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Soil-rubber mixtures underneath foundations are an eco-sustainable and low-cost Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI) solution. Using rubber grains from end-of-life tyres in the mixtures can provide a modern recycling system that reduces the stockpile of scrap tyres worldwide. In recent years, gravel-rubber mixtures (GRMs) properties have been investigated, finding good behaviour in static and dynamic conditions. Laboratory tests on GRMs advantages as GSI in the form of a layer underlying the foundation of a structure are available in the literature. Nevertheless, only one experimental campaign on a full-scale prototype structure resting on GRMs with 0% and 30% rubber content per weight was performed (SOFIA-SERA Research Programme). This paper presents 3D advanced nonlinear FEM analyses to reproduce and furnish new results about the above-mentioned full-scale test. The calibration of the parameters of the different constitutive models used for modelling the foundation soil and the GRMs was supported by an extensive geotechnical characterization. The developed FEM model was validated by the results from the above-mentioned full-scale test in terms of accelerations and velocities. Then, the dynamic behaviour of the GRMs was studied, also considering the shear strains versus the shear stresses and the horizontal and vertical displacements, quantities not investigated experimentally. Finally, the GRMs static behaviour was also investigated, considering the GRMs axial strains and the GRMs and foundation vertical displacements. The paper highlights the fundamental role of both experimental tests and numerical modelling, as invaluable tools for coupled analyses of the seismic behaviour of soil-structure systems, including innovative materials, such as GRMs, and the main advantages of using GRMs as GSI. • Gravel-rubber mixtures (GRMs) are an eco-sustainable and low-cost geotechnical seismic isolation system. • Using end-of-life tyres as rubber grains in GRMs provides a modern recycling system. • 3D numerical analyses reproduce and furnish new results about recent tests performed on a full-scale structure on GRMs. • The Authors performed a fine calibration of the advanced HSsmall constitutive model parameters for the investigated GRMs. • GRMs with 30% rubber content per weight significantly mitigate the ground motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crucial role that underground structures play today in transportation and utility networks makes their seismic vulnerability a fundamental topic. The present paper deals with the role of soil heterogeneity in tunnel seismic behaviour. Starting from a real case history regarding a cross-section of the Catania (Italy) underground network, a finite element parametric study was carried out, focusing the attention on the soil discontinuity in terms of the impedance ρ ∙ V S of each layer crossed by the tunnel, being ρ and V S the soil layer density and shear wave velocity, respectively. Different tunnel depths and seismic inputs were assumed. The numerical dynamic lining internal forces were compared with the analytical solutions proposed by Wang (1993) and Penzien (2000) for homogeneous soil deposits; two new approaches were proposed to use them for heterogeneous soils, highlighting the limitations of the original solutions and the range of applicability of the proposed approaches. • The consequences of tunnels damage due to earthquakes denote the importance of their seismic vulnerability assessment. • A finite element parametric study was carried out, focusing the attention on the soil discontinuities at the tunnel level. • Different soil-tunnel interface conditions and tunnel depths were also analysed. • The tunnel seismic bending moments and axial forces were investigated, highlighting the role of soil heterogeneity. • The analytical solutions proposed by Wang (1993) and Penzien (2000) for homogeneous soil deposits were considered. • Two new approaches were proposed to use the analytical solutions for heterogeneous soil profiles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer disease (AD), despite representing the most common type of dementia in elderly, is still lacking reliable methodologies for early diagnosis. A potential biomarker associated to AD development has been recently identified in the open isoform of p53, redox sensitive protein, currently quantified using a specific blood-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to overcome ELISA limitations (level of detection, standardization and reliability), this study aimed to realize a low cost highly sensitive portable point-of-care (PoC) testing system based on screen printed electrochemical sensors (SPES). The study specifically reported the design of the platform, including the sensing probe and the electronic circuit devoted to the conditioning of the electric signal. Preliminary results were obtained from circuit testing by using controlled concentrations of electrolytic solutions and from an initial calibration stage by using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) measurements. Future works will address the quantification of unknown concentration of unfolded p53 in peripheral blood samples, thus to validate the here-presented low cost, easy to use and highly precise platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Soils are the biggest carbon store in the world (1500Gt, e.g. 1.5×1021 g). The European Commission indicates the accounting of soil organic carbon (SOC) variations in space and time as the first step in the strategy for soil protection. It is indeed necessary in evaluating the risk of soil