a negative role for brain angiogenesis, neuroprotection and for brain microvascular permeability to nutrients, increasing brain frailty towards hypoxic injuries. On the contrary, insulin and DHEAS could have beneficial effects in AD, as well as in VAD and in physiological aging, by increasing, in a dose-dependent fashion, VEGF availability by peripheral and resident immune and endothelial cells, so contributing to increase its circulating pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solution study on the coordinative ability of galactaric acid (GalAH2), d-glucosamine (GlcN) and d-glucosaminic acid (GlcNAH) toward Fe3+ ion is reported. UV spectroscopic study provides useful information to identify complex species formation and their stability constants are determined by means of potentiometric measurements. GalAH2 behaves as chelating ligand through carboxylic oxygen and α-hydroxylic oxygen in the protonated or dissociated form depending on pH value. Two complex species [Fe2GalA(OH)4] and Na[FeGalAH-2] · 2H2O are also isolated in the solid state and characterised through IR spectroscopy. GlcNAH also binds the Fe3+ ion through carboxylic and hydroxylic groups, while NH2 group is probably involved in metal coordiantion up to pH 4. GlcN demonstrates low ligating ability at acidic pH and does not prevent metal hydroxyde precipitation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Markets are affected by strong competition in terms of continuous innovation of products and processes, high customer satisfaction and low cost of production. In order to achieve these strategic results it is recommended, or necessary, to rectify lack of organisation. For instance, the increasing costs due to material handling, force factories to check the facility layout and, when necessary, to improve it. The evaluation of a prospective improvement requires a large effort and a well-established skill. The study and the optimisation of plant layout is a strategic activity. This paper represents the last step of a research program on the automatic design of plant layout. The aim is to support the design activity of plant layout by means of an integrated approach, taking into account many criteria, both quantitative and qualitative. In particular, this paper presents a global approach, based on material flow and activity relationships. It is carried out using new software, called LRP (layout and re-layout program), introduced by the authors. A real application in a factory, specialising in the production of electronic devices, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is the analysis and examination of the industrial processes for Mozzarella pizza cheese (hereafter referred to as pizza cheese). Specific phases and mechanical devices are studied in order to optimise and rationalise the production cycle. This goal is reached by developing a new and innovative forming method. At present pizza cheese is produced in 1–5 kg pats whereas, as this paper intends to highlight, by forming the cheese in smaller-sized dimensions (5–10 g) the processes will benefit in terms of energy consumption and use of resources (equipment, water, time etc.). Another advantage would be that the customer would be provided with a ready-to-use product, without the need for additional cutting.The paper deals with an innovative process for pizza cheese production, by focusing mainly on the forming phase; a double-screw extruder with a productivity of 20 kg/h was designed and tested in order to evaluate its functionality and applicability.The most relevant spin-offs deriving from the new forming device are the elimination of the pre-hardening phase, the reduction of the chilling time of about 10-fold, the reduction of the total processing time of about 25% and the diminution of the refrigerant water consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 20 patients who had recently had an acute myocardial infarction, we compared endocoronary electrocardiographic modifications recorded during angioplasty with thallium-201 for the detection of myocardial viability. Our data demonstrate that endocoronary electrocardiography can be an easy and reliable tool to assess viability, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100%, 80%, 94%, 100%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gene expression system using recombinant Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (baculovirus) and Sf-9 cells has been scaled up to the 10-L tank level and shown to be capable of producing herpes simplex virus (HSV) protease in serum-free media. High densities of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) cells were achieved by modifying two 10-L Biolafitte fermenters specifically for insect cell growth. The existing Rushton impellers were replaced by marine impellers to reduce shear and the aeration system was modified to allow external addition of air/O[SUB2] mixtures at low flow rates through either the sparge line or into the head space of the fermenter. To inoculate the tanks, Sf-9 cells were adapted to grow to high cell densities (6-10 x 10[SUP6] cells ml[SUP-1]) in shake flasks in serum-free media. With these procedures, cell densities of 5 3 10[SUP6] cells ml[SUP-1] were routinely achieved in the 10-L tanks. These cells were readily infected with recombinant baculovirus expressing the 247-amino