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The Berlin Joint Lab for Electrochemical Interfaces BElChem is located at the BESSY II synchrotron in Berlin, Germany, and co run by the Fritz Haber Institut, the Max Planck Institut of Chemical Energy Conversion and the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin. BElChem focuses on providing a molecular level description of photo electrochemical interfaces that are of high relevance for solar fuel production and renewable energy storage. The CO2 reduction reaction CO2RR and the oxygen evolution reaction OER are of particular current interest. In BElChem, near ambient pressure X ray photoelectron spectroscopy NAP XPS and near ambient pressure hard X ray photoelectron spectroscopy NAP HAXPES will be used for the in situ and operando interrogation of the electronic structure and chemical composition of catalytically active solid gas and solid liquid interfaces. BElChem will also enable heterogeneous catalytic reactions, such as oxidation and hydrogenation reactions, to be investigated

Our study aimed to systematically review the evidence about the effect of diet or dietary supplements on spondyloarthritis (SpA) disease activity.a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and SCOPUS according to the "PEO" format (Population, Exposure, Outcome). The population was SpA (axial or peripheral, axSpA/pSpA, including Psoriatic Arthritis-PsA); the intervention any kind of diet/dietary supplement; the outcome disease activity. Inclusion criteria were: adult patients, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies (so that a pre-and post-intervention assessment were available), papers in English. Risk of bias (RoB) was conducted with different tools according to the design of the study.Literature search yielded 1390 publications, of which 15 were finally inlcuded: 12 interventional and 3 observational studies. Among those with the lower RoB: a) 2 RCTs, one at unclear and one at low RoB, failed to show benefit of probiotics in SpA b) Two RCTs at unclear RoB provided evidence that weight loss, but not hypocaloric diet, was associated to MDA achievement in PsA. The remaining interventional studies were at high RoB. Among the observational studies, one study on Mediterranean diet demonstrated an association between diet adherence and a ≥ 20% decrease of ASDAS in axSpA. The other two observational studies were judged of poor quality.weight loss seem to be able to impact disease activity in PsA, while probiotics do not seem useful in SpA; evidence for dietary behaviors is scarce and heterogeneous.

The spatial distribution and concentration of lanthanide activator and sensitizer dopant ions are of key importance for the luminescence color and efficiency of upconverting nanoparticles UCNPs . Quantifying dopant ion distributions and intermixing, and correlating them with synthesis methods require suitable analytical techniques. Here, X ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling with tender X rays 2000 6000 eV , providing probe depths ideally matched to UCNP sizes, is used to measure the depth dependent concentration ratios of Er3 to Yb3 , [Er3 ] [Yb3 ], in three types of UCNPs prepared using different reagents and synthesis methods. This is combined with data simulations and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy ICP OES measurements of the lanthanide ion concentrations to construct models of the UCNPs dopant ion distributions. The UCNP sizes and architectures are chosen to demonstrate the potential of this approach. Core only UCNPs synthesized with XCl3 6H2O precursors amp; 946; phase exhibit a homogeneous distribution of lanthanide ions, but a slightly surface enhanced [Er3 ] [Yb3 ] is observed for UCNPs prepared with trifluroacetate precursors amp; 945; phase . Examination of Yb core Er shell UCNPs reveals a co doped, intermixed region between the single doped core and shell. The impact of these different dopant ion distributions on the UCNP s optical properties is discussed to highlight their importance for UCNP functionality and the design of efficient UCNPs

Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, represents the greatest global health threat. Most people infected by the virus present mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and recover with supportive treatments. However, certain susceptible hosts develop an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), associated with an inflammatory "cytokine storm", leading to lung damage. Despite the current availability of different COVID-19 vaccines, the new emerging SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants represent a major concern worldwide, due to their increased transmissibility and rapid spread. Indeed, it seems that some mutations or combinations of mutations might confer selective advantages to the virus, such as the ability to evade the host immune responses elicited by COVID-19 vaccines. Several therapeutic approaches have been investigated but, to date, a unique and fully effective therapeutic protocol has not yet been achieved. In addition, steroid-based therapies, aimed to reduce inflammation in patients with severe COVID-19 disease, may increase the risk of opportunistic infections, increasing the hospitalization time and mortality rate of these patients. Hence, there is an unmet need to develop more effective therapeutic options. Here, we discuss the potential use of natural immunomodulators such as Thymosin α1 (Tα1), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and lactoferrin (LF), as adjunctive or preventive treatment of severe COVID-19 disease. These agents are considered to be multifunctional molecules because of their ability to enhance antiviral host immunity and restore the immune balance, depending on the host immune status. Furthermore, they are able to exert a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by means of direct interactions with cellular or molecular targets of pathogens or indirectly by increasing the host immune response. Thus, due to the aforementioned properties, these agents might have a great potential in a clinical setting, not only to counteract SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also to prevent opportunistic infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

