Search

The Wide Field X-ray Telescope (WFXT) is a medium class mission proposed to address key questions about cosmic origins and physics of the cosmos through an unprecedented survey of the sky in the soft X-ray band (0.2-6 keV) [1], [2]. In order to get the desired angular resolution of 10 arcsec (5 arcsec goal) on the entire 1 degrees Field Of View (FOV), the design of the optical system is based on nested grazing-incidence polynomial profiles mirrors, and assumes a focal plane curvature and plate scale corrections among the shells. This design guarantees an increased angular resolution also at large off-axis positions with respect to the usually adopted Wolter I configuration. In order to meet the requirements in terms of mass and effective area (less than 1200 kg, 6000 cm 2 c 1 keV), the nested shells are thin and made of quartz glass. The telescope assembly is composed by three identical modules of 78 nested shells each, with diameter up to 1.1 m, length in the range of 200-440 mm and thickness of less than 2.2 mm. At this regard, a deterministic direct polishing method is under investigation to manufacture the WFXT thin grazing-incidence mirrors made of quartz. The direct polishing method has already been used for past missions (as Einstein, Rosat, Chandra) but based on much thicker shells (10 mm ore more). The technological challenge for WFXT is to apply the same approach but for 510 times thinner shells. The proposed approach is based on two main steps: first, quartz glass tubes available on the market are ground to conical profiles; second the pre-shaped shells are polished to the required polynomial profiles using a CNC polishing machine. In this paper, preliminary results on the direct grinding and polishing of prototypes shells made by quartz glass with low thickness, representative of the WFXT optical design, are presented.

The implementation of an X-ray mission with high imaging capabilities, similar to those achieved with Chandra (< 1 arc second Half Energy Width, HEW), but with a much larger throughput (2.5 m2 effective area @1 keV), represents a compelling request by the scientific community. To this end the Lynx/XRS mission is being studied in USA, with the participation of international partners. In order to figure out the challenging technological task of the mirror fabrication, different approaches are considered, based on monolithic and segmented shells. Starting from the experience done on the glass prototypal shell realized in the past years, the direct polishing of thin (2 mm thick) fused silica monolithic shells is being investigated as a possible solution. A temporary stiffening structure is designed to support the shell during the figuring and polishing operations and to manage the handling up to its integration in the telescope structure. After the grinding and the polishing phases, in order to achieve the required surface accuracy, a final ion beam figuring correction is foreseen. In this paper, we present the technological process and the results achieved so far on a prototypal shell under development.

