Carotid Ultrasound Boundary Study (CUBS): An Open Multicenter Analysis of Computerized Intima–Media Thickness Measurement Systems and Their Clinical Impact

Common carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is a commonly used marker for atherosclerosis and is often computed in carotid ultrasound images. An analysis of different computerized techniques for CIMT measurement and their clinical impacts on the same patient data set is lacking. Here we compared and assessed five computerized CIMT algorithms against three expert analysts’ manual measurements on a data set of 1088 patients from two centers. Inter- and intra-observer variability was assessed, and the computerized CIMT values were compared with those manually obtained. The CIMT measurements were used to assess the correlation with clinical parameters, cardiovascular event prediction through a generalized linear model and the Kaplan–Meier hazard ratio. CIMT measurements obtained with a skilled analyst's segmentation and the computerized segmentation were comparable in statistical analyses, suggesting they can be used interchangeably for CIMT quantification and clinical outcome investigation. To facilitate future studies, the entire data set used is made publicly available for the community at http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/fpv535fss7.1

A General Framework for Multiresponse Robust Design based on Combined Array

Although multiple responses are quite common in practical applications, the robust design problem is frequently dealt with by considering only one response. In this paper we present a general framework for the multivariate problem when data are collected from a combined array. Within the framework, both parameter and tolerance design are handled in an integrated way. The optimization criterion is based on a single value in terms of the quadratic loss function, and it is selected in order to incorporate both statistical information (such as correlation structure among responses and prediction uncertainty) and economic information relevant to the product or process (such as priorities and trade-offs among responses from the user’s point of view). An illustrative application is presented on the design of the elastic element of a force transducer

Le pitture murali di Ala di Stura (Piemonte): un tesoro nascosto

Nel piccolo villaggio montano di Ala di Stura (Piemonte, Valli di Lanzo) sono state censite 110 pitture murali divise tra affreschi con temi religiosi e meridiane. Le opere sono databili tra il XVI e il XXI secolo. Per supportare il lavoro di promozione turistica operato dal Comune di Ala di Stura, sono stati prelevati micro campioni dalle pitture più importanti sui quali eseguire analisi mediante spettroscopia Raman, in modo da avere informazioni utili per la conservazione, la datazione e la conoscenza globale delle opere stesse, poco conosciute al di fuori dell’ambito locale. Le analisi hanno permesso di chiarire fenomeni di alterazione cromatica (viraggio dei pigmenti di piombo), di individuare pigmenti che fungono da marcatori temporali (blu oltremare sintetico, verdi di arsenico) e di avere informazioni sull’origine e l’utilizzo dei materiali pittorici impiegati dagli artisti che hanno operato ad Ala di Stura. Di particolare interesse il fatto che quasi tutti i pigmenti impiegati sono riconducibili a minerali presenti nelle Valli di Lanzo, tra cui l’olivenite, un raro arseniato di rame utilizzato come pigmento verde

The mural paintings of Ala di Stura (Piedmont, Italy): a hidden treasure investigated

In the small mountain hamlet of Ala di Stura (Piedmont, Lanzo Valleys), a large but relatively unknown artistic heritage is present, made of 110 mural paintings divided among meridians and paintings with religious themes. These artworks are datable among XVI and XXI century. To support the work of touristic promotion carried out by the Commune of Ala di Stura, micro samples have been withdrawn from the most relevant artworks in order to execute Raman and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis and to have useful information concerning conservation, dating and global knowledge on the artworks themselves that are little known outside Piedmont. Analyses allowed to elucidate phenomena of chromatic alteration (changing of lead pigments), to individuate pigments acting as time markers (synthetic ultramarine blue, arsenical green pigments) and to have information on the origin and exploitation of pictorial materials used by the artists who worked in Ala di Stura. Of particular interest is the fact that all pigments identified in the older paintings, and many among those identified in the newer ones, could be derived from minerals sources present in the Lanzo Valleys, among which is olivenite, a rare copper arsenate used as a green pigment that has rarely cited in the scientific literature

Realizzazioni di connessioni per gli impianti di alta tensione installati nei laboratori INRIM

Il presente rapporto tecnico descrive le attività di progettazione/ realizzazione di connessione per impianti di taratura/prova in alta tensione, portate avanti dai tecnici INRIM. La necessità di realizzare connessioni personalizzate è legata alla specificità delle attività svolte all’interno dei laboratori. L’attività di progettazione e realizzazione descritta può essere schematizzata nei seguenti passi:  Individuazione dei circuiti da realizzare;  Definizione dei livelli di tensione di interesse;  Progettazione dei componenti e loro realizzazione;  Realizzazione dei circuiti all’interno dei laboratori.This technical report describes the design/development of custom leads for high voltage calibration/test laboratories, carried out by INRIM technicians. The need of develop custom connection systems are related to the wide range of test/calibration activities. The design and development activities consist of several steps:  Finding out of the circuits to be realized;  Definition of relevant voltage levels;  Design and manufacturing of components;  Set up of circuits inside the laboratories