SSCI-VIDE+ING+JEC:MAS:FWI:EQD; National audience; Using sunlight as a renewable source of energy to promote carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion is an interesting approach to address sustainable chemicals and fuels production as well as mitigation of climate change. However, in most photocatalytic systems, the utilization of a homogeneous photosensitizer represent a key limitation for long-term reactions due to its low stability. Therefore, novel, more efficient and stable photocatalyst materials and photocatalytic processes are required.Here, we present a strategy of structuration at the molecular-level photocatalytic systems, seeking for enhanced long-term stability. The integration of photo-active centers into a molecularly defined support improve their stability. Moreover, the incorporation of chelating moieties, such as bipyridine, offer a unique possibility for heterogenization of organometallic complex, profiting at the same time from enhanced selectivity of the molecular catalyst and easy handling and separation from its heterogeneous nature. Macroligands, a solid acting like the ligand in the corresponding molecular complex, is a key strategy to bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Porous organic polymers (POPs), e.g. conjugated microporous polymers are attracting a growing interest for this task [1]. The key of their success is the tunability of the polymer’s proprieties. By judiciously chosen the proper tailored precursor, it is possible to carefully control light absorption and porosity. In this context, POPs can be precisely designed in order to contain both, a photoactive moiety and chelating site for the heterogenization of molecular catalysts within the structure.In our all-in-one concept, a (Cp*)-Rhodium complex was heterogenized within different dye containing macroligands.[2] Those materials catalyze the carbon dioxide photoreduction driven by visible light to produce up to three grams of formate per gram of catalyst during four days, without any changes in catalytic activity. In this contribution, we will demonstrate the benefit of covalent tethering of the two active sites into a single framework to play a key role in the visible light activation of the catalyst. The photoinduced electron transfer from the light harvesting moiety to the catalytic site will be discussed based on quantum mechanical calculations and in-situ ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy. [2][1] Bonillo, B., Sprick, R. S. and Cooper, A. I. (2016), Tuning Photophysical Properties in Conjugated Microporous Polymers by Comonomer Doping Strategies. Chemistry of Materials, 28 (10), 3469-3480.[2] Wisser, F. M., Duguet, M., Perrinet, Q., Ghosh, A. C., Alves-Favaro, M., Mohr, Y., Lorentz, C., Quadrelli, E. A., Palkovits, R., Farrusseng, D., Mellot-Draznieks, C., De Waele, V. and Canivet, J. (2020), Molecular Porous Photosystems Tailored for Long‐Term Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. doi:10.1002/anie.201912883

The constant and excessive use of synthetic fungicides in fruit and vegetable industry has caused dangerous environmentally changes and deeply affected human health. In this context, exploring natural antifungal sources represents an economic and environmental importance. It was proposed to study the activity of five volatile oils obtained from the native plant species Dysphania ambrosioides, Baccharis frenguellii, Baccharis salicifolia, Lippia alba and Lippia turbinata against phytopathogenic fungi belonging to the genus Botrytis, Colletotrichum, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Monilinia isolated from infected strawberries and peaches. The assays were carried out using the agar diffusion method adapted for volatile samples and the percentages of fungal inhibition were determined for each sample using ImageJ® software. The chemical profile of each essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS and the majority compounds were determined. Results showed a high antifungal potential for all the samples evaluated, particularly the product obtained from L. alba. El empleo constante y excesivo de fungicidas sintéticos en la industria fruti-hortícola ha provocado profundas alteraciones en el medio ambiente y en la salud humana. En este contexto, explorar fuentes naturales antifúngicas resulta de importancia económica y medioambiental. Se propuso estudiar la actividad de cinco aceites volátiles obtenidos de las especies vegetales nativas Dysphania ambrosioides, Baccharis frenguellii, Baccharis salicifolia, Lippia alba y Lippia turbinata contra hongos fitopatógenos de los géneros Botrytis, Colletotrichum, Rhizopus, Fusarium y Monilinia, aislados de frutillas y duraznos con sintomatología. La evaluación se realizó mediante el método de difusión en agar adaptado para muestras volátiles y se determinaron los porcentajes de inhibición fúngica para cada muestra en estudio utilizando el software ImageJ®. Se analizó el perfi l químico de cada aceite por CG-EM y se determinaron los compuestos mayoritarios. Los resultados indicaron un alto potencial antifúngico de todas las muestras evaluadas, particularmente el producto obtenido de L. alba.

