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Purpose: Binucleate Rhizoctonia sp. (BNR), indigenous to old olive groves of the Apulia region (Southern Italy), and its relationship with olive trees were investigated to search for beneficial soil microorganisms suitable for supporting plant growth and crop productions in degraded semi-arid soils. Methods: Binucleate Rhizoctonia sp. was first isolated from five ancient olive groves using olive tree plantlets as "living baits". The functional relationship of BNR with olive trees was estimated with in-pot growth assays, using native soil amended with an artificial inoculum from the native BNR isolates. BNR was then quantified in the olive groves by digital PCR using a TaqMan assay specifically designed on the ITS regions of the native AG-A isolates. Results: Digital PCR was able to discriminate BNR (Ceratobasidium sp.) from the phylogenetically close Basidiomycetes such as Rhizoctonia solani (Thanatephorus cucumeris). This assay detected an amount of BNR in five olive groves ranging from traces up to 105 target gene copies per µL of DNA. When artificially added to native soil samples, BNR AG-A increased olive tree growth by 50% and 25% respectively under constant optimal water availability and repeatedly induced water stress. Indole-3-acetic acid production was demonstrated for the BNR AG-A isolates, thus, in part, explaining growth promotion. Conclusion: Thanks to the absolute quantification of fungal DNA fragments in soil with digital PCR, findings suggest that new soil functional indicators, such as the growth promoting Rhizoctonia AG-A, may be identified with this research approach to be investigated as a biotic resource for enhancing soil ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of the proposal from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) to restrict the use of nanoplastics (NP) and microplastics (MP) in consumer products will require reliable methods to perform size and mass-based concentration measurements. Analytical challenges arise at the nanometre to micrometre interface, e.g., 800 nm–10 µm, where techniques applicable at the nanometre scale reach their upper limit of applicability and approaches applicable at the micrometre scale must be pushed to their lower limits of detection. Herein, we compared the performances of nine analytical techniques by measuring the particle size distribution and mass-based concentration of polystyrene mixtures containing both nano and microparticles, with the educational aim to underline applicability and limitations of each technique. Light scattering-based measurements do not have the resolution to distinguish multiple populations in polydisperse samples. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), nano-flowcytometry (nFCM) and asymmetric flow field flow fractionation hyphenated with multiangle light scattering (AF4-MALS) cannot measure particles in the micrometre range. Static light scattering (SLS) is not able to accurately detect particles below 200 nm, and similarly to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry (FCM), is not suitable for accurate mass-based concentration measurements. Alternatives for high-resolution sizing and concentration measurements in the size range between 60 nm and 5 µm are tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS) and centrifugal liquid sedimentation (CLS), that can bridge the gap between the nanometre and micrometre range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the development of an improved numerical model, based on the explicit finite element method, aimed at investigating the energy absorption capabilities of a full-scale composite fuselage section of a regional aircraft and the related biomechanical injuries affecting the passengers. The experiment, conducted within the Italian national research project named "Innovative and Advanced Verification and Certification methods," consisted in a drop test of a fully equipped barrel performed at the Italian Aerospace Research Centre, according to the special conditions of the Federal Aviation Regulation Certification Specification 25. From a free-fall height of about 4 m, a ground contact impact velocity of 9.14 m/s was measured. The numerical model has been developed faithfully to the experiment. Numerical analysis results, in terms of global deformations, failures, local accelerations, and biomechanical injuries, have been compared with the experimental ones to assess the prediction capability of the proposed numerical modeling procedure with a focus on improved crashworthy components for certification by analysis future purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomal formulations for the treatment of cancer and other diseases are the most common form of nanotechnology enabled pharmaceuticals (NEPs) submitted for market approval and in clinical application today. The accurate characterization of their physical-chemical properties is a key requirement; in particular, size, size distribution, shape, and physical-chemical stability are key among properties that regulators identify as critical quality attributes. Here we develop and validate an optimized method, based on multi-detector asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation (MD-AF4) to accurately and reproducibly separate liposomal drug formulations into their component populations and to characterize their associated size and size distribution, whether monomodal or polymodal in nature. In addition, the results show that the method is suitable to measure liposomes in the presence of serum proteins and can yield information on the shape and physical stability of the structures. The optimized MD-AF4 based method has been validated across different instrument platforms, three laboratories, and multiple drug formulations following a comprehensive analysis of factors that influence the fractionation process and subsequent physical characterization. Interlaboratory reproducibility and intra-laboratory precision were evaluated, identifying sources of bias and establishing criteria for the acceptance of results. This method meets a documented high priority need in regulatory science as applied to NEPs such as Doxil and can be adapted to the measurement of other NEP forms (such as lipid nanoparticle therapeutics) with some modifications. Overall, this method will help speed up development of NEPS, and facilitate their regulatory review, ultimately leading to faster translation of innovative concepts from the bench to the clinic. Additionally, the approach used in this work (based on international collaboration between leading non-regulatory institutions) can be replicated to address other identified gaps in the analytical characterization of various classes of NEPs. Finally, a plan exists to pursue more extended interlaboratory validation studies to advance this method to a consensus international standard. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The particle size distribution (PSD) and the stability of nanoparticles enabled medicinal products (NEP) in complex biological environments are key attributes to assess their quality, safety and efficacy. Despite its low resolution, dynamic light scattering (DLS) is the most common sizing technique since the onset of NEP in pharmaceutical technologies. Considering the limitations of the existing sizing measurements and the challenges posed by complex NEPs both scientists and regulators encourage the combination of multiple orthogonal high-resolution approaches to shed light in the NEP sizing space (e.g. dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, field flow fractionation coupled to online sizing detectors, centrifugal techniques, particle tracking analysis and tunable resistive pulse sensing). The pharmaceutical and biotechnology developers are now challenged to find their own pragmatic characterisation approaches, which should be fit for purpose and minimize costs at the same time, in a complicated landscape where only a few standards exist. In order to support the community, the European Nanomedicine Characterisation Laboratory (EUNCL) and the US National Cancer Institute Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCI-NCL) have jointly developed multiple standard operating procedures (SOPs) for NEP assessment, including the measurements of particle size distribution, and are offering wide access to their 'state of the art' characterisation platforms, in addition to making SOPs publicly available. This joint perspective article would like to present the NCI-NCL and EUNCL multi-step approach of incremental complexity to measure particle size distribution and size stability of NEPs, consisting of a quick preliminary step to assess sample integrity and stability by low resolution techniques (pre-screening), followed by the combination of complementary high resolution sizing measurements performed both in simple buffers and in complex biological media. Test cases are presented to demonstrate: i) the need for employing at least one high-resolution sizing technique, ii) the importance of selecting the correct sizing techniques for the purpose, and iii) the robustness of utilizing orthogonal sizing techniques to study the physical properties of complex NEP samples. