Architettura come interpretazione della città

Review of:Recensione del testoAutore: Angelo TorricelliTitolo: Palermo interpretataLingua del testo: ItalianoEditore: LetteraVentidue, SiracusaA cura di: Giuseppe di BenedettoCaratteristiche: formato 12x18 cm, 110 pagine, bianco e neroISBN: 978-88-6242-210-9Anno: 201

L'interazione edificio-città

For Niemeyer architecture is a whole with the city and the territory. The ways through which he separates the building from the open space and from the city are a crucial issue to analyse this relationship. We find ourselves in front of a research that superates by far the simple evolution of Le Corbusier and the simple sculptural ability that was attributed to it: the one by Niemeyer is a wide breath composition, with an ongoing evolution and tension with the city and the landscape.Per Niemeyer l'architettura è un tutt'uno con la città e il territorio. Tema cruciale per analizzare questa relazione sono le modalità attraverso le quali separa l'edificio dallo spazio aperto e dalla città. Ci troviamo di fronte ad una ricerca che supera di molto la semplice evoluzione di Le Corbusier e la semplice capacità scultorea che gli è stata attribuita: quella di Niemeyer è una composizione di grande respiro, in continua evoluzione e tensione con la città e con il paesaggio

Inhibitory Plasticity: From Molecules to Computation and Beyond

Synaptic plasticity is the cellular and molecular counterpart of learning and memory and, since its first discovery, the analysis of the mechanisms underlying long-term changes of synaptic strength has been almost exclusively focused on excitatory connections. Conversely, inhibition was considered as a fixed controller of circuit excitability. Only recently, inhibitory networks were shown to be finely regulated by a wide number of mechanisms residing in their synaptic connections. Here, we review recent findings on the forms of inhibitory plasticity (IP) that have been discovered and characterized in different brain areas. In particular, we focus our attention on the molecular pathways involved in the induction and expression mechanisms leading to changes in synaptic efficacy, and we discuss, from the computational perspective, how IP can contribute to the emergence of functional properties of brain circuits

Āsana for Back, Hips and Legs to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals: In-Office Yóga Protocol

Abstract: Dental professionals are exposed to significant unavoidable physical stress, and theoretical ergonomic recommendations for a sitting workplace are inapplicable in many dental activities. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a serious health problem among dental professionals (prevalence: 64–93%), showing involvement of 34–60% for the low back and 15–25% for the hips. Muscle stress; prolonged sitting; forward bending and twisting of the torso and head; unbalanced working postures with asymmetrical weight on the hips and uneven shoulders; and others are inevitable for dental professionals. Therefore, the approach for the prevention and treatment of WMSDs must be therapeutic and compensatory. This project was conceived to provide a Yoga protocol for dental professionals to prevent or treat WMSDs from a preventive medicine perspective, and it would represent a Yoga-based guideline for the self-cure and prevention of musculoskeletal problems. Methods: Specific Yoga positions ( ̄asana, such as Vir ̄asana, Virabhadr ̄asana, Garud ̄asana, Utkat ̄asana, Trikon ̄asana, Anuvitt ̄asana, Chakr ̄asana, Uttan ̄asana, Pashimottan ̄asana) have been selected, elaborated on and adapted to be practiced in a dental office using a dental stool or the dental office walls or a dental unit chair. The protocol is specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants) and targeted for the low back, hips and legs (including knees and ankles). The protocol includes Visranta Karaka Sthiti (supported positions) in sitting (Upavistha Sthiti) and standing (Utthistha Sthiti) positions, twisting/torsions (Parivrtta), flexions/forward bend positions (Pashima) and extensions/arching (Purva) for musculo-articular system decompression and mobilization. Results: Over 60 Yog ̄asana—specifically ideated for back detensioning and mobilization, lumbar lordosis restoration, trunk side elongation, hip release and leg stretches and decontraction—are shown and described. The paper provides a meticulous description for each position, including the detailed movement, recommendations and mistakes to avoid, and the breathing pattern (breath control) in all the breath-driven movements ( ̄asana in viny ̄asa). An exhaustive analysis of posture-related disorders affecting the lower body among dental professionals is reported, including low-back pain, hip pain and disorders, piriformis syndrome and quadratus femoris dysfunction (gluteal pain), iliopsoas syndrome, multifidus disorders, femoroacetabular and ischiofemoral impingement, spinopelvic mobility, lumbopelvic rhythm, impairment syndromes, lower crossed syndrome, leg pain, knee pain and ankle disorders. Conclusions: A detailed guideline of ̄asana for low-back decompression, hip joint destress, piriformis and gluteal muscle release, lumbar lordosis recovery and a spinopelvic mobility increase has been elaborated on. The designed Yog ̄asana protocol represents a powerful tool for dental professional

L'interazione edificio-città

Per Niemeyer l'architettura è un tutt'uno con la città e il territorio. Tema cruciale per analizzare questa relazione sono le modalità attraverso le quali separa l'edificio dallo spazio aperto e dalla città. Ci troviamo di fronte ad una ricerca che supera di molto la semplice evoluzione di Le Corbusier e la semplice capacità scultorea che gli è stata attribuita: quella di Niemeyer è una composizione di grande respiro, in continua evoluzione e tensione con la città e con il paesaggio