In situ and operando spectroscopic methods play a fundamental role in a variety of different fields of modern science. In particular, as energy and environmental science have become increasingly important recently, the need of in situ and operando spectroscopic methods has also increased significantly. Therefore, we felt it was time to have a special issue focused on such techniques and for which the aim is to merge the research communities investigating catalytic and photo electrochemical interfaces with different in situ operando spectroscopic techniques, to share recent results, experimental methods, and future perspectives , as we reported in the scope of this special issue. With its 23 original research papers and 2 topical reviews, spanning from heterogeneous catalysis to photoelectrochemistry, we believe that the outcome of this special issue fulfills the aforementioned aim

The Beamline for Advanced diCHroism BACH of the Istituto Officina dei Materiali Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IOM CNR , operating at Elettra synchrotron in Trieste Italy , works in the extreme ultra violet EUV soft x ray photon energy range with selectable light polarization, high energy resolution, brilliance and time resolution. The beamline offers a multi technique approach for the investigation of the electronic, chemical, structural, magnetic, and dynamical properties of materials. Recently one of the three end stations has been dedicated to experiments based on electron transfer processes at the solid liquid interfaces and during photocatalytic or electrochemical reactions. Suitable cells to perform soft x ray spectroscopy in the presence of liquids and reagent gases atambient pressure were developed. Here we present two types of static cells working in transmission or in fluorescence yield, and an electrochemical flow cell which allows to carry out cyclic voltammetry in situ, electrodeposition on a working electrode WE and to study chemical reactions in operando conditions. Examples of X ray absorption spectroscopy XAS measurements performed in ambient conditions and during electrochemical experiments in liquids are presented

Durante los años 2017-2018, una enfermedad fúngica causó una importante defoliación temprana en manzanos de los cvs `Caricia ́, `Princesa ́ y `Eva ́ del centro-este de la Provincia de Santa Fe. La sintomatología fue coincidente con la reportada para Marssonina spp. Con el objetivo de caracterizar la etiología de la enfermedad se obtuvieron 9 aislados, siendo 4 caracterizados morfométrica y molecularmente. Luego de 60 días, las colonias alcanzaron 10 mm de diámetro, con márgenes irregulares y coloración marrón. Los conidios, hialinos, ligeramente curvos, ovoides y bi-celulares midieron 15,23 ± 1,49 μm de largo y 5,47 ± 0,52 μm de ancho. Las secuencias de ITS indicaron 100% de identidad con Marssonina coronaria. Se confi rmó la patogenicidad de los aislados. Todas las inoculaciones produjeron síntomas y el patógeno fue re-aislado coincidiendo sus características con las inicialmente mencionadas. Este estudio constituye el primer reporte de M. coronaria afectando hojas de manzano en Argentina y proporciona información útil para diseñar estrategias de manejo. During 2017-2018 years, a fungal disease caused signifi cant early defoliation on cvs `Caricia,`Princesa ́ and `Eva ́ apples trees in the center-east of the Province of Santa Fe. The symptomatology was consistent with that reported for Marssonina spp. With the purpose of characterizing the etiology of the disease, 9 isolates were obtained; being 4 characterized morphometrically and molecularly. After 60 days, the colonies reached 10 mm in diameter, with irregular margins and brown coloration. Conidia were hyaline, slightly curved, obovoid, unequally two-celled. The size was 15.23 ± 1.49 μm x 5.47 ± 0.52 μm. The isolates were identifi ed with 100% identity as Marssonina coronaria based on ITS gene phylogenetic analyses. The pathogenicity of the isolates was confi rmed. All inoculations produced symptoms and the pathogen was re-isolated, corresponding its characteristics with those initially mentioned. This study is the fi rst report of M. coronaria affecting apple leaves in Argentina and provides useful information to design management strategies.

