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Since its outbreak in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has diverted resources from non-urgent and elective procedures, leading to diagnosis and treatment delays, with an increased number of neoplasms at advanced stages worldwide. The aims of this study were to quantify the reduction in surgical activity for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate whether delays in surgery led to an increased occurrence of aggressive tumours. In this retrospective, international, cross-sectional study, centres were invited to participate in June 22, 2022; each centre joining the study was asked to provide data from medical records on all surgical thyroidectomies consecutively performed from Jan 1, 2019, to Dec 31, 2021. Patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules were divided into three groups according to when they underwent surgery: from Jan 1, 2019, to Feb 29, 2020 (global prepandemic phase), from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021 (pandemic escalation phase), and from June 1 to Dec 31, 2021 (pandemic decrease phase). The main outcomes were, for each phase, the number of surgeries for indeterminate thyroid nodules, and in patients with a postoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancers, the occurrence of tumours larger than 10 mm, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases, vascular invasion, distant metastases, and tumours at high risk of structural disease recurrence. Univariate analysis was used to compare the probability of aggressive thyroid features between the first and third study phases. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05178186. Data from 157 centres (n=49 countries) on 87 467 patients who underwent surgery for benign and malignant thyroid disease were collected, of whom 22 974 patients (18 052 [78·6%] female patients and 4922 [21·4%] male patients) received surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules. We observed a significant reduction in surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the pandemic escalation phase (median monthly surgeries per centre, 1·4 [IQR 0·6-3·4]) compared with the prepandemic phase (2·0 [0·9-3·7]; p

Bifidobacteria have long been recognized as bacteria with probiotic and therapeutic features. The aim of this work is to characterize the

Shellfish farming is considered a highly sustainable form of aquaculture that has developed rapidly worldwide. Unfortunately, today biological and chemical pollution of the oceans and marine waters is widespread and has multiple negative impacts on marine ecosystems, which are exacerbated by global climate changes. In addition, such impacts on fisheries and aquaculture are significant in inducing socio-economic losses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop innovative solutions to improve productivity and environmental performance in line with the blue sustainable economy (European Green Deal). However, one upcoming problem associated with shellfish consumption is shell waste and its disposal. In addition, the percentage of wasted shells destined for reuse is much lower than the one accumulated in landfills or in more or less well-managed sites. This represents a weakness of the shellfish farming sector that can only be mitigated through a project of shellfish waste recycling moving towards the circular economy, with undoubted environmental and economic advantages. In the present study, we present a possible solution for recycling clam shells coming from the waste of the fishing industry (circular economy). Indeed, three eco-friendly bio-reefs for the stabilization and implementation of marine biodiversity (blue economy) were realized using additive manufacturing technology (3D printing) for large dimensions (technological innovation). Furthermore, before deploying the reefs on the sea bottom, they were colonized with oysters to promote repopulation.

The flow field behind spinning baseballs at two different seam orientations was investigated, and compared with a smooth sphere, to isolate effects of seams on the Magnus effect at Reynolds numbers of 5×104 and 1×105. The rotational speed of the three spheres varied from 0 to 2400 rpm, which are typical of spin rates imparted to a thrown baseball. These spin rates are represented nondimensionally as a relative spin rate relating the surface tangential velocity to the freestream velocity, and varied between 0 and 0.94. Mean velocity profiles, streamline patterns, and power spectral density of the velocity signals were taken using hot-wire anemometry and/or stereoscopic particle image velocimetry in the wake region. The sphere wake orientation changed over a range of relative spin rates, indicating an inverse Magnus effect. Vortex shedding at a Strouhal number of 0.25 was present on the sphere at low relative spin rates. However, the seams on the baseball prevented any consequential change in wake orientation and, at most spin rates, suppressed the shedding frequency exhibited by the sphere. Instead, frequencies corresponding to the seam rotation rates were observed in the wake flow. It was concluded that the so-called inverse Magnus effect recorded by previous investigators at specific combinations of Reynolds number and relative spin rate on a sphere exists for a smooth sphere or an axisymmetrically dimpled sphere but not for a baseball near critical Reynolds numbers, where the wake flow pattern is strongly influenced by the raised seams.