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study aiming at investigating biological control agents for protecting strawberry during the post-transplant period was performed. For this purpose, a series of fertile soils, rich in organic matter, which had been subjected to intensive strawberry cultivation, were selected. Soil samples taken from those soils were subjected to thermal treatment (up to 80 °C) for a short time to induce microbial changes aiming at improving soil suppressiveness. A greenhouse growth assay with treated and original soils was carried out in pot using frigo-plants. Plants were grown for two months, up to the end of the first production cycle; productive parameters were measured during this period, whilst plant vigour was estimated at the end of the trial as dry matter of the above ground part of the plants. At the end of the trial, root colonizing fungi were evaluated with culture base methods, whilst rhizosphere fungi and bacteria were quantified in terms of DNA amplicons using specific primers. Soil thermal treatments gave an overall increase of both vegetative and productive parameters of strawberry plants, even though the highest plant growth improvements were observed in soil samples originating from the fields showing most severe yield decline amongst the four contemplated in this study. Such an increase in soil health, besides the expected reduction of root infection by the fungal pathogens responsible for root rot in strawberry (mainly Pythium spp. and Dactylonectria torresensis ), was related to qualitative and quantitative microbial changes in root and rhizosphere. Root-colonising fungal communities shifted towards Aspergillus , Penicillium along with a series of other non-pathogenic fungal saprophytes. A dramatic reduction of total soil fungi was observed in rhizosphere, whilst total bacteria increased in heat treated soil. Notably, actinomycetes and, to a lesser extent, Pseudomonas were associated with plant growth improvement, while Bacillus did not. Findings suggest that microbiome disturbance of agricultural soils that are rich in organic matter and maintain a good diversity degree, can be effective when searching for beneficial microbial populations with a higher specialisation towards the main crop, as well as for investigating on new biocontrol strategies to reduce post-transplant issues in strawberry crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usually during the design of landing gear, simplified Finite Element (FE) models, based on one-dimensional finite elements (stick model), are used to investigate the in-service reaction forces involving each subcomponent. After that, the design of such subcomponent is carried out through detailed Global/Local FE analyses where, once at time, each component, modelled with three-dimensional finite elements, is assembled into a one-dimensional finite elements based FE model, representing the whole landing gear under the investigated loading conditions. Moreover, the landing gears are usually investigated also under a kinematic point of view, through the multibody (MB) methods, which allow achieving the reaction forces involving each subcomponent in a very short time. However, simplified stick (FE) and MB models introduce several approximations, providing results far from the real behaviour of the landing gear. Therefore, the first goal of this paper consists of assessing the effectiveness of such approaches against a 3D full-FE model. Three numerical models of the main landing gear of a regional airliner have been developed, according to MB, “stick,” and 3D full-FE methods, respectively. The former has been developed by means of ADAMS® software, the other two by means of NASTRAN® software. Once this assessment phase has been carried out, also the Global/Local technique has verified with regard to the results achieved by the 3D full-FE model. Finally, the dynamic behaviour of the landing gear has been investigated both numerically and experimentally. In particular, Magnaghi Aeronautica S.p.A. Company performed the experimental test, consisting of a drop test according to EASA CS 25 regulations. Concerning the 3D full-FE investigation, the analysis has been simulated by means of Ls-Dyna® software. A good level of accuracy has been achieved by all the developed numerical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the development of an established hybrid finite element multibody (FE-MB) model for the simulation of an experimental sled test of a single row of a double passenger seat placed in front of a fuselage bulkhead, by considering a single anthropomorphic Hybrid II 50th dummy arranged on one of the seat places. The numerical investigation has been carried out by focusing on the passenger passive safety. Specifically, the occupant injury assessment has been quantitatively monitored by means of the head injury criterion (HIC), which, based on the average value of the dummy head acceleration during a crash event, should not exceed, according to the standards, the value of 1000. Numerical results provided by the hybrid model have been compared with the experimental ones provided by the Geven S.p.A. company and with the results carried out by a full FE model. The hybrid model simulates with a good level of accuracy the experimental test and allows reducing significantly the computing time with respect to the full FE one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop decline is a progressive soil health reduction commonly associated to the specialized cultivations. As a series of biotic factors are involved in this phenomenon, it can be controlled with essentially agronomic methods, the impact of winter cover crops on early growth at subsequent vegetable crops was investigated in a two-year field study. Barley and hairy vetch were incorporated into the soil following two mechanical terminations of cover crops (green manure and green mulching). Immediately after, tomato and zucchini seedlings were transplanted and grown for 28 days. The above-ground biomass of the vegetables was taken as indicator of crop response to pre-plant treatments, whilst root colonizing fungi and rhizosphere bacteria were the two analyzed soil microbial components. Root-colonizing fungi were evaluated using culture-based methods, bacteria were analyzed by amplification of rhizosphere soil DNA with 16S rDNA, then processed with PCR-DGGE. Tomato and zucchini growth response after vetch was always significantly higher than after barley regardless of mechanical termination. Rhizosphere bacterial communities differed significantly between cover crops and this differences was maintained also in the subsequent vegetable crops. Root-colonizing fungi differed between barley and vetch, although they shared most species (70%) such as Pythium spp., binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-A and several Fusarium spp. The latter three fungal groups were also found most abundant in tomato and zucchini roots. Pathogenicity test showed that tomato was more susceptible than zucchini to Pythium , Rhizoctonia solani , Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium spp. and that their relationship with vegetable plants varied from pathogenic to neutral, up to mutualistic in the case of Rhizoctonia AG-A. These findings indicate difficulty to identify specific biotic agents responsible of crop decline. Tomato and zucchini showed an undoubted growth improvement after legume; however, a certain specificity of Cylindrocarpon -like fungi and Phoma spp. to hairy vetch suggests that, when exploiting benefit of this cover crop for mitigating yield decline of vegetable crops, legume should alternate cereal and other botanically distant genera in rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the development of a numerical model, based on the Finite Element (FE) theory for the prediction of the squeal frequency of a railway disc brake. The analytical background has been discussed and presented, as well as the most