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Trattamento delle fistole rinoliquorali: quando è richiesto un approccio chirurgico multidisciplinare al basicranio?Le fistole rinoliquorali sono una patologia poco comune ma, a causa delle temibili complicanze, potenzialmente fatale. A seconda dell’eziologia, possono essere classificate in traumatiche e spontanee. La diagnosi è sia clinica che radiologica. Negli ultimi tre decenni, il trattamento chirurgico si è molto evoluto, passando da un approccio invasivo intracranico ad un approccio endoscopico endonasale, il quale si è dimostrato maggiormente efficace a fronte di un minore numero di complicanze post-operatorie a breve e lungo termine e della riduzione dei tempi operatori e di ospedalizzazione. La diagnosi ed il trattamento delle fistole rinoliquorali sono da sempre stati alquanto complessi. Le principali problematiche dipendono dalle difficoltà di localizzazione della sede della fistola e, nel caso delle forme spontanee, anche dal corretto inquadramento di eventuali fattori predisponenti e comorbilità. Al fine di ridurre al minimo i rischi di insuccesso del trattamento chirurgico è necessario un approccio gestionale di tipo multidisciplinare. In conclusione, la possibilità di assumere le decisioni terapeutiche nell’ambito di un équipe multidisciplinare dedicata – Skull Base Team –, che si avvalga della presenza di otorinolaringoiatra e neurochirurgo, così come del neuroradiologo e dell’oculista, è fondamentale per localizzare con precisione la sede e delineare le caratteristiche della fistola in modo da ottenere il successo terapeutico. La stretta collaborazione multidisciplinare potrà inoltre permettere lo sviluppo in futuro di nuovi biomateriali in grado di facilitare e standardizzare le tecniche di riparazione multistrato, oggi in gran parte condizionate dalle preferenze del chirurgo.Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak remains a rare condition, characterized by serious complications and potentially fatal. According to different etiologies, CSF leaks may be classified into two main categories: traumatic and spontaneous. Spontaneous fistulas seem to be mainly related to obesity and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Diagnosis is both clinical and radiological. During the last three decades, surgical treatment has mostly shifted to endonasal endoscopic approach, which widely demonstrated to be more effective than invasive intracranial ones. Post-operative complications, long-term sequelae and hospital stay are strongly reduced thanks to endoscopic approach. The diagnosis and treatment of CSF leaks represent a difficult and challenge task. The main effort seems to be related to the precise localization of the leak. An accurate assessment of both predisposing factors and comorbidities is mandatory in case of spontaneous leaks. However, a clinical multidisciplinary evaluation as well as treatment, is essential to decrease the rate of failure of surgery. The presence of a dedicated instruments, the Skull Base Team, the knowledge of reconstructive materials and techniques represents a decisive result in therapeutical management even if for each patient an effective therapeutic algorithm can be obtained considering the correct leak detection and characteristics. In conclusion the strict teamwork with neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, ophtalmologists will enable the development also of innovative biomaterials, which could spread and standardize multi-layer techniques, nowadays still related to surgeon preferences.

This paper presents a mechanical model developed for the simulation of the monotonic behaviour of Steel frames with Reinforced Concrete infill Walls (SRCW). In particular, it deals with a specific typology of SRCW, obtained from the classical one through the interposition of dissipative elements in the columns and by stiffening and shaping the steel frame’s corners in a way to prevent the brittle failure of the concrete in compression. This system has demonstrated in past researches to be able to overcome the typical problems of SRCWs and to assure, through a capacity design approach, a global ductile behavior. The selection of the main components to be included in the model is carried out on the base of the analysis of the available experimental tests and of the results of accurate 3D Finite Element model analyses. The behaviour of each component is represented though consolidated models present in the current state-of-the-art and, where necessary, calibrated using the results of the experimental and numerical analyses. The capacity of the proposed mechanical model in representing the global behaviour of the SRCWs is finally demonstrated comparing the results in terms of force–displacement curves with the ones obtained through the refined 3D Finite Element models.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:There has been a significant development of minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for the treatment of BPH. Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is one of the mos...

