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Highlights • A solar DSG system integrated into an industrial process in Jordan is presented. • A numerical model is developed on purpose. • In situ monitoring data are analyzed and compared to expected performance. • Drawbacks affecting performance and plant stability are explained. • Optimization of existing system is presented. Abstract The aim of this paper is to present and analyze the monitoring data of an innovative solar Direct Steam Generation plant for industrial processes. The objective is to quantify and evaluate the performance for two different periods of approximatively two weeks each, in winter and in summer. Pressure distribution, pressure drops and liquid level variation are compared to expected results for two characteristic days, one in each period. An innovative flow pattern analysis is presented and some optimizations are proposed to improve energy performance and plant stability. To perform this analysis a new steady-state model based on few monitoring inputs is developed. The result of the analysis for both periods shows a very good agreement between expectation and monitoring results, as long as the system is cleaned frequently. It quantifies the cleaning impact with a deviation of more than 40% in performance before and after cleaning after a period of 33 days of non-cleaning in summer. The simulation results for system head loss during start-up and shut down periods show lower values than observed due to unexpected steam in the downward pipes. A small optimization of the system layout could minimize this effect and improve the system performance. The analysis of the liquid level in winter 2015/2016 led to a new control strategy to minimize start-up losses, which had been implemented in April 2016, the results have been observed in summer 2016. Lastly, the flow pattern analysis shows that harmful flow patterns as stratified flow and dry-outs had successfully been avoided, and the main flow pattern in the steam region is stratified-wavy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibition effect of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) on the corrosion of gray cast iron rotors for automotive applications was studied by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a 0.1 M HCl solution. The experimental results suggest that the 8-hydroxyquinoline is a mixed inhibitor reducing both the anodic and the cathodic current densities. Besides, EIS results indicate that the inhibitor provides a stable protection over 9 days of exposure to the electrolyte due to the cooperative formation of an adsorbed layer of 8-HQ on the rotor and a top layer probably constituted by a complex between 8-HQ and iron. The presence of the adsorbed layer and the complex with 8-HQ was confirmed by means of Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Fourier-transform spectroscopy (FT-IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study aimed to evaluated prognostic factors of patients with GEP-NETs after primary tumor resection comparing pancreatic and gastro-enteric locations. Methods Patients undergone surgery for primary GEP-NETs between 01/2000 and 03/2012 were considered. All specimens were reclassified according to the WHO 2010 scheme. Results A total of 83 patients were considered: 37 pancreatic NETs (pNET) and 46 gastroenteric NETs (GE-NET). The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex and tumors size. A higher rate of patients with pNETs had Ki67 score ≥3 (64.8% vs. 39%, p = 0.027) while the rates of Mitotic Index ≥2x10HPF (62% pNET vs. 50% GE-NET, p = 0.374) and diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma NEC (16.2% pNET vs. 17.3% GE-NET, p = 0.100) were similar. The rates of distant metastases (GE-NETs 30.4% vs. p-NETs 29.7%, p = 0.944) and liver metastases (19.5% GE-NET vs. 27% pNET, p = 0.421) were comparable. Radical resection was achieved in a similar proportion in both groups [33 patients (89.1%) pNET vs. 36 (78.2%) GE-NET, p = 0.393]. After a median follow-up of 47.1 months overall 3, 5 and 10-years survival rates of whole patients were 88.1%, 81.2% and 76.7%. There was not difference on 5-years overall survival between pNET (81.4%) and GE-NET (81%, p = 0.901). At multivariate analysis age ≥70 [OR 4.177 (CI 95% 1.26–13.8), p = 0.019] and NEC [OR 5.932 (CI 95% 1.81–19.40), p < 0.001] were negative prognostic factors of survival. Conclusion Overall survival of GEP-NET after resection of primary tumors seems to be correlated to patient's age and WHO 2010 staging system but not to primary tumor site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present abstract summarizes the main analysis and design steps made for the integration of a solar thermal plant of one thousand square meters into the dyeing process of Benetton industrial facility in Tunisia. The analysis of the actual process load is done by a static model based on assumed energy and water consumptions and the real performance of the heat recovery system. The methodology to build the simplified model and its validation by monitored data will be presented. The results show the optimization potential of the heat recovery system and the temperature constraints for a good integration of the solar plant. This study presents