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Se estudio la relacion entre las caracteristicas fisicas y quimicas de diferentes hibridos de gra- nos de sorgo y la degradabilidad in situ de la materia seca (MS), proteina bruta (PB) y almidon. Las caracteristicas fisicas (peso hectolitro, rela- cion de molienda, porcentaje de flotacion, densi- dad aparente) y quimicas (taninos, PB y kafirinas) fueron relacionadas con la degradabilidad ruminal de los granos de sorgo para identificarlas como posibles predictoras de la misma. Se detectaron diferencias entre los hibridos en la degradabilidad in situ de la MS, PB y almidon tras 16 horas de incubacion en el rumen. Las caracteristicas fisi- cas de los granos no se relacionaron con la degradabilidad in situ de los mismos. Sin embargo, los contenidos de taninos y de kafirinas de los granos estuvieron relacionados con la degrada- bilidad in situ de la MS, PB y almidon. La degradabilidad del grano de sorgo fue altamente dependiente del genotipo y el contenido de taninos fue el mejor predictor de la degradabilidad de la MS

Se realizo un ensayo in vivo para estudiar el efecto del polietilenglicol 4000 (PEG-4000) o la urea sobre la digestibilidad aparente y las carac- teristicas de la fermentacion ruminal de bovinos alimentados con grano humedo de sorgo con alto contenido de taninos. Los tratamientos quedaron generados de la siguiente manera: sorgo no tra- tado o testigo (T), sorgo tratado con 1 g PEG/g PB del grano (P) y sorgo tratado con 2% urea en base a la materia seca (U). Se utilizaron tres novillos (312 ± 38 kg PV) fistulados de rumen en un diseno cuadrado latino con 3 animales y 3 periodos experimentales donde consumieron una dieta con 70% de grano de sorgo de acuerdo a los tratamien- tos. Se estimo la digestibilidad aparente in vivo de la dieta y se caracterizo el ambiente ruminal y metabolico de los animales. Los tratamientos P y U generaron respuestas positivas, aumentando (p

Background and aim:Endocarditis after Bentall procedure is a rare but severe complication. Infection usually involves the prosthesis, the annulus, and can lead to pseudoaneurysm or mediastinitis. Surgery in these patients is a challenge but conservative therapy, sometime preferred because of prohibi

First pass absorption of the Lower Hybrid waves in thermonuclear devices like ITER and DEMO is modeled by coupling the ray tracing equations with the quasi-linear evolution of the electron distribution function in 2D velocity space. As usually assumed, the Lower Hybrid Current Drive is not effective in a plasma of a tokamak fusion reactor, owing to the accessibility condition which, depending on the density, restricts the parallel wavenumber to values greater than n∥crit and, at the same time, to the high electron temperature that would enhance the wave absorption and then restricts the RF power deposition to the very periphery of the plasma column (near the separatrix). In this work, by extensively using the "raystar" code, a parametric study of the propagation and absorption of the LH wave as function of the coupled wave spectrum (as its width, and peak value), has been performed very accurately. Such a careful investigation aims at controlling the power deposition layer possibly in the external half radius of the plasma, thus providing a valuable aid to the solution of how to control the plasma current profile in a toroidal magnetic configuration, and how to help the suppression of MHD mode that can develop in the outer part of the plasma. This analysis is useful not only for exploring the possibility of profile control of a pulsed operation reactor as well as the tearing mode stabilization, but also in order to reconsider the feasibility of steady state regime for DEMO. © 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

OBJECTIVE:Aim of our study was to obtain information on prevalence and awareness of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors in individuals participating in the 2014 "World Hypertension Day" in Italy. DESIGN AND METHOD:During the 2014 "World Hypertension Day", health care providers from 50 hypertension centers affiliated to the Italian Society of Hypertension, spread all over the country, anonymously interviewed individuals spontaneously participating in this campaign. Information on demography, cardiovascular risk factors prevalence, awareness of hypertension and of its consequences was obtained. The average of two conventional blood pressure (BP) measurements, taken in seated position after a few min rest by a validated oscillometric device (Microlife BP A150), was recorded. RESULTS:Data were collected from 6356 individuals (53.2% females, 46.8% males) aged 57.8 years. (18-105 years).43.6% of subjects were aware of being hypertensive, 89.9% being treated. In this cohort active and former smokers were respectively 19.2% and 22%; 28.6% reported hypercholesterolemia and 8.3% diabetes. Mean systolic BP > 139mmHg was found in 34.8% and mean diastolic BP > 89mmHg in 18.3% of the entire cohort and in 47.7% and 23.5% of aware hypertensive individuals, respectively. In 14.5% of participating subjects and in 19.6% of aware hypertensives both systolic/diastolic BP were found above 139/89mmHg respectively. On average, BP was higher in aware hypertensive individuals, in spite of being treated, than in the overall cohort (139.6/81.7 ± 19.7/14.5 vs 133.1/79.7 ± 20.3/15 mmHg, respectively, p