The seismic retrofit design of structures in which the bracings are compressed due to the presence of significant vertical loads shall take into account the strong asymmetric working conditions of the bracings induced by the seismic action. The initial compression and the consequent asymmetric cyclic loading lead, indeed, to poor global performances and drawbacks in the case of seismic retrofitting through the substitution of the existing bracings with dissipative ones. In order to overcome such issues, this paper presents the development of an asymmetric re-centering dissipative device characterized by a different behavior in tension and in compression and by a strong re-centering capacity, making it suitable to resist and dissipate the energy generated by asymmetric cyclic loadings. The paper firstly analyzes the specific issues of structures in which the bracings work in strong asymmetric loading conditions due to the presence of significant vertical loads, highlighting the main problems that can arise adopting traditional dissipative bracings. Then the proposed device is conceptually described and its behavior experimentally assessed. Finally, the structural behavior of a sub-system equipped with the proposed device is assessed through numerical analyses. The experimental and numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed device in reducing the residual displacements and protecting the other structural elements demanded to resist to the vertical loads.

The management of portosystemic shunts in liver transplant recipients relies on appropriate perioperative study. There are several strategies for shunt handling, ranging from preoperative interventional procedures to intraoperative surgical interruption or embolization. Appropriate management often results in a successful outcome, although wrong decisions could lead to serious consequences. Here, we report a liver transplant recipient with grade 2 portal vein thrombosis associated with 2 large portosystemic shunts (coronary and mesocaval), which were managed intraoperatively via thrombectomy without shunt ligation. Acute portal vein thrombosis developed early after transplant due to portal steal syndrome. The patient underwent a successful endovascular shunt embolization, with prompt restoration of hepatopetal portal flow and resolution of the portal steal. Use of interventional radiology in perioperative management of transplant patients has recently gained wider importance; our case reported here is particularly suggestive of the good outcomes of a multidisciplinary approach to a threatening complication such as postoperative acute portal vein thrombosis.

The paper presents data achieved during an experimental test campaign executed on real-scale one storey/one bay EBF steel structures with vertical and horizontal links. Experimental tests were executed in displacement control by applying cyclic loading histories following ECCS45 protocol and constant amplitude-imposed displacements. Data provide indications concerning the energy dissipated by each prototype during tests, the corresponding shear force - angular distortion curves of the dissipative link and, besides, the force-displacement behavior of the steel prototypes until failure.

This paper studies the influence of the shear studs distribution, in terms of local and global effects, on the behavior of dissipative hybrid Steel frames with Reinforced Concrete infill Walls (SRCWs). Dissipative SRCWs have been recently proposed as seismic resistant systems, capable of coupling the high stiffness of reinforced concrete walls with the advantages of dissipative systems, in which the energy dissipation takes place in localized and replaceable elements. However, experimental tests showed that the global behavior and the failure mechanism of such systems are strongly influenced by the shear studs distribution along the steel frame—reinforce concrete wall interface. In this paper, this issue is studied through suitable numerical models, calibrated on the base of the available experimental results. Several modeling options and strategies are considered and their influence on the final results has been assessed. The resulting numerical model is used to analyze the mechanical behavior of such system and to perform parametric analyses varying the shear studs distribution. The results obtained help the understanding of the mechanical behavior and of the resisting mechanisms activated on the studied system, supplying relevant information for the development of more accurate design rules.