efficient methods for evaluating the system stability; the attention has been paid particularly to the complex eigenvalues method, which has been adopted within this paper to investigate the railway disc brake system. Numerical results have been compared with measurements from experimental tests in order to validate the proposed numerical approach. At the end of this work, a sensitivity analysis, aimed at understanding the effects of some physical parameters influencing the stability of the brake system and the squeal propensity, has been carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two numerical procedures based on Finite Elements Method (FEM) have been developed in order to simulate the Lamb wave propagation in Low Velocity Impact (LVI) damaged CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) laminate. The former (softening representation), usually adopted in literature, consists of modelling LVI damages by lowering the elastic material properties which allowed investigating the Lamb wave propagation at different stages of LVI damages evolution. The latter, proposed in this paper, conversely to the first one and the most of techniques presented in literature, consists of simulating Lamb wave propagation in a plate characterized by an initial stress-strain state and the related failures carried out by a previous impact simulation involving the same model. Such technique allows a better damage modelling and, consequently, overcoming the damage modelling approximations introduced by the former strategy; the lowering of the elastic material properties leads to a bad damage modelling which does not allow reproducing accurately what happens in the reality. Such procedure allowed investigating the Lamb wave propagation at different impact energy levels. The interaction between Lamb waves and damages has been investigated under three central frequencies of the actuation signal: 150 kHz, 200 kHz and 250 kHz which resulted in interesting observations to minimize the effect of the first lamina's fibres orientation on the wave propagation velocity. It is well known that different wave propagation velocities along fibres and matrix lead to different RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) damage index values, even if the sensors are mounted at the same distance from the damage location, resulting in wrong or less accurate information about the identification of both damage size and location during the post-processing phase. Moreover, the relationships between the RMSD damage index values, recorded at different instants of time of the impact history, and the impactor phases has been achieved. Finally a comparison between the results achieved by the two investigated strategies has been carried out and presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new methodology supporting the design of landing gears is proposed. Generally, a preliminary step is performed with simplified FE model, usually one-dimensional, to achieve the reaction forces involving each component during all aforementioned aircraft operations. Though this approach gives a valid support to the designer, it is characterized by several problems, such as the related approximations. So, it is important, by a numerical point of view, to develop an isostatic FE model equivalent to the real one. In fact, if the landing gear is modelled as hyperstatic, the static equilibrium equations are insufficient for determining the internal forces and reactions on each sub-component; so, the modelled material properties and geometries assume an increasing importance, which gets the model too approximating. The proposed methodology consists of achieving the reaction forces by means of multibody simulations, by overcoming such problems, since each component is modelled as rigid. In this paper, also a FE model for the investigation of the structural response is proposed. Aimed to Certification by Analysis purposes, the developed multibody and the FE models have been assessed against an experimental landing gear drop test carried out by Magnaghi Aeronautica S.p.A., according to the EASA CS 25 regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: A study was performed to investigate the role of fungal metabolites released into the rhizosphere of replanted orchards as a potential biotic component of tree growth decline. Methods: The phytotoxicity of the gamma ray-sterilized crude culture filtrates of sixteen fungal species originating from replanted apple orchards was tested in a bioassay. Low molecular weight compounds released by Fusarium spp. were analyzed. Results: The fungal culture filtrates affected seedling growth and health with an activity that varied from growth inhibition to promotion. Three out of the six species of Fusarium tested produced species-specific mycotoxins such as equisetin and enniatin B and D (<1 μg ml and <6 μg ml, respectively) associated with root-tip necrosis, whereas fusaric acid (80-230 μg ml) was associated with asymptomatic plant growth inhibition. These findings were consistent with those obtained using pure compounds. Moreover, methoxyconidiol, paecilaminol, integrastatin B and other biologically active compounds, whose fungal origin and phytotoxicity have not yet been reported, were found. in all fungal filtrates. Conclusions: Findings suggest that i) phytopathogenicity of soil borne fungi can be expressed regardless of root infection; ii) a synergistic interaction between co-occurring mycotoxins and other biologically active compounds may explain plant growth inhibition. Iii) fungal metabolites released into soil may represent an underestimated component of nonspecific replant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to analyze and compare the effects of four different interval-training protocols on aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Thirty-seven subjects (23.8 ± 4 years; 171.7 ± 9.5 cm; 70 ± 11 kg) were assigned to one of four groups: low-intensity interval training with ( BFR, n = 10) or without ( LOW, n = 7) blood flow restriction, high-intensity interval training ( HIT, n = 10), and combined HIT and BFR ( BFR + HIT, n = 10, every session performed 50% as BFR and 50% as HIT). Before and after 4 weeks training (3 days a week), the maximal oxygen uptake ( VO2max), maximal power output ( Pmax), onset blood lactate accumulation ( OBLA), and muscle strength were measured for all subjects. All training groups were able to improve OBLA ( BFR, 16%; HIT, 25%; HIT + BFR, 22%; LOW, 6%), with no difference between groups. However, VO2max and Pmax improved only for BFR (6%, 12%), HIT (9%, 15%) and HIT + BFR (6%, 11%), with no difference between groups. Muscle strength gains were only observed after BFR training (11%). This study demonstrates the advantage of short-term low-intensity interval BFR training as the single mode of training able to simultaneously improve aerobic fitness and muscular strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining abstinence from alcohol is the main goal in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Naltrexone (NTX) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) have proved able to maintain alcohol abstinence in alcoholic subjects. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of GHB compared with NTX in maintaining abstinence from alcohol after 3 months of treatment. A total of 35 alcohol-dependent outpatients were randomly enrolled in two groups: the GHB group consisted of 18 patients treated with oral doses of GHB (50 mg/kg of body weight t.i.d) for 3 months; the NTX group consisted of 17 patients treated with oral doses of NTX (50 mg/day) for 3 months. At the end of the study, a statistically significant difference (P=0.02) was found in the number of abstinent patients between the GHB and the NTX groups. In patients who failed to be abstinent, no relapses in heavy drinking were observed in the NTX group, while in the GHB group all patients relapsed. The results of the present study show that GHB is more effective than NTX in maintaining abstinence from alcohol in a short-term treatment period; on the other hand, NTX confirmed its ability to reduce alcohol relapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research reported in this paper was aimed mainly to investigate the different NDE techniques on specimens made by a new process labeled as “pulsed infusion”, very crucial for voids content under critical loading conditions. The impact load, in fact, is critical for composite laminates due to their anisotropy, in particular in extreme temperature conditions due to their brittleness. An additional and very relevant aim was to