Search

Current manufacturing environments have to face a competitive and evolving framework characterised by high-mix and low-volume demands. To properly deal with new requests coming from the market, Reconfigurable Assembly Systems (RASs) have to be designed. In this paper, we propose a methodology for the design of the architecture of a RAS, featuring both human and mobile robotic agents, and dealing with multi-product assembly of medium-light-weight products, originally assembled manually. In particular, a systematic methodology is proposed to define the number of workstations, specifying which set of operations must be performed in each one, and to design the system layout guaranteeing reconfigurability. To this end, the concepts of operation, datasheet of an operation, assembly tree, and macro-operation are introduced and formalised. Guidelines to automatise the required operations in a flexible way are also proposed. The method is applied to a use case where we define the proper number of workstations of a RAS to assemble several types of motorbike brakes, showing the reconfigurability of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA), or triplet fusion, is a biexcitonic process in which two triplet‐excited molecules can combine their energy to promote one into an excited singlet state. To alleviate the dependence of the TTA rate and yield on triplet diffusion in both solid and solution environments, intramolecular TTA (intra‐TTA) has been recently proposed in conjugated molecular systems able to hold multiple triplet excitons simultaneously. Developing from the previous demonstration of TTA performance enhancement in sensitized upconversion solutions, here similar improvements in triplet harvesting in solid‐state films are reported under electrical excitation in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). At low dye concentration and low current densities, the intra‐TTA active OLED shows a +40% improved external quantum efficiency with respect to the reference device, and a TTA spin‐statistical factor f 4DPA of 0.4, close to that determined in fluid solution for the individual chromophore (0.45). These results therefore indicate the utility of this molecular design strategy across a wider range of TTA applications, and with particular utility in the further development of low‐power TTA‐enhanced OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note we study estimates from below of the single radius spherical discrepancy in the setting of compact two-point homogeneous spaces. Namely, given a d-dimensional manifold M endowed with a distance ρ so that (M , ρ) is a two-point homogeneous space and with the Riemannian measure μ , we provide conditions on r such that if D r denotes the discrepancy of the ball of radius r, then, for an absolute constant C > 0 and for every set of points { x j } j = 1 N , one has ∫ M | D r (x) | 2 d μ (x) ⩾ C N - 1 - 1 d . The conditions on r that we have depend on the dimension d of the manifold and cannot be achieved when d ≡ 1 (mod 4) . Nonetheless, we prove a weaker estimate for such dimensions as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast photoluminescence and scintillation with a Stokes shift larger than 1 eV is achieved in hetero‐ligand metal–organic framework (MOF) crystals comprising inorganic linking nodes and fluorescent conjugated ligands. By finely engineering the MOF composition with the use of ligands with strictly complementary emission and absorption properties and highly delocalized molecular electronic orbitals, the singlet excitons diffusion is enhanced through the ligand framework, fully exploiting both Förster and Dexter energy transfer mechanisms. This allows for the sensitization of energy acceptor ligand fluorescence by ultrafast non‐radiative energy transfer with a rate up to the THz range. This efficient antenna effect instantly activates the MOF scintillation with a Stokes shift as large as 1.3 eV in the blue spectral range, matching the highest sensitivity spectral window of the best photodetector available. This is obtained using a minimal doping level of the energy acceptor species, with a consequent elimination of emission re‐absorption that allows the achievement of a 500% increment of the MOFs scintillation efficiency and the detection of the radioactive krypton isotope 85Kr from the gas phase with an improved sensitivity compared with the reference material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bollettino della Società Entomologica Italiana is the property of PAGEPress and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Crystalline rubrene (RUB) with the orthorhombic structure can be regarded as a workhorse in organic optoelectronics. So far, however, its great potential for device integration has been held back by the struggle to obtain high-quality and photo-oxidation-resistant RUB thin films. Here, we propose an effective strategy to obtain homogeneous, highly crystalline, and oriented RUB thin films, which relies on the spontaneous amorphous-to-crystal transition driven by organic epitaxy occurring at room temperature in vacuum; this crucial process dictates the final morphological, structural, and optoelectronic properties of the film. To probe the kinetics of the transition, we combine ex situ analysis via polarized optical spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy with a photoluminescence investigation carried out in situ, based on monitoring the efficiency of the singlet fission process typical of crystalline RUB. Building on the insights gained, we tune the thin film growth and post-growth parameters to obtain centimeter-scale, highly homogeneous and crystalline RUB thin films, consisting of several μm-sized and coherently oriented domains, featuring oxidation resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several small to medium-scale magnetic confinement fusion devices operate using deuterium as fuel. These low neutron rate (108–1010 n/s) devices rely on 2.45 MeV neutron measurements to validate