Achieving a molecular-level understanding of interfacial (photo)electrochemical processes is essential in order to tailor novel and highly-performing catalytic systems. The corresponding recent development of in situ and operando tools has posed new challenges on experimental architectures. In this study, we use ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) to probe the solid/liquid electrified interface of a polycrystalline Pt sample in contact with an alkaline electrolyte during hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Using the “dip-and-pull” technique to probe the interface through a thin liquid layer generated on the sample surface, we observe that the electrolyte meniscus becomes unstable under sustained driving of an electrolyte-consuming reaction (such as water oxidation). The addition of an electrochemically inert supporting electrolyte mitigates this issue, maintaining a stable meniscus layer for prolonged reaction times. In contrast, for processes in which the electrolyte is replenished in the reaction pathway (i.e. water reduction in alkaline conditions), we find that the solid/liquid interface remains stable without addition of a secondary supporting electrolyte. The approach described in this work allows the extension of operando AP-XPS capabilities using the “dip-and-pull” method to a broader class of reactions consuming ionic species during complex interfacial faradaic processes.

Metal alkoxides are metal-organic compounds characterized by the presence of M?O?C bonds (M = metal). Their chemistry seems to be, in principle, relatively simple but the number of possible reactant species arising as a consequence of their behavior is very remarkable. The physico-chemical properties of metal alkoxides are determined by many different parameters, the most important ones being the electronegativity of the metal, the ramification of the ligand, and the acidity of the corresponding alcohol. Their reactivity makes them suitable and versatile candidates for many applications, including homogeneous catalysis, synthesis of new ceramic materials through the sol-gel process and, recently, also for Cultural Heritage. Metal alkoxides are characterized by a strong tendency to give clusters and/or oligomers through oxo-bridges. Mass spectrometry has been successfully employed for the characterization of metal alkoxides in the gas-phase. Electron ionization (EI) allowed the assessment of the molecular weight and of the most relevant decomposition pathways giving information on the relative bond strength of differently substituted molecules. On the other hand, information on the reactivity in solution of these molecules have been obtained by electrospray ionization (ESI)-matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) experiments performed on their reaction products. These data were relevant to investigate the sol-gel process. In this review, these aspects are described and the results obtained are critically evaluated

The awareness of a healthy living environment is increasing in recent years and it concerns either outdoor or indoor spaces. Recently, buildings and indoor living spaces have often been objects of dedicated studies aiming to optimise the energy demand in relation to heating and ventilating systems, as well as Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management [1]. Designers and architects tend to limit the air mass exchanges with outdoor environment in order to minimise the energy demand for air conditioning, thus preferring the recycling of indoor air. This involves the gradual increase in indoor pollutants and the decay in IAQ. The pollutants content in indoor spaces often reaches a concentration higher than outdoor, thus requiring the introduction of adequate control and remediation systems in order to maintain a suitable air quality. Several remediation systems are available and indoor pollutant removal takes currently advantage of various technologies. Air filtration through filtering and/or adsorbing cartridges is often used, but they involve continuous maintenance operations (i.e. increased costs). An alternative and low-cost VOCs remediation system is based on the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). Thanks to the employment of suitable photocatalytic self-cleaning wall paints, VOC can be removed from air while organic dirty stains are removed from the surface. Both pollutant typology are completely mineralised towards carbon dioxide and water. Dedicated scientific papers have taken into account the performance of the photocatalysts themselves, but rarely the photocatalytic paint formulations have been characterised nor their performances accurately assessed in real or simulated indoor conditions [2, 3]. The paint components, indeed, can significantly affect and modify the performance of the active photocatalytic compounds. The self-cleaning photocatalytic paints can be designed for specific applications such as outdoor or indoor environments. In the latter case, the paint formulation should consider different light sources with respect to the outdoor one (i.e. the sun), with very different energy content for the activation of the photocatalytic compounds. The aim of the present contribution is to assess the performances in different conditions of three commercial indoor self-cleaning photocatalytic paints (SCP-1, SCP-2, SCP-3) with respect to their composition and experimental parameters.

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. The development of solar fuel generating materials would greatly benefit from a molecular level understanding of the semiconductor/electrolyte interface and changes in the interface induced by an applied potential and illumination by solar light. Ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy techniques with both soft and hard X-rays, AP-XPS and AP-HAXPES respectively, have the potential to markedly contribute to this understanding. In this paper we initially provide two examples of current challenges in solar fuels material development that AP-XPS and AP-HAXPES can directly address. This will be followed by a brief description of the distinguishing and complementary characteristics of soft and hard X-ray AP-XPS and AP-HAXPES and best approaches to achieving monolayer sensitivity in solid/aqueous electrolyte studies. In particular we focus on the detection of surface adsorbed hydroxyl groups in the presence of aqueous hydroxide anions in the electrolyte, a common situation when investigating photoanodes for solar fuel generating applications. The paper concludes by providing an example of a combined AP-XPS and AP-HAXPES study of a semiconductor/aqueous electrolyte interface currently used in water splitting devices specifically the BiVO4/aqueous potassium phosphate electrolyte interface.