collect a large number of experimental results to supply useful information for the numerical models needed to simulate the dynamic behavior of composite laminates. At the aim to investigate the response under dynamic loads of laminates fabricated by a new vacuum assisted technology labeled as “pulsed infusion”, rectangular carbon fiber composite specimens were subjected to low velocity impact tests. Experimental tests up to complete penetration and at different energy levels, were carried out by a modular falling weight tower. All the parameters related to the phenomenon, like penetration energy, maximum force and indentation depths, were used to validate existing semi-empirical and numerical models. The largely used ultra sound technique (US) was adopted to investigate the delamination together with the thermo graphic technique. The results of the measurements were compared with data obtained on the same specimens by holographic analysis (ESPI). One of the scope was to investigate the crucial internal impact damage and assess the ability of an unconventional ND system (ESPI) in giving right information about non-visual damage generated inside composite laminates subjected to dynamic loads. Moreover, some of the specimens were cut to allow the fractographic analysis. The efficiency of the above mentioned new fabrication technology was studied also comparing the results with measurements from literature on impacted autoclave cured laminates. By the comparison between the results, good agreements were found denoting the efficiency and the applicability of the new fabrication and the used NDE methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials allow all the benefits which a high specific strength involves, in a design process their application involves many critical problems. Currently, these problems, such as environmental conditions, notch sensitivity, damaging under low velocity impacts, are taken into account by means of the application of conservative design safety factors regarding the ultimate tensile strength. In order to try to reduce these safety factors, this work aimed to study and to understand the impact damage growing mechanisms due to compression loads. To this purpose, compression tests have been experimentally performed on composite panels, which have been previously subjected to low velocity impact phenomena, considering impact energies of 6 J, 10 J and 13 J respectively. Moreover, numerical model able to simulate Low Velocity Impacts (LVI) and Compression After Impacts (CAI) onto CFRP panels is proposed. A single explicit finite element analysis has been carried out by using the Abaqus ® finite element code; the need to build a numerical model, which allows simulation in only one analysis both LVI and CAI steps, depends on the difficulty to import the impact damage distribution into a separate compression analysis. In fact, in only one analysis the compression step can occur directly onto the impacted plate, which allows to consider the effective impact damage distribution as the starting configuration for quasi static analysis under operating loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on changes of rhizosphere microbial communities in apple trees in long-term replanted orchards of Central Europe, aiming at developing cropping practices to mitigate replant problems. It started from the evidence of a previous study which showed that a slight modification of root-colonizing fungal communities was responsible for a great increase of plant growth in soil samples which had previously been subjected to a gamma-irradiation cycle (25 kGy for 8 h), as compared to that observed in the corresponding untreated native soils. The study was performed on rhizospheric soil from nine multi-generation apple orchards after a plant growth assay with M9 rootstock plantlets. PCR-DGGE analysis of soil DNA was performed to evaluate fungal and bacterial communities in fallow and replanted soils, as well as corresponding gamma-irradiated samples. Findings showed that rhizospheric fungal and bacterial communities within apple orchards did not differ according to their position within the orchard; while, they showed a shift in the gamma-irradiated soils. Pseudomonas fluorescens , Pseudomonas tolasii , Pseudomonas spp. and Novosphingobium spp. were the bacteria which were mainly attributed to this change. A shifting in composition of Fusarium communities toward Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium equiseti resulted the most linked to the changes at rhizosphere level after re-colonization; to the contrary, Fusarium venenatum and Fusarium avenaceum , Truncatella sp. and Gibellolopsis sp., only occurred in native soils. Findings of this study suggest that disturbance events such as a gamma-irradiation can modify microbial communities in long-term apple orchards thus allowing a soil re-colonization suitable to increase soil suppressiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the onset and the evolution of low velocity impact damages in Carbon–Epoxy plates, a numerical investigation has been led. A detailed finite element model has been created by using the finite element code Abaqus® which, thanks to the different implemented algorithms, allowed considering both intra-laminar and inter-laminar failure criteria. In particular, the numerical modelling technique of such failure criteria allowed predicting delamination growth, by using special purpose-elements (cohesive elements) and fiber and matrix failure, by using Hashin criteria. Moreover, with the aim to reduce the required CPU time, a global/local finite element modelling approach has been proposed. For validation purpose, numerical results have been compared with data from two sessions of experimental impact tests. The considered impact energy values are 6 J, 10 J and 13 J respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with structural behaviour of laminated composite plates under low velocity impact loading conditions. The aim of the work is to develop numerical finite element models and simulation techniques to be implemented in a numerical procedure, which is aimed to improve designer forecasting capabilities of damaging resistance in composite structures. On the base of advanced material models and of selected failure criteria, the proposed numerical techniques can describe the damage initiation and propagation of impact damages in composite structures. A global/local finite element modeling approach has been proposed, in order to be able to develop explicit finite element analysis of the impact event, including damage initiation and propagation of both interlaminar and intralaminar damages. The same model has been analysed under quasi static compression conditions by taking into account, in a single explicit finite element analysis, both the impact and the after impact damages. For validation purpose, numerical results have been compared with data from two sessions of experimental impact tests, followed by compression after impact tests; the considered impact energy values are 50 J and 100 J respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) represents a boundary above which not only physiological but also technical changes occur. On different days, 13 male swimmers (23 ± 9 years) performed the following tests: 1) a 400-m all-out swim, to determine maximal aerobic speed (S-400); 2) a series of 30-min sub-maximal swims, to determine continuous MLSS (MLSSc), and; 3) a series of 12 × 150 s sub-maximal swims, to determine intermittent MLSS (MLSSi). Stroke rate (SR), distance per stroke cycle (DS) and stroke index (SI) were analyzed at and above (102.5 %) MLSSc and MLSSi. MLSSi (1.17 ± 0.09 m.s-1 ) was significantly higher than MLSSc (1.13 ± 0.08 m.s-1) while blood lactate concentration (mmol.L-) was similar between the 2 conditions (4.3 ± 1.1 and 4.4 ± 1.5, respectively). The increase in SR and decreases in DS and SI were significant during MLSSi, 102.5 % MLSSc and 102.5 % MLSSi. During MLSSc, DS also decreased significantly (- 3.6 %) but with no change in SR or SI. Thus, stroking technique of regional-level competitive swimmers changes over time when they swim at or above MLSS. This is the case during both continuous and intermittent swimming, despite steady state blood lactate concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the critical power (CP) with exercise intensities measured as a percentage of the difference between VO2 at lactate threshold (LT) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (25, 50 and 75%Δ) in well-trained cyclists. Methods: After determination of the LT and VO2max, 14 male endurance