organic matter decline and soil biodiversity decline, and when evaluating the role played by soils in global CO2 accounting. Previous maps of SOC variations in Italy did not consider the direct effect of climate. There is a marked inter-dependence between SOC and climate. SOC increases with the increase in precipitations and decreases with a rise in temperatures. It is also known that land use and management have a bigger impact on SOC than climate. The aim of this work is to understand to what extent the SOC variations occurring in Italy from 1961 to 2008 could be explained by climate change. The soil database of Italy was the source of information for SOC content: 17,817 observations (3082 before and 14,735 after 31 Dec 1990). SOC content was referred to the first 50cm of soil depth, one single data obtained by weighted horizon thickness. SOC content was expressed as percentage by weight (dagkg−1) analyzed by the Walkley–Black procedure and converted to ISO standard. The CRA–CMA (Research Unit for Climatology and Meteorology Applied to Agriculture) database was the source of information for climatic data. We considered the mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean value of total annual precipitation (MAP) of the two periods 1961–1990 and 1991–2006, and we mapped them by regression kriging with elevation and latitude as predictors. The climate change between the two periods was characterized by a general MAT increase, which was greater at lower altitudes and higher latitudes. The precipitation generally decreased, with some local exceptions. Some linear regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between SOC content and climate/land use. Temperatures had most relevant impact on SOC with an inverse correlation. SOC content was directly correlated with precipitations on arable lands and inversely in forests and meadows. Two general multiple linear regression analyses considered all the pedogenesis factors and: either by time periods (1979–1990; 1991–2009), model 1; or by MAT and MAP, model 2. The two models both had low precision (multiple R-squared=0.26–0.27; RMSE=1.42; IoA=0.61), but very different accuracies. Model 1 correctly predicted the mean SOC values for the 3 land uses in the 2 periods, detecting a significative decrease in all three land uses. Model 2 was not accurate every time. SOC decreases estimated with model 2 were always significatively lower than the observed ones. Model 2 did not estimate a significative SOC decrease in forests. Climate change had a general low influence on SOC variations. The relatively higher climatic influence occurred in meadows and in agricultural areas with a moderate or high MAP decrease (<−100mm/y) and a moderate to high MAT increase (>0.62°C). Other changes, probably linked to land management, need to be investigated to explain SOC variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the dynamic structure of confined normal shock wave undergoing sudden area expansion. Emphasis the flow phenomena and main physical mechanisms; Confirmation of the trajectory of the vortex formed at the expansion corner; Production of individual and collective flow structures.

Abstract: Among histological aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), the overall risk of central nervous system (CNS) relapse is approximately 5%, a figure which is too low to offer prophylaxis to all patients. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the utility of flow cytometry (FCM) in detecting occult leptomeningeal disease in this subtype of NHL. We studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) involvement in 42 newly diagnosed aggressive NHL patients at risk for CNS involvement. We used multicolour FCM to detect CSF infiltrating neoplastic cells. Among the 42 patients studied, 11 had CSF involvement as detected by FCM. Of these, only four were also positive for conventional morphology (p =0.046). These results designate that FCM as the first choice technique in NHL CSF clinical cell analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ordered mesoporous silica with cubic structure, type FDU-1, was synthesized under strong acid media using B-50-6600 poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(butilene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (EO39BO47EO39) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Humic acid (HA) was modified to the synthesis process at a concentration of 1.5mmol per gram of SiO2. Thermogravimetry, small angle X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption and high resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the samples. The pristine FDU-1 and FDU-1 with incorporated 1.5mmol of HA were tested for adsorption of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ in aqueous solution. Incorporation of humic acid into the FDU-1 silica afforded an adsorbent with strong affinity for Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ from single ion solutions. Adsorption of Cu2+ was significantly enhanced after incorporation of humic acid, a fact that can be explained by the formation of complexes with carboxylic and phenolic groups at low concentrations of the metal cation. The results demonstrated the potential applicability of FDU-1 with incorporated HA in the removal of low concentrations of heavy metal cations from aqueous solution, such as wastewaters, after usual precipitation of metal hydroxides in alkaline medium and proper pH conditioning in the range between 6 and 7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common infectious disease among heroin abusers, but it is recommended that specific treatment with interferon be delayed until at least 6 to 12 months after the end of drug addiction. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the response of heroin abusers to interferon treatment shortly after the end of detoxification treatment with methadone. METHODS: We studied 2 homogeneous groups of white Italian patients with chronic HCV infection: former male heroin abusers and males without a history of drug addiction. Tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-2, activated monocytes, anti-HCV antibodies, HCV RNA, and alanine aminotransferase levels were assessed. Standard treatment was initiated with 5 MU interferon alpha-n2b administered subcutaneously once daily for 8 weeks. Patients with negative HCV-RNA findings at the end of 8 weeks received further treatment with 5 MU TIW subcutaneously for an additional 48 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty of 47 patients in group A (former heroin abusers) and 30 of 30 patients in group B (controls) completed the study. Heroin abusers presented a significantly enhanced response to treatment compared with the controls. After 8 weeks, HCV-RNA test results were negative in 27 of 30 patients in group A (90.0%) and in 25 of 30 in group B (83.3%) (P = NS). Onset of relapse occurred significantly later in heroin abusers (mean [SD], 53 [3] weeks) than in controls (26 [2] weeks) (P < 0.05). Cytokine levels and activated CD11 antigen-expressing monocytes were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in heroin abusers than controls. CONCLUSION: Heroin abusers with chronic HCV infection were successfully treated with interferon alpha-n2b soon after the end of detoxification treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) are a widely used model of intestinal barrier to study cancer development, toxicological assessments, absorption and metabolism in food science or drug discovery. Caco-2 spontaneously differentiate into a monolayer expressing several specific characteristics, typically showed by mature enterocytes. For in vitro experiments, it is crucial to identify non-invasive and non-destructive techniques able to evaluate the integrity and differentiation of the cells monolayer. Thus, we aimed to assess these properties by analyzing electrical impedance measurements. Methods Caco-2 cells were differentiated for 21 days. The monolayer integrity and differentiation were primarily evaluated by means of morphological, biochemical and molecular data. Impedance measurements in a range of frequencies from 400 Hz to 50 kHz were performed using a dedicated set up, including customized Aerosol Jet Printed carbon-based sensors. Results The trends of RI observed at three different frequencies were able to describe cell growth and differentiation. In order to evaluate which frequencies better correlate with cell differentiation, Principal Component Analysis have been employed and the concordance analysis between RI magnitude and morphological, biochemical and molecular data, highlighted 40 kHz as the optimal frequency to assess Caco-2 cells differentiation process. Conclusion We demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of applying impedance-based measurements not only to provide information about the monolayer status, but also for cell differentiation monitoring. General significance This study underlined the possibility to use a dedicated sensor to assess the integrity and differentiation of Caco-2 monolayer, as a reliable non-destructive alternative to conventional approaches. Highlights • Electrochemical sensors can provide information about cell adhesion, growth and differentiation. • Monitoring of Caco-2 to enterocyte-like cells differentiation with impedance-based sensors. • Relative Impedance at specific frequencies could describe cell growth and differentiation. • 40 kHz highlighted as the optimal frequency to assess Caco-2 cells differentiation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylglyoxal (MG), a potent glycotoxin that can be found in the diet, is one of the main precursors of Advanced glycation end products (AGEs). It is well known that modifications in lifestyle such as nutritional interventions can be of great value for preventing brain deterioration. This study aimed to evaluate in vivo how an oral MG treatment, that mimics a high MG dietary intake, could affect brain health. From our results, we demonstrated that MG administration affected working memory, and induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by modulating the Receptor for Advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The gene and protein expressions of RAGE were increased in the hippocampus of MG mice, an area where the activity of glyoxalase 1, one of the main enzymes involved in MG detoxification, was found reduced. Furthermore, at hippocampus level, MG mice showed increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and increased activities of NADPH oxidase and catalase. MG administration also increased the gene and protein expressions of Presenilin-1, a subunit of the gamma-secretase protein complex linked to Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that high MG oral intake induces alteration directly in the brain and might establish an environment predisposing to AD-like pathological conditions. • Chronical administration of Methylglyoxal (MG) is able to induce cognitive defect in aged mice. • MG-treated mice showed increased MG levels in serum measured by HPLC-fluorescence detection. • MG treatment reduced GLO1 activity and modify redox homeostasis in hippocampus of aged mice. • MG treatment preferentially modulates gene and protein expression of RAGE and Presenilin-1 in hippocampus of aged mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]