Eating dyscontrol constitutes a potential negative predictor for the outcome of treatment strategies for obese patients. The aim of this study was to examine the qualitative characteristics of eating dyscontrol in obese patients who engage in binge eating (BE) compared with those who do not (NBE), and to analyse the relationship between eating dyscontrol and axis-I, axis-II, spectrum psychopathology using instruments that explore mood, panic-agoraphobic, social-phobic, obsessive-compulsive and eating disorders spectrum psychopathology (SCI-MOODS-SR, SCI-PAS-SR, SCI-SHY-SR, SCI-OBS-SR, SCI-ABS-SR). This was a cross-sectional study involving a clinical sample of adult obese patients with severe obesity (average body mass index = 45 ± 8 kg m(-2) ) and candidate to bariatric surgery who were recruited between November 2001 and November 2010 at the Obesity Center of the Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa. All participants completed a face-to-face interview, including a diagnostic assessment of axes-I and II mental disorders (using the Structured Clinical Interview for Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition [SCID]-I and SCID-II) and filled out self-report spectrum instruments. Among obese patients not affected by BE, eating dyscontrol was highly represented. Indeed, 39.7% (N = 177) of subjects endorsed six or more items of the Anorexia-Bulimia Spectrum Self-Report, lifetime version domain exploring this behaviour. The cumulative probability of having axis-I, axis-II and a spectrum condition disorder increased significantly with the number of eating dyscontrol items endorsed. In both BE and NBE obese subjects, eating dyscontrol may represent an independent dimension strongly related to the spectrum psychopathology and axes I/II disorders. A systematic screening for eating dyscontrol symptoms by means of self-report spectrum instruments may be valuable to assign specific treatment strategies.

The problem of producing fusion power with low neutron emission has been debated in the past in the framework of the magnetic confinement fusion research. Proposals are still being renewed to use advanced fuels in various plasma systems. Since today's toroidal devices cannot support plasma conditions suitable for a large fusion production with such fuels, new concepts and configurations have been studied, where the plasma components are not in a thermal equilibrium. Here, a system of a neutral beam injected into a confined plasma is considered where fusion is produced only between the beam and plasma ions. The collisional slowing down of the beam into the plasma is described by a fluid model. General considerations in this model allow conditions to be found for the fusion-produced power to breakeven against the power needed to sustain the system itself. These conditions are only necessary since the nuclear power is maximized in the present analysis by using favourable assumptions. Nevertheless, the results for different advanced fuels indicate again the very high difficulty of getting a net power produced by the fusion of such fuels, unless the plasma target temperature reaches very high and unrealistic values.

A group of 56 employees exposed to postural risk due to sedentary activity in offices and aged 40 to 60 years underwent a training of ergomotricity. The schedule was based on six simple exercises to be self-managed during the work time. The efficacy was verified by questionnaire before and after 3 months and musculo-skeletal complaints resulted to be improved for 21 out of 56 workers, depending from diligence. The training was realized by an occupational doctor and a physiotherapist; the compliance of this method was good by the trainees, but a recalling intervention was planned to reach better results in the whole group.

High-frequency wave systems with high-power density launching capability have been the preferred choice to heat the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) because of physics arguments (electron heating at ...