cyclists performed three constant work rate tests to exhaustion to determine CP. Results: VO2 (mlkg-1 min-1) at CP (59.9±6.6) was significant higher than VO2 corresponding to 25 (50.4±6.9) and 50%Δ (55.3±6.5). There was no significantly difference between VO2 at CP and VO2 corresponding to 75%Δ (60.1±6.2). Conclusions: It was concluded that researchers intending to explore the responses of well-trained cyclists in the severe-intensity domain have to set exercise intensities higher than 75%Δ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a drug currently used for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of craving for and abuse of GHB in 47 patients enrolled and divided into four groups: group A (pure alcoholics), group B (alcoholics with a sustained full remission from cocaine dependence), group C (alcoholics with a sustained full remission from heroin dependence) and group D (alcoholics in a methadone maintenance treatment [MMT] programme). All patients were treated with an oral dose of GHB (50 mg/kg of body weight t.i.d.) for three months. Craving for GHB was statistically significant higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.001), C (P = 0.01) and D (P < 0.001), and in group C than in group D (P < 0.05). Abuse of GHB proved to be statistically significant higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.001) and D (P < 0.01), and in group C than in group A (P = 0.01) and D (P < 0.05). Thus, the administration of GHB in alcoholics with a sustained full remission from heroin or cocaine dependence is not recommended; however, this should not discourage physicians from using GHB for the treatment of pure alcoholics or alcohol dependents following a MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ecological approach was used to investigate the relationship between diversity of soil fungal communities and soil-borne pathogen inoculum in a potato growing area of northern Italy affected by yield decline. The study was performed in 14 sites with the same tillage management practices: 10 named ‘potato sites’, that for many years had been intensely cultivated with potatoes, and 4 named ‘rotation sites’, subject to a 4-year rotation without potatoes or any recurrent crop for many years. Fungal communities were recorded using conventional (soil fungi by plate count and endophytic fungi as infection frequency on pot-grown potato plant roots in soil samples) and molecular approaches [Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes with specific and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis]. Diversity of fungal communities in potato sites was significantly lower than that in rotation sites. In addition, fungal communities in rotation sites showed lower Berger–Parker dominance than those in the potato sites, suggesting that rotation sites had a higher diversity as well as a better fungal community balance than potato sites. The ANalysis Of SIMilarity test of soil fungi and root endophytic fungi revealed that the two cropping systems differed significantly for species composition. Root endophytic fungal communities showed a greater ability to colonise potato roots in soil samples from potato sites than those from rotation sites. Moreover, the majority of endophytic root fungal community species in potato sites belonged to the potato root rot complex and storage disease ( Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum), while those in rotation sites were mainly ubiquitous or saprobic fungi. Soil rDNA analyses showed that Ascomycetes were much more frequent than Basidiomycetes in all the soils examined. DGGE analysis, with the Ascomycete-specific primer (ITS1F/ITS4A), did not reveal distinctions between the communities found at the potato and rotation sites, although the same analysis showed differences between the communities of Basidiomycetes (specific primer ITS1F/ITS4B). These findings showed that recurrent potato cropping affected diversity and composition of soil fungal communities and induced a shift in specialisation of the endophytic fungi towards potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The aim of this review is to present recent findings on the acute and chronic responses when exercising within the severe intensity domain and the use of the Critical Power (CP) concept to estimate the upper and lower limits of this exercise domain. The determination of CP is simple from the modeling of the plot of the hyperbolic P–t relationship, hence its practical interest. Current knowledge: The severe intensity domain encompasses the exercise intensities at which oxygen uptake (VO2) would increase toward its maximum (VO2max). CP has been suggested to represent the lower boundary of this intensity domain and has been considered as a useful index to evaluate aerobic capacity. The two-parameter P-t hyperbolic model has recently been proposed to estimate the upper boundary of the above-mentioned domain. Using the relationship between time to attain VO2max (TAVO2max) and time to exhaustion (tlim), it is possible to solve for the unique tlim, at which VO2max is achieved momentarily at the exhaustion. The power associated with this time can be calculated using the equation from the two-parameter P-t hyperbolic model. Some studies aimed at assessing whether exercise intensity, exercise mode and aerobic training status could influence the VO2 response during exercise. There is currently not enough data published in the literature to support the validity of the two-parameter P-TAVO2max hyperbolic model to estimate the upper boundary of the severe domain. Points of view and perspectives: Further studies could be conducted on the effects of aerobic status training and exercise mode on the validity of the two- and three-parameter models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although platinum-based two-drug combinations represent the elective therapeutic approach for advanced/metastatic NSCLC, there is still interest in exploring the efficacy and tolerability of platinum-free combinations including third generation agents in selected NSCLC population. Based on the satisfying activity of gemcitabine (G), ifosfamide (I) and paclitaxel (T) as single agents in NSCLC, we have designed a phase II study to explore an alternative approach to platinum-containing regimens using a combination of these three drugs. To investigate the activity/toxicity of T 175 mg/m2 on day 1, I 3 g/m2 on day 1 (with Mesna uroprotection) and G 1,000 mg/m2 on day 1–8, every 3 weeks in the treatment of advanced/metastatic NSCLC, 46 patients (38 male, 8 female) with NSCLC were enrolled: mean age 58 (range 33–70); Stage IIIB/IV = 15/31; ECOG PS 0-1/2 = 31/15; Histology: adenocarcinoma = 20, squamous = 14, large cell = 3, NSCLC = 8, adenosquamous = 1. A total of 221 cycles have been administered (median number 4.8 for patients). In intent-to-treat analysis, partial response was achieved in 17 patients (36.95%), stable disease and progressive disease was detected in 16 (34.78%) and 10 (21.73%) patients, respectively. Time to progression was 30.9 weeks; median survival time was 42.7 weeks; the survival rates at 12 and 18 months were 34.79 and 15.21%, respectively. No toxic deaths occurred. No patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Neutropenia grade 3 occurred in 10 patients (21.7%); Anemia grade 3 in 1 (2.1%); Thrombocytopenia grade 2 in two patients (4.3%) and grade 3 in one (2.1%). Peripheral neuropathy grade 1 occurred in ten (21.7%) and grade 2 in two patients (4.3%). Additional non-haematological toxicities were mild nausea, emesis and fatigue. GIT is well tolerated and active regimen in both advanced and metastatic NSCLC. These data suggest future investigations for GIT schedule as a possible alternative to platinum-based regimens in selected advanced/metastatic NSCLC patients where survival, tolerability and quality of life are the primary goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alcoholic liver disease has a known aetiology but a complex and incompletely known pathogenesis. It is an extremely common disease with significant morbidity and mortality, but the reason why only a relatively small proportion of heavy drinkers progress to advanced disease remains elusive. Aim To recognize the factors responsible for the development and progression of alcoholic liver disease, in the light of current knowledge on this matter. Methods We performed a structured literature review identifying studies focusing on the complex pathogenetic pathway and risk factors of alcoholic liver disease. Results In addition to the cumulative amount of alcohol intake and alcohol