© 2017 American Chemical Society. Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for renewable production of hydrogen from solar energy and requires interfacing advanced water-splitting catalysts with semiconductors. Understanding the mechanism of function of such electrocatalysts at the atomic scale and under realistic working conditions is a challenging, yet important, task for advancing efficient and stable function. This is particularly true for the case of oxygen evolution catalysts and, here, we study a highly active Co3O4/Co(OH)2biphasic electrocatalyst on Si by means of operando ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed at the solid/liquid electrified interface. Spectral simulation and multiplet fitting reveal that the catalyst undergoes chemical-structural transformations as a function of the applied anodic potential, with complete conversion of the Co(OH)2and partial conversion of the spinel Co3O4phases to CoO(OH) under precatalytic electrochemical conditions. Furthermore, we observe new spectral features in both Co 2p and O 1s core-level regions to emerge under oxygen evolution reaction conditions on CoO(OH). The operando photoelectron spectra support assignment of these newly observed features to highly active Co4+centers under catalytic conditions. Comparison of these results to those from a pure phase spinel Co3O4catalyst supports this interpretation and reveals that the presence of Co(OH)2enhances catalytic activity by promoting transformations to CoO(OH). The direct investigation of electrified interfaces presented in this work can be extended to different materials under realistic catalytic conditions, thereby providing a powerful tool for mechanism discovery and an enabling capability for catalyst design.

A national priority is to convert CO2 into high-value chemical products such as liquid fuels. Because current electrocatalysts are not adequate, we aim to discover new catalysts by obtaining a detailed understanding of the initial steps of CO2 electroreduction on copper surfaces, the best current catalysts. Using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy interpreted with quantum mechanical prediction of the structures and free energies, we show that the presence of a thin suboxide structure below the copper surface is essential to bind the CO2 in the physisorbed configuration at 298 K, and we show that this suboxide is essential for converting to the chemisorbed CO2 in the presence of water as the first step toward CO2 reduction products such as formate and CO. This optimum suboxide leads to both neutral and charged Cu surface sites, providing fresh insights into how to design improved carbon dioxide reduction catalysts.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical component of industrial processes such as electrowinning of metals and the chlor-alkali process. It also plays a central role in the development of a renewable energy field for generation a solar fuels by providing both the protons and electrons needed to generate fuels such as H2 or reduced hydrocarbons from CO2. To improve these processes, it is necessary to expand the fundamental understanding of catalytically active species at low overpotential, which will further the development of electrocatalysts with high activity and durability. In this context, performing experimental investigations of the electrocatalysts under realistic working regimes (i.e., under operando conditions) is of crucial importance. Here, we study a highly active quinary transition-metal-oxide-based OER electrocatalyst by means of operando ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy performed at the solid/liquid interface. We observe that the catalyst undergoes a clear chemical-structural evolution as a function of the applied potential with Ni, Fe, and Co oxyhydroxides comprising the active catalytic species. While CeO2 is redox inactive under catalytic conditions, its influence on the redox processes of the transition metals boosts the catalytic activity at low overpotentials, introducing an important design principle for the optimization of electrocatalysts and tailoring of high-performance materials. (Chemical Equation Presented).

© 2016 American Chemical Society. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical component of industrial processes such as electrowinning of metals and the chlor-alkali process. It also plays a central role in the development of a renewable energy field for generation a solar fuels by providing both the protons and electrons needed to generate fuels such as H2or reduced hydrocarbons from CO2. To improve these processes, it is necessary to expand the fundamental understanding of catalytically active species at low overpotential, which will further the development of electrocatalysts with high activity and durability. In this context, performing experimental investigations of the electrocatalysts under realistic working regimes (i.e., under operando conditions) is of crucial importance. Here, we study a highly active quinary transition-metal-oxide-based OER electrocatalyst by means of operando ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy performed at the solid/liquid interface. We observe that the catalyst undergoes a clear chemical-structural evolution as a function of the applied potential with Ni, Fe, and Co oxyhydroxides comprising the active catalytic species. While CeO2is redox inactive under catalytic conditions, its influence on the redox processes of the transition metals boosts the catalytic activity at low overpotentials, introducing an important design principle for the optimization of electrocatalysts and tailoring of high-performance materials. (Chemical Equation Presented).