physical models and to assess their performance. Given the modest rate, neutron monitors have to be placed as close as possible to the machine to maximize data gathering. In these regions, intense stray magnetic fields could affect the detector's performance. In this work, the development of a neutron detector based on an EJ-276D scintillator crystal coupled with a SiPM and a custom-made readout system is presented. The detector has particle discrimination capability and is insensitive to magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time‐of‐Flight Positron Emission Tomography (ToF‐PET) is a medical imaging technique, based on the detection of two back‐to‐back γ‐photons generated from radiotracers injected into the body. Its limit is the ability of employed scintillation detectors to discriminate in time the arrival of γ‐pairs, that is, the coincidence time resolution (CTR). A CTR < 50 ps will enable fast imaging with ultralow radiotracer dose. Monolithic materials do not have simultaneously the required high light output and fast emission characteristics, thus the concept of scintillating heterostructure is proposed, where the device is made of a dense scintillator coupled to a fast‐emitting light material. Here a composite polymeric scintillator loaded with hafnium oxide nanoparticles is presented. This enhanced by +300% its scintillation yield, by surpassing commercial plastic scintillators. The nanocomposite is coupled to bismuth germanate oxide (BGO) realizing a multilayer metascintillator. The energy sharing between its components is observed, which activates the nanocomposite's fast emission enabling a net CTR improvement of 25% with respect to monolithic BGO. These results demonstrate that a controlled loading with dense nanomaterials is an excellent strategy to enhance the performance of polymeric scintillators for their use in advanced radiation detection and imaging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gli Argonauti is the property of Padova University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Photon upconversion assisted by sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation (sTTA-UC) is a wavelength-shifting technique where high-energy photons are emitted from the radiative recombination of high-energy singlets populated through the annihilation of the metastable triplets of two annihilator/emitter molecules. The emitter triplets are previously populated via energy transfer from a light-harvester/sensitizer moiety that absorbs the incident low-energy photons. In solutions, this process is efficient even at low excitation powers, whereas the limited molecular mobility and short exciton lifetimes typically observed in solid matrices hinder the bi-molecular interactions making the sTTA-UC process rather ineffective. We show here that controlling the confinement of the upconverting dye pairs in nanostructured or nanosized materials results in an increased effective local density of the excitation energy. This also activates a specific sTTA-UC kinetics independent of the triplet excitons' mobility that improves the material performance at low powers. We provide a complete modeling of the sTTA-UC process in confined systems. The results obtained afford useful guidelines for the future development of upconverting photonic devices operating at subsolar irradiances suitable for technological implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon upconversion based on sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation in bi-component systems is a multistep process that involves a triplet–triplet energy transfer (ET) from a donor to an acceptor moiety. This is aimed at sensitizing the population of annihilating optically dark triplets that generates the high energy photoluminescence. A large resonance between the involved triplets is usually recommended because it increases the energy gain between absorbed and emitted upconverted photons. However, it also enables efficient back-ET from acceptor to donor triplets, with potential detrimental consequences on the system performance. Here, we analyze a model system, where the energy difference between donor and acceptor triplets is lower than kBT at room temperature by means of time resolved and steady state photoluminescence spectroscopy, and develop a kinetic model, which describes the iterative loop that transfers the triplet exciton between the donor and acceptor molecules. In such a way, we obtained the guidelines for the optimization of the system composition required to overcome the back-ET effect and maximize the upconversion quantum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shortening and rotational deformity of the lower limb (SRD) is a major complication of hip fracture surgery. It causes not only hip joint dysfunction but also functional impairments due to abnormal gait parameters, decreased gait velocity, and poor balance. Despite a number of previous studies, the effect of SRD on the postsurgical recovery of these patients is still not clear. Objective: To compare the functional abilities and balance before and after rehabilitation for people with and without SRD after hip fracture surgery and to assess whether SRD affects rehabilitation. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Inpatients of a rehabilitation unit. Participants: A total of 102 people with hip fracture (62 without SRD and 40 with SRD at the time of admission to the unit). Main Outcome Measures: Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score, administered before and after rehabilitation. Interventions: Motor rehabilitation. Results: Before rehabilitation, patients with SRD had lower motor‐FIM (p =.002) and BBS (p =.001) scores than those without SRD. After rehabilitation, both groups showed similar improvements in motor‐FIM, BBS, range of motion, muscle strength, and pain scores (p <.001, for all), but patients with SRD still had lower motor‐FIM and BBS scores (p =.014 and.003, respectively) and lower effectiveness in motor‐FIM and BBS (p =.039 and p =.034, respectively) than those without SRD. Conclusions: SRD is associated with lower levels of balance and functional abilities before and after rehabilitation and it adversely affects rehabilitation for patients with hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and anthropogenic gas radionuclides such as radon, xenon, hydrogen and krypton isotopes must be monitored to be managed as pathogenic agents, radioactive diagnostic agents or nuclear activity indicators. State-of-the-art detectors based on liquid scintillators suffer from laborious preparation and limited solubility for gases, which affect the accuracy of the measurements. The actual challenge is to find solid scintillating materials simultaneously capable of concentrating radioactive gases and efficiently producing visible light revealed with high sensitivity. The high porosity, combined with the use of scintillating building blocks in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), offers the possibility to satisfy these requisites. We demonstrate the capability of a hafnium-based MOF incorporating dicarboxy-9,10-diphenylanthracene as a scintillating conjugated ligand to detect gas radionuclides. Metal–organic frameworks show fast scintillation, a fluorescence yield of ∼40%, and accessible porosity suitable for hosting noble gas atoms and ions. Adsorption and detection of 85Kr, 222Rn and 3H radionuclides are explored through a newly developed device that is based on a time coincidence technique. Metal–organic framework crystalline powder demonstrated an improved sensitivity, showing a linear response down to a radioactivity value below 1 kBq m−3 for 85Kr, which outperforms commercial devices. These results support the possible use of scintillating porous MOFs to fabricate sensitive detectors of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides. Detection of gas radionuclides is limited in sensitivity with present methods, but may be useful in energy, security, medical and other sectors. In this work, gas-concentrating porous scintillating metal–organic frameworks are demonstrated for gas radionuclide detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we consider smooth unbounded worm domains Z λ in C 2 and show that the Bergman projection, densely defined on the Sobolev spaces H s , p (Z λ) , p ∈ (1 , ∞) , s ≥ 0 , does not extend to a bounded operator P λ : H s , p (Z λ) → H s , p (Z λ) when s > 0 or p ≠ 2. The same irregularity was known in the case of the non-smooth unbounded worm. This improved result shows that the irregularity of the projection is not a consequence of the irregularity of the boundary but instead of the infinite windings of the worm domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a multidimensional weighted Euler–MacLaurin summation formula on polytopes and a multidimensional generalization of a result due to L. J. Mordell on the series expansion in Bernoulli polynomials. These results are consequences of a more general series expansion; namely, if χ τ P denotes the characteristic function of a dilated integer convex polytope P and q is a function with suitable regularity, we prove that the periodization of q χ τ P admits an expansion in terms of multivariate Bernoulli polynomials. These multivariate polynomials are related to the Lerch Zeta function. In order to prove our results we need to carefully study the asymptotic expansion of q χ τ P ^ , the Fourier transform of q χ τ P . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meropenem is currently the most common carbapenem in clinical applications. Industrially, the final synthetic step is characterized by a heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation in batch mode with hydrogen and Pd/C. The required high-quality standard is very difficult to meet and specific conditions are required to remove both protecting groups [i.e., p-nitrobenzyl (pNB) and p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl (pNZ)] simultaneously. The three-phase gas–liquid–solid system makes this step difficult and unsafe. The introduction of new technologies for small-molecule synthesis in recent years has opened up new landscapes in process chemistry. In this context, we have investigated meropenem hydrogenolysis using microwave (MW)-assisted flow chemistry for use as a new technology with industrial prospects. The reaction parameters (catalyst amount, T, P, residence time, flow rate) in the move from the batch process to semi-continuous flow were investigated under mild conditions to determine their influence on the reaction rate. The optimization of the residence time (840 s) and the number of cycles (4) allowed us to develop a novel protocol that halves the reaction time compared to batch production (14 min vs. 30 min) while maintaining the same product quality. The increase in productivity using this semi-continuous flow technique compensates for the slightly lower yield (70% vs. 74%) obtained in batch mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work,we explore the theme of L p -boundedness of Bergman projections of domains that can be covered, in the sense of ramified coverings, by "nice" domains (e.g., strictly pseudoconvex domains with real analytic boundary). In particular, we focus on two-dimensional normal ramified coverings whose covering group is a finite unitary reflection group. In an infinite family of examples, we are able to prove L p -boundedness of the Bergman projection for every p ∈ (1 , ∞) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous-flow chemistry has become a mainstream process and a notable trend among emerging technologies for drug synthesis. It is routinely used in academic and industrial laboratories to generate a wide variety of molecules and building blocks. The advantages it provides, in terms of safety, speed, cost efficiency and small-equipment footprint compared to analog batch processes, have been known for some time. What has become even more important in recent years is its compliance with the quality