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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major public health problem. It is the leading cause of death and disability, especially among children and young adults. The neurobiology basis underlying TBI pathophysiology remains to be fully revealed. Over the past years, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis that TBI is an inflammatory based condition, paving the way for the development of potential therapeutic targets. There is no treatment capable to prevent or minimize TBIassociated outcomes. Therefore, the search for effective therapies is a priority goal. In this context, animal models have become valuable tools to study molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in TBI pathogenesis as well as novel treatments. Herein, we discuss therapeutic strategies to treat TBI focused on immunomodulatory and/or anti-inflammatory approaches in the pre-clinical setting.

Abdominal wall reconstruction in patients presenting with enteric fistulas and mesh infection is challenging. There is a consensus that synthetic mesh must be avoided in infected operations, and the alternatives to using synthetic mesh, such as component separation techniques and biologic mesh, present disappointing results with expressive wound infection and hernia recurrence rates. A prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of 40 patients submitted to elective abdominal wall repair with synthetic mesh in the dirty-infected setting, and compared to a cohort of 40 patients submitted to clean ventral hernia repairs. Patients in both groups were submitted to a single-staged repair using onlay polypropylene mesh reinforcement. Groups' characteristics were similar. There were 13 (32.5%) surgical site occurrences in the infected mesh (IM) group, compared to 11 (27.5%) in the clean-control (CC) group, p = 0.626. The 30-day surgical site infection rate was 15% for the IM group vs. 10% for the CC cases, p = 0.499. One patient required a complete mesh removal in each group. The mean overall follow-up was 50.2 ± 14.8 months, with 36 patients in the IM group and 38 clean-controls completing a follow-up of 36 months. There was one hernia recurrence (4.2%) in the IM group and no recurrences in the CC group. We demonstrated that using polypropylene mesh in the infected setting presented similar outcomes to clean repairs. The use of synthetic mesh in the onlay position resulted in a safe and durable abdominal wall reconstruction. Study registered at Plataforma Brasil (plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br), CAAE 30836614.7.0000.0068. Study registered at Clinical Trials (clinicaltrials.gov), Identifier NCT03702153.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease, which in turn contributes to the onset of comorbidities, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. Moreover, there are only few options available for treating obesity, and most current pharmacotherapy causes severe adverse effects, while offering minimal weight loss. Literature shows that metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) modulates central reward pathways. Herein, we evaluated the effect of VU0409106, a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of mGluR5 in regulating feeding and obesity parameters. Diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice were treated for 14 days with VU0409106, and food intake, body weight, inflammatory/hormonal levels, and behavioral tests were performed. Our data suggest reduction of feeding, body weight, and adipose tissue inflammation in mice treated with high-fat diet (HFD) after chronic treatment with VU0409106. Furthermore, a negative modulation of mGluR5 also reduces binge-like eating, the most common type of eating disorder. Altogether, our results pointed out mGluR5 as a potential target for treating obesity, as well as related disorders., Graphical Abstract Diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice were treated for 14 days with VU0409106, a negative allosteric modulator of mGluR5. Food intake, body weight, inflammatory/hormonal levels, and behavioral tests were performed. Our data suggest reduction of feeding, body weight, and adipose tissue inflammation in DIO mice after chronic treatment with VU0409106.

In this paper, a staggered multiphysics framework is proposed for the numerical simulation of salt crystallization-induced damage in porous building materials, such as masonry. This staggered framework is based upon a multiphase model to account for salt transport and crystallization within the porous material and a plastic-damage model to account for the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the material. The staggered structure is composed of a two-way data exchange between the multiphase and the mechanical models. Firstly, crystallization pressure information is passed to the mechanical model to analyze the mechanical response of the material. Secondly, the mechanical outcomes (e.g. damage distribution) are used to update some multiphase model properties (e.g. tortuosity) allowing simulations also beyond the onset of damage. Few simple geometry-based relationships are discussed to update multiphase model properties along with damage. Numerical examples are used to show the capability of the proposed staggered framework for simulating complex interactions among salt transport, salt crystallization, and damage within the porous material, highlighting the possibilities of this modeling approach to conduct simulations also beyond the onset of damage.

Introduction: Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is thought to play a role in the neurobiological processes implicated in mood and anxiety disorders. NT-3 is a potential pharmacological target for mood disorder...

This paper investigates the shear response and failure mode of masonry triplets subjected to monotonic and cyclic shear loadings. In this experimental campaign, different masonry triplets using different mortar compositions have been constructed and subjected to different levels of pre-compression. The cohesion and internal friction angle were derived assuming a Mohr-Coulomb criterion and using a linear regression equation. The influence of the strength of the mortar under monotonic and cyclic conditions was investigated. From the results analysis, it was shown that the mortar composition and pre-compression load strongly affect the shear strength of the masonry triplets. Also, triplets subjected to cyclic shear loading sustained a lower peak strength when compared to triplets subjected to monotonic loading.

