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Purpose We report our single-institution stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) experience on stage I renal cancer with prospectively collected toxicity and efficacy data. Methods and Materials A total of 21 patients with solitary renal tumors, including 14 surgical candidates who refused surgery (66%), were treated with SBRT. Histologic confirmation was obtained on all patients before treatment; 2 had transitional cell carcinoma and 19 had renal cell carcinoma. The median age was 71 years (range, 58-88). Nearly all patients received 48 Gy in 3 fractions. Results The median follow-up was 78 months (range, 5-107). At 5 years post treatment, the local tumor control rate was 100%. Tumor size decreased by a median value of 5.3% at 1 year post treatment, 15.6% at 2 years post treatment, and 15.4% at 5 years post treatment. Glomerular filtration rate had decreased by a median value of 1.5% at 1 year post treatment, 7.0% at 2 years post treatment, and 14.2% at 5 years post treatment. Three patients experienced grade 1 toxicity; no other treatment-related adverse effects were reported. Conclusions SBRT is a promising noninvasive treatment in the management of primary renal cell carcinoma, with evolving clinical evidence demonstrating encouraging results with respect to local control and toxicity.

Background: Anakinra might improve the prognosis of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 (ie, patients requiring oxygen supplementation but not yet receiving organ support). We aimed to assess the effect of anakinra treatment on mortality in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Methods: For this systematic review and individual patient-level meta-analysis, a systematic literature search was done on Dec 28, 2020, in Medline (PubMed), Cochrane, medRxiv, bioRxiv, and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases for randomised trials, comparative studies, and observational studies of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, comparing administration of anakinra with standard of care, or placebo, or both. The search was repeated on Jan 22, 2021. Individual patient-level data were requested from investigators and corresponding authors of eligible studies; if individual patient-level data were not available, published data were extracted from the original reports. The primary endpoint was mortality after 28 days and the secondary endpoint was safety (eg, the risk of secondary infections). This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020221491). Findings: 209 articles were identified, of which 178 full-text articles fulfilled screening criteria and were assessed. Aggregate data on 1185 patients from nine studies were analysed, and individual patient-level data on 895 patients were provided from six of these studies. Eight studies were observational and one was a randomised controlled trial. Most studies used historical controls. In the individual patient-level meta-analysis, after adjusting for age, comorbidities, baseline ratio of the arterial partial oxygen pressure divided by the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, and lymphopenia, mortality was significantly lower in patients treated with anakinra (38 [11%] of 342) than in those receiving standard of care with or without placebo (137 [25%] of 553; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0·32 [95% CI 0·20–0·51]). The mortality benefit was similar across subgroups regardless of comorbidities (ie, diabetes), ferritin concentrations, or the baseline PaO2/FiO2. In a subgroup analysis, anakinra was more effective in lowering mortality in patients with CRP concentrations higher than 100 mg/L (OR 0·28 [95% CI 0·17–0·47]). Anakinra showed a significant survival benefit when given without dexamethasone (OR 0·23 [95% CI 0·12–0·43]), but not with dexamethasone co-administration (0·72 [95% CI 0·37–1·41]). Anakinra was not associated with a significantly increased risk of secondary infections when compared with standard of care (OR 1·35 [95% CI 0·59–3·10]). Interpretation: Anakinra could be a safe, anti-inflammatory treatment option to reduce the mortality risk in patients admitted to hospital with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in the presence of signs of hyperinflammation such as CRP concentrations higher than 100 mg/L. Funding: Sobi. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd

To predict patients who would benefit from adaptive radiotherapy (ART) and re-planning intervention based on machine learning from anatomical and dosimetric variations in a retrospective dataset.90 patients (pts) treated for head-neck cancer (HN) formed a multicenter data-set. 41 HN pts (45.6%) were considered for learning; 49 pts (54.4%) were used to test the tool. A homemade machine-learning classifier was developed to analyze volume and dose variations of parotid glands (PG). Using deformable image registration (DIR) and GPU, patients' conditions were analyzed automatically. Support Vector Machines (SVM) was used for time-series evaluation. "Inadequate" class identified patients that might benefit from replanning. Double-blind evaluation by two radiation oncologists (ROs) was carried out to validate day/week selected for re-planning by the classifier.The cohort was affected by PG mean reduction of 23.7±8.8%. During the first 3weeks, 86.7% cases show PG deformation aligned with predefined tolerance, thus not requiring re-planning. From 4th week, an increased number of pts would potentially benefit from re-planning: a mean of 58% of cases, with an inter-center variability of 8.3%, showed "inadequate" conditions. 11% of cases showed "bias" due to DIR and script failure; 6% showed "warning" output due to potential positioning issues. Comparing re-planning suggested by tool with recommended by ROs, the 4th week seems the most favorable time in 70% cases.SVM and decision-making tool was applied to overcome ART challenges. Pts would benefit from ART and ideal time for re-planning intervention was identified in this retrospective analysis.

The dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence Cathedral, was built between 1420 and 1436 by architect Filippo Brunelleschi and it is now cracking under its own weight. Engineering efforts are under way to model the dome's structure and reinforce it against further deterioration. According to some scholars, Brunelleschi might have built reinforcement structures into the dome itself; however, the only known reinforcement is a wood chain 7.75 m above the springing of the Cupola. Multiple scattering muon radiography is a non-destructive imaging method that can be used to image the interior of the dome's wall and therefore ascertain the layout and status of any iron substructure in it. A demonstration measurement was performed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory on a mock-up wall to show the feasibility of the work proposed, and a lightweight and modular imaging system is currently under construction. We will discuss here the results of the demonstration measurement and the potential of the proposed technique, describe the imaging system under construction and outline the plans for the measurement. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Cosmic-ray muography’.

The invasive crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus has a generalist diet, consuming primarily macroalgae and sessile and sedentary invertebrate prey. To assess the dietary importance of motile prey, predation by H. sanguineus on the amphipod Hyale plumulosa was examined in laboratory and field experiments. Male and female crabs 7–27 mm in carapace width were offered H. plumulosa in laboratory microcosms with and without sediment (sand and rocks) present. Despite sex differences in claw morphology, male and female H. sanguineus consumed similar numbers of amphipods. Large crabs of both sexes consumed fewer H. plumulosa than small crabs, and consumption was lower when sediment was present. Crab abundance was then manipulated in the field in randomized complete block experiments in the lower rocky intertidal zone. In three 14-day experiments, H. sanguineus had no negative effect on amphipod abundance. In fact, excluding crabs from cages led to lower amphipod densities. The results of the 2-species predator–prey laboratory experiments did not transfer to the natural environment, suggesting that complex interactions exist between H. sanguineus and motile amphipod prey in rocky intertidal areas.

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are potential tools to increase the durability of metal parts operating in turbine engines. In this work, partially yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and lanthanum zirconate (LZ) coatings were deposited by plasma spraying on stainless steel substrates. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that plasma spraying promoted the formation of metastable phases in both the cases. Both YSZ and LZ coatings exhibited porous microstructure with a network of embedded pores and microcracks, that resulted in similar porosity values. The average microhardness of LZ coating was about 92% of that of YSZ one (5.4 against 5.9 GPa), whereas the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of LZ coating was about 86% of that of YSZ one. Based on the results herein discussed the development of multilayered microstructures represents a promising solution in order to develop TBCs with enhanced performance. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

Background During the storage of packed red blood cells (pRBC), packed cell volume (PCV), bacterial contamination and percentage of haemolysis [percentage of free haemoglobin (HGB) in relation to the total HGB] are important quality parameters. Both PCV and haemolysis are indicators of the cellular integrity of stored units. There are no published experimental studies that evaluated these parameters during storage of feline pRBC using SAGM (adenine, dextrose, mannitol and sodium chloride) as the additive solution. The present study aims to (1) evaluate the quality of feline pRBCs stored in SAGM; (2) test for the semi-closed system’s suitability for use and risk of bacterial contamination; (3) establish the maximum storage time that may be appropriate to meet the criteria established by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) guidelines for human blood banking; and (4) evaluate the need to calculate the percentage of haemolysis prior to the administration of units stored for more than 4 weeks. Four hundred eighty nine feline pRBC units were analyzed. Bacterial culture, PCV and percentage of haemolysis were determined within 6 h after processing (t0). One hundred and eighty units were re-tested for haemolysis and PCV after 29–35 days of storage (t1) and 118 units after 36–42 days (t2). Results Bacterial contamination was not detected in any pRBC unit. Mean PCV at t0 was 52.25% (SD: ±5.27) and decreased significantly (p

An updated inventory of the vascular flora alien to Italy, providing details on the occurrence at regional level, is presented. The checklist includes 1597 species, subspecies, and hybrids, distributed in 725 genera and 152 families; 2 taxa are lycophytes, 11 ferns and fern allies, 33 gymnosperms, and 1551 angiosperms. 157 taxa are archaeophytes and 1440 neophytes. The alien taxa currently established in Italy are 791 (570 naturalized and 221 invasive), while 705 taxa are casual aliens, 4 are not assessed, 7 are of unknown regional distribution, 47 have not been confirmed in recent times, 3 are considered extinct or possibly extinct in the country, and 40 are doubtfully occurring in Italy. This checklist allows to establish an up-to-date number (9792) of taxa constituting the whole (native and alien) Italian flora.

The Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) proposed six Action Groups. After almost three years of activity, many achievements have been obtained through commitments or collaborative work of the Action Groups. However, they have often worked in silos and, consequently, synergies between Action Groups have been proposed to strengthen the triple win of the EIP on AHA. The paper presents the methodology and current status of the Task Force on EIP on AHA synergies. Synergies are in line with the Action Groups’ new Renovated Action Plan (2016-2018) to ensure that their future objectives are coherent and fully connected. The outcomes and impact of synergies are using the Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the EIP on AHA (MAFEIP). Eight proposals for synergies have been approved by the Task Force: Five cross-cutting synergies which can be used for all current and future synergies as they consider overarching domains (appropriate polypharmacy, citizen empowerment, teaching and coaching on AHA, deployment of synergies to EU regions, Responsible Research and Innovation), and three cross-cutting synergies focussing on current Action Group activities (falls, frailty, integrated care and chronic respiratory diseases). © 2017, Serdi and Springer-Verlag France.

Alumina-based coatings are employed in many industrial applications, in order to protect the surface of metal components against high temperature, wear, corrosion and erosion. In this work two different alumina-based coatings were fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), starting from powder particles composed of pure Al2O3 and Al2O3-3 wt% TiO2, respectively. Their phase composition was investigated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and revealed that both the as-sprayed coatings were mainly composed of metastable γ- and α-Al2O3 phases. The γ phase recrystallized to α phase after heat treatment. The porous microstructure was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Thin TiO2-rich splats were observed within the microstructure of alumina-titania coatings. The pure alumina coatings exhibited similar porosity and higher microhardness than the alumina-titania ones (12.8 against 9.9 GPa). Both the coatings herein analyzed are particularly promising for high-temperature anti-wear applications, because of their enhanced mechanical properties. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

MCrAlY coatings are usually adopted to improve the environmental resistance of Ni-based superalloy components of turbine engines against high-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion. In this work, CoNiCrAlYRe coatings were produced by atmospheric plasma spraying. The coatings exhibited relatively low oxygen content and porosity. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses revealed that the high-temperature exposure at 1383ﾠK (1110ﾠﾰC) promoted the growth of an oxide scale on the top surface being composed of a continuous and dense Al2O3 inner layer followed by an outer mixed layer (Cr2O3 and spinels). The oxide scale was mainly composed of Al2O3, while the formation of mixed oxides occurred at lesser extent. After high-temperature exposure, the formation of internal oxides in some areas reduced the inter-lamellar cohesion, so that a decrease in microhardness was found.

Rare-earth zirconates are potential materials for thermal barrier coatings. Their properties are not still well known, due to any lacks in processing and characterization techniques. To this purpose lanthanum zirconate coatings were herein manufactured by plasma spraying. The coatings exhibited high porosity, due to the presence of pores, splat boundaries and microcracks. The high-temperature evolution of mechanical properties was investigated by arranging specific bending tests up to 1500 ﾰC using SiC testing assembly which allows to reconstruct and measure the sample curvature and the deformation. At higher temperatures the coatings showed an inelastic behavior, related to their unique microstructure, as well as a toughening effect. ﾩ 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

In this study, we examined the annual diet composition of Lepus corsicanus in two different sites within a southern Italy Regional Park. Vegetation of site 1 was composed of a mixed scrub forest (Viburno–Quercetum ilicis s.l.), a ripisilva (Roso sempervirentis–Populetum nigrae), some thermophilous scrubs (Pruno–Rhamnetalia alaterni), and a Pinus halepensis reforested area. Site 2 comprised a mixed-oak forest (Centaureo–Quercetum pubescentis s.l.) with meadows and arable lands. Micro-histological analysis of faecal samples revealed that hares utilised 70 different species of plants during the year, indicating the capability of the Apennine hare of exploiting a wide variety of vegetation. Herbaceous plants (Hemicryptophytes, particularly graminoid grasses, and Geophytes) predominated in the diet. Brachypodium sylvaticum (9.44 %) and Allium subhirsutum (8.28 %) were the major contributors to the diet in sites 2 and 1, respectively. Other taxa found most often in the diet were Trifolium pratense (site 1: 8.19 %; site 2: 5.80 %) and Prunus spinosa (site 1: 7.03 %; site 2: 4.10 %). Significant differences were found between sites in terms of diet richness, diversity, and evenness. Nevertheless, both the similarity indices (Morisita–Horn: 0.79; Sorensen: 0.87) showed that the food composition of the hare’s diet was broadly the same in both sites. Some qualitative and quantitative differences between sites were due to the availability or consumption of some plant species and evidenced that the Apennine hare can modify its trophic niche in order to adapt its dietary requirements to the availability of food.