Background: In advanced not selected NSCLC chemotherapy achieved an advantage of approximately 1–2 months on median survival versus best supportive care. Chemotherapy seems to improve symptoms control, even if randomised studies with quality of life as first endpoint are lacking and often chemotherapy toxicity compromises the frail cost/benefit ratio. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact on QoL, substituting cisplatin, a pivot drug in NSCLC therapy, with carboplatin, an analogue with an improved toxicity profile. The combination of cisplatin with Mitomycin and Vinblastine was one of the most frequently used in the palliative setting at the time of design of our study. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive MVP regimen (Mitomycin-C 8 mg/m 2 d1, Vinblastine 4 mg/m 2 d 1–8, Cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 d1) or MVC regimen (Mitomycin-C 8 mg/m 2 d1, Vinblastine 4 mg/m 2 d 1–8, Carboplatin 300 mg/m 2 d1) every 3 weeks. The QoL was evaluated by the Spitzer QL-Index and by the EORTC QLQ-C30+LC 13 questionnaires before chemotherapy, after one cycle, after three cycles, and then every 6 weeks in the first 6 months and every 3 months thenafter. Results: From September 1994 to July 1997, 153 consecutive patients were randomized to MVP (75 patients) or MVC arm (78 patients). Despite difficulties in carrying out and analysing QoL items in such patients, the global QoL evaluated by the Spitzer's questionnaire suggested an advantage for MVC regimen ( P =0.05) and a significant difference was observed in global health subdomain ( P =0.04). The disease-related symptoms improved with time, and the benefits lasted for the entire treatment period. When evaluated with the EORTC questionnaire there was significantly less nausea and vomiting ( P =0.0001), appetite loss ( P =0.01), insomnia ( P =0.03), constipation ( P =0.01) and peripheral neuropathy ( P =0.01) in favour of MVC, and a trend for less hair loss ( P =0.05). The advantage lasted for all the duration of chemotherapy. No differences were observed in global quality of life subdomain ( P =0.40) between the two regimen. QoL was the first endpoint and the statistical power was inadequate to assess other parameters. However, we reported a response rate of 43.1 and 38.6%, respectively, in MVP and MVC arm ( P =0.59) and a median survival of 10.2 and 7.2 months, respectively, for cisplatin and carboplatin arm ( P =0.39). Conclusions: The carboplatin containing regimen (MVC) has a significant better toxicity profile than the cisplatin containing (MVP) regimen as proven both by the EORTC questionnaires and by the WHO toxicity data reported by physicians. No significant differences in terms of response rate, time to progression and overall survival were observed between the two regimen. The two chemotherapy regimen showed a similar effectiveness in symptom palliation when evaluated with C30 addendum of EORTC QOL questionnaire. With the Spitzer's questionnaires a trend towards an improved quality of life index was observed during treatment with the carboplatin combination in comparison to the cisplatin combination. This difference, however, was not observed when the global quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC patients compiled questionnaires. A carboplatin containing regimen with better toxicity profile and a similar potentiality for symptoms control offers an option in comparison to similar cisplatin containing combinations in the palliative treatment of advanced NSCLC.

Background and Study Aims: Lactase non-persistence (LNP), or primary hypolactasia, is a genetic condition that mediates lactose malabsorption and can cause lactose intolerance. Here we report the prevalence of lactose intolerance in a double-blind placebo study. Methods: The LCT C>T-13910 variant was genotyped by RT-PCR in 121 volunteers and lactose malabsorption was assessed using the hydrogen breath test (HBT) after consuming 25 g of lactose. Lactose intolerance was assessed by scoring symptoms (SS) using a standardized questionnaire following challenge with a lactose solution or saccharose placebo. Results: The LNP genotype was observed in 57% of the volunteers, among whom 87% were HBT(+). In the HBT(+) group the median SS was 9 and in the HBT(-) group the median SS was 3 (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in the SS when both groups were challenged with the placebo. The most common symptoms included audible bowel sounds, abdominal pain and meteorism. In the ROC curve analysis, an SS ≥6 demonstrated 72% sensitivity and 81% specificity for predicting a positive HBT. To estimate prevalence, lactose intolerance was defined as the presence of an SS ≥6 points after subtracting the placebo effect and 34% of the study population met this definition. Conclusions: The LNP genotype was present in more than half of subjects evaluated and the observed prevalence of lactose intolerance was 34%.

One of the most difficult requests to be accomplished from the technological point of view for next generation x-ray telescopes is to combine high angular resolution and effective area. A significant increase of effective area can be reached with high precision but at the same time thin (2-3 mm thickness for mirror diameters of 30-110 cm) glass mirror shells. In the last few years the Brera Observatory has lead a development program for realizing this kind of monolithic thin glass shell. The fused silica has been chosen as shell substrate due to its thermal and mechanical properties. To bring the mirror shells to the needed accuracy, we have adopted a deterministic direct polishing method (already used for past missions as Einstein, Rosat, Chandra) to ten time thinner shells. The technological challenge has been solved using a temporary stiffening structure that allows the handling and the machining of so thin glass shells. The results obtained with a prototype shell at an intermediate stage of its development (17’’ HEW measured in full illumination mode with x-ray) indicate that the working concept is feasible and can be further exploited using the very large Ion Beam Facility available in our labs for the final high accuracy figuring of the thin shells. In this paper we present the required tolerances for the shell realization, the shells production chain flow and the ion beam facility up grading. Forecast on figuring time and expected performances of the figuring will also be given on the basis on the metrological data collected during past shell development.