O objetivo com o presente trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras Negras Avifran alimentadas com a inclusão de 0,8% de extratos vegetais pigmentantes (extrato de páprica (Capsicum annuum), de flor de marigold (Tagetes erectus) e 0,045 % de pigmentante sintético (cantaxantina) na ração. Utilizou-se 120 poedeiras Negras Avifran distribuídas em 4 tratamentos, 6 repetições com 5 aves cada, totalizando 24 parcelas experimentais. Foram realizadas análises de desempenho zootécnico, qualidade dos ovos e cor da gema do ovo através de dois métodos de cores, leque colorimétrico e calorímetro digital. A inclusão de 0,8% de pigmentantes naturais na dieta de poedeiras Negras Avifran criadas em clima quente, pode ser utilizada como forma de substituir a cantaxantina, pois proporciona boa coloração da gema do ovo, favorecendo sua comercialização, e não prejudica o desempenho e a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos (P>0,05).

We report the implementation of our in silico/synthesis pipeline by targeting the glutathione-dependent enzyme mPGES-1, a valuable macromolecular target in both cancer therapy and inflammation therapy. Specifically, by using a virtual fragment screening approach of aromatic bromides, straightforwardly modifiable by the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, we identified 3-phenylpropanoic acid and 2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetic acid to be suitable chemical platforms to develop tighter mPGES-1 inhibitors. Among these, compounds 1c and 2c showed selective inhibitory activity against mPGES-1 in the low micromolar range in accordance with molecular modeling calculations. Moreover, 1c and 2c exhibited interesting IC50 values on A549 cell lines compared to CAY10526, selected as reference compound. The most promising compound 2c induced the cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase at 24 h of exposure, whereas at 48 and 72 h, it caused an increase of subG0/G1 fraction, suggesting an apoptosis/necrosis effect.

Author of the Study: The COVID-19 outbreak has brought challenges to the global healthcare community. The management of upper urinary tract stones has been affected even further, with potential severe sequelae for patient’s health. Materials and Methods: We report a multicentric retrospective study involving 9 Centers regularly delivering treatment for upper tract urinary stones across the country. All Centers suffered significant limitations during the pandemic period due to government limitations. We compared the 12 months-period prior to COVID-19 (from march 1st 2019 to February 28th 2020, named as period A) with postCOVID-19 period (from march 1st, 2020 to February 28th, 2021 named as period B). Aim of the study was to compare endourological procedures for upper urinary stones during period A and the period B. This study investigated all types of surgeries delivered in both elective and emergency setting. Results: A total of 4018 procedures were collected, including 2176 procedures in period A. In period B, 1842 procedures were carried out, corresponding to a loss of 15.35% of cases (p < 0.001). Looking into elective cases, 1622 procedures were delivered in period A, compared to 1280 in period B, resulting in a loss of 342 cases corresponding to 21.81% (p = 0.001). All types of stone treatments resulted affected, including ESWL (from 487 cases in period A to 344 in period B, − 29.37%, p = 0.001), PCNLs (from 170 to 125 cases, corresponding to − 26.47%, p:0.008), retrograde surgery for renal stones (from 433 to 387 cases, − 10.63%, p = 0.008) and for ureteric stones (from 614 cases to 484, − 21.18%, p.008). Additionally, waiting lists resulted affected, with significant delays in period B. In particular, for ureteric stones, mean waiting time in period A was 61.5 days compared to 87.5 days in period B (p = 0.008). Regarding renal stones, waiting list increased from 64.74 days in period A to 85.66 days in period B for RIRS. The waiting list for percutaneous surgeries increased from 79 days to 103 days (p = 0.001). We did not find any patient which acquired COVID-19 during hospitalization for elective or urgent surgery. We also found a longer waiting list for pre-stented patients, resulting to be 86.5 days in period B compared to 64 days in period A (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Our study showed how COVID-19 caused a significant disruption in endourological services across the country. Our data underlined how less patients received treatment in a longer time. This can potentially lead to an increased risk of stone- related complications, including sepsis and kidney loss.