We read with interest the comments by Dr. Spadaccio and colleagues regarding the results of the OBSERVANT (Italian Observational Multicenter Registry) study, and we thank them for giving us the opportunity to clarify some of the issues raised in their letter. First, we would like to emphasize that

This paper is an Italian Expert Consensus Document on multidimensional treatment of obesity and eating disorders. The Document is based on a wide survey of expert opinion. It presents, in particular, considerations regarding how clinicians go about choosing the most appropriate site of treatment for a given patient suffering from obesity and/or eating disorders: outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential rehabilitation centre, inpatient hospitalization. In a majority of instances obesity and eating disorders are long-term diseases and require a multiprofessional team-approach. In determining an initial level of care or a change to a different level of care, it is essential to consider together the overall physical condition, medical complications, disabilities, psychiatric comorbidity, psychology, behaviour, family, social resources, environment, and available services. We first created a review manuscript, a skeleton algorithm and two rating scales, based on the published guidelines and the existing research literature. As the second point we highlighted a number of clinical questions that had to be addressed in the specific context of our National Health Service and available specialized care units. Then we submitted eleven progressive revisions of the Document to the experts up to the final synthesis that was approved by the group. Of course, from point to point, some of the individual experts would differ with the consensus view. The document can be viewed as an expert consultation and the clinical judgement must always be tailored to the particular needs of each clinical situation. We will continue to revise the Document periodically based on new research information and on reassessment of expert opinion to keep it up-to-date. The Document was not financially sponsored.

A low/negative magnetic shear profile is maintained in the Joint European Torus in a plasma target with plasma current of 2.4 MA using 2.2 MW of lower hybrid (LH) power combined with neutral beam injection and ion cyclotron radiofrequency heating. In this scenario, an internal transport barrier (ITB) with time duration up to about 4 s is produced. The fraction of LH driven current is about 25% the total plasma current. During LH power application, the layer with reversed shear q-profile can be maintained in a suitable radial position to inhibit the onset of turbulence, which might otherwise drive the ITB to collapse. LH power could be used as a tool to drive moderate amounts of noninductive off-axis current and sustain high performance ITBs at high plasma current.

Although humans interact with the biophysical environment almost everywhere, this relationship is stronger in coastal areas that represent, since the beginning of human history, the most suitable place where to settle. The fragile equilibrium characterizing these areas can be easily damaged by the synergic contribution of natural events (storm events, floods, coastal regression) and anthropogenic stressors (tourism, urban sprawl, agriculture intensification) leading in some cases to the occurrence of land degradation phenomena. In this work, inserted within PRO-LAND project (PO-FESR Basilicata 2007-2013), we studied at plot scale a complex phenomenon of degradation (salinization) occurred in a coastal area of the Basilicata region (Southern Italy) that can be considered an interesting hotspot for analyzing the effects of multifaceted interactions between natural and human factors. The study area is located in the southernmost part of the Bradanic Trough along the sandy coastal plain of the Ionian coast, placed between the southern Apennines and the Apulian foreland. The main vulnerability of the examined natural system is linked to hydrogeological conditions that affect shallowness of the aquifer reaching the depth of 45-50 m below the ground level thus allowing the occurrence of seawater intrusion in areas close to the coastline. Moreover, throughout the 20th century, land reclamation works, the built-up of several dams and irrigation schemes, and the presence of farm and industrial activities, some of which not suitably planned and managed, have deeply altered the quality of soil and groundwater in the Ionian coast. The approach adopted in this work is inserted in a multidisciplinary framework combining in situ measurements (geomineralogical and geophysical) and remote sensed data (CASI sensor - Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager). Geomineralogical parameters (granulometry, pH, temperature, clay fraction) were determined on several soil samples. Geophysical data were obtained using the GEM-300, an electro-magnetic induction (EMI) sensor providing Apparent Electric Conductivity measurements at various frequencies. The geophysical surveys were conducted along transects on three different zones inside the study area where the spatial structure of data was inspected. Airborne images were acquired on the study area by the hyperspectral CASI-1500 imager (76 bands with 1.5m of spatial resolution) to derive indices sensitive to soil degradation. We analyzed the collected data to find relationships between them at the aim of getting insights about the proximate causes and the underlying driving forces of the occurred degradation phenomena in the perspective of suggesting the most appropriate best practices and restoration activities to be undertaken.