consumption patterns, factors such as gender and ethnicity, genetic background, nutritional factors, energy metabolism abnormalities, oxidative stress, immunological mechanisms and hepatic co-morbid conditions play a key role in the genesis and progression of alcoholic liver injury. Conclusions Understanding the pathogenesis and risk factors of alcoholic liver disease should provide insight into the development of therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze, in triathletes, the possible influence of the exercise mode (running x cycling) on time to exhaustion (TTE) and oxygen uptake (V.O (2)) response during exercise performed at the intensity associated with the achievement of maximal oxygen uptake (IV.O (2max)). Eleven male triathletes (21.8 +/- 3.8 yr) performed the following tests on different days on a motorized treadmill and on a cycle ergometer: 1) incremental tests in order to determine V.O (2max) and IV.O (2max) and, 2) constant work rate tests to exhaustion at IV.O (2max) to determine TTE and to describe V.O (2) response (time to achieve V.O (2max) - TAV.O (2max), and time maintained at V.O (2max) - TMV.O (2max)). No differences were found in V.O (2max), TTE and TMV.O (2max) obtained on the treadmill tests (63.7 +/- 4.7 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1); 324.6 +/- 109.1 s; 178.9 +/- 93.6 s) and cycle ergometer tests (61.4 +/- 4.5 ml . kg (- 1) . min (-1); 390.4 +/- 114.4 s; 213.5 +/- 102.4 s). However, TAV.O (2max) was influenced by exercise mode (145.7 +/- 25.3 vs. 176.8 +/- 20.1 s; in treadmill and cycle ergometer, respectively; p = 0.006). It is concluded that exercise modality affects the TAV.O (2max), without influencing TTE and TMV.O (2max) during exercise at IV.O (2max) in triathletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze, in triathletes, the possible influence of the exercise mode (running x cycling) on time to exhaustion (IrE) and oxygen uptake (`~O2) response during exercise performed at the intensity associated with the achievement of maximal oxygen uptake (lVO2max). Eleven male triathietes (21.8 ± 3.8 yr) performed the following tests on different days on a motorized treadmill and on a cycle ergometer: 1) incremental tests in order to determine VO2max and lVO2~ax and, 2) constant work rate tests to exhaustion at lVO2max to determine TTE and to describe V02 response (time to achieve V02mJx - TAVO2max, and time maintained at "°2max - TMVO2max). No differences were found in VO2max, 1TE and TMVO2max obtained on the treadmill tests (63.7 ±4.7 ml .kg1 .min1 324.6 ± 109.1 5; 178.9 ± 93.6 s) and cycle ergometer tests (61.4 ± 4.5 ml. kg-1 . mm-1 390.4 ± 114.4s: 213.5 ± 102.4 s). However, TA'fO2max was influenced by exercise mode (145.7 ±25.3 vs. 176.8±20.1 s; in treadmill and cycle ergometer, respectively: p = 0.006). It is concluded that ex- ercise modality affects the TA'/O2maX, without influencing TI'E and TMVO2max during exercise at lVO2max in triathletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test whether the peak absolute magnitude of the Globular Cluster Luminosity Function (GCLF) can be used for reliable extragalactic distance determination. Starting with the luminosity function of the Galactic Globular Clusters listed in Harris catalogue, we determine either using current calibrations of the absolute magnitude of RR Lyrae stars as a function of the cluster metal content [Fe/H] and adopting selected cluster samples. We show that the peak magnitude is slightly affected by the adopted relation, with the exception of that based on the revised Baade–Wesselink method, while it depends on the criteria to select the cluster sample. Moreover, grouping the Galactic Globular Clusters by metallicity, we find that the metal-poor (MP) sample shows peak magnitudes systematically brighter by about 0.36 mag than those of the metal-rich (MR) ([Fe/H] one, in substantial agreement with the theoretical metallicity effect suggested by synthetic Globular Cluster populations with constant age and mass function. Moving outside the Milky Way, we show that the peak magnitude of the MP clusters in M31 appears to be consistent with that of Galactic clusters with similar metallicity, once the same relation is used for distance determination. As for the GCLFs in other external galaxies, using Surface Brightness Fluctuations (SBF) measurements we give evidence that the luminosity functions of the blue (MP) Globular Clusters peak at the same luminosity within ∼0.2 mag, whereas for the red (MR) samples the agreement is within ∼0.5 mag even accounting for the theoretical metallicity correction expected for clusters with similar ages and mass distributions. Then, using the SBF absolute magnitudes provided by a Cepheid distance scale calibrated on a fiducial distance to Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), we show that the value of the MP clusters in external galaxies is in excellent agreement with the value of both Galactic and M31 ones, as inferred by an RR Lyrae distance scale referenced to the same LMC fiducial distance. Eventually, adopting , we derive that the luminosity function of MP clusters in the Milky Way, M31, and external galaxies peak at and , respectively. This would suggest a value of (weighted mean), with any modification of the LMC distance modulus producing a similar variation of the GCLF peak luminosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies were carried out to investigate the soil microbial components involved in suppressing strawberry black rot root which occurs throughout the Italian strawberry growing region. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of fungi involved in black root rot were combined with several soil microbial parameters involved in soil suppressiveness towards black root rot agents. The first survey, carried out in an intensively cultivated area of northern Italy, identified Rhizoctonia spp. as the main root pathogen together with several typical weak pathogens belonging to the well-known black rot root complex of strawberry crop: Cylindrocarpon destructans, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Pestalotia longiseta and others. The root colonisation frequency of strawberry plants increased strongly from autumn to spring at harvesting stage. Rhizoctonia spp. were the only pathogens which followed the rising trend of root colonisation with relative frequency; all the weak pathogens of strawberry black root rot complex did not vary their frequency. Only non-pathogenic fungi decreased from autumn to spring when at least 60% of colonising fungi were represented by Rhizoctonia. These data suggested that the late vegetative stage was the best time to record the soil inoculum of root rot agents in strawberry using root infection frequency as a parameter of soil health. A further study was performed in two fields, chosen for their common soil texture and pH, but with significant differences in previous soil management: one (ALSIA) had been subjected to strawberry monoculture without organic input for several years; the other (CIF) has been managed according to a 4-year crop rotation and high organic input. In this study Pythium artificially inoculated was adopted as an indicator for the behaviour of saprophytically living pathogens in bulk soil. Pythium showed a sharp, different response after inoculation in bulk soil from the two soil systems evaluated. Pythium was suppressed only in the CIF field where the highest levels of total fungi and fluorescent bacteria and highest variability were observed. The suppressiveness conditions towards Pythium, observed in the CIF and absent in the ALSIA field, corresponded with the root infection frequency recorded at the late vegetative stage on strawberry plants grown in the two fields: strawberry plants from the CIF field showed lower root colonisation frequency and higher variability than that recorded on those coming from the ALSIA field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saprophytic soil-borne pathogens can be either actively suppressed by organic amendments or enhanced, depending on soil health conditions. This can be deleterious in the event of selection of a soil-borne population by previous soil management and short crop rotation. Trials were performed in the open field and in pots, using naturally infected soil from intensive crop systems, i.e., soil from fields with 8 years of strawberry cultivation. The aim was to study short-term response of Pythium and soil microbial populations to green manure. The use of green manure in these naturally infested soils, 3–10 weeks after fresh tissue incorporation, caused Pythium populations to