Background Well-being is the result of many factors such as health, happiness, expectations, values. Italy has been one of European countries that in recent years has suffered most combination of economic, political and social stress, with consequences on well-being. The aims of study are i) to examine health and happiness perceptions of young adults ii) to compare actual results with a previous survey conducted in 2004. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between Jan-Dec 2017. A validated questionnaire was administered from the Italian Centre for Social Investment (CENSIS) to 1,003 young Italians, aged 18-40. The anonymous questionnaire investigated emotional aspects, health status, social life and socioeconomic status. The statistical analysis (chi-square p Results The sample resulted quite happy (2017 vs 2004:56.1% vs 63.7%), the happiness increasing with the socio-economic level and appearing to be related to work status, MS, SC and income (p Conclusions Quality of life of Italians is still satisfactory, with a good degree of happiness and health, despite a clear decrease compared to 2004. The survey highlights that young people continue to perceive the future as uncertain, mainly due to job instability, with difficulty planning their lives. Key messages In ten years the Italian well-being has been reduced, despite the perceived level of happiness and health still being positive. The lack of job opportunities, the awareness of employment instability are the main causes of the lack of confidence in the future.

Background To understand the presence and impact of social and cultural factors on health vulnerability it is important for improving diabetes care and management. In fact, through the social dimension, it is possible to identify the priorities and attitudes towards diabetes and diabetes care among those living with the condition. Methods The study was carried out as part of the global Cities Changing Diabetes programme, involved a sample of individuals living with diabetes in the Rome metropolitan area and employed mixed-method and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis (survey, sorting procedure and focus group). Results Four specific sub-groups of participants have been identified, each with distinct but shared priorities and attitudes towards diabetes: Health conscious thanks to the context; Medicalized elderly people; Fatalistic citizens; Worried but undisciplined young people. The connection between the place where you live and the possibility to adopt a healthier lifestyle was confirmed. For these patients, the disease is mainly characterized by its relationship with food and its connections with psychological aspects are also relevant. Conclusions An important issue concerns information and the different understandings of diabetes. A clear need emerged for further elaboration of the various aspects of a disease that tends to be underestimated also by those who have it. Another aspect concerns the importance of the living environment and consequently of the actions on its urban planning, mobility, but also in everyday life organization, as factors that can make a difference in properly managing the disease. These results are very important to promote a joint action, that have to involve public and private stakeholders, in order to improve treatment opportunities and quality of life of people facing diabetes every day in the Rome metropolitan area. Key messages An important issue concerns information. A clear need emerged for further elaboration of the various aspects of a disease that tends to be underestimated also by those who have it. The living environment in important too and the actions on its urban planning, mobility, in everyday life organization, as factors that can make a difference in properly managing the disease.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is usually diagnosed between 20 and 40 years, affecting the most productive and active period of life. Aim To analyse the health perception of young people with MS and to compare the present results with a previous one. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017. A validate and anonymous questionnaire was administered to 613 Italian young, aged 18-40, affected by MS (women 78.5%). Results Analyzing the declared health status, most of young MS defined good health status (76% good or excellent health) with differences between age class (82% at 25-29 years vs 71% at 35-40) and with a reverse trend with the increasing of disability (92% in subject with no disability vs 34% in ones with a medium or severe disability). The comparison against 2004 data highlights an improvement in the health conditions perceived, also for ones with a serious disability. Regarding the time elapsed from diagnosis, the trend was not linear, since respondents with a diagnosis Conclusions Diagnosis and disability constitute a decisive factor in the assessment of the state of health, but the perception goes to stabilize with time, even if the conditions tend to worsen. In this regard, the worst declared conditions in patients with a recent diagnosis seem to be influenced by psychological factors. So, the moment of diagnosis need a better management. Only 30% got adult vaccination (vs 61% in young Italians) due to lack of information on vaccine safety in MS patients. The improvement of perceived health in young with MS is another proof of the progress of MS treatments, which appears transversal to all the conditions of disability. Key messages The perception of health is strongly related to disability and to time elapsed from diagnosis. In the last 15 years the progress of MS management improved well-being of all MS young patients.