Non-Destructive Testing methods are key tools for the proper characterization of existing constructions and for their reliable structural assessment. Even if several sophisticated methods are currently available, the possibility of using them strongly depends on the analyzed structural typology. This is particularly true for some specific classes of structures like pre-stressed reinforced concrete ones, for which very few methods exist for the evaluation of the residual pre-stressing force in the elements. Moreover, most of them are currently under development, even if this is a crucial information for their structural analysis and assessment. The paper presents a new Non-Destructive Testing method based on the innovative application of X-ray diffraction for the assessment of the tensile force present in pre-stressing wires and strands. The method is firstly conceptualized considering the main features of the X-ray diffraction and the specific issues related to the geometry of the strands, such as the presence of intertwined spiral wires. The method is then formalized proposing a detailed procedure for the estimation of the total tensile force present in the pre-stressing wire or strand on the base of the X-ray diffractometer measurements and of the nominal geometrical and mechanical properties of the element. Finally, an extensive experimental campaign is used to assess the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. The results show the optimal agreement between the tensile force estimated by the proposed procedure and the one effectively applied and allow estimating the measurement error as a function of the tensile force. The in situ tests demonstrate the actual possibility of using the proposed method together with the issues to be still fixed or enhanced.

The evaluation of seismic vulnerability of industrial constructions is a more and more relevant issue considering the damage occurred as consequence of recent earthquakes all over the world. Each industrial construction, on the other hand, has its own peculiarities depending on, for example, age of construction and aging, hosted industrial activities, structural and morphological modifications during its lifetime, and so on. In the present paper the seismic retrofit of an existing industrial steel structure is executed by using a steel self-centering device properly designed. To this purpose, a refined nonlinear model of the structure is developed, taking into account the most relevant aspects such as II order effects, global buckling of the elements, mechanical nonlinearities, etc. The seismic performances of the case study in its current, un-retrofitted, condition are so evidenced through several Incremental Dynamic Analyses. Afterward, the dissipative systems are introduced analyzing the influence on the global behavior of the several parameters defining the flag-shaped hysteretic behavior of the self-centering devices through several parametric nonlinear analyses. Particular attention is paid to the determination of the maximum and residual displacements and to the evaluation of the share of seismic energy dissipated by the dissipative devices and the one dissipated by the gravity structure. The results obtained allow a better understanding of the effects of seismic retrofit intervention through self-centering devices.

Steel frames with reinforced concrete infill walls (SRCW) are an interesting seismic-resistant structural solution. However, an effective seismic design of SRCWs is not easy due to the current lack of specific capacity design rules that allow controlling the formation of a proper energy dissipating mechanism. In order to overcome such an issue, a ductile design procedure is presented in this paper. The proposed procedure leads to innovative SRCW systems where energy dissipation is expected to take place only in the vertical elements of the steel frame, which are subjected mainly to axial forces. The non-ductile components, i.e. reinforced concrete wall and steel-to-concrete connections, are expected to suffer negligible damage. Accordingly, the system is designed to control the formation of diagonal struts in the infill walls and behaves as a lattice brace instead of a shear wall. Experimental test results and nonlinear finite element analyses are illustrated to support the developed ductile design approach and highlight the advantages of SRCWs.

This paper presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign on I beam to Circular Hollow Section column joints obtained cutting a dedicated slot on the column through precision laser technology and letting the beam or connection plates pass through the column itself. The application of this technology minimizes the welding necessary to complete the connection, the number and dimensions of the plates, and it assures the continuity of the beam within the column leading to a more favorable mechanical behavior of the joint under vertical loads. Even if the passing-through beam idea was already tested in the past, only recently the laser cutting technology made it really feasible and competitive from a technical and economic point of view. However, several issues about this structural solution needs further clarifications, especially when considering the interaction of the bare steel node with the reinforced concrete slab or the influence of the infill concrete in the column. For this reason, within this research, different joint configurations were designed extrapolating them from realistic case study buildings and testing them under monotonic vertical loads. To deeply understand their behavior, the specimens were designed and realized as four-way joint, differentiating the structural scheme of the joint connecting the main beams and the joints connecting the secondary beams, obtaining a representation of the most common solutions currently adopted in the real practice.