Resume La transplantation pulmonaire (TP) est le seul traitement qui puisse etre propose pour permettre la survie des patients en insuffisance respiratoire terminale. L’objectif de notre etude est d’explorer les progres realises au cours des deux dernieres decennies pour demontrer l’efficacite et la securite de ce traitement. Methodes Analyse retrospective d’une cohorte monocentrique des 600 premiers patients ayant eu consecutivement une TP a l’hopital Foch (Suresnes, France) entre 1988 et 2014. Cette cohorte a ete divisee en 3 groupes chronologiques de 200 patients (1988–2004, 2004–2011, 2011–2014) Resultats La duree d’attente, la mortalite perioperatoire, l’incidence des rejets aigus cellulaires de la premiere annee et du rejet chronique (RC) a 5 ans ont toutes diminue. La survie actuarielle globale a 1 et 5 ans, de 78 % et 57 % pour les 600 patients, est passee a 86 % et 75 % pour les 200 derniers (> 2011). Elle est meilleure a 5 ans pour la mucoviscidose (68 %) que pour l’emphyseme (54 %) et la fibrose pulmonaire (37 %). Pour les 200 derniers patients, elle est a 5 ans de 81 % pour la mucoviscidose, de 78 % pour l’emphyseme et de 47 % pour les fibroses. Elle est de 60 % a 5 ans en cas de transplantation dite de super-urgence. Une surveillance attentive et prolongee doit detecter les complications proliferatives et gerer l’hypertension et la toxicite renale medicamenteuse. Conclusion En 25 ans, des progres considerables en TP ont hisse cette procedure au rang de therapeutique reconnue de l’insuffisance respiratoire chronique terminale.

© 2018 The Authors The accurate evaluation of wind loads on high-rise buildings represents a key point in their design process. Traditionally, atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel tests, conceived in order to be representative of the wind conditions expected on site, are used for this purpose. Recently, owing to the increase in computational power, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques have gained interest as a complementary tool to wind tunnel testing. Unfortunately, wind flow around bluff bodies is often very complex and substantial research efforts are still needed in order to assess the accuracy and reliability of CFD results. In this paper, Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are performed aimed at evaluating the wind loads on an isolated high-rise building. In order to assess the capabilities of LES for adoption as a design tool, the results are analysed in terms of both pressure distributions and internal forces on the structural elements. It is found that the accuracy of LES in reproducing the fluctuating pressure field is not necessarily maintained when internal forces are taken into account. Nevertheless, the design values predicted by LES can be still considered satisfactory, in particular when maximum and minimum values over different angles of attack are considered. ispartof: JOURNAL OF WIND ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL AERODYNAMICS vol:180 pages:1-18 status: published

Purpose Pre-formed donor-specific antibodies (pf-DSA) are associated with worse outcome after lung transplantation (LTx) and might limit access to LTx. A virtual crossmatch (CXM)-based strategy for perioperative desensitization protocol has been used for immunized LTx candidates since 2012 at Foch hospital. We compared the outcome of desensitized LTx candidates with high pf-DSA mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and those with low or no pf-DSA, not desensitized. Methods For all consecutive LTx recipients (January 2012-March 2018), freedom from CLAD and graft survival were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional-hazards multivariate analysis. Results We compared outcomes for desensitized patients with high pf-DSA (n=39) and those with no (n=216) or low pf-DSAs (n=66). The desensitization protocol decreased the level of immunodominant pf-DSA (class I/II) at 1, 3, and 6 month post-LTx (p Conclusion The desensitization protocol in LTx recipients with high pf-DSAs was associated with satisfactory outcome, with cleared high pf-DSAs after desensitization identified as an independent predictor of graft survival.

Purpose Management of neutropenia, the main side effect of Valganciclovir, may affect final transplant results. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of Valganciclovir in D+/R- patients. The secondary objectives are to assess the impact of neutropenia and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) daily dosage modification on the outcomes of the transplant. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective study from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2018 including 531 consecutive lung transplant patients. Results 59 of the 108 D+/R- patients (55%) experienced at least one episode of neutropenia during the first posttransplant year leading to its premature withdrawal for 31 patients (29%). Among D+/R- patients, subgroup of premature vGCV withdrawal experienced significantly more neutropenia and reduction of MMF in comparison with complete vGCV treatment subgroup (87% vs 42%, p Conclusion Considering adverse effects associated with Valganciclovir one-year treatment may have a negative impact on the outcomes of the transplant, an alternative should be proposed.