A detailed analysis of the behaviour of a Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) in a HVDC system, in case of both DC and AC faults, is provided. Results related to a two-terminal HVDC system are presented.

A theoretical analysis of the Modular Multilevel Converter is presented. The interaction between arm currents and modulating signals causes capacitors voltage oscillation at both fundamental frequency and twice the fundamental frequency. Capacitors voltage oscillation is the cause of undesired DC and second order harmonic voltage in the converter arms, besides an additional voltage at the fundamental frequency. All these components are compensated modifying the ideal modulating signals by means of additional DC, first and second order harmonic signals.

This paper presents a novel approach for monitoring the current produced by arrays (strings) of photovoltaic modules. The approach is based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) devices for data transmission. The solution lets the creation of a self-configuring wireless network of low-power and low-cost devices, in order to dramatically reduce the installation cost and time. No wires are required for data transmission, as well for supplying power to the devices. The wireless acquisition device is the foundation of a complete architectural solution for monitoring photovoltaic power plants, and has been the business idea for the creation of a start-up company.

A new generalized fault tolerant space vector modulator for cascaded multilevel converters is presented. Exploiting the redundancy properties inherent in multilevel modulation schemes, a generalized space vector modulation algorithm is devised, also aimed to the extension of the normal, full rated operation, to a limited rate, fault tolerant mode. Based on the exploitation of switching vectors redundancy properties and discontinuous modulation technique, solutions have been devised for the equalization of semiconductor components switching frequency, in either no-fault and fault operating conditions, in order to reach an equal distribution of converter dissipated power. The new fault tolerant space vector modulation technique is validated through a case study.

87 patients with high risk of recurrence FIGO stage I and II ovarian carcinoma were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin 50 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 on day 1 every 28 days for 6 courses. Toxicity and efficacy of the regimen was evaluated after a median follow-up of 45 months. Treatment-related toxicity was mild and reversible, consisting chiefly of acute WHO grade 2 myelosuppression (10% of patients) and controllable grade 3 emesis (55%). No late toxicity was observed. Actuarial 7-year survival and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 76% and 61%, respectively; a statistically significant difference in outcome was observed for undifferentiated grade tumour (G1 vs. G2 vs. G3: P less than 0.01) but not for FIGO stage disease (stage I vs. stage II). In our opinion, short-term chemotherapy including the most active single agent, i.e. cisplatin, appears a tolerable and effective treatment which deserves further evaluation in large randomised trials.

The SCALAR Project consortium is a balanced mix of university research groups, large multinational European companies (Ericsson Telecom AB (S), Bang & Olufsen (DK)) and SME (EID (P), INESC (P)). Three university research groups which participate in the consortium have been long involved in research on image coding problems in complementary areas (University of Linkoping (S), University of Surrey (UK)) and research on image processing, multimedia systems and architectures, real-time systems in particular (University of Genoa (I)). Umea University (S) is the main educational institute in North of Sweden. The SCALAR project started at the end of 1995 and the field test will end in the first half of 1999.

A new kind of neural approach to image compression based on a self-adaptive size masking procedure is presented. The neural network (NN) generalization capability has been proved to be a key-element for their application to image compression. In order to improve this feature, an adaptive approach based on pattern classification by activity measure for training and validation is studied. Because of different regions being characterized by different activity, a variable block-size technique has been adopted, in order to improve quality and compression. Different neural networks with different input masks and hidden number are trained on different activity patterns and used on different activity regions. The results have proved this approach to be able to remarkably improve the compression ratio and the global generalization capability of networks. Several tests on learned and unlearned pictures and comparisons with fixed size NNs and DCT-based (JPEG) approaches are reported. >