The Lower Hybrid Current Drive (LHCD) has been analysed in DEMO tokamak plasma in the «pulsed and steady state regime» considering two plasma scenarios characterized, respectively, by flat density profile and peaked density profiles. We have obtained LH deposition profiles in cases of neglecting the effect of spectral broadening produced by PI at the edge. By comparing the Power Deposition Profiles for both DEMO scenarios («flat» and «peaked»), the SOL of DEMO does not play any role in the absorption of the LH wave. In all cases the deposition is localized inside the separatrix layer r/a≤1. By lowering the parallel wave-number peak of the power spectrum from 1.8 to 1.5, the accessibility condition in both case prevents the power from reaching the deposition layer apart from a small fraction which pertains to the higher n∥ of the power spectrum. The spectrum centred at 1.8 is suggested to be useful in DEMO. More realistically, as supported by available data of LHCD in a wide range of operating densities, the effect of parametric decay instability (PDI) can produce a spectral broadening which should be included in the simulations. Further studies would be necessary for assessing the temperature profiles in the SOL at reactor-graded conditions. This is because, if the SOL temperature is at least of the order of 50 to 100 eV, the effect of PDI broads the spectrum up to n∥≤10, and the deposition profile is slightly wider but not much shifted outwards. © 2014 American Institute of Physics.

Three candidates of waveguide bends for the transmission lines of Lower Hybrid systems in large-size tokamaks are assessed in terms of RF performance and integration issues. The three options are respectively characterized by profiled curvature, corrugated waveguide and elliptical cross-section; the unsatisfactory behavior of a standard, smooth wall, circular bend is also shown for comparison. The design of ideal curves achieving no mode conversion at their output is rather attended in literature because it has always been a critical issue for long-distance high-power transmissions at microwave frequencies. Here the problem is addressed taking advantage of modern numerical advancements and, unlike usual, focusing on small curvature radii. Analysis outcomes indicate the bend based on corrugated waveguide as the most suitable option from the viewpoint of both RF performance and integration issues. Details about adopted method and results are discussed. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

High density plasmas (n0 ≈ 8 × 1020m-3) featuring steady improved core confinement have been obtained in FTU up to the maximum nominal toroidal field (8 T) by deep multiple pellet injection. These plasmas also feature high purity efficient electron-ion coupling and peaked density profiles sustained for several confinement times. Neutron yields in excess of 1 × 1013 n/s are measured, consistent with the reduction of the ion transport to neoclassical levels.

Electron temperatures in excess of 8 keV have been obtained by electron-cyclotron-resonance heating on FTU plasmas at peak densities up to $8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{19}\mathrm{m}{}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. The magnetic shear in the plasma core is low or negative, and the electron heat diffusivity remains at, or below, the Ohmic level $(0.2\mathrm{m}{}^{2}/\mathrm{s})$, in spite of the very large heating power density $(10--20\mathrm{MW}/\mathrm{m}{}^{3})$ which produces extremely high temperature gradients (up to 120 keV/m). The ion heat transport remains at the neoclassical level.

Chitin is a linear polysaccharide consisting of [−4) 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranose (1− and −4) 2-amino-2-deoxy β-D-glucopyranose (1-]n which occurs widely in nature and which after further de-N-acetylation yields chitosan. Chitin, chitosan and many of their derivatives have found applications in industry, medicine, pharmacology and food technology.1 Many recent studies have reported modifications of chitosan in attempts to bestow upon it a variety of properties.2−6

The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of gaps at the interface between filling material and three root-end filling materials. Thirty human upper molars disto-buccal roots were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha and eugenol-based sealer. The apicoectomy was performed 2 mm from the apex and retrograde cavities were prepared with ultrasonic points (3 mm in deep). The samples were divided into three experimental groups (n = 10): Group I-white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); Group II-Super EBA; and Group III-Portland cement. The root-end filling materials were inserted into the retocavities using a MTA carrier. After 48 h, the roots were transversally sectioned in order to obtain the apical 5 mm. Next, each specimen was prepared longitudinally with crescent granulation of abrasives water-wet sandpapers in order to expose the filling and root-end filling materials. Then, the specimens were subjected to slow dehydration with silica gel, mounted onto specific stubs and coated with paladium coverage for SEM analysis of the interface between filling and root-end filling materials. The percentage of gaps at the interfacial area was calculated by using Image Tool 3.0 software. Super EBA presented the higher percentage of gaps (1.5 ± 0.67%), whereas MTA presented the lowest values (0.33 ± 0.20%; p = 0.0004). Despite the statistical differences observed between Super EBA and MTA, all the root-end filling materials presented great adaptation to the filling material, presenting small amount of gaps.