Studying atmospheric neutrino oscillations in the few-GeV range with a multimegaton detector promises to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy. This is the main science goal pursued by the future KM3NeT/ORCA water Cherenkov detector in the Mediterranean Sea. In this paper, the processes that limit the obtainable resolution in both energy and direction in charged-current neutrino events in the ORCA detector are investigated. These processes include the composition of the hadronic fragmentation products, the subsequent particle propagation and the photon-sampling fraction of the detector. GEANT simulations of neutrino interactions in seawater produced by GENIE are used to study the effects in the 1-20 GeV range. It is found that fluctuations in the hadronic cascade in conjunction with the variation of the inelasticity y are most detrimental to the resolutions. The effect of limited photon sampling in the detector is of significantly less importance. These results will therefore also be applicable to similar detectors/media, such as those in ice.

© 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Understanding the interplay between surface chemistry, electronic structure, and reaction mechanism of the catalyst at the electrified solid/liquid interface will enable the design of more efficient materials systems for sustainable energy production. The substantial progress in operando characterization, particularly using synchrotron based X-ray spectroscopies, provides the unprecedented opportunity to uncover surface chemical and structural transformations under various (electro)chemical reaction environments. In this work, we study a polycrystalline platinum surface under oxygen evolution conditions in an alkaline electrolyte by means of ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed at the electrified solid/liquid interface. We elucidate previously inaccessible aspects of the surface chemistry and structure as a function of the applied potential, allowing us to propose a reaction mechanism for oxygen evolution on a platinum electrode in alkaline solutions.

At the moment there are no standard guidelines for the treatment of autoimmune congenital heart block (CHB). We set out to carry out a prospective cohort study to evaluate the benefits, limits, and safety of a combined therapy protocol to treat antibody-related CHB.Twelve consecutive pregnant patients positive to anti-SSA/Ro ± anti-SSB/La antibodies in whom CHB was detected were prospectively evaluated from 2009 to 2014. The treatment protocol consisted of: weekly plasmapheresis, fortnightly intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and daily 4 mg betamethasone from CHB detection until delivery; IVIG was administered to the neonates soon after birth.At the time CHB was detected, six of the foetuses presented atrioventricular blocks of 2(nd) degree type and six of 3(rd) degree type. Two of the foetuses with a 2(nd) degree block reverted to a 1st degree block and one to a normal atrioventricular conduction. The condition was stable throughout the pregnancy in the other three cases of 2(nd) degree block. All six 3(rd) degree blocks were stable during pregnancy and confirmed at birth. After a mean of 37.6 months ± 19.6 SD post-birth, the infants with 1st, normal sinus rhythm, and 2(nd) degree blocks at birth were all found to be stable. During the follow-up (29 months ± 19.8 SD), pacemakers were implanted in three of the six infants with 3(rd) degree blocks.This combined therapy seems to be effective and safe in treating 2(nd) degree CHB, while its efficacy in treating 3rd degree CHB remains to be established.

© The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. The electrical and spectroscopic properties of the TiO2/Ni protection layer system, which enables stabilization of otherwise corroding photoanodes, have been investigated in contact with electrolyte solutions by scanning-probe microscopy, electrochemistry and in-situ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS). Specifically, the energy-band relations of the p+-Si/ALD-TiO2/Ni interface have been determined for a selected range of Ni thicknesses. AP-XPS measurements using tender X-rays were performed in a three-electrode electrochemical arrangement under potentiostatic controlto obtain information from the semiconductor near-surface region, the electrochemical double layer (ECDL) and the electrolyte beyond the ECDL. The degree of conductivity depended on the chemical state of the Ni on the TiO2surface. At low loadings of Ni, the Ni was present primarily as an oxide layer and the samples were not conductive, although the TiO2XPS core levels nonetheless displayed behavior indicative of a metal-electrolyte junction. In contrast, as the Ni thickness increased, the Ni phase was primarily metallic and the electrochemical behavior became highly conductive, with the AP-XPS data indicative of a metal-electrolyte junction. Electrochemical and microtopographical methods have been employed to better define the nature of the TiO2/Ni electrodes and to contextualize the AP-XPS results.