Background Public knowledge, awareness and behaviors related to antibiotic use and antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) are vital to ensure the prudent use of these drugs. In this work, we present the top-line results of the first national survey of AMR among the Italian general population aged ≥18 years. Methods From August to September 2019, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional random survey through mixed CATI/CAMI/CAWI methodologies among representative samples of the general population, parents of children aged 0-11 years, adults ≥65 years and pet's owners. Results were summarized using relative frequencies. Results Of 1,400 persons interviewed, 47% and 68% respectively correctly said that it is false that antibiotics kill viruses and are effective at treating colds and flu. More than 80% of respondents considered themselves to be well-informed about antibiotics but only one in two people knew what is meant by AMR. While the vast majority (96%) of respondents said that they obtained the last course of antibiotics that they used from a medical prescription, 11% incorrectly said that they stopped taking antibiotics when they felt better or that they used those left over from a previous course. In addition, 55% of pet's owners said they obtained antibiotics without a prescription from a pharmacy or elsewhere. Almost all respondents (97%) believed that it's everyone's responsibility to use antibiotics wisely, with the 80% who expressed concerns about the potential of AMR to affect themselves and their families; however, 40% did not think that action at an individual level is the most effective way of tackling resistance to antibiotics. Conclusions Our findings show some improvement in Italians' knowledge, awareness and behaviors related to antibiotic use and AMR but there are needs to be a greater sense of responsibility to take charge of the AMR problem. These results may be drivers of structured national awareness campaigns. Key messages In 2019, we conducted the first national survey of AMR among the Italian population: >80% of respondents felt themselves well-informed about antibiotics but only 1/2 people knew what is meant by AMR. Almost all Italian sample believed that it's everyone's responsibility to use antibiotics wisely, but 40% did not think that action at an individual level is effective to tackle AMR.

Hot-wire measurements were taken in the wake of ten finite length circular cylinders, six of which were also tapered, in a uniform flow in a low speed wind tunnel. The Reynolds number based on mean cylinder diameter ranged from 2100 ≤ Re ≤ 5500, the aspect ratio (AR) of the cylinders varied from 16 ≤ AR ≤ 64, and the taper ratio (RT) varied from 21.3 ≤ RT ≤ 96. The vortex shedding along the spans of the cylinders coalesced into discrete cells, the range of Strouhal numbers and the number of cells being a function of the cylinder aspect ratio and taper ratio. It was found that the number of discrete cells is linearly related to a cylinder geometry ratio (CGR) defined as CGR = AR(1 + AR/RT).

[Image: see text] Microsomal prostaglandin E(2) synthase-1 (mPGES-1), the terminal enzyme responsible for the production of inducible prostaglandin E(2), has become an attractive target for the treatment of inflammation and cancer pathologies. Starting from an aminobenzothiazole scaffold, used as an unprecedented chemical core for mPGES-1 inhibition, a Combinatorial Virtual Screening campaign was conducted, using the X-ray crystal structure of human mPGES-1. Two combinatorial libraries (6 × 10(4)) were obtained by decorating the aminobenzothiazole scaffold with all acyl chlorides and boronates available at the Merck database. The scientific multidisciplinary approach included virtual screening workflow, synthesis, and biological evaluation and led to the identification of three novel aminobenzothiazoles 1, 3, and 13 acting as mPGES-1 inhibitors. The three disclosed hits are able to inhibit mPGES-1 in a cell-free system (IC(50) = 1.4 ± 0.2, 0.7 ± 0.1, and 1.7 ± 0.2 μM, respectively), and all are endowed with antitumoral properties against A549 human cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations (28.5 ± 1.1, 18.1 ± 0.8, and 19.2 ± 1.3 μM, respectively).

An experimental wind tunnel study was performed to assess the effect of aspect ratio and rotational speed of circular cylinders of varying diameter on the flow patterns behind the cylinders in the presence of a uniform upstream crossflow. Six circular cylinders of constant length but different diameters, producing aspect ratios 6 ≤ AR ≤ 32 were examined at a single upstream velocity such that the Reynolds number varied between 1920 ≤ Re ≤ 10240. Rotational speeds from stationary up to 3600 rpm were applied to the cylinders, so that the maximum relative velocity α = πfD/U∞ = 0.80. Mean velocity profiles were measured three diameters downstream of the cylinder axis at 6 equidistant locations, and PSD power spectral density were generated for 26 equidistant locations along the cylinder, to create a comprehensive record of spanwise variations under all rotational conditions. For the highest aspect ratio tested, the wake velocity profiles were independent of rotational speed at all spanwise locations, whereas at lower aspect ratios, the maximum velocity defect diminished with increasing rotational speed along most of the span and became asymmetric near the free end. Two distinct shedding cells were found only for a cylinder with an aspect ratio of twelve at three relative spin rates of 0.067, 0.27, and 0.4. In cases where only a single cell existed, increased rotational speed produced a higher vortex shedding frequency on a given aspect ratio cylinder.