Hepatitis C virus infection and diabetes mellitus are two worldwide, major public health problems with increasing complication and mortality rates. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is characterized by an autoimmune process leading to pancreatic beta cell destruction; only when the major part of pancreatic beta cells have been destroyed the diabetes become clinically manifest. At the basis of the development of the T1D there is an interplay among environmental factors, pancreatic beta cells, the innate and adaptive immune system, the genetic background and the comorbidities of the patient. Viral infections, including hepatitis C virus infection, may be one of the factors that can almost accelerate progression to diabetes, through different mechanisms.

Because of the long half-life (35 to 50 hours) of amlodipine, a calcium antagonist belonging to the dihydropyridine group, once-daily administration has been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of amlodipine and placebo on symptoms and exercise tolerance in patients with residual exertional angina after myocardial revascularisation. 16 patients (13 males, 3 females; mean age 61.9 ± 7.3 years) with chronic stable angina despite a previous myocardial revascularisation (more than 3 attacks per week after at least 3 months of pharmacological treatment) were enrolled. All patients had reproducible angina and >1mm horizontal or down-sloping ST-segment depression during two consecutive maximal exercise tests at the end of 2 weeks of a single-blind placebo period. A double-blind crossover study followed, in which 2 weeks on placebo were alternated with 2 weeks on amlodipine 10mg/day. An exercise cycloergometric test was performed 24 hours after the end of each treatment period. Concomitant antianginal treatment, with the exception of nitroglycerin, was not allowed. After administration of amlodipine, patients showed a significant increase in pressurerate product at ischaemic threshold (238 ± 27 vs 212 ± 29mm Hg • beats/min • 10−2; p

The role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in the release of arachidonic acid was examined in a mutated mast cell (RBL-2H3(m1)) line that expressed both native Fc epsilon R1 and the G protein-coupled muscarinic m1 receptor. Stimulation of these cells with Ag, carbachol, Ca(2+)-ionophore, or thapsigargin resulted in the phosphorylation of Raf1, MEK1, p42mapk MAP kinase, and the recently cloned cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and increased activities of both MAP kinase and PLA2, as well as release of arachidonic acid. Because this cascade of reactions was inhibited by guanosine 5'-(2-thiodiphosphate), it appeared to be dependent on a GTP-binding protein(s). These reactions, however, were not dependent on protein kinase C; the cascade was totally resistant to the actions of a selective protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro31-7549, whereas release of the secretory granule marker, hexosaminidase, was blocked by this agent. Differences between the stimulatory pathways for release of arachidonic acid and hexosaminidase were evident also from the effects of the kinase inhibitor, quercetin. The above cascade of reactions, including release of arachidonic acid, was inhibited by 50% with approximately 5 microM quercetin, whereas secretion was inhibited only at higher concentrations of inhibitor. Moreover, inhibition of the activation of MAP kinase and release of arachidonic acid were closely correlated. This and previous findings suggested that release of arachidonic acid was attributable to the regulation of cytosolic PLA2 by MAP kinase (for activation of PLA2) and Ca2+ (for association of PLA2 with the membrane), whereas release of hexosaminidase was regulated primarily by Ca2+ and protein kinase C.

Numerical studies on the use of a quasi-optical grill to couple lower hybrid waves to a plasma, for current drive in tokamaks, are currently under way. Study of the coupling has been carried out in a rigorous way, through the solution of scattering from cylinders with parallel axes in the presence of a plane of discontinuity for electromagnetic constants. Here we restrict our attention to the case of a plasma with a step density profile and report some results on launched spectra, coupled power and directivity.

Theoretical investigations on the use of an advanced launcher to couple lower hybrid waves to a plasma, for current drive in tokamaks, have been developed. A study of the coupling has been carried out in a rigorous way, through the solkution of the scattering by an array of cylinders with parallel axes in the presence of a plane of discontinuity for the electromagnetic constants. The general features of the proposed method are presented together with results on the launched spectra and coupled power. The numerical results of this work are relevant to the optimization of the single layer qusi-optical grill launching RF power towards a constant density plasma: it is shown that the power coupled in the plasma can reach values of about 25-30% in the - 1 diffracted order and about 40% in all other orders. As a consequence it is expected that the coupling values for a suitable double layer configuration should approach those for total transmission.