To cope the problem of deterioration of calcareous historical building materials, increasingly threatened by natural hazards and anthropogenic activities, two new calcium alkoxides were developed during the European NANOMATCH project (funded under FP7 GA no. 283182) as effective consolidation materials at nanoscale level. Two products (Calcium tetrahydrofurfuryloxide and Calcium ethoxide) were firstly designed, then synthesized in lab and finally produced on a Kg/Lab scale in industrial pilot plant. The consolidation efficacy was eventually tested through their nanosuspensions' application on stone and stone-like model samples and on historical surfaces and the performance compared with the one of commercial consolidants. Some samples were exposed in 4 sites located in different countries to evaluate their durability towards different weathering agents [1]. Preliminary risk assessment on release of nanoparticles was performed too. The NANOMATCH products based on calcium alkoxide demonstrated to be a possible solution for the consolidation of lime-based stone and stone-like materials, thanks to their ability to penetrate the substrate, to turn on corresponding carbonates and, forming nanosized particles and/or coating, to well adhere to the original mineral structure, restoring integrity and mechanical properties. According to the tests performed, the treatments resulted compatible and efficient, with no safety concerns for human health and environment related to their nanostructure. Despite the good consolidation properties, they evidenced some problems of instability and purity; our research efforts are currently focusing on these problems that need to be solved before introducing the products in the restoration market.

The KM3NeT research infrastructure, currently under construction in the Mediterranean Sea, will host neutrino telescopes for the identification of neutrino sources in the Universe and for studies of the neutrino mass hierarchy. These telescopes will house hundreds of thousands of photomultiplier tubes that will have to be operated in a stable and reliable fashion. In this context, the stability of the dark counts has been investigated for photomultiplier tubes with negative high voltage on the photocathode and held in insulating support structures made of 3D printed nylon material. Small gaps between the rigid support structure and the photomultiplier tubes in the presence of electric fields can lead to discharges that produce dark count rates that are highly variable. A solution was found by applying the same insulating varnish as used for the high voltage bases directly to the outside of the photomultiplier tubes. This transparent conformal coating provides a convenient and inexpensive method of insulation. © 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab srl.

N-doped Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) (obtained by ion implantation) was used as a model system for mimicking the effect of N-doping in sp2 hybridized carbon based supports. The electronic structure of such system has been careful characterized by means of spectroscopic techniques adopting synchrotron radiation. We demonstrate that it is possible to tailor different functional groups simply by tuning the annealing temperature after ion implantation. On such chemical modified HOPG, PdY catalyst nanoparticles have been deposited under strictly controlled conditions in ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) and the nanoparticle/support interactions studied by photoemission. The formation of the Pd3Y alloy is evidenced by core level shift in Y 3d and Pd 3d states due to charge transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess fetal and maternal outcomes in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Prospectively collected data on 99 women with SSc from 25 Italian centers were analyzed retrospectively. Women with SSc were observed during 109 pregnancies (from 2000 to 2011), and outcomes were compared to those in the general obstetric population (total of 3,939 deliveries). The maternal age at conception was a mean ± SD 31.8 ± 5.3 years, and the median disease duration at conception was 60 months (range 2-193 months). RESULTS: SSc patients, compared to the general obstetric population, had a significantly increased frequency of preterm deliveries (25% versus 12%) and severe preterm deliveries (

Obiettivo del lavoro è la valutazione dell'impatto dei multiinquinanti atmosferici su un edificio in calcestruzzo situato nel centro urbano di Wroclaw in Poloniia. I risultati analitici ottenuti dalla applicazione di FEG-ESEM-EDS e ICP-OES su campioni di crosta nera e materiale inalterato prelevati sulla facciata di un edificio di importanza storica-artistica sono discussi.

The aim of this work is the development of a method for the preparation of periodic surfaces with high-surface-to-volume ratio crystallized in 3D-Opal-like structures made up of Co3O4/TiO2 semiconducting heterointerfaces. These nanostructures, thanks to a peculiar morphology and spatial organization, may be employed in inorganic solar cells to grant both an efficient charge transport at the interface and a higher surface area to enhance the solar radiation absorption. In solar energy conversion TiO2 is a well-known photoactive material, thanks to its chemical and physical properties. However, the width of anatase band-gap (3.2 eV) implies absorption of UV radiation only. Therefore, the coupling with Co3O4, a narrow band-gap p-type semiconductor (Eg?2.07 eV), allows to extend the radiation absorption to the visible range. Here, a hybrid deposition method is presented. It firstly employs a known and economical self-assembly procedure for polystryrene 3D-Direct Opal (3D-DO) crystallization on a conductive ITO substrate. The opal nanostructure is then used as a template pattern for the deposition of TiO2 via ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) at low temperature. In order to remove the PS template, a thermal treatment (at 450°C in air, 5 hours) of the as-grown ALD-TiO2/PS direct opals is performed and TiO2 hollow anatase nanospheres organized in FCC structures with the (111) plane oriented parallel to the substrate surface are obtained. Finally, the Co3O4/TiO2 heterostructure is obtained through the deposition of Co3O4 via a photochemical method. All samples have been characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, FEG-ESEM, AFM, EDX, and XPS analyses for the optical, structural, morphological and compositional characterization.