Purpose: The usual therapeutic approach to acute breast abscesses (ABAs) not responsive to systemic antibiotics is surgical incision and drainage. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of treating ABAs with serial US-guided percutaneous aspiration and local injection of antibiotics. Material and Methods: Twenty-six patients with 28 ABAs, in whom systemic antibiotic therapy had failed, underwent serial US-guided aspiration with local injection a of large-spectrum antibiotic. The treatment was repeated weekly until complete resolution was observed at clinical and US examination. The volume of the ABAs was calculated before each US-guided aspiration. Follow-up US examinations were performed at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after clinical and US resolution. A comparison betweeen costs of surgical and US-guided treatment of ABAs in our institution was done. Results: In 27 ABAs the treatment was successful: a progressive volume reduction and a complete resolution at clinical and US examination was observed within 1 to 7 weeks. In 1 case only, with a large ABA markedly increased in volume at the second examination, surgical drainage was performed. Conclusion: US-guided aspiration with local antibiotic injection is a safe and effective approach to ABAs, cheaper than surgical drainage of these lesions.

A total of 38 suspected primary (26) or recurrent (12) breast tumors underwent enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast after positive (19) or uncertain (19) mammography. Spin echo T1-weighted images before and after intravenous administration of 0.15 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA, the latter ones at 1, 3, and 5 min, were obtained to characterize the mammographic findings. When contrast enhancement was absent, the same images were also obtained at 10 min. Evident and early focal enhancement was considered as an MRI sign of malignancy. All the lesions were submitted to histological examination (seven by core-biopsy only). Mammography results were 23 true positives and 15 false positives. MRI results were 22 true positives, 13 true negatives, 2 false positives, and 1 false negative. Twelve uncertain-mammography cases became true negatives at MRI; 1 uncertain-mammography case was the only MRI false negative; 1 positive-mammography cases became true negative at MRI. Resting on this limited series of patients, MRI is confirmed as a useful imaging technique after uncertain mammography.

By combining the excellent intrinsic thermo-mechanical properties of the SiC (Silicon Carbide) with a structural design based on a sandwich structure composed of two SiC face sheets CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) deposited on a foam core of the same material, it is possible to manufacture very light and stiff primary mirrors for telescopes to be operated in space. The paper presents an analysis of the mechanical properties of this structure and it points out the important saving in weight wich is possible with respect to other approaches used to manufacture light weight mirrors.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to compare high-versus low-dose cisplatin in combination with cyclophosphamide and epidoxorubicin as primary chemotherapy for suboptimal stage III and IV ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred forty-five patients were randomized to receive six courses of cisplatin 50 or 100 mg/m2 plus epidoxorubicin 60 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2. The two treatment arms were well balanced; all patients had greater than 2 cm and 37.2% had greater than 5 cm of residual disease; 29.6% had stage IV disease. RESULTS Patients in the high-dose arm received a double dose-intensity and double total dose of cisplatin. The high-dose regimen induced significantly more episodes of leukopenia (47.8% v 32.8%, P = .05), thrombocytopenia (21.7% v 3.2%, P = .003), anemia (37.6% v 12.5%, P = .002), nephrotoxicity (six v one patient), and neurotoxicity (30.4% v 6.3%, P = .002). There were no significant differences in efficacy in terms of clinical response rate (high-dose 57.5% v low-dose 61.1%), pathologic complete response (CR) (9.6% v 18.1%), median survival times (29 v 24 months), and median progression-free survival (18 v 13 months). CONCLUSION This study shows that doubling the dose-intensity and total dose of cisplatin in combination with epidoxorubicin and cyclophosphamide has significant toxic effects and does not improve clinical outcome in patients with suboptimal ovarian cancer.