Tooth agenesis is characterised by the congenital absence of one or more teeth. The Pax9 gene has been associated with nonsyndromic forms.To investigate the molecular mechanisms, we evaluated specific haplotypes frequency in exon 3 of the Pax9 gene in 26 patients and 21 controls, using an Italian population.Presence of His239His and the Ala240Pro were confirmed in exon 3 of the Pax9 gene. A frequency of 20.2€ of the T allele at position 717 and a C frequency of 33€ of Ala240Pro polymorphism, that reached 40.5€ in the control group, were observed. The 39 C/C-240 C/C or G/Chaplotype which we defined Pax9hapl a had a proportion of 61.9€ in control individuals. The frequency of Pax9hapl a tested in the patients was different from controls, being 81.3€ in normalcy and 18.8€ in oligodontia (p0.05).Our observations suggest that Pax9hapl a may have a protective effect against sporadic oligodontia.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of different diameters and surface characteristics of a glass fiber post on the fracture resistance of teeth restored with fiber posts.Eighty single-rooted bovine teeth were prepared, embedded in a PVC cylinder using acrylic resin, and allocated into 8 groups (N.=10) according to post diameter and shape: (smooth double-tapered fiber post) G1, G2, G3, and G4 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively; (double-tapered fiber posts with coronal grooves) G5, G6, G7, and G8 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively. A self-adhesive cement was used for post cementation, and the core build-up was standardized and made with composite resin. Specimens were stored for 7 days and then submitted to the mechanical fatigue testing (load=50 N., angle= 45°, frequency=1 Hz, temperature=37 ± 1 °C, number of cycles=1000000); the specimens that survived were submitted to static resistance testing (1 mm/min, 45°). The fracture loads and fracture modes was recorded. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey test and Pearson Correlation analysis.The cervical diameter of the post (P0.0001) and surface characteristics (P=0.01013) significantly affected the fracture resistance (2-way ANOVA). Grooves reduced the fracture resistance when post diameter was 1.4 mm (G1 and G5). A moderate positive correlation was found between the fracture resistance and the fiber post diameter (r2=0.4445; P0.0001) (Pearson correlation test).It appears that there is a direct relation between the diameter of the fiber post and the fracture strength of roots restored with fiber posts. But other factors may have influenced the fracture strength such as the reduction of intracanal dentin by the preparation for placement of wider fiber posts, since no difference was found for smooth fiber posts with different diameter. Otherwise, grooves at coronal part of the fiber post can damage the fracture resistance.

The work focuses on the data Earth Observation (EO) integration with different spatial and temporal resolution according to the Group on EO Working Plan 2009-2011. In particular, the "Ecosystem observations will be better harmonized and shared, spatial and topical gaps will be filled, and in situ data will be better integrated with spacebased observations" (GEOSS Societal Benefit Areas) is the main challenge applied to the Strait of Messina. The area is a coastal site with a remarkable economic and environmental role addressable to the complex dynamic of the water body. The strait is located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea with strong current and vortex due to the morphology of the site. In this area, the upwelling is a hydrological phenomenon that strongly impacts the marine ecosystem. The upwelling systems are characterized by increased 'biological richness'. The principal indicator of upwelling is low sea surface temperature (SST). Since 1994, SST and phytoplankton were measured by continuous underway surface measurements onboard dedicated research boats. During 1999-2002, these in-situ measurements have been integrated with remote sensing image acquired by MIVIS airborne sensor. The integration meets the requirements to validate the empirical algorithm applied to remotely data in order to retrieve the phytoplankton and, the remote sensing provides a synoptic view of upwelling phenomenon by mapping the SST and the phytoplankton into the water body of the strait.

Purpose Altered endothelial response has been described in diabetics after cardiac surgery. Infections and inflammatory organ damage often complicate the postoperative course. We evaluated endothelial/cytokine response (ECR) after cardiac surgery and its role on infective/inflammatory complications of type II diabetic patients. Methods Perioperative ECR of 60 diabetic patients (Group A) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass was compared to that of 60 non-diabetics (Group B). Hemodynamics, endothelial markers [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)], pro-inflammatory (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were analyzed preoperatively (T0), at time of aortic declamping (T1), at ITU admission (T2), at 12 h (T3) and 24 h (T4) postoperatively. Postoperative infective/inflammatory complications were registered, and the related ECR was analyzed. Results Hemodynamics were comparable. No differences were found in perioperative IL-6 (p=0.776) and IL-8 (p=0.660) between the 2 groups. However, the diabetics showed significantly higher endothelial activation (VEGF p=0.0001, p=0.0001 since T1 to T3; MCP-1 p=0.0001, pConclusions The diabetics showed higher endothelial activation and lower antiinflammatory response to CPB compared to non-diabetics. Infections in diabetic patients correlated with depressed IL-2, while inflammatory complications correlated to higher endothelial activation and lower anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