objectives that are required by drug-development protocols that integrate inline analysis and purification tools. There can be no doubt that worldwide government agencies have strongly encouraged the study and implementation of this innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly technology. In this brief review, we list and evaluate the development and applications of continuous-flow processes for antibiotic synthesis. This work spans the period of 2012–2022 and highlights the main cases in which either active ingredients or their intermediates were produced under continuous flow. We hope that this manuscript will provide an overview of the field and a starting point for a deeper understanding of the impact of flow chemistry on the broad panorama of antibiotic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive bile duct disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease (PSC‐IBD). Aim: To investigate whether patients with PSC‐IBD benefit from a gluten‐free and amylase trypsin inhibitor (ATI)‐free diet (GFD). Methods: We performed a prospective clinical pilot study administering an eight‐week GFD. The primary outcomes were colonic inflammation assessed by proctosigmoidoscopy, and liver stiffness (surrogate for fibrosis, inflammation and cholestasis) measured by transient elastography before and after GFD. Amongst the secondary (exploratory) outcomes were colonic mucosal and serum cytokine/chemokine changes, the intestinal microbiome and transcriptome dynamics, and shifts in serum markers of hepatic fibrogenesis. Results: Fifteen patients with PSC‐IBD completed the study. The study did not meet its primary outcome: the endoscopic score and liver stiffness remained unchanged. However, the expression of pro‐inflammatory mucosal cytokines and chemokines such as IL6, IL8, CCL2, and TNFα was significantly down‐regulated. Two critical markers of liver fibrosis and matrix remodelling, thrombospondin‐2 and ‐4, decreased significantly. The microbiota composition changed slightly, including a decrease in the pathogen Romboutsia ilealis. The intestinal transcriptome indicated a gut barrier improvement. Pruritus, fatigue, overall well‐being, faecal calprotectin levels, and serum alkaline phosphatase did not change significantly. Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate a clinical improvement with short‐term GFD in patients with PSC‐IBD. However, a gluten/ATI‐free diet may improve biomarkers of intestinal inflammation and barrier function in these patients with associated changes in the enteric microbiota. Further investigation of the therapeutic potential of the GFD in PSC‐IBD is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cefonicid is a second-generation cephalosporin sold under the brand name Sintocef™. It is an injectable drug obtained via a freeze-drying process and is also available for oral preparations. The high-quality standard required is very challenging to satisfy, and current production protocols are characterized by steps that are lengthy and cumbersome, making the product unattractive for the international market. Industrial R&D is constantly working on the process optimization for API synthesis, with the aim of increasing productivity and decreasing production costs and waste. We herein report a new and efficient method for the synthesis of the cefonicid benzathine salt that provides a good yield and high product stability. The double-nucleophilic and lipophilic nature of N′,N″-dibenzylethylene diacetate enables the deformylation of the OH-protected group on the mandelic moiety and also enables product crystallization to occur. We demonstrate that the formyl group in the peculiar position has high reactivity, promoting an amidation reaction that deprotects a hydroxy group and generates a new C-N bond in the reaction by-product. Several amines and OH-protected groups have been studied, but none were able to replicate the excellent results of benzathine diacetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation (RT) remains the most frequently used treatment against cancer. The main limitation of RT is its lack of specificity for cancer tissues and the limited maximum radiation dose that can be safely delivered without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues. A step forward in the development of better RT is achieved by coupling it with other treatments, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is an anti-cancer therapy that relies on the light activation of non-toxic molecules—called photosensitizers—to generate ROS such as singlet oxygen. By conjugating photosensitizers to dense nanoscintillators in hybrid architectures, the PDT could be activated during RT, leading to cell death through an additional pathway with respect to the one activated by RT alone. Therefore, combining RT and PDT can lead to a synergistic enhancement of the overall efficacy of RT. However, the involvement of hybrids in combination with ionizing radiation is not trivial: the comprehension of the relationship among RT, scintillation emission of the nanoscintillator, and therapeutic effects of the locally excited photosensitizers is desirable to optimize the design of the hybrid nanoparticles for improved effects in radio-oncology. Here, we discuss the working principles of the PDT-activated RT methods, pointing out the guidelines for the development of effective coadjutants to be tested in clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large Stokes shift fast emitters show a negligible reabsorption of their luminescence, a feature highly desirable for several applications such as fluorescence imaging, solar-light managing, and fabricating sensitive scintillating detectors for medical imaging and high-rate high-energy physics experiments. Here we obtain high efficiency luminescence with significant Stokes shift by exploiting fluorescent conjugated acene building blocks arranged in nanocrystals. Two ligands of equal molecular length and connectivity, yet complementary electronic properties, are