Deterioration of historic building materials has become more and more important since climate change has worsened the natural decay and the impact of atmospheric pollution. On the basis of these premises, the three-year European Collaborative Project NANOMATCH addresses this issue through the development of innovative consolidants specifically designed to meet the requirements of the historic building substrates, especially focusing on stone, wall paintings, wood and glass, and integrated in high performance products to renovate the market dedicated to the conservation of the built heritage.

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CONTRATTO PER ATTIVITA' DI RICERCA E SVILUPPO: TRA ISTITUTO DI CHIMICA INORGANICA E DELLE SUPERFICI - CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (di seguito denominato - ICIS-CNR), con sede legale Corso Stati Uniti, 4 - 35127 PADOVA - Partita IVA 02118311006 - Codice Fiscale 80054330586 rappresentato dal dott. Gilberto Rossetto e NICOS INTERNATIONAL SPA (di seguito nominata NICOS), con sede legale via Bastie, 44 - 31040 Portobuffolè (TV) - C.F. e P. I. IT 02008070266 rappresentata dal dott. G. Capparella in qualità di Legale rappresentante. Il programma di sperimentazione avrà come obiettivo lo sviluppo di manufatti in materiale geopolimerico con caratteristiche estetiche definite da NICOS, proprietà chimiche e meccaniche riassumibili nei seguenti dati: i)inerzia ad agenti acido/base secondo standard riconosciuti (UNI EN 14688:2007, UNI EN 13310:2004; UNI EN 1730:2002, UNI EN 14516:2010); ii)densità del materiale compresa tra 1.5 e 1.8 g/cm3; iii)resistenza alla macchia secondo standard riconosciuti (UNI EN 14688:2007, UNI EN 13310:2004; UNI EN 14516:2010)*; iv)resistenza all'invecchiamento UV secondo standard riconosciuti (ASTM G154-6 ciclo 2)*; v)assorbimento d'acqua a 7 giorni inferiore al 2%, migliorabile con l'ausilio di trattamenti superficiali; vi)allungamento tale da assorbire gli stress da maturazione del materiale (percentuale di ritiro) onde evitare rotture in fase di stampaggio; vii)modulo di Young a trazione e a flessione superiori a 5000 MPa; viii)resistenza all'urto superiore a 4.5 J per spessore di 20 mm a 7 giorni; ix)tempo minimo di sformatura pari 4 h; x)tempo minimo di lavorabilità pari a 7 giorni; xi)tempo minimo di trasportabilità pari a 7-14giorni.

Cette note de recherche méthodologique a été établie en lien étroit avec une intervention au long cours conduite dans une entreprise de transport urbain confrontée à des situations de violences. Elle présente un dispositif intitulé "écoute - entretien", expérimenté dans le contexte de cette intervention. La démarche consiste, en situation de rencontre avec des personnes victimes de violences, à coupler deux postures de travail : cognitive et clinique. La finalité est de permettre à la fois l’expression libre de l’interviewé (pôle clinique) et l’accès à des informations utiles à la poursuite du travail d’intervention engagé avec l’entreprise (pôle cognitif). Deux verbatims complets d’écoutes - entretiens illustrent cette proposition méthodologique.

La notion de "conflit éthique" s'inscrit dans le périmètre des problématique relatives aux situations - individuelles ou collectives- dégradées au travail, communément qualifiées de "risques psychosociaux"(RPS).La première partie de cette contribution restitue succinctement les notions de conflit et d'éthique dans leurs contextes ( historique, philosophique, psychosociologique) d'émergence. La deuxième partie s'attache à examiner et discuter les possibilités d'élaboration d'échelles de mesure (ou d'évaluation) du concept de conflit éthique. Moins conceptuelle qu'illustrative la troisième partie est consacrée à documenter spécifiquement la question du conflit éthique