The identification of inhibitors of Hsp90 is currently a primary goal in the development of more effective drugs for the treatment of various types of multidrug resistant malignancies. In an attempt to identify new small molecules modulating the activity of Hsp90, we screened a small library of tetranortriterpenes. A high-affinity interaction with Hsp90 inducible form was uncovered for eight of these compounds, five of which are described here for the first time. By monitoring the ATPase activity and the citrate synthase thermal induced aggregation, compound 1 (cedrelosin A), 3 (7α-limonylacetate), and 5 (cedrelosin B), containing a limonol moiety, were found to be the most effective in compromising the Hsp90α chaperone activity. Consistent with these findings, the three compounds caused a depletion of c-Raf and pAkt Hsp90 client proteins in HeLa and MCF/7 cell lines. Induced fit docking protocol and molecular dynamics were used to rationalize the structural basis of the biological activity of the limonol derivatives. Taken together, these results point to limonol-derivatives as promising scaffolds for the design of novel Hsp90α inhibitors.

Two new glucopyranosylbianthrones (1 and 2) were isolated from the aerial part of the plant Asphodelus tenuifolius, collected in Southwest Algeria. The 2D structures of 1 and 2 were defined by NMR analysis, HRESIMS data, and comparison with literature data. The comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism and NMR data led to characterization of the (M) and (P) atropisomeric forms of the glucopyranosylbianthrones, asphodelins (1) and (2), respectively. The in vitro activities of these two metabolites were evaluated in human melanoma A375 cells, and both the compounds inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 20.6 ± 0.8 and 23.2 ± 1.1 μM, respectively. Considering their biological profile, an inverse virtual screening approach was employed to identify and suggest putative anticancer interacting targets.

An experimental investigation into the flow field behind baseballs at two different seam orientations as well as a smooth sphere of the same diameter was undertaken at Reynolds numbers of 5 × 104 and 1 × 105. The rotational speed of the three spheres varied from 0 to 2400 rpm, with data collected in increments of 400 rpm which correspond to relative spin rates between 0 and 0.94. Mean velocity profiles, turbulence in intensity profiles, and power spectral density of the signals were taken using hot-wire anemometry. The smooth sphere wake was seen to change in orientation over a range of relative rotational speeds. The Strouhal number remained constant around 0.24 for relatively low spin rates. The seams on the baseball suppressed any measurable vortex shedding once rotation began, also eliminating any significant change in wake orientation as evidenced by the mean velocity deficit and turbulence intensity profiles. It was concluded that the so-called inverse Magnus effect recorded by previous investigators at a specific Reynolds number / relative rotational speed of a sphere exists only for a smooth sphere and not for a sphere where the boundary layer separation is governed by raised seams.

BAG3 protein has emerged as a key regulator of important cellular processes and its expression is increased in some tumor types; however, despite its potential value for future chemotherapeutics, no selective BAG3 modulators have been yet reported. Here we report the 2,4-thiazolidinedione derivative 28 as the first BAG3 protein modulator.