In the context of cultural heritage, an accurate and comprehensive digital survey of a historical building is today essential in order to measure its geometry in detail for documentation or restoration purposes, for supporting special studies regarding materials and constructive characteristics, and finally for structural analysis. Some proven geomatic techniques, such as photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning, are increasingly used to survey buildings with different complexity and dimensions; one typical product is in form of point clouds. We developed a semi-automatic procedure to convert point clouds, acquired from laserscan or digital photogrammetry, to a filled volume model of the whole structure. The filled volume model, in a voxel format, can be useful for further analysis and also for the generation of a Finite Element Model (FEM) of the surveyed building. In this paper a new approach is presented with the aim to decrease operator intervention in the workflow and obtain a better description of the structure. In order to achieve this result a voxel model with variable resolution is produced. Different parameters are compared and different steps of the procedure are tested and validated in the case study of the North tower of the San Felice sul Panaro Fortress, a monumental historical building located in San Felice sul Panaro (Modena, Italy) that was hit by an earthquake in 2012.

In the context of lung transplant (LT), because of diagnostic difficulties, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) remains a matter of debate. We retrospectively analyzed an LT cohort at Foch Hospital to demonstrate the impact of AMR on LT prognosis. AMR diagnosis requires association of clinical symptoms, donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), and C4d(+) staining and/or histological patterns consistent with AMR. Prospective categorization split patients into four groups: (i) DSA positive, AMR positive (DSA(pos) AMR(pos) ); (ii) DSA positive, AMR negative (DSA(pos) AMR(neg) ); (iii) DSA limited, AMR negative (DSA(Lim) ; equal to one specificity, with mean fluorescence intensity of 500-1000 once); and (iv) DSA negative, AMR negative (DSA(neg) ). AMR treatment consisted of a combination of plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab. Among 206 transplanted patients, 10.7% were DSA(pos) AMR(pos) (n = 22), 40.3% were DSA(pos) AMR(neg) (n = 84), 6% were DSA(Lim) (n = 13) and 43% were DSA(neg) (n = 88). Analysis of acute cellular rejection at month 12 showed higher cumulative numbers (mean plus or minus standard deviation) in the DSA(pos) AMR(pos) group (2.1 ± 1.7) compared with DSA(pos) AMR(neg) (1 ± 1.2), DSA(Lim) (0.75 ± 1), and DSA(neg) (0.7 ± 1.23) groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated AMR as a risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR] 8.7) and graft loss (HR 7.56) for DSA(pos) AMR(pos) patients. Our results show a negative impact of AMR on LT clinical course and advocate for an early active diagnostic approach and evaluation of therapeutic strategies to improve prognosis.

The application of unsteady inflow conditions represents an important aspect when scale resolving turbulence models are adopted in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. In such context, with reference to Wind Engineering applications, the main concern is often represented by the generation of a synthetic velocity field representative of the turbulent fluctuations impinging on the studied body. Once such synthetic field has been generated, it is applied at the inflow patch. Unfortunately, such operation is not trivial: undesired pressure fluctuations are often generated due to the incompatibility between the applied inflow condition and the flow field found inside the computational domain. In this paper, a procedure able to guarantee a correct application of synthetically generated velocity fields to CFD simulations is described. The procedure, which relies on a variational background, is simple and can be readily implemented in existing codes. Numerical results confirm that, by adopting the proposed corrections, pressure fluctuations are strongly reduced, so confirming the soundness of the proposed approach. An OpenFoam implementation of the method is available for download at https://site.unibo.it/cwe-lamc/en .

Several tools for the prediction and the assessment of the structural behavior of masonry buildings have been developed in recent decades. Numerical tools have been favorably developed and preferred over analytical approaches, given the complex mechanical response of masonry and the irregular geometries of historic masonry buildings. In this chapter, a thorough review of numerical strategies for the analysis of masonry structures is presented. Additionally, classification of these strategies is also suggested to logically organize the extensive literature on this topic. Even though a wholly congruent categorization of all the numerical tools is essentially unrealistic given the specific aspects of each solution developed, the existing numerical strategies are subdivided into four classes: block-based models, continuum models, geometry-based models, and macroelement models. Each class is thoroughly reviewed and the open challenges in numerical modeling of masonry structures are critically examined.