acid catalytic domain of the HSV-1 strain 17 protease UL26 gene as a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein (GST-247). Three days after infection at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 3 pfu cell[SUP-1], the GST-247 fusion protein was purified from a cytoplasmic lysate by Glutathione Sepharose 4-B affinity chromatography with reproducible yields of 11-38 mg L[SUP-1] of recombinant protein and 7ge; 90% purity. Maximum production of this protein was observed at a cell density of 5.0 x 10[SUP6] cells ml[SUP-1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show optical tweezers manipulation of individual micron-sized samples investigating at the same time their inner nanostructure by synchrotron diffraction experiments. The validity of this technique is demonstrated for clusters of multilamellar liposomes trapped in single and multiple positions in the optical path of a microfocused x-ray beam and analyzed in a microscanning mode. The signal to background ratio of the first order peak shows that single liposome measurements are feasible. Multiple trapping by means of diffractive optical elements is demonstrated as an effective manipulation tool for future x-ray diffraction studies of the interaction between different sample entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undertaking a research project based on phenomenology presents many challenges to undergraduate nursing students, especially with regard to the evaluation of the rigour of the research. This article will analyse this problem in relation to the author's experience of carrying out a phenomenological research project for an undergraduate dissertation. In particular it will focus on the issues of having a limited number of participants, that the researcher and the participants were student nurses belonging to the same cohort, and the lack of validation of the results by the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: In patients presenting with pulmonary embolism (PE), echocardiography, in some cases, reveals mobile clots in right heart (RH) cavities. How these clots evolve after treatment, in particular after thrombolytic treatment (TT), is unknown. We sought to determine the outcome of these mobile clots in the RH during TT. Methods and Results: Of a series of 343 patients who had been hospitalized for PE in our department, echocardiography performed on hospital admittance showed a mobile clot in the RH in 18 patients (mobile clot incidence, 5.2%). This subgroup of 18 patients presented with a more severe form of PE than the 325 patients without mobile clots in the RH. In our series, 16 patients were treated with thrombolytic agents. Close echocardiography monitoring showed the outcomes of these mobile clots during and after TT. In 50% of cases, the clot disappeared rapidly in < 2 h after the end of TT. In 50% of the remaining cases, the clot disappeared later, half within 12 h following the completion of TT, and the other half within 24 h. All patients were alive on day 30 without any clinical sequellae. Conclusion: In these particular forms of PE with mobile clots in the RH, the short time lag required to disperse the clot after TT makes it imperative to delay any decision about new aggressive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that reported observation of carbon dioxide laser-induced photoeffects in germanium and PAsGa junctions. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

Background: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin), is commonly considered the most toxic man-made substance. We have previously shown that high serum concentrations of TCDD in parents from Seveso, Italy, were linked to their having a relative increase in the number of female births after the parents exposure to a release of dioxin in 1976. We have continued the study to determine whether the parents' sex and/or age at exposure affected the sex ratio of their children. Methods: We measured the TCDD concentrations in serum samples from potentially exposed parents collected in 1976 and 1977, and investigated the sex ratio of their offspring. Findings: Serum samples were collected from 239 men and 296 women. 346 girls and 328 boys were born to potentially exposed parents between 1977 and 1996, showing an increased probability of female births (lower sex ratio) with increasing TCDD concentrations in the serum samples from the fathers (p=0.008). This effect starts at concentrations less than 20 ng per kg bodyweight. Fathers exposed when they were younger than 19 years of age sired significantly more girls than boys (sex ratio 0.38 [95% CI 0.30-0.47]). Interpretation: Exposure of men to TCDD is linked to a lowered male/female sex ratio in their offspring, which may persist for years after exposure. The median concentration of dioxin in fathers in this study is similar to doses that induce epididymal impairments in rats and is about 20 times the estimated average concentration of TCDD currently found in human beings in industrialised countries. These observations could have important public-health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarization control is a key feature of light generated by short-wavelength free-electron lasers. In this work, we report the first experimental characterization of the polarization properties of an extreme ultraviolet high gain free-electron laser operated with crossed polarized undulators. We investigate the average degree of polarization and the shot-to-shot stability and we analyze aspects such as existing possibilities for controlling and switching the polarization state of the emitted light. The results are in agreement with predictions based on Gaussian beams propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A criptosporidiose já foi descrita em várias espécies animais, incluindo 152 espécies de mamíferos e mais de 30 espécies de aves. A infecção em seres humanos tem sido relatada em mais de 90 países localizados em seis continentes. Apesar de não haver consenso para classificação definitiva das espécies de Cryptosporidium, alguns autores sugerem a existência de, pelo menos, 27 espécies. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em psitacídeos mantidos em cativeiro nas regiões sul e sudeste do Brasil. Coletaram-se 159 amostras de fezes de nove gêneros de aves da ordem psitaciformes, provenientes de nove cidades e quatro estados, presentes no Campeonato de Ornitologia 2015 da Federação Ornitológica do Brasil (FOB), realizado em Itatiba/SP. As amostras foram colhidas no momento da recepção das aves, do fundo da gaiola, antes que houvesse contato direto ou indireto entre as aves e de forma a evitar contaminação cruzada entre amostras. A purificação e concentração dos oocistos foram realizadas por meio da técnica de centrífugo-flutuação em solução de Sheather e, para análise microscópica, utilizou-se a técnica de coloração negativa com verde malaquita. Forpus spp. foi o gênero de aves com maior número de amostras analisadas (50,31%; 80/159) e de amostras positivas para Cryptosporidium spp. (70%; 7/10). Santa Catarina e São Paulo foram os únicos estados com positividade. O estado com maior número de aves positivas foi São Paulo (90%; 9/10), sendo que 50% (5/10) dessas amostras eram da cidade de Jundiaí e provenientes do mesmo proprietário. A ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em psitacídeos mantidos em cativeiro nas regiões sul e sudeste do Brasil foi de 6,29% (10/159), indicando que o parasito está presente nessas regiões e que psitaciformes, além de possivelmente apresentarem enfermidade clínica, podem também ser uma fonte de infecção para humanos e outras aves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. são coccídios intracelulares obrigatórios que se desenvolvem nas microvilosidades das células do epitélio gastrintestinal de hospedeiros vertebrados causando doença com manifestações clínicas ou de caráter assintomático. Em aves, causa infecções de curso agudo envolvendo os tratos respiratórios e digestivos de várias espécies de Psitaciformes. O objetivo do estudo foi pesquisar oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. em amostras fecais de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus). Um total de 50 calopsitas domésticas, do Município de Araçatuba, São Paulo, foram examinadas. Destas, 22 fêmeas e 20 machos e oito sem identificação do sexo. Em relação a faixa etária sete eram jovens, 26 adultos, 2 idosos e 15 sem idade identificada. Considerando a procedência dessas aves, 26 eram de criatório, 15 de pet shops e nove de outra origem (doação e encontrada nas ruas). A purificação e concentração dos oocistos foi realizada por meio da Técnica de Centrífugo-Flutuação em solução de Sheather, seguida de análise microscópica por meio da Técnica de coloração negativa com Verde Malaquita. Um questionário foi aplicado aos proprietários abordando principalmente informações sobre o sexo, faixa etária, procedência, episódios de diarreia e vermifugação. A análise dos dados constituiu de estatística descritiva e teste exato de Fisher para verificar associações entre as variáveis. Episódios diarreicos foram relatados em quatro calopsitas. Com a análise microscópica, foram encontradas sete lâminas suspeitas para o parasito e 43 negativas. A ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em fezes de calopsitas foi de 14% (7/50), por meio da análise microscópica e não houve associação significativa entre as variáveis (p < 0,05). A prevalência amostral encontrada foi alta, sendo detectados oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. nas fezes desta espécie animal por análise microscópica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analyses of temperature extremes can be very useful because they are highly representative of the climatic tendency of an area. In this study, 19 temperature series registered in southern Italy have been analysed for detecting trends through the Mann–Kendall non-parametric test. The tendencies have been detected since 1951 for the maximum and minimum monthly temperatures and for several indices of daily extremes. As a result, the minimum and maximum monthly temperatures mainly denote a positive trend for spring and summer months and a marked negative one in September. Moreover, the trend analysis on the extreme temperature indices shows opposite behaviours: a clear positive tendency in the frequency and intensity of the highest values and some negative trends for the lowest ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The analyses of temperature extremes can be very useful because they are highly representative of the climatic tendency of an area. In this study, 19 temperature series