co-assembled by zirconium oxy-hydroxy clusters, generating crystalline hetero-ligand metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals. The diffusion of singlet excitons within the MOF and the matching of ligands absorption and emission properties enables an ultrafast activation of the low energy emission in the 100 ps time scale. The hybrid nanocrystals show a fluorescence quantum efficiency of ~60% and a Stokes shift as large as 750 meV (~6000 cm−1), which suppresses the emission reabsorption also in bulk devices. The fabricated prototypal nanocomposite fast scintillator shows benchmark performances which compete with those of some inorganic and organic commercial systems. The development of highly luminescent materials such as large Stokes shift fast emitters is desirable for their potential application in photonics. Here the authors engineer hetero-ligand metal-organic frameworks nanoparticles to achieve high emission yield, large Stokes shift and realize a prototypal fast scintillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photon upconversion based on triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) is a mechanism that converts the absorbed low-energy electromagnetic radiation into higher energy photons also at extremely low excitation intensities, but its use in actual technologies is still hindered by the limited availability of efficient annihilator moieties. We present here the results obtained by the synthesis and application of two new fluorinated chromophores based on phenazine and acridine structures, respectively. Both compounds show upconverted emission demonstrating their ability as TTA annihilator. More interesting, the acridine-based chromophore shows an excellent TTA yield that overcomes the one of some of best model systems. By correlating the experimental data and the quantum mechanical modeling of the investigated compound, we propose an alternative efficient pathway for the generation of the upconverted emissive states involving the peculiar high-energy triplet levels of the dye, thus suggesting a new development strategy for TTA annihilators based on the fine tuning of their high-energy excited states properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Little is known about the outcome predictors in peripheral neuropathy (PN). This prospective observational study aimed to identify possible factors predicting the functional abilities in older patients with PN undergoing motor rehabilitation. Methods: Data were collected in 80 PN patients, aged over 65 years, performing a standard inpatient motor rehabilitation program. The total Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score after rehabilitation, as well as efficiency and effectiveness in total-FIM, were the outcome measures. Backward multiple regression analyses identified the predictors of functional status. Results: At the end of rehabilitation, total-FIM score was 102.66 ± 10.75, efficiency in total-FIM 0.64 ± 0.29 and effectiveness in total-FIM 48.81 ± 15.35%. Katz index at admission was a predictor of the final total-FIM score (beta 0.46, p < 0.001) and efficiency in total-FIM (beta − 0.38, p = 0.001). Conversely, age was a predictor of the final total-FIM score (beta − 0.31, p = 0.002) and effectiveness in total-FIM (beta − 0.49, p < 0.001). The R2 values of the models were, respectively, 0.39, 0.15, and 0.24. Discussion: In PN patients, functional impairment at admission and age are important predictors of functional abilities at the end of rehabilitation. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for more intensive rehabilitation in older, more disabled PN patients because they risk achieving lower functional levels with standard rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we study what we call Siegel–dissipative vector of commuting operators (A 1 , ... , A d + 1) on a Hilbert space H and we obtain a von Neumann type inequality which involves the Drury–Arveson space DA on the Siegel upper half-space U . The operator A d + 1 is allowed to be unbounded and it is the infinitesimal generator of a contraction semigroup { e - i τ A d + 1 } τ < 0 . We then study the operator e - i τ A d + 1 A α where A α = A 1 α 1 ⋯ A d α d for α ∈ N 0 d and prove that can be studied by means of model operators on a weighted L 2 space. To prove our results we obtain a Paley–Wiener type theorem for DA and we investigate some multiplier operators on DA as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its unique ability to efficiently convert low-energy photons into high-energy photons, triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) based photon upconversion is a promising strategy for harvesting the low-energy tail of the solar spectrum for photovoltaic technologies. However, breaking through the upconversion quantum efficiency is not easy due to the few examples of existing annihilators that maximize the efficiency of singlet generation by TTA. Here, we present a new bichromophoric annihilator (PCP) that is paired with a metallic porphyrin as a sensitizer in low viscosity solution, and the system shows a record red-to-green external upconversion yield of 42%. This value can be achieved thanks to the photophysical properties of PCP that allow achieving a unitary triplet-to-singlet conversion efficiency and to its structural features that enable high fluorescence yields even at high concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce and study a family of spaces of entire functions in one variable that generalise the classical Paley–Wiener and Bernstein spaces. Namely, we consider entire functions of exponential type a whose restriction to the real line belongs to the homogeneous Sobolev space W ˙ s , p and we call these spaces fractional Paley–Wiener if p = 2 and fractional Bernstein spaces if p ∈ (1 , ∞) , that we denote by P W a s and B a s , p , respectively. For these spaces we provide a Paley–Wiener type characterization, we remark some facts about the sampling problem in the Hilbert setting and