increase concurrent with an increase in soil microbial populations, and did not result in the suppression of the pathogen. A more elaborate trial was performed under controlled conditions, amending soil with fresh wheat plant material, air-dried wheat plant material and an organic fertilizer with a high level of humic substances. Although compared to the original soil, all amendments caused a similar increase in organic matter content and small differences in soil respiration, incorporation of fresh, not decomposed, plant material strongly increased Pythium, while the organic fertilizer did not affect the original level of the pathogen population. The increase in total number of fungi and bacteria did not have any suppressive effect on the Pythium population in naturally infested soil used for this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with numerical investigation on a stiffened composite panel under longitudinal compression load, in presence of artificial delamination defects between skin/stringer interface layers.At first, both the experimental and numerical non-linear equilibrium paths were determined, until the failure load value of the structure was reached. Then local evaluation of the energy release rate parameter was performed at defect front, by means of a hybrid (FEM/analytical) procedure based on a particularized virtual crack closure technique. The same FE shell model was used to perform both global and local calculations by means of a single analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of the present study was to compare pulmonary gas exchange kinetics (VO 2 kinetics) and time to exhaustion (Tlim) between trained and untrained individuals during severe exercise performed on a cycle ergometer and treadmill. Eleven untrained males in running (UR) and cycling (UC), nine endurance cyclists (EC), and seven endurance runners (ER) were submitted to the following tests on separate days: (i) incremental test for determination of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and the intensity associated with the achievement of VO 2 max (IVO 2 max) on a mechanical braked cycle ergometer (EC and UC) and on a treadmill (ER and UR); (ii) all-out exercise bout performed at IVO 2 max to determine the time to exhaustion at IVO 2 max (Tlim) and the time constant of oxygen uptake kinetics (τ). The τ was significantly faster in trained group, both in cycling (EC = 28.2 &PlusMinus; 4.7 s; UC = 63.8 &PlusMinus; 25.0 s) and in running (ER = 28.5 &PlusMinus; 8.5 s; UR = 59.3 &PlusMinus; 12.0 s). Tlim of untrained was signifi-cantly lower in cycling (EC = 384.4 &PlusMinus; 66.6 s vs. UC; 311.1 &PlusMinus; 105.7 s) and higher in running (ER = 309.2 &PlusMinus; 176.6 s vs. UR = 439.8 &PlusMinus; 104.2 s). We conclude that the VO 2 kinetic response at the onset of severe exercise, carried out at the same relative intensity is sensitive to endurance training, irrespective of the exercise type. The endurance training seems to differently influence Tlim during exercise at IVO 2 max in running and cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present an improved theoretical scenario concerning near-infrared and visual magnitudes of RR Lyr variables, as based on up-to-date pulsating models. New relations connecting V and K absolute magnitudes with periods, mass, luminosity and metal content are discussed separately for fundamental and first-overtone pulsators. We also show that the V -K colours are predicted to supply tight constraints on the pulsator intrinsic luminosity. On this basis, we revisit the case of the prototype variable RR Lyr, showing that the parallax inferred by this new pulsational approach appears in close agreement with Hubble Space Telescope absolute parallax. Moreover, available K and V measurements for field and cluster RR Lyr variables with known reddening and metal content are used to derive a relation connecting the K absolute magnitude to period and metallicity (M[sub K] –[Fe/H]–log P ) as well as a new calibration of the M[sub V] –[Fe/H] relation. The comparison between theoretical prescriptions and observations suggests that RR Lyr stars in the field and in galactic globular clusters (GGCs) should have quite similar evolutionary histories. The comparison between theory and observations also discloses a general agreement that supports the reliability of the current pulsational scenario. On the contrary, current empirical absolute magnitudes based on the Baade–Wesselink (BW) method suggest relations with a zero-point which is fainter than is predicted by pulsation models, together with a milder metallicity dependence. However, preliminary results based on a new calibration of the BW method provided by Cacciari et al. (2000) for RR Cet and SW And appear in a much better agreement with the pulsational predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining abstinence from alcohol is the main goal in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Naltrexone (NTX) and γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) have proved able to maintain alcohol abstinence in alcoholic subjects. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of GHB compared with NTX in maintaining abstinence from alcohol after 3 months of treatment. A total of 35 alcohol-dependent outpatients were randomly enrolled in two groups: the GHB group consisted of 18 patients treated with oral doses of GHB (50 mg/kg of body weight t.i.d) for 3 months; the NTX group consisted of 17 patients treated with oral doses of NTX (50 mg/day) for 3 months. At the end of the study, a statistically significant difference (P=0.02) was found in the number of abstinent patients between the GHB and the NTX groups. In patients who failed to be abstinent, no relapses in heavy drinking were observed in the NTX group, while in the GHB group all patients relapsed. The results of the present study show that GHB is more effective than NTX in maintaining abstinence from alcohol in a short-term treatment period; on the other hand, NTX confirmed its ability to reduce alcohol relapses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have developed an homogeneous evolutionary scenario for H- and He-burning low-mass stars by computing updated stellar models for a wide metallicity and age range [0.0002≤Z≤0.004 and 9≤t(Gyr)≤15 , respectively] suitable to study globular clusters. This theoretical scenario allows us to provide self-consistent predictions about the dependence of selected observational features of the colour–magnitude diagram, such as the brightness of the turn-off (TO), the zero-age horizontal branch (ZAHB) and the red giant branch bump (BUMP), on the cluster metallicity and age. Taking into account these predictions, we introduce a new observable based on the visual magnitude difference between the TO and the ZAHB [ΔM[sub V](TO–ZAHB)] , and the TO and the BUMP [ΔM[sub V](TO–BUMP)], given by A=ΔM[sub V](TO–BUMP)–0.566ΔM[sub V](TO–ZAHB). We show that the parameter A does not depend at all on the cluster age, but that it does strongly depend on the cluster global metallicity. The calibration of the parameter A as a function of Z is then provided, as based on our evolutionary models. We tested the reliability of this result by also considering stellar models computed by other authors, employing different input physics. Eventually, we present clear evidence that the variation of ΔM[sub V](TO–BUMP) with ΔM[sub V](TO–ZAHB) does supply a powerful probe of the global metal abundance, at least when homogeneous theoretical frameworks are adopted. Specifically, we show that the extensive set of models by Vanden Berg et al. suggests a slightly different calibration of A versus Z calibration, which however provides global metallicities higher by only 0.08±0.06 dex with respect to the results from our computations. We provide an estimate of the global metallicity of 36 globular clusters in the Milky Way, based on our A–Z calibration, and a large observational data base of Galactic globular clusters. By considering the empirical [Fe/H] scales by both Zinn & West and Carretta & Gratton , we are able to provide an estimate of the α-element enhancement for all clusters in our sample. We show that the trend of [α/Fe] with respect to the iron content significantly depends on the adopted empirical [Fe/H] scale, with the Zinn & West one suggesting α-element enhancements in fine agreement with current spectroscopic measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