Lamotrigine (LTG) is a well-established anticonvulsant that is also approved for the prevention of mood relapses in bipolar disorder. However, the mechanisms underlying LTG mood stabilizing effects remain unclear. Areas covered: Herein, the pre-clinical evidence concerning LTG's' mode of action in depression and mania is reviewed. Bottlenecks and future perspectives for this expanding and promising field are also discussed. Pre-clinical studies have indicated that neurotransmitter systems, especially serotoninergic, noradrenergic and glutamatergic, as well as non-neurotransmitter pathways such as inflammation and oxidative processes might play a role in LTG's antidepressant effects. The mechanisms underlying LTG's anti-manic properties remain to be fully explored, but the available pre-clinical evidence points out to the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission, possibly through AMPA-receptors. Expert opinion: A major limitation of current pre-clinical investigations is that there are no experimental models that recapitulate the complexity of bipolar disorder. Significant methodological differences concerning time and dose of LTG treatment, administration route, animal strains, and behavioral paradigms also hamper the reproducibility of the findings, leading to contradictory conclusions. Moreover, the role of other mechanisms (e.g. inositol phosphate and GSK3β pathways) implicated in the mode of action of different mood-stabilizers must also be consolidated with LTG.

This paper concerns the capabilities and the limitations of computational fluid dynamic simulations in evaluating the dynamic aeroelastic coefficients currently used to study the bridge deck instability due to wind loading. The attention is focused on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach coupled with the k − ω turbulence model, identified as the best compromise between accuracy and computational cost. Firstly, the capabilities of the turbulence model to evaluate the aerodynamic forces acting on static bluff bodies are assessed. Then, the static and dynamic aerodynamic coefficients of the Great Belt East Bridge cross-section are evaluated, and the performances of three widely used turbulence models are compared. Aiming at providing a well-defined modus operandi useful for structural engineers who approach computational flutter derivatives estimation, much attention is devoted to detail the setting of the numerical analyses as well as the interpretation of the results and the comparison to wind tunnel data.

Twin box decks are becoming increasingly adopted in long span bridges due to their good aerodynamic performance with respect to the flutter instability. For small gaps between the decks they behave as a whole continuous body while, increasing the gap, strong dynamic interaction between the two occurs: the windward deck causes a turbulent wake that impinges on the leeward girder inducing unsteady aerodynamic forces. This complex behaviour makes the simulation of the aerodynamics of these structures a challenging task from the Computational Fluid Dynamic point of view. In this context, the present paper aims at investigating the capabilities and limitations of RANS and LES based simulations in reproducing the flow field organization around a twin box deck section. Different configurations, with increasing separation gap, are studied and compared with experimental data. Finally, the effects induced by the presence of barriers is investigated for the largest separation gap.

The paper deals with geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of folded-plate and shell structures. A Koiter asymptotic approach is proposed, based on the reuse of a linear element in the nonlinear context through a corotational formulation.The corotational approach represents a simple and effective way to satisfy the basic requirement of Koiter analysis, i.e. full objectivity in the finite element modeling. In fact, starting simply from a suitable linear finite element and implementing the corotational algebra proposed in Garcea et al. (2009), Zagari (2009) lead to objective explicit expressions for the first four variations of the strain energy which are needed by asymptotic analysis.The shell element used here is the flat shell quadrangular element with 4 nodes and 6 dofs per node proposed in Madeo et al. (2012) and called MISS-4: a mixed element, based on the Reissner–Mindlin plate theory, with an Allman-like quadratic interpolation for displacements and an equilibrated isostatic interpolation for the stress resultants. The element is free from locking and spurious zero-energy modes, so it appears a suitable candidate for nonlinear corotational analysis.The results of the numerical validation show the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach, and its excellent overall robustness for both mono- and multi-modal buckling problems, also in the presence of strong nonlinear pre-critical behavior.

The present work focuses on a posteriori , equilibrium based, reconstruction of transverse stress profiles in the finite element analysis of FSDT laminated plates. The accuracy of this reconstruction depends on accuracy of the first and second-order derivatives of the plate stress resultants, which is not guaranteed by most available low-order plate finite elements. To cure this trouble, two different strategies, based on the Recovery by Compatibility in Patches procedure, are here proposed and compared. Numerical results of typical reconstructed transverse stress profiles are presented showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

The characterization of the structural response to the wind action is usually obtained by means of dynamic analyses based on the unsteady pressure distributions recorded in wind tunnel tests. In order to simplify the design operations, equivalent static wind loads (ESWLs) can be extracted so allowing to reproduce the extreme effects recorded in a series of dynamic analyses by enveloping a few, statically applied, load conditions. Recently, a new efficient technique for the extraction of ESWLs has been proposed, where the sharp maximum/minimum operator, typical of envelope evaluation procedures, has been smoothed, so allowing to adopt efficient gradient-based optimization techniques in order to individuate the ESWLs. In the present paper, such technique is analyzed from a numerical perspective highlighting the fundamental role played by the applied smoothing operation in the correct individuation of the optimal load conditions. Similarities between the proposed technique for the extraction of ESWLs and well known procedures used in linear classification are highlighted and the proposed smoothing operation is framed in the context of graduated optimization techniques. Numerical results confirm the soundness of the proposed approach.