prove generalizations of the classical Bernstein and Plancherel–Pólya inequalities. We conclude by discussing a number of open questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friedreich ataxia golden age: Patients with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) present neurological deficits and impaired muscle coordination. Mitochondrial energy conversion and oxidative phosphorylation have been shown to contribute to disease pathophysiology. Now, Villa et al. tested whether gold cluster superstructures (Au8-pXs), previously shown to have antioxidant properties, could be effective in reducing the hallmarks of FRDA in vitro and in vivo. Au8-pXs improved mitochondrial function, rescued autophagy flux, and increased FXN protein expression in mesenchymal stem cells from patients. In vivo, the treatment had therapeutic effects in a mouse mode, suggesting that Au8-pXs might be effective in reducing FRDA symptoms. Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is caused by the reduced expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin (FXN) due to an intronic GAA trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FXN gene. Although FRDA has no cure and few treatment options, there is research dedicated to finding an agent that can curb disease progression and address symptoms as neurobehavioral deficits, muscle endurance, and heart contractile dysfunctions. Because oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions are implicated in FRDA, we demonstrated the systemic delivery of catalysts activity of gold cluster superstructures (Au8-pXs) to improve cell response to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and thereby alleviate FRDA-related pathology in mesenchymal stem cells from patients with FRDA. We also found that systemic injection of Au8-pXs ameliorated motor function and cardiac contractility of YG8sR mouse model that recapitulates the FRDA phenotype. These effects were associated to long-term improvement of mitochondrial functions and antioxidant cell responses. We related these events to an increased expression of frataxin, which was sustained by reduced autophagy. Overall, these results encourage further optimization of Au8-pXs in experimental clinical strategies for the treatment of FRDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scintillators, materials that produce light pulses upon interaction with ionizing radiation, are widely employed in radiation detectors. In advanced medical-imaging technologies, fast scintillators enabling a time resolution of tens of picoseconds are required to achieve high-resolution imaging at the millimetre length scale. Here we demonstrate that composite materials based on fluorescent metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals can work as fast scintillators. We present a prototype scintillator fabricated by embedding MOF nanocrystals in a polymer. The MOF comprises zirconium oxo-hydroxy clusters, high-Z linking nodes interacting with the ionizing radiation, arranged in an orderly fashion at a nanometric distance from 9,10-diphenylanthracene ligand emitters. Their incorporation in the framework enables fast sensitization of the ligand fluorescence, thus avoiding issues typically arising from the intimate mixing of complementary elements. This proof-of-concept prototype device shows an ultrafast scintillation rise time of ~50 ps, thus supporting the development of new scintillators based on engineered fluorescent MOF nanocrystals. Composites of fluorescent metal–organic framework nanocrystals in a polymer are exploited to create fast scintillators with a rise time of about 50 ps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon upconversion based on sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation (sTTA‐UC) is a wavelength‐shifting technique with potential use in actuators, sensing, and solar technologies. In sTTA‐UC, the upconverted photons are the result of radiative recombination of high‐energy singlets, which are created through the fusion of metastable triplets of two annihilator/emitter molecules. The emitter triplets are populated via energy transfer (ET) from a low‐energy absorbing light‐harvester/sensitizer. The process is highly efficient at low powers in solution but becomes relatively ineffective in solid matrices since the limited molecular mobility precludes bimolecular interactions. The realization of efficient solid‐state upconverters that exhibit long‐term stability and are compatible with industrial fabrication processes is an open challenge. Here, nanophase‐separated polymer systems synthesized under ambient conditions that contain the upconverting dyes in liquid nanodomains is reported. The nanostructured polymers show an excellent optical quality, an outstanding upconversion efficiency of up to ≈23%, and excellent stability in air, with only negligible performance losses over a period of three months. Moreover, the dyes' confinement in nanosized domains <50 nm results in an increased effective local density of chromophores that enables hopping‐assisted ET and TTA and confers to the upconversion process peculiar kinetics that enhances the material performance at low powers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the fractional Laplacian and the homogeneous Sobolev spaces on R d , by considering two definitions that are both considered classical. We compare these different definitions, and show how they are related by providing an explicit correspondence between these two spaces, and show that they admit the same representation. Along the way, we also prove some properties of the fractional Laplacian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in celiac disease (CD) is unclear.Aims: We evaluated inflammation-related miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, miRNA-21, and miRNA-125b expression in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa of CD adults.Methods: Thirty patients with CD were included: patients with active CD on a gluten-containing diet (CD-active, n = 10), patients on a gluten-free diet (for at least 1 year), and patients with negative blood antibodies (CD-inactivePE, n = 10). In addition, ten healthy volunteers formed the comparison/control group. MiRNA expression was measured in duodenal biopsies from patients (CD-inactiveMU, n = 10) after in vitro exposure to PT gliadin and 33-mer peptide. MiRNAs expression was measured in plasma and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocytes, before and after in vitro exposure to native gliadin (gliadinN).Results: Expression levels of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, and miRNA-21 in PBMCs, miRNA-155 in monocytes and miRNA-155, miRNA-21, and miRNA-125b in plasma were elevated in both groups of celiac patients. After in vitro exposure with gliadinN, miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expression markedly increased in PBMCs and monocytes, while miRNA-155 and miRNA-21 increased in the CD-active group. MiRNAs expression in intestinal mucosa did not change. MiRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expression showed high sensitivity and specificity for the presence of CD, irrespective of the current dietary treatment.Conclusions: Selected inflammation-related miRNAs expression is elevated in the peripheral blood of celiac. This suggests their participation in the immune processes underlying the pathology. Their similar response in active and inactive CD suggests that they should be further evaluated, as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to verify the relationship between number of drugs used and functional outcome in hip fracture patients undergoing rehabilitation. Methods: This study was conducted on 139 patients with hip fracture who underwent a rehabilitation program. Efficiency rate in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and length of stay (LOS) were the outcome measures. Results: At the end of rehabilitation, 66.1% of patients showed an increase in number of drugs used, while 33.9% used the same or lower number of drugs than at admission. At the end of rehabilitation patients with increased pharmacotherapy took a higher total number of drug classes (p = 0.001), had longer LOS (p = 0.009) and lower Berg efficiency (p = 0.048) than patients with the same or lower pharmacotherapy. The number of drugs used at discharge was an independent determinant of LOS (beta = 0.19, p = 0.022) and FIM efficiency (beta = − 0.20, p = 0.025). Age was a determinant of LOS (beta = 0.17, p = 0.044) and BBS efficiency (beta = − 0.23, p = 0.009), while CIRS severity was a determinant of BBS efficiency only (beta = − 0.22, p = 0.016). Discussion: Findings of study indicate that in hip fracture patients, the number of drugs prescribed at discharge is an important indicator of LOS and rehabilitation efficiency. Conclusions: These findings can help the physician to better plan the rehabilitation of hip fracture patients who require polypharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study spaces of holomorphic functions on the Siegel upper half-space U and prove Paley–Wiener type theorems for such spaces. The boundary of U can be identified with the Heisenberg group H n . Using the group Fourier transform on H n , Ogden and Vagi (Adv Math 33(1):31–92, 1979) proved a Paley–Wiener theorem for the Hardy space H 2 (U) . We consider a scale of Hilbert spaces on U that includes the Hardy space, the weighted Bergman spaces, the weighted Dirichlet spaces, and in particular the Drury–Arveson space, and the Dirichlet space D . For each of these spaces, we prove a Paley–Wiener theorem, some structure theorems, and provide some applications. In particular we prove that the norm of the Dirichlet space modulo constants D ˙ is the unique Hilbert space norm that is invariant under the action of the group of automorphisms of U . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon up-conversion based on triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) exploits the annihilation of optically dark triplets of an organic emitter to produce high-energy singlets that generate high energy emission. In recently proposed hybrid systems, the annihilating triplets are indirectly sensitized by light-harvesting semiconductor colloidal nanocrystals via energy transfer from their capping ligands (h-sTTA). Here, we discuss quantitatively the performance of the h-sTTA up-conversion mechanism in a reference nanocrystal/organic emitter pair, by introducing a kinetic model that points out the relationship between the up-conversion yield and the excitation intensity. This model highlights the fundamental properties of the employed moieties that mostly affect the conversion efficiency. We derive a new expression for the excitation threshold specific for h-sTTA up-conversion, which allows us to estimate a priori the material performances from a few key parameters and to point out the most severe bottlenecks. The obtained results demonstrate that the up-conversion yield is mainly limited by ultrafast non-radiative recombinations of the optical excitons created on nanocrystals, which are competitive to the sensitization channel for emitter triplets in solution. Our results suggest that the quenching partially arises from charge transfer interactions between nanocrystals and surface ligands. Improved ligand design and optimized surface functionalization strategies are required to avoid energy losses and enhance the up-conversion performance, thus promoting the application of h-sTTA up-conversion materials in solar technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study properties of inner and outer functions in the Hardy space of the quaternionic unit ball. In particular, we give sufficient conditions as well as necessary ones for functions to be inner or outer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metal clusters with appropriate molecular ligands have been shown to be suitable subnanometer building blocks for supramolecular architectures with controlled secondary interactions, providing