From 1987 to 1991, a seroepidemiologic survey for antibodies to hantaviruses, leptospira, rickettsiae, and Borrelia was conducted in selected Italian population groups. In the mountainous areas of northeastern Italy, the prevalence of antibody to hantaviruses, as detected by indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) assay, was 7.1%, 4.8%, 4.3%, and 4% in 265 forestry workers, 82 rangers, 395 farmers, and 75 hunters, respectively. Among 299 Alpine soldiers, the prevalence was lower (0.7%). Of those with Hantaan antibody, the reactivity pattern using Hantaan, Puumala, and Fojnica viruses suggested a prevalence of antibody to Hantaan virus, with titers reaching levels of 128. The presence of leptospiral antibodies (by microagglutination test), which included the prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, L. bratislava, and L. saxkoening serotypes, was observed in 10-12% of the farmers and forestry workers in these Alpine mountain regions. Only a few sporadic clinical cases of leptospirosis have been reported from these regions. Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi (by IFA) were observed in 19% of the rangers and forestry workers, with lower values in farmers (10%) and hunters (8%). These data suggest the presence of a large number of asymptomatic infections with B. burgdorferi and the leptospires in the densely wooded areas of the Alpine Italian regions. Furthermore, the recent identification of a case of Hantaan acute nephropathy in a man living in the mountainous northeastern area of Italy confirms the presence of hantavirus in the Italian Alpine zones, especially those near the Slovenian border.

The fragile-X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation and it is associated with the FMR1 gene on X chromosome. The origin of anatomic anomalies of maxillo-facial complex is still discussed in literature. The authors describe the syndrome and report a clinical case.Genetical and clinical aspects and the incidence of caries, periodontal disease and occlusal abrasion are reviewed. Occlusal conditions, particularly openbite and crossbite, are considered.The incidence of fragile-X syndrome is 1: 2000 in males and 1:4000 in females, despite this the syndrome is diagnosed with a lot of difficulties yet, because of extreme variability of the phenomenological aspects. Patients often show severe mental retardation, linked to a peculiar profile of cognitive, behavioural, and emotional dysfunction and to distinctive anatomic features, which become more evident after puberty. Concerning oral characteristics, it doesn't seem to be a significant association between the syndrome and the incidence of caries or periodontal diseases, while an ogival shaped palate is peculiar.Literature review suggests that when male patients with severe mental retardation without well-known cause are visited, the ipothesis of X-fragile syndrome should be considered. Even though the diagnostic hypothesis may arise from the observation of typical somatic features, the diagnosis can be confirmed only by genetical tests.

Progress in thermonuclear fusion energy research based on deuterium plasmas magnetically confined in toroidal tokamak devices requires the development of efficient current drive methods. Previous experiments have shown that plasma current can be driven effectively by externally launched radio frequency power coupled to lower hybrid plasma waves. However, at the high plasma densities required for fusion power plants, the coupled radio frequency power does not penetrate into the plasma core, possibly because of strong wave interactions with the plasma edge. Here we show experiments performed on FTU (Frascati Tokamak Upgrade) based on theoretical predictions that nonlinear interactions diminish when the peripheral plasma electron temperature is high, allowing significant wave penetration at high density. The results show that the coupled radio frequency power can penetrate into high-density plasmas due to weaker plasma edge effects, thus extending the effective range of lower hybrid current drive towards the domain relevant for fusion reactors.

The HYPerspectral for ADriatic COastal Monitoring project meets requirements for understanding and monitoring the coastal environments. The understanding of the coastal areas dynamics, their processes and significance for environment, is becoming even more a milestone for any future conservation and protection of these areas. The demand for coastal zones managements has progressively risen due to the increased direct impacts by human activities, which may cause an irreversible damage to the local natural balance. In particular, the project focuses on improving the knowledge the Alabama and Montenegro coastal area by integrating different high resolution spatial and spectral remote sensing technologies.