Semi-rigid rockfall protection barriers are steel structures constituted by a principal interception structure made of cables mounted on structural steel posts fully restrained to the ground. Traditionally, they are assigned a low capacity value which ranges from few to less than 300 kJ. Over the last decades, semi-rigid rockfall protection barriers have been installed along areas interested by rockfall events, often in conditions of extreme urgency, without a specific structural design. As a result, they are found in a variety of subtypes, most of them lacking the essential structural information, such as the energy absorption capacity, crucial for a reliable application of procedures for quantitative risk assessment. To fill this gap, and considered the lack of experimental data on semi-rigid barriers, in the present study a numerical investigation of the most common barrier subtypes is developed. In the absence of standards for this kind of barriers, the barriers are virtually tested in conditions inspired by the essential prescriptions included in the European Guideline for flexible barriers (ETAG 27). Results allow to: (i) investigate the performance of the barriers in service condition; (ii) provide an estimate of the barrier capacity and (iii) explore the barrier failure mode.

This paper assess the efficiency of installing surge arresters only in one or two phases in terms of the lightning performance of TL. Taking as reference a typical 138-kV Brazilian transmission line, simulations are developed in ATP, considering a rigorous representation of the frequency-dependent behavior of tower-footing grounding. Preliminary results shown that considering moderate values of soil resistivity, a good design of grounding system may be sufficient to achieve the desired lightning performance of TL. In case of high-resistivity soils, the use of surge arresters may be necessary, and using surge arresters only in one or two phases does not guarantee the protection of the phase without SA, but decrease the probability of insulation breakdown occurrence in the tower. The methodology presented in this paper can be used to determine the optimal distribution of surge arresters along the line in order to achieve the desired lightning performance.

In this work, a simple solution strategy for the fully coupled problem of the diffusion of a mobile constituent into an elastic solid is proposed. The key features of the proposed solution strategy are a superconvergent strain recovery and a final stress filtering, suitably arranged with a standard recursive staggering scheme. The strategy is devised to overcome some shortcomings arising when solving the problem within the standard finite element framework and can be easily implemented by using existing finite element packages for uncoupled elasticity and diffusion problems. Numerical applications show the effectiveness of the proposed solution strategy.

OBJECTIVES Only 15% of brain death donors are considered suitable for lung transplantation (LTx). The normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion technique is used to potentially increase the availability of high-risk lung donors. We report our experience of LTx with initially rejected donors after ex vivo lung reconditioning (EVLR). METHODS From April 2011 to May 2013, we performed EVLR for 32 pairs of donor lungs deemed unsuitable for transplantation and rejected by the 11 French lung transplant teams. After EVLR, lungs with acceptable function were transplanted. During the same period, 81 double-lung transplantations (DLTx) were used as controls. RESULTS During EVLR, 31 of 32 donor lungs recovered physiological function with a median PO2/FiO2 ratio increasing from 274 (range 162-404) mmHg to 511 (378-668) mmHg at the end of EVLR (P < 0.0001). Thirty-one DLTx were performed. The incidence of primary graft dysfunction 72 h after LTx was 9.5% in the EVLR group and 8.5% in the control group (P = 1). The median time of extubation, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 1, 9 and 37 days in the EVLR group and 1 (P = 0.17), 6 (P = 0.06) and 28 days (P = 0.09) in the control group, respectively. Thirty-day mortality rates were 3.3% (n = 1) in the EVLR group and 3.7% (n = 3) in the control group (P = 0.69). One-year survival rates were 93% in the EVLR group and 91% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS EVLR is a reliable and repeatable technique that offers a significant increase of available donors. The results of LTx with EVLR lungs are similar to those obtained with conventional donors.

In this paper, a novel approach to the determination of Equivalent Static Wind Loads is presented. The envelope of the effects on the structure, representing the design load for each structural member and obtained by means of a complete buffeting analysis, is reconstructed, in a least square sense, by considering a series of statically applied load conditions. Such load conditions are obtained by combining Principal Static Wind Loads which, in turn, are obtained by means of the recently introduced Proper Skin Modes. By considering a smoothed version of the maximum/minimum operator, efficient, gradient based, optimization algorithms can be used in order to drive the least square minimization which conduces to the identification of the most significant wind load conditions. Such load conditions, statically applied, can be used in order to fully characterize the effect of the wind on the structure with very good approximation. No hypotheses are introduced regarding the shape of the envelopes, so rendering the procedure of general applicability. Very good results in terms of reconstruction rate and accuracy are obtained on a low-rise and a high-rise buildings.