access to physical regimes not achievable with conventional intermolecular motifs. An example is the excimer photophysics exhibited by individual cluster‐based superstructures produced by top‐down etching of gold nanoparticles. Now, a supramolecular architecture of copper clusters is presented with controlled optical properties and efficient non‐resonant luminescence produced via a novel bottom‐up synthesis using mild green reductants followed by a ligand exchange reaction and spontaneous supramolecular assembly. Spectroscopic experiments confirm the formation of the intercluster network and reveal the permanent nature of their excimer‐like behavior, thus extending the potential impact and applicability of metal cluster superstructures as efficient and stable non‐resonant single‐particle emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metal clusters with appropriate molecular ligands have been shown to be suitable subnanometer building blocks for supramolecular architectures with controlled secondary interactions, providing access to physical regimes not achievable with conventional intermolecular motifs. An example is the excimer photophysics exhibited by individual cluster‐based superstructures produced by top‐down etching of gold nanoparticles. Now, a supramolecular architecture of copper clusters is presented with controlled optical properties and efficient non‐resonant luminescence produced via a novel bottom‐up synthesis using mild green reductants followed by a ligand exchange reaction and spontaneous supramolecular assembly. Spectroscopic experiments confirm the formation of the intercluster network and reveal the permanent nature of their excimer‐like behavior, thus extending the potential impact and applicability of metal cluster superstructures as efficient and stable non‐resonant single‐particle emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Executed studies did not clearly identify which index of comorbidity was an independent outcome determinant. The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to address this issue.Methods: We analyzed 200 consecutive patients with hip fracture. All patients underwent rehabilitation. At admission comorbidity was assessed through the cumulative severity, severity index, and comorbidity index of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. Discharge scores and effectiveness in the Functional Independence Measure motor subscale, and discharge destination were the outcome measures. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of outcome.Results: Mini Mental State Examination and comorbidity index of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale were important independent determinants of final (respectively, β = 0.46 and −0.25) and effectiveness (respectively, β = 0.47 and −0.25) in motor Functional Independence Measure scores, while hip strength and Rankin score were determinants of final motor Functional Independence Measure score (respectively, β = 0.21 and −0.20). Comorbidity index of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (odds ratio 8.18 for ≥3 versus < 3 comorbidity score; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-64.7) and Geriatric Depression Scale (odds ratio 4.02 for ≥6 versus ≤5 depression scale score; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-10.63) were risk indicators for nursing home.Conclusions: Among the indices of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, comorbidity index is the sole independent determinant of both motor Functional Independence Measure scores and discharge destination in hip fracture patients. This suggests to specifically evaluate this index to identify the patients who may be admitted to a rehabilitation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fluoromagnetic systems are recognized as an emerging class of materials with great potential in the biomedical field. Here, it is shown how to fabricate fluoromagnetic nanotubes that can serve as multimodal probes for the imaging and targeting of brain cancer. An ionic self‐assembly strategy is used to functionalize the surface of synthetic chrysotile nanotubes with pH‐sensitive fluorescent chromophores and ferromagnetic nanoparticles. The acquired magnetic properties permit their use as contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging, and enable the tracking of tumor cell migration and infiltration responsible for metastatic growth and disease recurrence. Their organic component, changing its fluorescence attitude as a function of local pH, targets the cancer distinctive acidity, and allows localizing and monitoring the tumor occurrence and progression by mapping the acidic spatial distribution within biopsy tissues. The fluoromagnetic properties of nanotubes are preserved from the in vitro to the in vivo condition and they show the ability to migrate across the blood brain barrier, thus spontaneously reaching the brain tumor after injection. The simplicity of the synthesis route of these geomimetic nanomaterials combined with their demonstrated affinity with the in vivo condition strongly highlights their potential for developing effective functional materials for multimodal theranostics of brain cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In triplet–triplet annihilation based upconversion, high-energy photons are generated through the annihilation of fluorophore triplets, populated via energy transfer from a light-harvesting sensitizer. However, the absorption band of common sensitizers is narrow, limiting the fraction of recoverable photons. We overcome this issue using a third chromophore as an additional light-harvester in the transparency window between the upconverted luminescence and the sensitizer absorption. The third component transfers the extra-collected energy to sensitizers, realizing a cascade-sensitized upconversion that shows a 20% increment of the high-energy photon output and a conversion yield of 10% at solar irradiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]