A combined experimental and numerical investigation of flow control actuation in a short, rectangular, diffusing S-shape inlet duct using a two-dimensional tangential control jet was conducted. Experimental and numerical techniques were used in conjunction as complementary techniques, which are utilized to better understand the complex flow field. The compact inlet had a length-to-hydraulic diameter ratio of 1.5 and was investigated at a free-stream Mach number of 0.44. In contrast to the baseline flow, where the flow field was fully separated, the two-dimensional control jet was able to eliminate flow separation at the mid-span portion of the duct and changed considerably the three-dimensional flow field, and ultimately, the inlet performance. A comparison between the baseline (no actuation) and forced flow fields showed that secondary flow structures dominated both flow fields, which is inevitably associated with total pressure loss. Contrary to the baseline case, the secondary flow structures in the forced case were established from the core flow stagnating on the lower surface of the duct close to the aerodynamic interface plane. High fidelity spectral analysis of the experimental results at the inlet’s exit plane showed that the baseline flow field was dominated by pressure fluctuations corresponding to a Strouhal number based on hydraulic diameter of 0.26. Not only did the two-dimensional tangential control jet improve the time-averaged pressure recovery at the inlet exit plane (13.3% at the lower half of the aerodynamic interface plane), it essentially eliminated the energy content of the distinct unsteady fluctuations which characterized the baseline flow field. This result has several implications for the design of a realistic engine inlet; furthermore, it depicts that a single non-intrusive static pressure measurement at the surface of the duct can detect flow separation.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is an ATP dependent molecular chaperone deeply involved in the complex network of cellular signaling governing some key functions, such as cell proliferation and survival, invasion and angiogenesis. Over the past years the N-terminal protein domain has been fully investigated as attractive strategy against cancer, but despite the many efforts lavished in the field, none of the N-terminal binders (termed “classical inhibitors”), currently in clinical trials, have yet successfully reached the market, because of the detrimental heat shock response (HSR) that showed to induce; thus, recently, the selective inhibition of Hsp90 C-terminal domain has powerfully emerged as a more promising alternative strategy for anti-cancer therapy, not eliciting this cell rescue cascade. However, the structural complexity of the target protein and, mostly, the lack of a co-crystal structure of C-terminal domain-ligand, essential to drive the identification of new hits, represent the largest hurdles in the development of new selective C-terminal inhibitors. Continuing our investigations on the identification of new anticancer drug candidates, by using an orthogonal screening approach, here we describe two new potent C-terminal inhibitors able to induce cancer cell death and a considerable down-regulation of Hsp90 client oncoproteins, without triggering the undesired heat shock response.

The natural product magnolol (1) and a selection of its bioinspired derivatives 2-5, were investigated by Inverse Virtual Screening in order to identify putative biological targets from a panel of 308 proteins involved in cancer processes. By this in silico analysis we selected tankyrase-2 (TNKS2), casein kinase 2 (CK2) and bromodomain 9 (Brd9) as potential targets for experimental evaluations. The Surface Plasmon Resonance assay revealed that 3-5 present a good affinity for tankyrase-2, and, in particular, 3 showed an antiproliferative activity on A549 cells higher than the well-known tankyrase-2 inhibitor XAV939 used as reference compound.

An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the influence of leading edge geometry and of relative curvature on the formation of a boundary layer on the surface of a cylinder aligned axially in a uniform flow. Hot wire anemometry was used to measure mean and fluctuating velocity components at a number of axial locations from the leading edge of cylinders of three different relative curvatures and two different leading edge shapes. In all cases a minimum relative axial length of greater than ten radii was examined, hence allowing adequate inspection of the formation region. Six cylinders were employed in the study, three with a blunt leading edge, and three with an ellipsoid of 3:1 ratio leading to the constant radius length. The Reynolds number based on cylinder radius (Rea = Uoa/v) varied from 3000 ≤ Rea ≤ 9000. The elliptical leading edge cylinders experienced laminar boundary layers, and the blunt cylinders created a separated bubble region followed by the development of a turbulent boundary layer. The laminar boundary layer was smaller than what a flat plate would produce at a corresponding length, and its experimental data generated profiles could be universalized with previously developed similarity variables. The turbulent boundary layer assumed a nearly constant velocity profile in the region 10 ≤ x/a ≤ 40, and its height grew proportionally to x1/3 rather than to x4/5 as for a flat plate. Streamwise turbulence intensities diminished rapidly with vertical distance from the surface of the cylinder, and also assumed a constant profile as relative axial distance increased. Over the limited range examined, changes in curvature were of secondary importance on relative boundary layer growth.

A combined experimental and numerical investigation of the flow field in a short, rectangular, diffusing S-shape inlet duct was conducted. The inlet duct had a length-to-hydraulic diameter ratio of 1.5 and an inflow Mach number of 0.44. The flow field was diagnosed utilizing stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, surface static pressure measurements, and high frequency total pressure measurements both on the lower surface and at the duct’s aerodynamic interface plane. To complement the experimental investigation and to aid in understanding the flow field associated with this complex geometry, a numerical flow simulation was undertaken. The flow field exhibited massive flow separations and shear layer formations at both turns of the compact inlet. Moreover, secondary flow structures along the duct’s lower surface and along the duct’s side walls were identified. It was shown that the two counter-rotating flow structures along the duct’s lower surface resulted in high levels of total pressure loss at the aerodynamic interface plane. A high fidelity spectral analysis of the pressure signals at the aerodynamic interface plane and along the lower surface was conducted and demonstrated that a high frequency surface static pressure sensor could identify flow separation in a non-intrusive fashion, allowing for future use in a closed-loop control scheme for active flow control. This work was part of a more comprehensive study which was to utilize active flow control to improve performance metrics of such compact inlets.