— Methadone, a synthetic opioid agonist, is commonly used for the treatment of heroin dependence. Depending on how alcohol addiction is defined, rates of alcoholism vary among those attending methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programmes. Most of the current literature has shown that alcohol consumption increases during medium- or long-term MMT. However, up to now, no data have been reported on changes in alcohol intake among a population of heroin addicts with no alcohol-dependence diagnosis after short-term methadone administration. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate alcohol consumption changes in a population of non-alcoholic heroin addicts during the first 4 weeks of a treatment programme (TP). The TP consisted of either MMT or non-methadone maintenance treatment (N-MMT) with a minimum duration of 1 year. A total of 359 heroin-addicted out-patients [274 males (76.3%)], all of whom met DSM-IV criteria, were enrolled in the study, over a period of 4 months. Out of these 359 patients, 32 subjects (8.9%) dropped out, whereas 327 subjects (91.1%; 249 males) continued the TP [105 (32.1%; 78 males) in the MMT group and 222 (67.9%; 171 males) in the N-MMT group]. A significant reduction in daily alcohol intake was observed in the MMT group, but not in the N-MMT group after the first 4 weeks of the TP. The results of the present study suggest a possible effect of short-term methadone administration in reducing alcohol consumption in a population of non-alcoholic heroin-addicted patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present work deals with a numerical–experimental investigation into the post-buckling behavior of two demonstrators representative of the bottom skin panel of an unpressurized aircraft fuselage: one represents an undamaged reference structure, the other includes debonding and impact damage.Tests have been developed for static compression loading up to the ultimate load. The recorded data from five transducers and one strain gauge have been utilized to obtain numerical–experimental correlation.Numerical analyses have been developed using two available commercial codes and by different modeling approaches and analytical procedures. Further results have been obtained and compared with each other and with experimental evidence in order to assess the capability and feasibility of numerical predictions in the post-buckling field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Theoretical constraints on the K-band period–luminosity (PL[sub K]) relation of RR Lyrae stars are presented, based on updated non-linear convective pulsation models that are computed for several values of stellar mass, luminosity and metallicity. We show that for each given metal content the predicted PL[sub K] is marginally dependent on uncertainties of the stellar mass and/or luminosity. Then, by considering the RR Lyrae masses suggested by evolutionary computations for the various metallicities, we state that the predicted infrared magnitude M[sub K] over the range 0.0001

We present a new set of Cepheid, full amplitude, non-linear, convective models which are pulsationally unstable in the second overtone (SO). Hydrodynamical models were constructed by adopting a chemical composition typical of Cepheids in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and for stellar masses ranging from 3.25 to 4 M[sub ⊙]. Predicted φ[sub 21] Fourier parameters agree, within current uncertainties, with empirical data for pure first- and second-overtone variables as well as for first-/second-overtone (FO/SO) double-mode Cepheids collected by Udalski et al. in the SMC. On the other hand, predicted I-band amplitudes are systematically larger than the observed ones in the short-period range, but attain values that are closer to the empirical ones for log P[sub SO]≥-0.12 and log P[sub FO]≥0.1. We also find, in agreement with empirical evidence, that the region within which both second and first overtones attain a stable limit cycle widens when moving towards lower luminosities. Moreover, predicted P[sub SO]/P[sub FO] and P[sub FO]/P[sub F] period ratios agree quite well with empirical period ratios for FO/SO and fundamental/FO double-mode SMC Cepheids. Interestingly enough, current models support the evidence that pure SO Cepheids and SO components in FO/SO Cepheids are good distance indicators. In fact, we find that the fit of the predicted period–luminosity–colour (V, V–I) relation to empirical SMC data supplies a distance modulus (DM) of 19.11±0.08 mag. The same outcome applies to pure FO Cepheids and FO components in FO/SO Cepheids, and indeed we find DM=19.16±0.19 mag. Current distance estimates do not account for, within current uncertainties on photometry and reddening, the so-called short distance scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the results from recent computations of updated non-linear convective pulsating models to constrain the distance modulus of Galactic globular clusters through the observed periods of first-overtone (RR[sub c]) pulsators. The resulting relation between the mean absolute magnitude of RR Lyrae stars and the heavy element content [Fe/H] appears well in the range of several previous empirical calibrations, but with a non-linear dependence on [Fe/H] so that the slope of the relation increases when moving towards larger metallicities. On this ground, our results suggest that metal-poor ([Fe/H]<-1.5) and metal-rich ([Fe/H]>-1.5) variables follow two different linear -[Fe/H] relations. Application to RR Lyrae stars in the metal-poor globular clusters of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) provides an LMC distance modulus of the order of 18.6 mag, thus supporting the ‘long’ distance scale. The comparison with recent predictions based on updated stellar evolution theory is briefly presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present B and V CCD photometry for variables in the cluster central region, adding new data for 32 variables and giving suitable light curves, mean magnitudes and corrected colours for 17 RR Lyrae variables. Adding the data given in this paper to similar data that have already appeared in the literature, we discuss a sample of 42 variables, as given by 22 RR[sub ab] and 20 RR[sub c], in the light of recent predictions from pulsational theories. We find that the observational evidence concerning M5 pulsators appears in marginal disagreement with predictions concerning the colour of the first overtone blue edge (FOBE), whereas a clear disagreement appears between the zero-age horizontal branch (ZAHB) luminosities predicted through evolutionary and pulsational theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-detector AF4 for characterization of nanomedicines is reviewed • The development of high quality Standard Operating Procedures is presented • The process for developing validated standard test methods is discussed • Multi-detector AF4 is a robust technique for measuring quality attributes Asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) has been recognized as an invaluable tool for the characterisation of particle size, polydispersity, drug loading and stability of nanopharmaceuticals. However, the application of robust and high quality standard operating procedures (SOPs) is critical for accurate measurements, especially as these complex drug nanoformulations are most often inherently polydisperse. In this review we describe a unique international collaboration that lead to the development of a robust SOP for the measurement of physical-chemical properties of nanopharmaceuticals by multi-detector AF4 (MD-AF4) involving two state of the art infrastructures in the field of nanomedicine, the European Union Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory (EUNCL) and the National Cancer Institute-Nanotechnology Characterisation Laboratory (NCI-NCL). We present examples of how MD-AF4 has been used for the analysis of key quality attributes, such as particle size, shape, drug loading and stability of complex nanomedicine formulations. The results highlight that MD-AF4 is a very versatile analytical technique to obtain critical information on a material particle size distribution, polydispersity and qualitative information on drug loading. The ability to conduct analysis in complex physiological matrices is an additional very important advantage of MD-AF4 over many other analytical techniques used in the field for stability studies. Overall, the joint NCI-NCL/EUNCL experience demonstrates the ability to implement a powerful and highly complex analytical technique such as MD-AF4 to the demanding quality standards set by the regulatory authorities for the pre-clinical safety characterization of nanomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]