some choices to reach an optimized integration of the solar plant and the sizing of the main components. The main design alternatives are evaluated in this article based on dynamic simulations and personal experience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to evaluate the significance of HbA1c in the diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and the risk of future DM in the elderly, the HbA1c and the fasting glycemia of 2167 elderly subjects of 65–84 years were determined, taking part in the epidemiological Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging (ILSA). The subjects were divided in 3 groups according to their glycemic values, namely those with normal fasting glucose (NFG), with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and diabetics. It has been revealed that the values of HbA1c in these 3 groups overlapped in more than 80%. The evaluation of the HbA1c levels represents a clearly lower diagnostic validity for the DM, than the fasting plasma glucose (FPG). The identification of new cases of DM in a follow-up of 3 years was modest: in the NFG group (2.35% among those who had an HbA1c<7.02 and of 2.99% of those who had HbA1c>7.02%), while in the IFG group the same analysis gave 14.14% of those with normal HbA1c, increasing progressively in parallel with the increase of the HbA1c values above 7.02%, reaching 19.59%. It is evident from these results, in agreement with the multifactorial characteristics of type 2 DM that one has to look for other predictive factors, such as the dysmetabolic lipid components, and first of all the genetic ones in the predictive diagnosis of DM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Echinacea spp. are popularly used as an herbal medicine or food supplement for enhancing the immune system and activating biological property in different tissues. In this study we show the biological effect of Echinacea augustifolia extract on cell viability and cell differentiation in mammary epithelial cell lines. These effects have been observed in two different cell line derived from mouse (HC11) and bovine (BME-UV). Echinacea extract enhanced cell liability from 100 to 1000ng/ml in association with growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) or insulin, but also without EGF (p<0.05) up to 37% vs. control. This effect may be modulated by MAPK and Akt activation that Echinacea extract treatment increased and/or by a reduction of caspase 3 activity, showed a dose–response decrease after Echinacea treatment. Finally Echinacea extract was able to increase (p<0.05) at 100ng/ml β-casein expression in association with PRL (5μg/ml). These data demonstrate that Echinacea angustifolia extract can stimulate mammary epithelial cell physiology and may be considered a candidate to support mammary gland activity during a mammogenetic and lactogenetic state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Usually, the effects of cognitive decline are not noted before the age of 70 years, which involve the intellectual capacities, the attention, the processes of elaboration and the memory. The studies on the cognitive disturbances of the elderly are numerous, and document the progressive increase of cerebral deterioration with advancing age. However, only a few studies refer to the significance of the cognitive disturbances in the clinical conditions and autonomy of the long living subjects. For this reason, we studied the cerebral deterioration of an adequate number of centenarians in correlation with their clinical conditions and autonomy. Our centenarian sample derived from the Italian multi-center study on centenarians (IMUSCE), which was an epidemiological study which identified 1173 centenarians (202 males, 971 females) in the age range of 100–109 years. From this sample, we analyzed 346 subjects as far as the cognitive functions and the degree of autonomy by using the psychometric tests of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) for the functional evaluations. In addition, we evaluated the clinical conditions of the subjects dividing them in three groups: Group A (those in good clinical conditions), Group B (those in discrete clinical conditions), and Group C (those in deteriorated clinical conditions). These analyses revealed that 187 (54.1%) of the 346 examined centenarians have shown an MMSE score in the normal range (score ratio from 1.0 to 0.63). The cognitive disorders are present in the centenarians in a clearly higher frequency (13.1%), than found in the common elderly (5.1%). The severe cognitive disorders do not allow a total autonomy or even a slight dependency. Only six subjects (1.7%) of the total sample were totally independent. These subjects had no cognitive disorders, and were in good clinical conditions. The results show that having an MMSE score in the normal range, and being in good clinical conditions are necessary but not sufficient prerequisites for a total autonomy in the IADL scores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have revealed a progressive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the elderly. Numerous factors are responsible for this trend, among them there are (a) the long-lasting disease due the improved therapeutic remedial (pharmacological, dietary treatments and physical activity), (b) the increased life span expectancy. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in long living subjects is lower than in elderly people (subjects aged from 65 to 84). Senile diabetes is prevalent in long living people, and usually begins after 90 years. The incidence of neodiagnosed diabetes is higher in the oldest old than in the elderly people. Based on the results, diabetes mellitus is a negative factor for survival, and does not usually allow to achieve very old age, i.e. centenarian. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Centenarians are characterized by weakness, decreasing mental health, impaired mobility, and poor endurance. L-Carnitine is an important contributor to cellular energy metabolism. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of L-carnitine on physical and mental fatigue and on cognitive functions of centenarians. DESIGN: This was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, 2-phase study. Sixty-six centenarians with onset of fatigue after even slight physical activity were recruited to the study. The 2 groups received either 2 g levocarnitine once daily (n = 32) or placebo (n = 34). Efficacy measures included changes in total fat mass, total muscle mass, serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living, and a 6-min walking corridor test. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, the levocarnitine-treated centenarians, compared with the placebo group, showed significant improvements in the following markers: total fat mass (-1.80 compared with 0.6 kg; P < 0.01), total muscle mass (3.80 compared with 0.8 kg; P < 0.01), plasma concentrations of total carnitine (12.60 compared with -1.70 mumol; P < 0.05), plasma long-chain acylcarnitine (1.50 compared with -0.1 micromol; P < 0.001), and plasma short-chain acylcarnitine (6.0 compared with -1.50 micromol; P < 0.001). Significant differences were also found in physical fatigue (-4.10 compared with -1.10; P < 0.01), mental fatigue (-2.70 compared with 0.30; P < 0.001), fatigue severity (-23.60 compared with 1.90; P < 0.001), and MMSE (4.1 compared with 0.6; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that oral administration of levocarnitine produces a reduction of total fat mass, increases total muscular mass, and facilitates an increased capacity for physical and cognitive activity by reducing fatigue and improving cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to extend a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model to account for correlated genetic effects, and to use this model to analyze the number of clinical mastitis cases in Norwegian Red cows. The ZIP model is suitable for analysis of count data containing an excess of zeros relative to what is expected from Poisson sampling. A ZIP model was developed and compared with a corresponding Poisson model. The Poisson parameter followed a hierarchical structure, and a residual term accounting for overdispersion was included. In both models, the Poisson parameter was regressed 1) on the year, month, and age at first calving; 2) on the logarithm of the number of days elapsed from calving to the end of first lactation; and c) on herd and sire effects. Herd and sire effects were assigned normal prior distributions in a Bayesian analysis, corresponding to a random effects treatment in a frequentist analysis. An analysis of residuals favored the Poisson model when there were 2 or more cases of mastitis during first lactation, with very small differences between the ZIP and Poisson models at 0 and 1 cases. However, the residual assessment was not satisfactory for either of the models. The ZIP model, on the other hand, had a better predictive ability than the corresponding Poisson model. Posterior means of the sire, herd, and residual variances in the ZIP model (log scale) were 0.09, 0.37, and 0.36, respectively, highlighting the importance of herds as a source of variation in clinical mastitis. The correlation between sire rankings from the ZIP and Poisson models was 0.98. A weaker correlation would be expected in a population with more severe inflation at zero than the present one. The estimate of the perfect state probability p was 0.32, indicating that 32% of the animals would be in the perfect state, either because they are resistant or because they were not exposed to mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Diagnosis of pancreatic masses is often difficult. Endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle aspiration has been proposed as the best single-step strategy. Aims: To prospectively evaluate feasibility, effectiveness and safety of endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle aspiration of pancreatic masses in a consecutive study of unselected patients. Methods: Two hundred ninety-three patients were enrolled in two referral Hospitals in Northern Italy. All patients were referred either due to the presence of imaging test abnormalities (suspected or evident masses, or features indirectly suggesting the presence of a mass) or due to clinical or biochemical findings suggesting pancreatic cancer in the absence of positive imaging. All patients underwent linear array endoscopic ultrasound and, when indicated, fine needle aspiration. All procedures