Equivalent Static Wind Loads (ESWLs) represent an extremely useful tool for the characterization of the structural response to the wind action and provide a convenient way for structural engineers in order to include the results of a complete, rigorous, buffeting analysis in the design process. Recently, a novel approach to the determination of ESWLs has been proposed which is based on the adoption of Proper Skin Modes for the characterization of the static/quasi-static structural response. In that study, the reconstruction of the extreme internal forces over the structure for all structural members has been performed in a least square sense and a smoothed version of the maximum/minimum operators, typical of envelope calculations, has been adopted. By using such formulation, it is possible to use efficient, gradient-based, optimization techniques in the minimization procedure which leads to the identification of ESWLs. In this paper, two refinements of the original technique are proposed: the least square approach is modified in order to ensure a complete covering of the envelope and the original formulation is extended in order to take into consideration the contemporaneity between effects. Finally, the proposed approach is tested on a large span suspended roof derived from the structural model of the New Juventus Stadium showing extremely encouraging results.

The correct and safe design of structures subjected to the wind actions requires a realistic estimate of the wind effects on their resisting systems. In this context, the present paper proposes a complete numerical study that, starting from Large Eddy Simulation of the turbulent flow around a low-rise building, arrives to the assessment of the wind loading effects, that is the evaluation of design forces in all structural elements. Since it is well known that a realistic representation of the turbulent features found in the lower part of the atmospheric boundary layer is required in order to obtain accurate predictions of the structural response, firstly, the incoming flow turbulence is synthetically generated by means of the Modified Discretizing and Synthesizing Random Flow Generator technique. Then, the obtained synthetic fluctuation field is used as inflow condition for the subsequent Large Eddy Simulations taking into consideration different angles of attack. Results in terms of pressure distributions statistics are analyzed and systematically compared to experimental data. Finally, starting from both simulated and experimental pressure fields, dynamic structural analyses are performed and results directly compared in terms of design forces in the structural elements.

Specific cytokines and the costimulatory protein CD40 play role in inducing immunoglobulin (Ig)A production by B cells in the humoral immune response. However, to date, the role of these mediators was not investigated in chronic periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the local levels of interleukin (IL)-21, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), IL-4, IL-10 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) on chronic periodontitis subjects and their relationship with the salivary levels of IgA. Gingival biopsies and un-stimulated saliva were collected from chronic periodontitis (n = 15) and periodontally healthy (n = 15) subjects. The mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-21, IL-21R, CD40L in the gingival biopsies were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The salivary levels of IgA and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the gingival biopsies were analyzed by ELISA. The mean levels of IgA were significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy group (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels for IL-21 was higher (P < 0.05) in the chronic periodontitis when compared to the healthy group. However, the expression of IL-21R and CD40L did not differ between groups. The IL-10 was significantly elevated at mRNA and protein levels in chronic periodontitis when compared to periodontally healthy group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA levels as well as the protein amount of IL-4 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in chronic periodontitis than healthy ones. In conclusion, the upregulation of IL-21 and IL-10 and downregulation of IL-4 in periodontitis tissues may be collectively involved in the increased levels of salivary IgA in chronic periodontitis subjects.

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 147–152 Objective: The Family with sequence similarity 5 member C (FAM5C) has been suggested to contribute in aggressive periodontitis. However, there is no data regarding its role in chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FAM5C expression in chronic periodontitis and to study association of FAM5C with key immunoinflammatory markers. Material and Methods: Gingival biopsies were harvested from periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10) and chronic periodontitis subjects (n = 15). The levels of mRNA of FAM5C, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, IL-23, IL-10, IL-4, interferon-γ, toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor-β, transcription factor forkhead box p3, and transcription factor orphan nuclear receptor C2 were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: FAM5C mRNA levels were not different between periodontally healthy and diseased tissues (P > 0.05). Gene expressions of IL-17, TNF-α, OPG, RANKL, TLR-2, and TLR-4 were higher in periodontitis, when compared to periodontally healthy sites (P 0.05). There were no correlations between the gene expression of FAM5C and the other immunoinflammatory markers (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it seems that FAM5C expression does not contribute to chronic periodontitis.

A well known peculiarity of the structural response to wind loading is that static, quasi-static and resonant effects are present, in general, without a clearly dominant contribution. In such conditions, the calculation of wind effects would require to consider a large number of modes due to the relevant contribution of high frequency ones. In the present paper, in order to alleviate inaccuracies in the evaluation of static and quasi-static effects, induced by the truncation of the modal base, an efficient approach to the evaluation of static and quasi-static corrections is developed. To this purpose, a new class of pressure modes, called Proper Skin Modes (PSMs), is introduced and the corrections are evaluated based on the structural response to such modes, statically applied. PSMs can be seen as a novel modal version of traditionally adopted influence coefficients and naturally arise from the adopted pressure interpolation technique. The obtained approach is compact and efficient leading to a reduced data exchange between structural and wind engineers and to an optimal organization of the software used to perform the analyses. The proposed procedure is tested on a low-rise and a high-rise building showing very good performances.