The paper presents the whole dataset obtained during an experimental test campaign executed on the prototype of a new re-centering dissipative device, characterized by an asymmetric behavior, for the seismic protection of buildings. The experimental tests were performed on two different configurations: on the single prototype of the device (configuration 1) and one in which two prototypes are placed within a steel frame in an inverted V bracings configuration (configuration 2). The experimental tests were executed in displacement control, applying cyclic loading histories. Data are mainly reported in terms of force-displacement cyclic curves for the single prototype in the configuration 1 and for the whole braced system in the configuration 2. Keywords: Dissipative device, Asymmetric hysteretic behavior, Inverted V bracings, Re-centering

Ground penetrating radar is a non-invasive technique that, amongst the various available state-of-the-art methods, is capable of accurately locating both metallic and nonmetallic buried objects. The main object of this paper is to describe the application of a GPR strategy to the non-destructive testing of concrete structures, particularly bridges, where there is a need to identify, quantify and categorize structural reinforcements. The new C-Thrue radar, developed by IDS GeoRadar, was used to investigate two bridges near Pisa (Italy). The acquisition of dense and regular grids was used to provide a full reconstruction of the geometry of the investigated area. Moreover, through the use of sensors in different polarizations, and dedicated data processing techniques, the C-Thrue radar enables the creation of spatially correlated data sets that represent scanned 3-D volumes of the ground, allowing demonstrable benefits in overall assessment of the required structural parameters.

This paper presents the experimental data on the cyclic behavior of Steel frames with Reinforced Concrete infill Walls (SRCW). Two specimens, characterized by a different shear studs distribution, have been tested: the first one is provided with shear studs positioned only in the four corners of the steel frame; the second one presents shear studs all distributed along the perimeter of the steel frame except for the zone of the dissipative fuses. The overall setup, loading protocol, collapse mechanisms, force-displacement curves for both the whole system and the main single components are described for the two tested prototypes.

Background: Thyroid nodules are very common in general population. Even if benign, they may require a treatment in case of symptoms or cosmetic concerns. In the last years, minimally invasive treatments alternative to surgery have been developed, in particular ultrasound (US) guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).\ud \ud Methods: Twenty-four patients (9 males; 15 females; mean age 57.9 years) were treated and divided in two groups (A and B) according to the RFA needle used (18 gauge needle, AMICA; 17 gauge needle, COVIDIEN). Nodules and patients characteristics, together with procedural data were registered pretreatment and at 1-month follow-up. US visibility of the needle, volume of the nodules, symptoms and cosmetic concerns, complications were registered.\ud \ud Results: Visibility of the needle was not significantly different in the two groups (P=0.0787). At 1 month the mean volume of the nodules dropped from 37.1 to 25 mL in group A and from 23.2 to 15.4 mL in group B; shrinkage rate (36.9% and 39.5%, respectively) was not significantly different (P=0.3137). Symptoms decreased from 3.1 to 1.4 in group A and from 4 to 1.6 in group B: no significant differences in reductions were observed (P=0.3305). Cosmetic score decreased from 3.7 to 3.4 in group A and from 3.9 to 3.6 in group B: no significant differences in reductions were observed (P=0.96). Total complication rate (18.2% in group A vs. 23.1% in group B) did not showed significant differences (P=0.5049).\ud \ud Conclusions: The two systems used in our study resulted equivalent in terms of US needle visibility, efficacy, symptom/cosmetic relief, safety. More patients and a longer follow-up are necessary to confirm our results.