were recorded prospectively. The final diagnosis was established at the end of follow-up or when the patients underwent surgery or died. Results: Fine needle aspiration was indicated in 246 of 293 cases (84%), considered technically feasible in 232 of 246 cases (94%) and gave adequate samples for histopathological diagnosis in 204 of 232 cases (88%). Endoscopic ultrasound sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 79, 60 and 72%, respectively; the corresponding figures for endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle aspiration were 80, 86 and 82%. There was good agreement with final diagnosis for endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle aspiration (kappa 0.673, 95%CI 0.592–0.753), greater than that for endoscopic ultrasound alone (kappa 0.515, 95%CI 0.425–0.605). There was one case of intracystic haemorrhage and one case of transient hyperthermia (0.3%). Conclusions: Endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle aspiration of pancreatic masses seems to be feasible, effective and safe in this consecutive study of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The longevity is a complex phenomenon in which specific genetic properties seem to play a role. The present study intended to reconstruct the genealogical tree of 12 subjects, being residents of one Northern and one Southern province of Italy, in order to establish the longevity of the ancestors. Detailed studies have been performed in the registry offices and the historic archives. The research method started from the identification of the centenarians on the basis of the documentation of the relevant birth document, it was continued by identifying the documents of birth, marriages and death of the parents of the centenarians. This way we proceeded systematically backwards in time. In addition, we verified the medium life span of the Italian population in the given periods of time, when the centenarians and their ascending lines had lived. These results offer clear historic-statistical evidences for the genetic basis of longevity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using a pilot scale continuous system with activated sludge, the effect of the variability of non-pretreated synthetic textile wastewater containing reactive dyes on the pollution bio-removal and on the characteristics of activated sludge (sludge volume index, floc size and shape, filamentous bacteria abundance) has been monitored. Off-line batch respirometry tests have been used in parallel to assess the toxic effects of some of the reactive dyes. Experiments were run by increasing the concentration of a single dye (Run 1) and by feeding with a non-repetitive (Run 2) or a repetitive (Run 3) sequence of dyes. In all runs dyes were added to a synthetic wastewater of constant composition. Although the biomass was significantly upset by some of the dyes, it was able to cope up with the variations of their chemistry and remained active throughout the experiments and could contribute to COD removal. The dyes were partially adsorbed but not degraded by the micro-organisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The new diagnostic criteria of the diabetes do not consider the age of the subjects. It has been demonstrated that the fasting glucose values as well as the glycemia levels after oral glucose load increase with age. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether the new diagnostic criteria are valid for the elderly subjects also. In spite of the findings that among the subjects with fasting glycemia of 126–140mg/ml subsequent controls after long times often revealed the presence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and numerous cases with IFG displayed values <110mg/dl after longer times, the present authors accept the new diagnostic criteria even for the elderly subjects. However, they emphasize the importance of distinguishing diabetes in the elderly in subclasses, such as clinically manifest diabetes, mild diabetes and diabetic glucose tolerance (DGT) type, in order to establish the early diagnosis of diabetes, and therefore, to prevent the chronic vascular complications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The term “successful aging” appeared in the first issue of “The Gerontologist” in 1961. During the successive years, this expression has changed its meaning. Nowadays, successful aging means “absence of diseases and disabilities, maintenance of high levels of physical and cognitive abilities, preservation of the social and productive activities”. It has become a common opinion that the centenarians may represent the prototypes of the successful aging. This motivated our work to study the clinical, psychical, and functional aspects in a centenarian group, verifying the real autonomy, instrumental capacities, and working abilities. Our study pool consisted of 602 centenarians, who were also subjects of then epidemiological studies of the Italian Multicenter Studies on Centenarians (IMUSCE). All subjects underwent a clinical-anamnestic evaluation, cognitive-functional tests by means of the mini mental state examination (MMSE), the independence index in activities of daily living (ADL), the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. The centenarians were