Preliminary results of a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of rectangular cylinder performed with Open Foam are presented. This is the preliminary part of a longer research project aimed at systematically study the ability of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques in reproducing the flow around slender bodies with sharp edges at high Reynolds numbers. In spite of the simple geometry, the problem is influenced by a number of parameters which makes its correct solution difficult to be achieved. The LES approach presented here appears to be a good candidate for this purpose but further analysis must be performed. Indeed, we highlight the need to adopt a finer resolution in the spanwise direction in order to capture the very anisotropic turbulent dynamics. Furthermore, it emerges the need of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data in order to shed light on the compound role played by the turbulence model, the grid resolution and the inlet conditions.

In this paper, a new mixed nonuniform Transformation Field Analysis (TFA) homogenization technique for deriving the overall mechanical response of heterogeneous materials is proposed. The new TFA approach is based on a mixed stress variational formulation of the elasto-plasticity theory, assuming stresses and plastic multiplier as independent variables. The case of periodic composites is considered, so that the homogenization is performed on a repetitive unit cell that plays the equivalent role of representative volume element for random media. The unit cell of the material is divided into subsets and in each subset the weak form of the compatibility condition and of the consistency condition are enforced, leading to a simultaneous evaluation of the stress and of the plastic strain field. It is assumed that the stress field satisfies a priori the equilibrium equations while the inelastic strain distribution is evaluated as function of the assumed stress resulting nonuniform in each subset. Some numerical examples are performed in the framework of plane stress plasticity in order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed technique. In particular, the homogenization results are compared with the ones carried out by micromechanical nonlinear finite element analyses.

This paper presents a general time-domain description of the loads acting on a moving cylindrical body immersed in a two-dimensional low-speed flow, aiming to consistently extend the framework of thin airfoil theory to mildly bluff sections, such as those usually employed for decks of modern long-span bridges. In order to systematically accommodate typical features of bluff-body aerodynamics, the classical Theodorsen and Wagner results are reorganized within a unified dimensionless approach, and generalized preserving their main formal structure. Accordingly, circulatory and non-circulatory contributions are separately described and superimposed, and generalized downwash-related terms are introduced. The strong duality between time-domain and frequency-domain representations is focused, and direct relationships between proper Wagner-like indicial functions and Theodorsen-like circulatory functions are deduced. Thereby, following the Scanlan formulation for bridge deck sections, flutter derivatives are represented by superimposing circulatory and non-circulatory effects, resulting in a frequency-domain description fully consistent with the Theodorsen's theory. The model is based on few parameters that can be estimated by simplified strategies and, when applicable, by asymptotic relationships. An identification procedure involving few experiments or numerical simulations is proposed and numerically implemented. Simulation results obtained in the case of a flat thin plate and of a closed box section, similar to the cross-section of the Great Belt East Bridge, are successfully compared with theoretical and/or numerical solutions, highlighting effectiveness and soundness of the presented identification strategy.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (PBDEs) are thyroid-disrupting environmental chemicals. We investigated the effects of postnatal exposure to DE-71 (a mixture of tetra- and penta-brominated congeners), n-propylthiouracil (PTU) and thyroxine (T4) replacement on open-field (OF) and radial maze (RAM) tests. Wistar rats (5 males/5 females per litter, 32 litters) were treated orally (PND 5-22) with PTU (4mg/kg bw/d), DE-71 (30mg/kg bw/d), with and without co-administration of T4 (15μg/kg bw/d, sc). PTU depressed T4 serum levels and body weight gain and enlarged thyroid gland. Although decreasing T4 levels, DE-71 did not change thyroid and body weights. PTU-treated rats showed hyperactivity (PND 42 and 70), and working and reference memory learning deficits (RAM, PND 100). Although not altering motor activity and working memory, DE-71 caused a reference memory deficit (females only). T4 co-administration averted hypothyroxinemia and long-term cognitive deficits caused by PTU and DE-71.

Heat, moisture and salt transport combined with salt crystallization strongly influence the durability of porous construction materials like masonry. With this in mind, this paper presents a novel coupled multiphase model for hygrothermal analysis of masonry structures and effective prediction of stress induced by salt crystallization. Firstly, the model is calibrated through experimental data. In particular, water and brine uptake and evaporation tests on a single brick and on a simple masonry column are reproduced. Then, the model is used to simulate the results of an extensive experimental campaign carried out on a masonry wall exposed to weather conditions for 2 years. Very good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental evidence is obtained, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Summary: Exacerbation of prior pulmonary involvement may occur during neutropenia recovery. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-related pulmonary toxicity has been documented in cancer patients, and experimental models suggest a role for G-CSF in acute lung injury during neutropenia recovery. We reviewed 20 cases of noncardiac acute respiratory failure during G-CSF-induced neutropenia recovery. Half the patients had received hematopoietic stem cell transplants. All patients experienced pulmonary infiltrates during neutropenia followed by respiratory status deterioration coinciding with neutropenia recovery. Neutropenia duration was 10 (4–22) days, and time between respiratory symptoms and the first day with more than 1000 leukocytes/mm3 was 1 (−0.5 to 2) day. Of the 20 patients, 16 received invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation, including 14 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Five patients died, with refractory ARDS. In patients with pulmonary infiltrates during neutropenia, G-CSF-induced neutropenia recovery carries a risk of respiratory status deterioration with acute lung injury or ARDS. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis, which requires eliminating another cause of acute respiratory failure, G-CSF discontinuation and ICU transfer for early supportive management including diagnostic confirmation and noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