This paper presents a performance-based earthquake assessment of an industrial structure, aiming at identifying suitable techniques to select and scale natural ground motions for 3D analysis and improve the structural response prediction of complex structures. To this end, an industrial structure characterized by the presence of large masses placed at a significant height and of different horizontal resisting systems, such as moment resisting frames, inverted V bracings and diagonal bracings, is investigated. The structural response is computed via both nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. Two sets of natural ground motions, one coherent with the Uniform Hazard Spectrum and one with the Conditional Mean Spectrum, are selected and scaled with different criteria. The efficiency and sufficiency of each selected ground motion set and scaling criteria is assessed through a probabilistic treatment of the key engineering demand parameters. Results indicate that for the structure analyzed, characterized by different behavior in the two orthogonal directions, the use of more complex ground motions selection and scaling techniques does not improve necessarily the reliability of results or allow the use of a lower number of ground motion recordings.

A hybrid BEM-p-y curves approach was developed for the single pile analysis with free/fixed head restraint conditions. The method considers the soil non-linear behaviour by means of p-y curves in series to a multi-layered elastic half-space. The non-linearity of reinforced concrete pile sections, also considering the influence of tension-stiffening, has been considered. The model reproduces the influence of suction by increasing the stress state and hence the stiffness of shallow soil-layers. Suction is modeled using the Modified-Kovacs model. The hybrid BEM-py curves method was validated by comparing results from data of 22 load tests on single piles. In addition, a detailed comparison is presented between measured and computed data on a large-diameter reinforced concrete bored single pile.

Within this paper, the assessment of tension stiffening effects on a reinforced concrete element with the circular sections subjected to axial and bending loads is presented. To this purpose, an enhancement of an analytical model already present within the actual technical literature is proposed. The accuracy of the enhanced method is assessed by comparing the experimental results carried out in past research and the numerical ones obtained by the model. Finally, a parametric study is executed in order to study the influence of axial compressive force on the flexural stiffness of reinforced concrete elements that are characterized by a circular section, comparing the secant stiffness evaluated at yielding and at maximum resistance, considering and not considering the effects of tension stiffness.

Background: Thyroid nodules are a fairly common finding in general population and, even if most of them are benign, a treatment can be however necessary. In the last years, non surgical minimally invasive techniques have been developed to treat this pathology, starting from percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), to laser ablation (LA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and, most recently, microwave ablation (MWA). Methods: We reviewed all medical literature searching in pubmed.gov the terms “microwave” & “thyroid”. We found three original studies concerning MWA treatment, for a total of 263 patients (mean age 51.0 years; range, 15–80 years; male to female ratio 2.55) and 522 nodules. Results: A total of 522 nodules (338 solid, 22 cystic, 162 mixed) in 263 patients were treated. Studies have shown a mean reduction in volume of thyroid nodules ranging from 45.9% to 65%. No study reported a significant and definitive change in laboratory parameters, except for one case (Heck et al. ). No studies have reported major complications after procedure. Conclusions: MWA is a new, promising technique among the minimally invasive treatments of thyroid nodules. Actually, the larger diameter of MW antenna seems to be the major limiting factor in the use of this technique. More studies are necessary to evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Objective The increased survival in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients implies the development of chronic damage, occurring in up to 50% of cases. Its prevention is a major goal in the SLE management. We aimed at predicting chronic damage in a large monocentric SLE cohort by using neural networks. Methods We enrolled 413 SLE patients (M/F 30/383; mean age ± SD 46.3±11.9 years; mean disease duration ± SD 174.6 ± 112.1 months). Chronic damage was assessed by the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI). We applied Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) as a machine-learning model to predict the risk of chronic damage. The clinical data sequences registered for each patient during the follow-up were used for building and testing the RNNs. Results At the first visit in the Lupus Clinic, 35.8% of patients had an SDI≥1. For the RNN model, two groups of patients were analyzed: patients with SDI = 0 at the baseline, developing damage during the follow-up (N = 38), and patients without damage (SDI = 0). We created a mathematical model with an AUC value of 0.77, able to predict damage development. A threshold value of 0.35 (sensitivity 0.74, specificity 0.76) seemed able to identify patients at risk to develop damage. Conclusion We applied RNNs to identify a prediction model for SLE chronic damage. The use of the longitudinal data from the Sapienza Lupus Cohort, including laboratory and clinical items, resulted able to construct a mathematical model, potentially identifying patients at risk to develop damage.