Here, we report a procedure to obtain novel artificial materials using either fungal or isolated tobacco cells in association with different percentages of carbon nanotubes. The electrical, mechanical, and optical properties of these materials have been determined. The produced bio-nano-composite materials have linear electrical characteristics, high temperature stability up to 180 °C, linear increase of the electrical conductivity with increasing temperature and, in one case, also optical transparency. Using tobacco cells, we obtained a material with low mass density and mechanical properties suitable for structural applications along with high electrical conductivity. We also present theoretical models both for their mechanical and electrical behavior. These findings report a procedure for the next generation bio-nano-composite materials.

PurposeThere is a dearth of literature aimed at understanding the Chinese entrepreneur. There are even fewer studies that compare Chinese and American entrepreneurs. As the interdependence of the economic superpowers continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to understand similarities and differences between the two groups. Furthermore, researching the two groups can result in greater understanding of the entrepreneur. The purpose of this paper is to look at how economics, culture and policy influence the formation of established successful entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachIn this study Chinese and American researchers collected responses from 279 Chinese and American established entrepreneurs in China and the USA. The goal of the research is to develop greater understanding of how culture, economics and policy influence the formation of their ventures.FindingsThe study's results indicate a significant difference in Chinese and American response to policy. The significant difference in policy response might justify further research, and could indicate that policy is more important to the Chinese entrepreneur.Originality/valueA contribution to existing entrepreneurial theory was made regarding the similarities of networking regardless of cultural environment. A three‐dimensional conceptual model was used, measuring culture, economics and policy.

Cyclic peptoids have recently emerged as important examples of peptidomimetics for their interesting complexing properties and innate ability to permeate biological barriers. In the present contribution, experimental and theoretical data evidence the intricate conformational and stereochemical properties of five novel hexameric peptoids decorated with N-isopropyl, N-isobutyl, and N-benzyl substituents. Complexation studies by NMR, in the presence of sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaTFPB), theoretical calculations, and single-crystal X-ray analyses indicate that the conformationally stable host/guest metal adducts display architectural ordering comparable to that of the enniatins and beauvericin mycotoxins. Similarly to the natural depsipeptides, the synthetic oligolactam analogues show a correlation between ion transport abilities in artificial liposomes and cytotoxic activity on human cancer cell lines. The reported results demonstrate that the versatile cyclic peptoid scaffold, for its remarkable conformational and complexing properties, can morphologically mimic related natural products and elicit powerful biological activities.

An experimental study was undertaken to examine two phenomena associated with a jet issuing from a forward-facing circular cylinder (with a length to outer radius ratio of 6.8) into a counterflow: (1) the effect of the counterflow on the internal velocity profile near the injector exit, and (2) the combined jet and counterflow influence on the external surface boundary layer profiles. Wind tunnel experiments, utilizing hot-wire anemometry, were conducted at very low jet-to-counterflow velocity ratios between 0 and 0.41 and Reynolds numbers based on cylinder outer diameter of 2.6×104 and 5.2×104. It was found that the flow at the internal location was negligibly affected by the counterflow, with the profiles exhibiting typical turbulent pipe flow behavior. However, close to the injector exit plane, the counter-flow accelerated the exiting jet in an annular region adjacent to the cylinder inner wall, creating a high velocity region which reversed direction upon exiting. The exit flow reversal around the lip of the cylinder was manifested downstream as an addition of momentum to the flow field. Boundary layer measurements were taken at seven streamwise locations along the upper surface of the cylinder. A dimensionless parameter constructed from both a traditional flat plate turbulent boundary layer scaling and a geometric curvature ratio was used to plot all data, which collapsed to a single curve at all locations in the absence of a jet, while in the presence of the jet, the only differences in the profiles were close to the surface. Independently of jet-to-counterflow velocity ratio, the boundary layer on the cylinder was seen to grow in the streamwise direction at a rate proportional to x25 rather than x45 as occurs with a turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate, even though the boundary layer height to curvature ratio was relatively low (≈ 1), and hence would have been expected to approximate flat plate behavior.