This paper presents the structural health assessment of a railway ancient masonry arch bridge located in Bologna, Italy. A three-dimensional finite element model of the entire bridge, tuned on in situ experimental tests, has been used for the assessment. In particular, the finite element model has been employed to evaluate the structural health of the bridge both in its actual state and in the hypothesis of a structural strengthening intervention.

Critically ill patients have many reasons to present with pleural effusions whose incidence in the intensive care unit (ICU) varies from about 8% (clinically documented effusions) to more than 60% (effusions detected using routine ultrasonography). Management of pleural effusions in ICU patients is similar to this used in overall patients. Indeed, pleurocentesis is safe in mechanically ventilated patients, pleurocentesis has an impact on diagnosis and treatment, and no clinical parameter allows to exclude pleural infection. This review discusses various aspects of pleural effusions in the ICU and suggests a research agenda for pleural effusions in ICU patients, particularly regarding management of infectious pleural effusions and these associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Nowdays adults with cystic fibrosis are no more attended in pediatric centers. Transition from pediatric to adult care centers must be anticipated. It requires the preparation of patients and families and a cooperation between both teams. Now, there are more patients and they are healthier. Adults centers caregivers have to pay particular attention to new young patients, to manage cystic fibrosis adult issues and to deal with more frequent comorbidities and severe complications. Adults centers will need better resources to maintain good quality of cares and improved life expectancy.

Ceramic materials are nowadays widely used in many industrial applications, ranging from the production of sanitary wares to advanced mechanics. Despite their diffusion, their production process still involves inefficient product development procedures, often based on a trial and error approach. In particular, during drying and firing, the initial shape given by the mould undergoes significant deformations due to plastic strains and volumetric shrinkage. As a consequence, the prediction of the mould shape, needed to obtain a given final product, becomes a problem of primary importance. The first step towards the definition of an effective mould prediction procedure is to accurately simulate the whole industrial process. The aim of the present paper is to build an effective, yet simple, simulation procedure suitable for implementation in the industrial practice. In this article, the adopted modelling strategy is discussed and the results of the numerical model are compared with experimental data highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The arguments discussed in the paper have been addressed in collaboration with SACMI, a world leading company in the production of machineries for the ceramic industry.

A simple beam model for the evaluation of tile debonding due to substrate shrinkage is presented. The tile-adhesive-substrate package is modeled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam laying on a two-layer elastic foundation. An effective discrete model for inter-tile grouting is introduced with the aim of modelling workmanship defects due to partial filled groutings. The model is validated using the results of a 2D FE model. Different defect configurations and adhesive typologies are analysed, focusing the attention on the prediction of normal stresses in the adhesive layer under the assumption of Mode I failure of the adhesive.

This paper presents a hybrid stress approach for the analysis of laminated composite plates. The plate mechanical model is based on the so called First-order Shear Deformation Theory, rationally deduced from the parent three-dimensional theory. Within this framework, a new quadrilateral four-node finite element is developed from a hybrid stress formulation involving, as primary variables, compatible displacements and elementwise equilibrated stress resultants. The element is designed to be simple, stable and locking-free. The displacement interpolation is enhanced by linking the transverse displacement to the nodal rotations and a suitable approximation for stress resultants is selected, ruled by the minimum number of parameters. The transverse stresses through the laminate thickness are reconstructed a posteriori by simply using three-dimensional equilibrium. To improve the results, the stress resultants entering the reconstruction process are first recovered using a superconvergent patch-based procedure called Recovery by Compatibility in Patches, that is properly extended here for laminated plates. This preliminary recovery is very efficient from the computational point of view and generally useful either to accurately evaluate the stress resultants or to estimate the discretization error. Indeed, in the present context, it plays also a key role in effectively predicting the shear stress profiles, since it guarantees the global convergence of the whole reconstruction strategy, that does not need any correction to accommodate equilibrium defects. Actually, this strategy can be adopted together with any plate finite element. Numerical testing demonstrates the excellent performance of both the finite element and the reconstruction strategy.