Properties of a novel polydimethylsiloxane endodontic sealer

Abstract Aim: The study aims to assess sealing ability of a novel polydimethylsiloxane-based sealer in simulated wet root canals with wide apex, ion release (calcium and pH) and examine samples using ESEM. Materials and methods: GuttaFlow bioseal, GuttaFlow2, and RoekoSeal Automix (Coltène/Whaledent Inc.) were tested.Roots were prepared to obtain an apical diameter #40 using nickel-titanium rotary files (HyFlex CM, Coltène/Whaledent Inc.), each root was filled with single cone technique and immediately inserted into a simulated socket (filled with 0.02. mL of simulated body fluid) to reproduce the clinical conditions of a wet apical environment. Sealing ability was evaluated as fluid filtration rate at 1, 14, 28 days, and 10 months.After 28 days in simulated body fluid, apices were examined using an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM).Alkalinizing activity and calcium release was evaluated after 3. h and 1, 7, 14, and 28 days.Data were analysed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p <. 0.05). Results: Fluid filtration analysis showed no significant difference within materials. Significant difference was observed between 10 months observation and other time frames (p <. 0.05) of the same group.GuttaFlow bioseal showed a significantly higher alkalinising activity (p <. 0.05). Calcium release ability showed no significant difference through time, however significant differences were observed among materials (p <. 0.05).Observation using ESEM at 28 days after root obturation showed the presence of the materials sealing the wide apical foramen. Conclusions: All materials showed satisfying sealing ability. However due to low calcium release, their use is not suggested when apical barrier formation and periapical bone regeneration are needed. © 2017 Società Italiana di Endodonzi

Management of acoustic neuromas in the elderly: retrospective study.

The wide availability of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-Gd) has led to the discovery of an increasing number of small and less symptomatic acoustic neuromas in elderly patients. We conducted a retrospective study in order to obtain data on outcomes and complications associated with different management strategies that would be useful in establishing a management guideline. We identified 44 patients aged 65 to 77 years with acoustic neuromas who had been managed with either surgery or simple observation with MRI-Gd imaging. Of the entire group, 36 patients had tumors larger than 1 cm, and they underwent surgery (most via the translabyrinthine approach). Complete removal of the tumor was achieved in 34 of these patients (94.4%). At the 1-year follow-up, grade VI facial nerve paralysis was evident in only two of 35 evaluable patients (5.7%). Postsurgical complications occurred in five patients (13.9%), including one death. The remaining eight patients had tumors 1 cm or smaller, and they were managed with periodic MRI-Gd scanning. At the 5-year follow-up, no tumor growth was seen in six of these patients. The other two patients exhibited a tumor growth rate of less than 2 mm per year. No patient in the observation group required surgical intervention

Scattering Compensation for Deep Brain Microscopy: The Long Road to Get Proper Images

Multiphoton microscopy is the most widespread method for preclinical brain imaging when sub-micrometer resolution is required. Nonetheless, even in the case of optimal experimental conditions, only a few hundred micrometers under the brain surface can be imaged by multiphoton microscopy. The main limitation preventing the acquisition of images from deep brain structures is the random light scattering which, until recently, was considered an unsurmountable obstacle. When in 2007 a breakthrough work by Vellekoop and Mosk [1] proved it is indeed possible to compensate for random scattering by using high resolution phase modulators, the neuro-photonics community started chasing the dream of a multiphoton microscopy capable of reaching arbitrary depths within the brain. Unfortunately, more than 10 years later, despite a massive improvement of technologies for scattering compensation in terms of speed, performances and reliability, clear images from deep layers of biological tissues are still lacking. In this work, we review recent technological and methodological advances in the field of multiphoton microscopy analyzing the big issue of scattering compensation. We will highlight the limits hampering image acquisition, and we will try to analyze the road scientists must tackle to target one of the most challenging issue in the field of biomedical imaging

Biomimetic Calcium-Silicate Cements Support Differentiation Of Human Orofacial Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Introduction Human orofacial bone mesenchymal stem cells (OFMSCs) from maxilla and mandible have robust osteogenic regenerative properties based on our previous reports that demonstrate phenotypic and functional differences between jaw and axial bone mesenchymal stem cells in same individuals. Furthermore, a combination of OFMSCs with bioactive calcium-releasing cements can potentially improve OFMSC multi-lineage differentiation capacity, but biocompatibility of calcium silicate cements with OFMSCs is still unclear. We tested the hypothesis that material extracts of calcium-releasing calcium-silicate cements support biomimetic microenvironment for survival and differentiation of human OFMSCs. Methods Two experimental calcium-silicate cements 1) calcium-silicate mineral powder (wTC) containing di- and tricalcium-silicate, calcium sulphate, and calcium chloride and 2) wTC doped with alpha-tricalcium phosphate (wTC-αTCP) were designed and prepared. Cement setting times were assessed by Gilmore needles, ability to release calcium and hydroxyl ions was assessed by potentiometric methods and OFMSC attachment to calcium-silicate discs was assessed. Calcium-silicate material extracts were tested for ability to support OFMSCs survival and in vitro/in vivo differentiation. Results Fewer OFMSCs attached to calcium-silicate discs relative to tissue culture plastic (p=0.001). Extracts of calcium-silicate cements sustained OFMSC survival, maintained steady state levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein while upregulating their respective gene transcripts. Adipogenic and in vivo bone regenerative capacities of OFMSCs were also unaffected by calcium-silicate extracts. Conclusions Ion-releasing calcium-silicate cements support a biomimetic microenvironment conducive to survival and differentiation of OFMSCs. Combination of OFMSCs and calcium-silicate cement can potentially promote tissue regeneration in periapical bone defects