85 research outputs found
Proximity effect in [Nb(1.5nm)/Fe(x)]/Nb(50nm) superconducting/ferromagnet heterostructures
We have investigated the structural, magnetic and superconducting properties
of [Nb(1.5nm)/Fe(x)] superlattices deposited on a thick Nb(50nm) layer.
Our investigation showed that the Nb(50nm) layer grows epitaxially at
800C on AlO(102) substrate. Samples grown at this
condition posses a high residual resistivity ratio of 15-20. By using neutron
reflectometry we show that Fe/Nb superlattices with 4 nm form a
depth-modulated FeNb alloy with concentration of iron varying between 60% and
90%. This alloy has properties of a weak ferromagnet. Proximity of this weak
ferromagnetic layer to a thick superconductor leads to an intermediate phase
that is characterized by co-existing superconducting and normal-state domains.
By increasing the thickness of the Fe layer to = 4 nm the intermediate
phase disappears. We attribute the intermediate state to proximity induced
non-homogeneous superconductivity in the periodic Fe/Nb structure
IL21R expressing CD14+CD16+ monocytes expand in multiple myeloma patients leading to increased osteoclasts
Bone marrow monocytes are primarily committed to osteoclast formation. It is, however, unknown whether potential primary alterations are specifically present in bone marrow monocytes of multiple myeloma patients, smoldering myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. Herein, we analyzed the immunophenotypic and transcriptional profiles of bone marrow CD14+ monocytes in a cohort of patients with different types of monoclonal gammopathies to identify alterations involved in myeloma-enhanced osteoclastogenesis. A higher number of bone marrow CD14+CD16+ cells was found in patients with active myeloma as compared to those with smoldering myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. Interestingly, sorted bone marrow CD14+CD16+ cells from myeloma patients were more pro-osteoclastogenic than CD14+CD16- cells in cultures ex vivo. Moreover, transcriptional analysis demonstrated that bone marrow multiple myeloma (but neither monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance nor smoldering myeloma) CD14+ cells significantly upregulated genes involved in osteoclast formation, including IL21R. IL21R mRNA over-expression by bone marrow CD14+ cells was independent from the presence of IL-21. Consistently, IL-21 production by T cells as well as IL-21 bone marrow levels were not significantly different among monoclonal gammopathies. Thereafter, we showed that IL21R over-expression in CD14+ cells increased osteoclast formation. Consistently, IL-21R signaling inhibition by Janex 1 suppressed osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow CD14+ cells of myeloma patients. Our results indicated that multiple myeloma patients showed distinct bone marrow monocyte features compared to those with indolent monoclonal gammopathies, supporting the role of IL21R over-expression by bone marrow CD14+ cells in enhanced osteoclast formation
Online dispute resolution: an artificial intelligence perspective
Litigation in court is still the main dispute resolution mode. However, given the amount
and characteristics of the new disputes, mostly arising out of electronic contracting, courts are
becoming slower and outdated. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) recently emerged as a set of
tools and techniques, supported by technology, aimed at facilitating conflict resolution. In this
paper we present a critical evaluation on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based techniques in
ODR. In order to fulfill this goal, we analyze a set of commercial providers (in this case twenty
four) and some research projects (in this circumstance six). Supported by the results so far
achieved, a new approach to deal with the problem of ODR is proposed, in which we take on some
of the problems identified in the current state of the art in linking ODR and AI.The work described in this paper is included in TIARAC - Telematics and
Artificial Intelligence in Alternative Conflict Resolution Project (PTDC/JUR/71354/2006), which
is a research project supported by FCT (Science & Technology Foundation), Portugal. The work
of Davide Carneiro is also supported by a doctoral grant by FCT (SFRH/BD/64890/2009).Acknowledgments. The work described in this paper is included in TIARAC - Telematics and Artificial Intelligence in Alternative Conflict Resolution Project (PTDC/JUR/71354/2006), which is a research project supported by FCT (Science & Technology Foundation), Portugal. The work of Davide Carneiro is also supported by a doctoral grant by FCT (SFRH/BD/64890/2009)
Effects of f-carotene on adult immune condition and antibacterial activity in the eggs of the Grey Partridge, Perdix perdix
Effects of beta-carotene supplementation on chick growth, immune status and behaviour in the grey partridge, Perdix perdix
Metodi enzimatici per la valutazione dell\u2019attivit\ue0 anti-amilasica di Phaseolus vulgaris e prodotti derivati
The effects of a carotenoid rich diet on immunocompetence and behavioural performance in Moorhen Gallinula chloropus chicks
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