Transcriptional activation of genes belonging to the plastidial MEP-derived isoprenoid pathway by elicitation with methyl jasmonate and coronatine enhanced the content of bioactive abietane diterpenes in Salvia sclarea hairy roots. We have shown that aethiopinone, an abietane diterpene synthesized in Salvia sclarea roots is cytotoxic and induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells. To develop a production platform for this compound and other abietane diterpenes, hairy root technology was combined with the elicitation of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or the phytotoxin coronatine (Cor). Both MeJA and Cor induced a significant accumulation of aethiopinone, but prolonged exposure to MeJA irremediably caused inhibition of hairy root growth, which was unaffected by Cor treatment. Considering together the fold increase in aethiopinone content and the final hairy root biomass, the best combination was a Cor treatment for 28 days, which allowed to obtain up to 105.34 ± 2.30 mg L

DMRT genes encode a large family of transcription factors which share an unusual cysteine-rich DNA-binding motif, the DM domain. DM family members have been studied in the context of sexual development; in particular, the DMRT1 gene appeared to be the one most directly involved in sex determination, but its activity is largely unexplored and possible downstream targets of this factor have yet to be identified. DMRT1 of the lacertid lizard Podarcis sicula (PsDMRT1) was isolated as a model to study differential gene expression during the seasonal reproductive cycle of an ectothermal species. The adult testis of P. sicula exhibits full activity in spring, complete regression in summer and a slow autumnal recrudescence without spermiation. We cloned a 591-bp partial ORF of the PsDMRT1 fragment, whose putative amino acid sequence contains the conserved DM domain. Northern blot analysis of mRNA from different tissues of P. sicula individuals captured in spring demonstrated DMRT1 transcripts only in testis. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization experiments showed peak PsDMRT1 expression in spring, lower expression in autumn and no expression during the period of gonad regression. A possible correlation between androgen level variations and PsDMRT1 transcripts is hypothesized and discussed. Finally, data showed that PsDMRT1 is expressed only in spermatogenic cells, before the second meiotic division, suggesting that its role is confined to the proliferation and maintenance of spermatogonia and spermatocytes.

Active flow control using fluidic actuators, via arrays of synthetic jet actuators, was used to provide control power for the Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle in the longitudinal (pitch) and lateral (roll) directions at low angles of attack. Using this technique, the pitch and roll moments were altered such that the effect is similar to that of a deflection of conventional control effectors. The control effectiveness of the synthetic jets on the aerodynamic performance of the Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle was investigated experimentally in a wind tunnel. Global flow measurements were conducted, where the moments and forces on the vehicle were measured using a six-component sting balance. The effect of the actuation was also examined on the surface static pressure at two spanwise locations. In addition, a particle image velocimetry technique was used to quantify the flowfield over the model, both the global flowfield as well as the localized interaction domain near the synthetic jet orifice. The synthetic jets were able to alter the local streamlines and displace the boundary layer through the formation of a small quasi-steady interaction region on the suction surface of the Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle's wing. Phase-locked particle image velocimetry data were acquired to provide insight into the growth, propagation, and decay of the synthetic jets impulse and their interaction with the crossflow. Furthermore, the changes induced on the moments and forces can be proportionally controlled by either changing the momentum coefficient or by driving the synthetic jets with a pulse modulation waveform. This can lead the way for future development of closed-loop control models.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), one of the three sea turtle species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, is an endangered species. However, although frequently treated in marine animal rescue centers, and the subject of several studies in literature, as yet, few studies have been conducted on large numbers of loggerhead sea turtles in order to establish physiological reference ranges that enable the identification of pathological values. The lack of studies on reference parameters probably depends on the fact that marine turtles treated in wildlife rescue centers are usually in a critical conditions, thus precluding the collection of data on healthy animals and compromising the reliability of any data obtained from them. The present biological study was therefore conducted in order to obtain a database from healthy animals in natural conditions. Serum biochemistry and serum protein electrophoresis were performed on blood samples obtained from 65 healthy adult loggerhead sea turtles captured and delivered to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of Linosa (Italy); the blood samples were collected during the clinical examination of rescued animals. Laboratory analyses of serum samples were made in order to establish reference parameters, commonly required for laboratory diagnoses in mammals and diseased animals.