The authors would like to change and use the correct name of M. Khaitov which is M. Kaitov on this manuscript. The authors have incorrectly used her other name during the finalization of this research. With this, the authors hereby publish the correct author names as presented above. © 2016 Serdi and Springer-Verlag France

Nanostructured yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings were deposited by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate their phase composition, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine their microstructure. The coatings showed a unique and complex microstructure composed of well-melted splats with columnar crystal structure, partially melted areas, which resembled the morphology of the powder feedstock, and equiaxed grains. Vickers microhardness of nanostructured zirconia coatings was similar to that of the conventional ones and strongly depended on the indentation load. Otherwise, a higher thermal shock resistance was found. This effect was addressed to the retention of nanostructured areas in coating microstructure and to the corresponding high porosity.

Yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thick thermal barrier coatings were fabricated by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) and isothermally annealed at 1315 °C for different durations. The phase composition of as-sprayed and heat-treated free-standing coatings was investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and the Rietveld method was employed for quantitative phase analysis. High-temperature exposure of YSZ coatings produced the partial decomposition of metastable t ′ zirconia phase and the corresponding increase in the amount of stable tetragonal t , cubic c and monoclinic m phases with increasing the aging time. The thermophysical properties of as-sprayed and annealed YSZ coatings, such as thermal expansion and heat capacity, were measured. The thermal expansion coefficient kept almost constant in-plane direction after heat treatment. Otherwise, it changed in through-thickness direction due to any structural changes and high-temperature sintering of the porous microstructure. The sintering also influenced the specific heat capacity C p which increased with increasing the annealing time.

Thick mullite (3Al 2 O 3 –2SiO 2 ) coatings were fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) in a mixture of crystalline and amorphous phases, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The coatings were isothermally heat treated in order to study recrystallization mechanism of the glassy phase. The morphology and the microstructure of both mullite feedstock and coatings were investigated by using scansion electron microscopy (SEM). The porosity of as-sprayed coating was in the range between 2 and 3% and substantially remained unchanged after thermal treatment. The thermal expansion of as-sprayed and annealed coatings was measured during heating up to the temperature of crystallization and the corresponding high-temperature extent of shrinkage was calculated. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves at different heating rates showed a sharp exothermic peak between 1243 and 1253 K, suggesting a rapid recrystallization of the amorphous phase. Finally, the heat capacity of recrystallized mullite coating was measured by DSC experiments. It was approximately 1.02 × 10 3 J/kg K at 373 K and increased with increasing test temperature.

Thick plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings are suitable for thermal and hot corrosion protection of metal components in land-based turbine and diesel engines. In this work, ceria–yttria co-stabilized zirconia coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying in a mixture of non-transformable tetragonal t′ and cubic c zirconia phases. Free-standing coatings were isothermally annealed at 1315 °C for different times and their crystal structure was studied by XRD. No phase decomposition occurred. Columnar grains grew in the molten splats with increasing annealing time according to a preferential direction and, after 50 h of heat treatment, they were partially replaced by equiaxed grains. Both in-plane and out-of-plane thermal expansion coefficients (CTEs) were measured from coating expansion during heating. The CTE was slightly sensitive to thermal exposure in out-of-plane direction, whereas it kept almost constant in plane direction. The specific heat capacity Cp of annealed coatings, measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), decreased in comparison with as-sprayed coating, due to high-temperature sintering.