WORKBENCH, as suggested by the name, is a personal computer (PC)-based electronic laboratory. Most implementations of Computer Assisted Learning in electronics and computer science limit themselves to interactive presentation of training material or to software simulations of circuits and systems. WORKBENCH leads the trainee one step further, by allowing, in addition to the above mentioned functions, practical, laboratory-style experimentation on circuits and systems assembled by the student under software guidance. workbench's hardware structure provides the physical tools for data acquisition, I/O and measuring. The hardware is controlled by low-level software primitives that relieve the user from detailed programming of the measurements. Finally, the courseware achieves the integration of hardware, software and teaching resources. The learning material is presented to the trainee in a hypertext structure and the control of the instrumentation interface is transparent to the user. The result is a powerful and flexible teaching tool that lends itself very well to school, industrial training and self-teaching environments. Given its professional characteristics, it can also be used as a test or research tool.

The F.T.U. Tokamak, in order to produce the required performance, must be operated steadily at very high levels of the poloidal magnetic field and for a large number of shots (>10 4 ).

In the article by Conte et al, "A Randomized Trial Comparing Cisplatin Plus Cyclophosphamide Versus Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide in Advanced Ovarian Cancer" (Journal of Clinical Oncology 4:965–971, 1986), an error was made in the abstract on page 965 that altered the meaning of a sentence. The correct sentence appears below. After primary surgery, 125 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] 1c + IIb + IIc = 22 patients, FIGO III = 82 patients, FIGO IV = 21 patients) were randomly allocated to receive PC (cisplatin 50 mg/m2 + cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 on day 1 every 28 days) or PAC (PC + doxorubicin 45 mg/m2).

The past decade has seen extraordinary increase in worldwide availability of and access to several large multiple sclerosis (MS) databases and registries. MS registries represent powerful tools to provide meaningful information on the burden, natural history, and long-term safety and effectiveness of treatments. Moreover, patients, physicians, industry, and policy makers have an active interest in real-world observational studies based on register data, as they have the potential to answer the questions that are most relevant to daily treatment decision-making. In 2014, the Italian MS Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian MS clinical centers, promoted and funded the creation of the Italian MS Register, a project in continuity with the existing Italian MS Database Network set up from 2001. Main objective of the Italian MS Register is to create an organized multicenter structure to collect data of all MS patients for better defining the disease epidemiology, improving quality of care, and promoting research projects in high-priority areas. The aim of this article is to present the current framework and network of the Italian MS register, including the methodology used to improve the quality of data collection and to facilitate the exchange of data and the collaboration among national and international groups. The past decade has seen extraordinary increase in worldwide availability of and access to several large multiple sclerosis (MS) databases and registries. MS registries represent powerful tools to provide meaningful information on the burden, natural history, and long-term safety and effectiveness of treatments. Moreover, patients, physicians, industry, and policy makers have an active interest in real-world observational studies based on register data, as they have the potential to answer the questions that are most relevant to daily treatment decision-making. In 2014, the Italian MS Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian MS clinical centers, promoted and funded the creation of the Italian MS Register, a project in continuity with the existing Italian MS Database Network set up from 2001. Main objective of the Italian MS Register is to create an organized multicenter structure to collect data of all MS patients for better defining the disease epidemiology, improving quality of care, and promoting research projects in high-priority areas. The aim of this article is to present the current framework and network of the Italian MS register, including the methodology used to improve the quality of data collection and to facilitate the exchange of data and the collaboration among national and international groups.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a distinct clinical entity characterized by the presence of transient left ventricular wall dysfunction without significant culprit obstructive coronary artery disease. Invasive coronary angiography and ventriculography are the 'gold standard' for definitive diagnosis, with an integrated multi-modality imaging approach offering advantages in various clinical scenarios. Echocardiography is a widely available, first-line, non-invasive imaging technique appropriate both in emergency setting to confirm diagnosis, assess for various potential acute complications, and in serial follow-up to track myocardial recovery. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may be helpful to discriminate TTC from other acute cardiac syndromes with troponin elevation and ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiography, CMR, and nuclear imaging may also provide new insights into possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and myocardial (123)I-metaiodobenzyl-guanidine imaging may have a role for retrospective diagnosis in the subacute phase of late-presenting cases. The potential diagnostic role of coronary computed tomography angiography in the emergency room requires a further study.