classified in three groups, according to the criteria elaborated previously by us, based on their psychophysical status and autonomy, as follows. Group A: centenarians in good health status; Group B: centenarians in an intermediate health status. Group C: centenarians in bad health status. Group A represented 20.0% of the total pool, Group B amounted to 33.4%, and the Group C was 46.6%. The centenarians of Group A presented normal ADL values, and 47.9% of them were autosufficient in all functions; 5.7% of them were independent in all IADL items. These data confirm that the centenarians of Group A are free of invalidating chronic diseases, are autonomous, maintain good physical and cognitive capacities, however, have not maintained any social or productive activities. Therefore, they cannot be considered as prototypes of successful aging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aimed at establishing the prevalence, the type, the severity of various diseases, as well as the main causes of death in the elderly and ultralongevous subjects. The autopsy findings of 140 centenarians (21 males and 119 females) of the age range of 100–109 years were compared to those of 96 elderly subjects (14 males and 82 females) of the age range of 75–95 years. In all cases the clinical diagnosis, the clinical record, the macro- and microscopic findings and the autopsy protocols were evaluated. A lower prevalence (16.3% vs. 39.0%), as well as a slower and less aggressive evolution of neoplastic pathologies (frequency of metastases: 26.0% vs. 55.0%) in the centenarians, as compared to the general aging population, have been found. The chronic-degenerative pathologies, especially the cerebro-degenerative ones were observed more frequently and were of major gravity in the centenarians, compared to the elderly population. The cerebrovascular damage and the consequent cognitive deficit do not influence the survival of the longevous subjects. Intercurrent events or external accidents may interrupt the weak equilibrium of these “frail” subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract This paper presents a new numerical approach to model the heat transmission over long pipes, such as those encountered in district heating networks. The model is suitable for fast and accurate simulation of complex network dynamics. For fast calculation, the model is based on the method of characteristics. For high accuracy, the model splits the water thermal capacity between the turbulent core and the boundary layer. Compared with the finite-volume method and the node method, the proposed model shows accurate results at a lower computational expense and without introducing artificial smoothing of temperature waves. The model is validated by monitoring data of pronounced temperature transients in real pipes at low and high Reynolds numbers. The results confirm the need to properly model the thermal capacity of water, because at a low Reynolds number, the boundary-layer thickness is considerable, and the temperature difference between the water core and the pipe wall is not negligible. Highlights • Heat-transmission model based on the method of characteristics. • Inclusion of the thermal capacity effect related to the turbulent boundary layer. • Calculation 103 times faster than the finite-volume method at the same level of accuracy. • Very good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new thermo-hydraulic model for district heating systems simulations, which aims at being a fast and accurate tool to simulate highly renewable networks characterized by fluctuating energy profiles. The main novel aspect of the tool lies in the heat transmission modelling over long pipes based on a Lagrangian numerical approach. In comparison to other existing models, this approach significantly reduces computational time and it increases results' accuracy. The elaborated method avoids numerical diffusion in the results and consequently allows proper prediction of temperature propagation, especially in case of fast changes of fluctuating profiles. The tool is built following a modular procedural programming approach in order to facilitate the simulation of multicomponent system. Thanks to its modular structure, every components of the system is built with the same structure that is differently declined according to each component's requirements. In this way, new additional elements' models easily fit the existing ones. The model is validated under real operating conditions with hourly monitoring data of an Italian district heating network. The results show good correspondence also in the most peripheral nodes of the network, where the largest deviations are normally encountered, thus making the model a reliable and fast simulation tool for district heating network design and operational control. • A model for fast and realistic simulation of district heating network is presented. • The heat-transmission pipe is modelled with the method of characteristics with a Lagrangian approach. • An entire big scale district heating model is validated with yearly monitoring data, proving the model usability. • Simulation results agree with temperatures at distant user's substations and peak demand at generation plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]