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are advanced systems for more efficient turbine engines. In this work, thick lanthanum zirconate TBCs were fabricated by Air Plasma Spraying (APS). The coatings showed a lamellar microstructure containing splat boundaries, pores and microcracks. After thermal exposure at 1200 and 1350. °C the partial sintering of the porous microstructure occurred.High-temperature evolution of the mechanical properties was investigated by arranging specific bending tests up to 1500. °C using SiC testing assembly which allowed to calculate the strain by means of curvature measurement. The mechanical properties improved with increasing the testing temperature, due to the inelastic deformation and stress relaxation which counteracted the sintering effects. The elastic modulus increased after thermal aging, but decreased for the aged coatings tested at higher temperature. The thermal expansion coefficient of as-sprayed coatings slightly increased after thermal aging, while a reduction of specific heat capacity was noticed. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

The spatial heterogeneity of ventricular repoalarization (SHVR) is an important factor in arrhythmogenesis and it is related to increased vulnerability to fatal arrhythmia. The V-index is a non-invasive estimator of SHVR based on the analysis of the surface ECG. A significant correlation between the V-index and SHVR has been previously demonstrated theoretically and by means of numerical simulations. Also, the V-index has been shown to track expected changes in SHVR after infusion of drugs that alter the cardiac electrophysiology. In this study, we compare for the first time estimates from the V-index with direct measures of SHVR derived from unipolar elecrograms simultaneously recorded in the left and right ventricular endocardium and in the left ventricular epicardium. In 22 recordings collected in 14 patients with normal ventricles, the V-index showed a tight and significant correlation with directed measures of SHVR, with correlation coefficients as high as r = 0.80, whereas other ECG-derived estimates of SHVR based on T-peak and T-peak to T-end measures showed lower correlations (r ≤ 0.41 and r ≤ 0.36, respectively). The results of this study suggest that the V-index provides reliable estimates of SHVR.

Purpose We conducted a prospective study to evaluate needle displacements between prostate high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy fractions and offer technical recommendations to help prevent displacements from the outset. Methods and materials Planning computed tomography and verification computed tomography scans were obtained at 1-mm slice thickness and prospectively assessed for interfraction needle movement for each fraction of a 2-fraction HDR prostate boost. For both the planning and verification CTs, distances from each needle tip to the centroid of 3 implanted prostate gold seeds were measured. We determined the mean and range of the displacement distances. Results Thirty-three consecutive patients (66 fractions, 540 needle-pair positions for a total of 1080 needles) were evaluated for changes in the length between the needle tip and centroid displacement. Overall, only 0.2% of the needles had any change greater than 3.5 mm between the needle tip and centroid. The mean amount of displacement was 0.97 mm, with a standard deviation of 0.76 mm. Among the patients, no fraction had more than 1 needle with a variation greater than 3.0 mm. Conclusions Needle displacements in HDR prostate brachytherapy have been reported by numerous institutions using various techniques. We report the first study to demonstrate needle displacement of less than 1 mm on average, and we describe our process of care surrounding the implantation.

Homogeneous, erbium-modified, non-porous silica glasses containing about 2.4% of ions compared with Si atoms have been prepared by sol–gel process. To limit the loss of the rare earth cations in the liquids, improve the uniformity of ion incorporation and to immobilize the cations in the silica matrix, an amino functionalised silane was used. It was found to be very effective also to allow foamless sintering. Structural evolution and chemical composition of the samples during the preparation process have been monitored by Fourier-Transform Infrared and Near-IR dispersion spectroscopy. The loss of the cations in the syneresis liquid and the surface area of the samples heat treated at different temperature have been evaluated. The erbium transition 4I15/2 versus 4I13/2, related electro-luminescence at 1.54 μm, was evident in gels heat treated at 1000 °C.

Bulk borosilicate glasses were prepared by the sol−gel process and doped with gold nanoparticles. First, a sol of the host glass (with nominal molar composition of 10% B2O3−90% SiO2) was prepared, and then gold was introduced into the sol by means of a solution of a Au3+ complex. The resulting gels were dried at 60 °C and then heated in air at various temperatures up to 600 °C to nucleate the gold particles and sinter the glass matrix. Various gold ligands were tested, and thiourea was found to be the most effective ligand in preventing fast gold reduction and precipitation to the gel surface during drying. A model based on the formation of insoluble gold species during drying of the gel is discussed to explain the phenomenon of gold precipitation to the sample surface. The heated gels were studied by measurements of the BET specific surface area and of the apparent density, showing the densification of the matrix during the heat treatments. UV−vis optical absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the f...