registered in southern Italy have been analysed for detecting trends through the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test. The tendencies have been detected since 1951 for the maximum and minimum monthly temperatures and for several indices of daily extremes. As a result, the minimum and maximum monthly temperatures mainly denote a positive trend for spring and summer months and a marked negative one in September. Moreover, the trend analysis on the extreme temperature indices shows opposite behaviours: a clear positive tendency in the frequency and intensity of the highest values and some negative trends for the lowest ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with aortic cross-clamping and cardioplegic arrest remains the method of choice for patients requiring standard myocardial revascularization. Therefore, very high-risk patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, unstable angina, onset of cardiac decompensation and requiring emergency multiple myocardial revascularization, can have a poor outcome. The on-pump beating heart technique can reduce the mortality and the morbidity in such a selected group of patients and this report describes our clinical experience.Methods: Out of 290 patients operated for CABG from January 2005 to January 2006, 25 (8.6%) selected high-risk patients suffering from life threatening coronary syndrome (mean age 69 +/- 7 years) and requiring emergency multiple myocardial revascularization, underwent on-pump beating heart surgery. The mean pre-operative left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was 27 +/- 8%. The majority of them (88%) suffered of tri-vessel coronary disease and 6 (24%) had a left main stump disease. Nine patients (35%) were on severe cardiac failure and seven among them (28%) received a pre-operative intra-aortic balloon pump. The pre-operative EuroScore rate was equal or above 8 in 18 patients (73%).Results: All patients underwent on-pump-beating heart coronary revascularization. The mean number of graft/patient was 2.9 +/- 0.6 and the internal mammary artery was used in 23 patients (92%). The mean CPB time was 84 +/- 19 minutes. Two patients died during the recovery stay in the intensive care unit, and there were no postoperative myocardial infarctions between the survivors. Eight patients suffered of transitorily renal failure and 1 patient developed a sternal wound infection. The mean hospital stay was 12 +/- 7 days. The follow-up was complete for all 23 patients survived at surgery and the mean follow-up time was 14 +/- 5 months. One patient died during the follow-up for cardiac arrest and 2 patients required an implantable cardiac defibrillator. One year after surgery they all had a standard trans-thoracic echocardiogram showing a mean LVEF rate of 36 +/- 11.8%.Conclusion: Standard on-pump arrested heart coronary surgery has higher mortality and morbidity in emergencies. The on-pump beating heart myocardial revascularization seems to be a valid alternative for the restricted and selected cohort of patients suffering from life threatening coronary syndrome and requiring multiple emergency CABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous melt-spun Fe[sub 86]Zr[sub 7]Cu[sub 1]B[sub 6] ribbons were annealed using the linear varying current Joule heating method. Experimental curves of resistance (R) and temperature (T) versus applied current (I) allow one to follow precisely the crystallization of α-Fe nanoparticles during annealing. This result proves that the applied current can be considered a reliable parameter to control the crystalline fraction in this alloy. A comparison between structural and magnetic measurements shows that the R(I) curve can be used as a guide to identify a condition for optimum soft magnetic properties of this alloy. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare but fatal cancer for which systematic testing of therapy options has never been performed.Methods:On the basis of disease biology, we compared the efficacy of the CDK9 inhibitor flavopiridol (FP) with a panel of anticancer agents in NMC cell lines and mouse xenografts.Results:In vitro anthracyclines, topoisomerase inhibitors, and microtubule poisons were among the most cytotoxic drug classes for NMC cells, while efficacy of the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 varied considerably between lines carrying different BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4)-NUT (nuclear protein in testis) translocations. Efficacy of FP was comparable to vincristine and doxorubicin, drugs that have been previously used in NMC patients. All three compounds showed significantly better activity than etoposide and vorinostat, agents that have also been used in NMC patients. Statins and antimetabolites demonstrated intermediate single-agent efficacy. In vivo, vincristine significantly inhibited tumour growth in two different NMC xenografts. Flavopiridol in vivo was significantly effective in one of the two NMC xenograft lines, demonstrating the biological heterogeneity of this disease.Conclusions:These results demonstrate that FP may be of benefit to a subset of patients with NMC, and warrant a continued emphasis on microtubule inhibitors, anthracyclines, and topoisomerase inhibitors as effective drug classes in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]