New insight in the uranium valence state determination in Uy_yNd1−y_{1−y}O2±x_{2 \pm x}

International audienceThe charge compensation mechanisms in U$_y$Nd$_{1−y}$O$_{2 \pm x}$ and its consequence on the overall O stoichi-ometry (or O/M ratio where M = Nd + U) have been studied through the uranium valence state mixture evolution as a function of Nd content up to y = 0.62 by means of high energy resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS) at the U M$_4$-edge. Our results clearly demonstrate the formation of U$^{5+}$ at low Nd content (y < 0.15). Upon increasing the Nd content, oxygen vacancies and the formation of U$^{6+}$ appear as competing mechanisms for intermediate Nd concentrations, leading to the coexistence of U$^{4+}$/U$^{5+}$/U$^{6+}$ mixed valence and an overall hypostoichiometry (O/M < 2.00). Finally, the formation of U 6þ associated with strongly distorted U local environment is observed for high Nd concentrations (y = 0.62), leading to an overall hyperstoichiometry (O/M < 2.00)

Wired to Be Social: The Ontogeny of Human Interaction

Background: Newborns come into the world wired to socially interact. Is a propensity to socially oriented action already present before birth? Twin pregnancies provide a unique opportunity to investigate the social pre-wiring hypothesis. Although various types of inter-twins contact have been demonstrated starting from the 11th week of gestation, no study has so far investigated the critical question whether intra-pair contact is the result of motor planning rather then the accidental outcome of spatial proximity. Methodology/Principal Findings: Kinematic profiles of movements in five pairs of twin foetuses were studied by using four-dimensional ultrasonography during two separate recording sessions carried out at the 14th and 18th week of gestation. We demonstrate that by the 14th week of gestation twin foetuses do not only display movements directed towards the uterine wall and self-directed movements, but also movements specifically aimed at the co-twin, the proportion of which increases between the 14th and 18th gestational week. Kinematic analysis revealed that movement duration was longer and deceleration time was prolonged for other-directed movements compared to movements directed towards the uterine wall. Similar kinematic profiles were observed for movements directed towards the co-twin and selfdirected movements aimed at the eye-region, i.e. the most delicate region of the body. Conclusions/Significance: We conclude that performance of movements towards the co-twin is not accidental: already starting from the 14th week of gestation twin foetuses execute movements specifically aimed at the co-twin

Università e imprese in Abruzzo. Innovazione didattico-formativa e fabbisogno di professionalizzazione

Il volume presenta i risultati di un’indagine campionaria (svolta nell’ambito di un più ampio progetto finanziato dalla Regione Abruzzo) avente ad oggetto la valutazione del grado di efficacia dell’offerta formativa istituzionale della Università degli Studi di Teramo e la rilevazione di alcuni spunti di miglioramento per orientarne il governo strategico verso il dialogo e la cooperazione con alcuni dei suoi principali stakeholders, cioè le aziende e il mondo delle professioni che si preparano ad accogliere l’ingresso dei neolaureati. L’indagine proposta nel volume si propone come un primo avvio di un sistema di monitoraggio sui processi di produzione della conoscenza e sulle modalità del suo impiego nei sistemi economici regionali, che si presenta a sua volta come uno strumento essenziale per guidare e finalizzare al meglio le decisioni strategiche delle Università degli Studi e dei vari policy maker. In particolare la ricerca utilizza un approccio metodologico che può essere agevolmente impiegato, nell’ottica del miglioramento dei processi di intermediazione del mercato del lavoro, per supportare la rilevazione dei fabbisogni occupazionali e formativi di altri contesti territoriali, così come dei fabbisogni di innovazione didattica – e anche strategica – di altre Università degli Studi e di altri enti di formazione specialistica.[...

BNL 703 MHz SRF cryomodule demonstration

This paper will present the preliminary results of the testing of the 703 MHz SRF cryomodule designed for use in the ampere class ERL under construction at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The preliminary cavity tests, carried out at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory, demonstrated cavity performance of 20 MV/m with a Qo of 1 x 10{sup 10}, results we expect to reproduce in the horizontal configuration. This test of the entire string assembly will allow us to evaluate all of the additional cryomodule components not previously tested in the VTA and will prepare us for our next milestone test which will be delivery of electrons from our injector through the cryomodule to the beam dump. This will also be the first demonstration of an accelerating cavity designed for use in an ampere class ERL, a key development which holds great promise for future machines

Tyrosine-rich acidic matrix protein (TRAMP) is a tyrosine-sulphated and widely distributed protein of the extracellular matrix.

International audienceTyrosine-rich acidic matrix protein (TRAMP; 22 kDa extracellular matrix protein; dermatopontin) is a protein that co-purifies with lysyl oxidase and with dermatan sulphate proteoglycans, with possible functions in cell-matrix interactions and matrix assembly. Using a rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against porcine TRAMP, which cross-reacts with both the human and murine forms of the protein, we show by immunoblotting that TRAMP has a widespread tissue distribution, including skin, skeletal muscle, heart, lung, kidney, cartilage and bone. In cultures of human skin fibroblasts, TRAMP incorporates both [35S]sulphate and [3H]tyrosine and is secreted into the medium, as shown by immunoprecipitation. Amino acid analysis of immunoprecipitated TRAMP demonstrates that many of the tyrosine residues in TRAMP are sulphated.Tyrosine-rich acidic matrix protein (TRAMP; 22 kDa extracellular matrix protein; dermatopontin) is a protein that co-purifies with lysyl oxidase and with dermatan sulphate proteoglycans, with possible functions in cell-matrix interactions and matrix assembly. Using a rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against porcine TRAMP, which cross-reacts with both the human and murine forms of the protein, we show by immunoblotting that TRAMP has a widespread tissue distribution, including skin, skeletal muscle, heart, lung, kidney, cartilage and bone. In cultures of human skin fibroblasts, TRAMP incorporates both [35S]sulphate and [3H]tyrosine and is secreted into the medium, as shown by immunoprecipitation. Amino acid analysis of immunoprecipitated TRAMP demonstrates that many of the tyrosine residues in TRAMP are sulphated