The Emilia, May–July 2012, earthquake hit a highly industrialized area, where some tens thousands industrial buldings, mainly single storey precast structures, are located. Due to the likelihood of strong after shocks and the high vulnerability of these structures, the authorities first asked for a generalized seismic retrofit after the strong shakings of May 20th. In order to accelerate community recovery, this requirement was later loosened, leaving out the buildings which had undergone a strong enough shaking without any damage; the strong enough shaking was defined with reference to the ultimate limit state design earthquake. To the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time that the information on the earthquake intensity and structural damage is used for such a large scale post earthquake simplified safety assessment. In short, the earthquake was used as large experimental test. This paper shows the details of the models and computations made to identify the industrial buildings which have been considered earthquake tested and therefore not compelled to mandatory seismic retrofit. Since earthquake indirect (e.g. due to economic halt) costs may be as large the direct ones, or even larger, it is believed that this method may considerably lower the earthquake total costs and speed up the social and economic recovery of a community.

A part of damage-control laparotomy is to leave the fascial edges and the skin open to avoid abdominal compartment syndrome and allow further explorations. This condition, known as open abdomen (OA), although effective, is associated with severe complications. Our aim was to develop evidence-based recommendations to define indications for OA, techniques for temporary abdominal closure, management of enteric fistulas, and methods of definitive wall closure.The literature from 1990 to 2014 was systematically screened according to PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses] protocol. Seventy-six articles were reviewed by a panel of experts to assign grade of recommendations (GoR) and level of evidence (LoE) using the GRADE [Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation] system, and an international consensus conference was held.OA in trauma is indicated at the end of damage-control laparotomy, in the presence of visceral swelling, for a second look in vascular injuries or gross contamination, in the case of abdominal wall loss, and if medical treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome has failed (GoR B, LoE II). Negative-pressure wound therapy is the recommended temporary abdominal closure technique to drain peritoneal fluid, improve nursing, and prevent fascial retraction (GoR B, LoE I). Lack of OA closure within 8 days (GoR C, LoE II), bowel injuries, high-volume replacement, and use of polypropylene mesh over the bowel (GoR C, LoE I) are risk factors for frozen abdomen and fistula formation. Negative-pressure wound therapy allows to isolate the fistula and protect the surrounding tissues from spillage until granulation (GoR C, LoE II). Correction of fistula is performed after 6 months to 12 months. Definitive closure of OA has to be obtained early (GoR C, LoE I) with direct suture, traction devices, component separation with or without mesh. Biologic meshes are an option for wall reinforcement if bacterial contamination is present (GoR C, LoE II).OA and negative-pressure techniques improve the care of trauma patients, but closure must be achieved early to avoid complications.

The definition of a component-based model for HCSW coupling system is proposed.The main components are individuated on the base of experimental evidences.Calibration of components is based on experimental results available in literature.Experimental setup and results are described in details.The comparison with the experimental result highlights the reliability of the model. In the present paper the development, calibration and experimental validation of two component-based models of dissipative steel links connecting a reinforced concrete wall to a steel gravity frame is presented.The dissipative capacity of such structures is greatly influenced by the effective hysteretic behavior of the wall-to-column coupling system. Within the present work, experimental tests results on two different configurations of wall-to-column coupling system are presented. The development and calibration of two non-linear cyclic component-based models, one for each configuration, are described, allowing a better understanding of the force transmission mechanisms and their influence on the global structural behavior.