Bei diesem sozialen Wohnbau an der Peripherie von Mailand wurde die Idee serieller Architektur auf die Spitze getrieben. Das Prinzip der Aneinanderreihung von immer gleichen Elementen wurde an den beiden Baukorpern mit 300 bzw. 200 Metern Lange konsequent angewandt. Unmittelbar nach der Fertigstellung wurde in der Zeitschrift L’architettura die „einheitliche Skyline“ des Projekts gewurdigt. Ratselhaft ist die Ausrichtung der lĹangeren Gebaudezeile, sind doch die Terrassen des sechsstockigen Baus nach Norden orientiert. Wahrend Fotos aus der Entstehungszeit den nackten Betonbau zeigen, ist das Aussehen des Gebaudes heute durch die nachtraglich auf die Terrassen aufgesetzten Verbaue aus dunkelgrunen Lamellen gepragt. Die roten Garagenturen uberhohen die repetitive Wirkung und verleihen dem fluchtenden Bau eine surreale Wirkung.

The arch is a very common masonry structure that has been studied extensively in the past. Despite this, no analytical methods exist that can adequately evaluate the collapse mechanisms and their related loads. This paper presents a collapse approach that takes into account the small tensile and shear strengths of masonry material according to a no-tension constitutive model. Some appropriate analytical functions are proposed that can reproduce the collapse mechanisms and the values of the associated horizontal limit thrusts at the arch's skewback. This approach also provides the minimum value for the thickness-span ratio, the safety margin, and the maximum value of uniformly distributed vertical loads (load pa- rameter). The collapse mechanisms' shapes and the horizontal limit thrusts are then analyzed as a function of the loads and the arch's geometry. In addition, the findings are compared to the results of a finite-element analysis.

The authors describe a case of suicide by a single shot to the head from the latest type of captive bolt pistol (which has lateral instead of frontal gas outlets), with the aim of finding criteria to identify correctly the lesions caused by this type of weapon correctly and to distinguish them from those caused by typical firearms.

The acid catalyzed pyrolysis of corncobs is investigated for the production of chemicals (in particular furfural) and bioproducts. Particles, pre-impregnated with H2SO4 concentrations up to about 4% (dry sample mass basis) and pre-dried at 343K, are exposed in the form of a packed-bed at a heating temperature of 800K. The gas release rate remains approximately constant, at a value about the half with respect to the maximum detected for acid-free samples, for a large part of the process transients. Conversion times are roughly increased by 50% while reaction temperatures, on the average, become lower by about 20-40K. Dehydrating and charring reactions become successively more favored suppressing the formation of condensable organic compounds. A decay is observed in the yields of both some carbohydrates (hydroxyacetaldehyde, hydroxypropanone, furfuryl alcohol, etc.) and phenolics (phenol, guiacol, 4-methyguaicol, 4-ethylguaicol, syringol) although less steep for the latter. However, catalyst concentrations below 0.5% lead to maxima in the yields of levoglucosan, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 1,6-anhydro-?-D-glucofuranose. Moreover, the production is significantly enhanced of levoglucosenone (from trace amounts up to 4.5%) and furfural (from 0.65% up to 5%) at catalyst concentrations around 1-2% and 2-3%, with 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-?-D-glucopyranose (maximum yield 0.65%) acting as a reaction intermediate. The yield of acetic acid remains constant at 4% up to catalyst concentration around 3%. Higher catalyst concentrations are associated with a rapid decline in the yields of all these organic compounds with the total amount of char, carbon dioxide and water reaching 70%.

The origin of the insulin resistance syndrome which, mostly through its cardiovascular implications, is characterized by a high incidence of death, is still practically unknown. Energy and glucose homeostasis are under the control of CNS centers and the neurotransmitter GABA modulates the activity of these centers. Alteration of the biochemical structure of GABA receptors is suggested as an interpretation of the origin of the syndrome.

Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) has been detected by immunocytochemical assay on urine cytological samples from 28 asymptomatic patients, who previously had a histological diagnosis of papillary transitional cell carcinoma (PTCT) of the urinary bladder (UB), in order to evaluate its role in follow-up controls. TPA staining intensity (SI) in urothelial cells was evaluated to improve the diagnostic accuracy of cytology. Differentiated tumor cells were strongly stained for TPA, heavier than normal urothelial cells. Undifferentiated neoplastic cells were less stained for TPA with a wide range of SI. TPA detection revealed positive cytology in 21 (75%) of the considered cases. The accuracy of our cytological findings compared with both routine examinations and subsequent histopathological diagnosis was of 95.2%. Follow-up urinary cytology limits could be reduced by TPA searching in differentiated tumor cells, deriving from low-grade neoplasms.

Testo universitario di Ecologia vegetale