590 research outputs found
Sensitivity study of dynamics variability for mild-carbon steel structures affected by corrosion
Background: Corrosion propagation mainly occurs due to environmental conditions and to the absence of adequate maintenance. The corrosion propagation affects the structural performances of slender and thin structures, in particular in the case of structure very sensitive to the wind action and its dynamical phenomena, because commonly they are designed with a precise optimization of the stiffness/mass ratio. The static and dynamic wind action represent an immediate safety hazard in the case of structural stiffness and mass reduction due to the corrosion depth. Objective: This paper discusses the dynamics behavior variability due to the corrosion depth propagation for two significant examples of slender and thin structure (i.e. tower and truss roof). Methods: The structures assumed as case of study are made of mild carbon. The corrosion depth variability was estimated based on literature references. The structural natural frequencies and modal shapes are assumed as significant magnitudes to discuss the effect of the corrosion on the structural elements. Results: Results have shown that the corrosion depth gives a significant reduction of frequencies and modification of modal shapes. Conclusion: Results have shown that the corrosion depth affect the structural behavior long before a structural collapse. It suggests that a monitoring must be done to estimate the structure reliability for the Serviceability limit state under Characteristic design loads
Peptide-derivatized dendrimers inhibit human cytomegalovirus infection by blocking virus binding to cell surface heparan sulfate.
Mechanism of action and therapeutic use of bempedoic acid in atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome
Bempedoic acid is a new cholesterol-lowering drug, which has recently received US FDA and EMA approval. This drug targets lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammation via downregulation of ATP-citrate lyase and upregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The primary effect is the reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the liver and its administration is generally not associated to unwanted muscle effects. Suppression of hepatic fatty acid synthesis leads to decreased triglycerides and, possibly, improved non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Bempedoic acid may decrease gluconeogenesis leading to improved insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and metabolic syndrome. The anti-inflammatory action of bempedoic acid is mainly achieved via activation of AMPK pathway in the immune cells, leading to decreased plasma levels of C-reactive protein. Effects of bempedoic acid on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease have been assessed in randomized clinical trials but require further confirmation. Safety clinical trials in phase III indicate that bempedoic acid administration is generally well-tolerated in combination with statins, ezetimibe, or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets. The aim of this narrative review on bempedoic acid is to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and potential clinical targets, present existing evidence from clinical trials, and describe practical management of patients
Novel antiviral activity of PAD inhibitors against human beta-coronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2
Optimal photoperiod for indoor cultivation of leafy vegetables and herbs
In Vertical Farms with Artificial Lighting (VFALs), optimal light management is a crucial determinant of both economic and environmental viability. Applications of LED technologies to plant cultivation are still recent, and research has to date mainly targeted the definition of optimal spectral and light intensity features. On the other hand, despite the relevant implications on production costs, literature on optimal photoperiod management is to date limited. Indeed, the number of hours per day correlates with the total light supplied to the crop \u2013 expressed as Daily Light Integral (DLI) \u2013 and the associated energetic costs. The present study aims at defining how photoperiods of 16 h d-1 (DLI= 14.4 mol m-2 d-1), 20 h d-1 (DLI= 18 mol m-2 d-1) and 24 h d-1 (DLI= 21.6 mol m-2 d-1)of light affect growth performances and resource use efficiency in leafy vegetables and herbs, represented by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). Plants were cultivated indoor under a red (R) and blue (B) LED light (RB=3, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)= 250 mmol m-2 s-1). Photoperiod variations\u2019 effects differed according to the considered plant species. In lettuce and chicory, the adoption of a DLI of 14.4 mol m-2 d-1 at 16 h d-1 photoperiod resulted in a greater plants fresh biomass and leaf area, which also contributed to generally obtain higher energy use efficiency (fresh biomass per unit of electricity input), light use efficiency (dry biomass per unit of light input) and, in chicory, also water use efficiency (fresh biomass per liter of water consumed). Contrarily, although photoperiod variations did not affect basil and rocket growth parameters (e.g., fresh biomass and leaf area) and the plant capacity to transform resources (e.g., water use efficiency and light use efficiency), energy use efficiency in basil also presented a downward trend in response to growing DLI. Accordingly, the adoption of a DLI of 14.4 mol m-2 d-1 at 16 h d-1 photoperiod resulted to be the optimal option among the ones tested in the presented research
Immunohistochemical expression analysis of the human interferon-inducible gene IFI16, a member of the HIN200 family, not restricted to hematopoietic cells.
Altered patterns of the interferon-inducible gene IFI16 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: immunohistochemical study including correlation with retinoblastoma protein, human papillomavirus infection and proliferation index
Exploiting lipid metabolism by HSV-1 – a challenge to rethink new therapies for Alzheimer's disease
Strategy of Human Cytomegalovirus To Escape Interferon Beta-Induced APOBEC3G Editing Activity
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