The paper describes the development of an original steel self-centering device (SSCD) for improving the level of seismic protection of new and pre-existing structures. In particular, the proposed hysteretic device exhibits two technical features essential to protecting structures against the effects of an earthquake: re-centering and recovery of the structure’s original dissipative resources (Dissipative Elements) after a seismic event. The overall mechanical behavior of the hysteretic device was first defined in terms of its main internal components. A refined parametric analysis was then conducted by varying the mechanical properties of the steel elements responsible for seismic energy dissipation; this allowed optimizing the retrofitting/protection capacities of the system. To this end, various grades of steel, used not only in traditional structural engineering applications, but also in automotive engineering and packaging, were selected, and specimens of each subjected to experimental monotonic and cyclic tests to determine the most suitable for our purposes. A full-scale prototype SSCD was finally fabricated and checked through cyclic tests to evaluate its mechanical and dissipative performance.

We first report 3 patients who experienced absence epilepsy (mean age at onset: 6.3 years; range: 4-9) 1-4 years after recovering from an electroclinical picture characteristic of benign childhood partial epilepsy (BCPE). All patients were put on monotherapy with sodium valproate, and their long-term course was excellent with remission of absences and normalization of EEG recordings. The exceptionality of our observation favors the hypothesis that BCPE and absence epilepsy are distinct entities.

Organisms exposed to ionizing radiation are mainly damaged by free radicals, which are generated by the radiolysis of water contained in the cells. Recently a significant reduction of tissue injury from irradiation damage was demonstrated by using MnSOD-plasmid/liposome treatments in the protection of murine lung. In this study we show that a new active recombinant human MnSOD (rMnSOD), easily administered in vivo, not only exerts the same radioprotective effect on normal cells and organisms as any MnSOD, but it is also radiosensitizing for tumor cells. In addition, we show how healthy animals, exposed to lethal doses of ionizing radiation and daily injections with rMnSOD, were protected from radiodamage and were still alive 30 days after the irradiation, while animals treated with only PBS solution, in the absence of rMnSOD, died after 7-8 days from the radiotreatments. The molecular analysis of all irradiated tissues revealed that the antiapoptotic AVEN gene appeared activated only in the animals treated in the presence of rMnSOD. The data suggest that rMnSOD deserves to be considered as a pharmaceutical tool for making radiotherapy more selective on cancer cells and to prevent and/or cure the accidental damage derived from exposure to ionizing radiation.

Background: The lack of codified standards for the design of automated rack supported warehouses forced engineers to use personal experience and commonly accepted rules. Objective: This paper investigates the efficacy of applying Eurocodes’ rules for the design and analysis of automated rack supported warehouses. Structural performance, construction feasibility and economic effort are considered. Method: A typical case study building was designed following the two approaches proposed by Eurocodes: elastic and dissipative. Results: The satisfaction of the capacity design requirements, used for dissipative approach, was not always possible. Analyses showed the development of non-uniform collapse mechanisms and yielding patterns. Conclusion: Specific design rules and analysis techniques shall be developed accounting for the structural performance of automated rack supported warehouses.

Recent earthquakes such as the one in Fukushima in Japan in 2011 highlighted the need of providing adequate protection to industrial installations. To answer this need, the ongoing RFCS research project PROINDUSTRY is addressing the question of the development of innovative seismic protection systems, both for the design of new industrial plants and for the retrofit of existing ones. This paper presents a specific aspect of the ongoing investigations within the referred project, namely a case study considering a Gas Tank. The protection systems under development contemplate both seismic isolation and energy dissipation techniques. For the presented case study, the base isolation system under development was finally chosen to improve the seismic performance of the Tank structure. In order to characterize the behavior of the Gas Tank structure, several numerical simulations were performed comprising modal analyses, push-over analyses and time-history nonlinear analyses. For the time-history nonlinear analysis ground motions were generated on the basis of available information on ground motion histories from national, European and Mediterranean Strong Motion Data-bases. Finally, the efficiency of the base isolation used in the Gas Tank structure is investigated by comparing the results of the time-history nonlinear analysis on the protected and the non-protected structure. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union's Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) research programme under grant agreement n° [RFSR-CT-2013-00019].