Microwave Response of Coaxial Cavities Made of Bulk Magnesium Diboride

We report on the microwave properties of coaxial cavities built by using bulk MgB2 superconductor prepared by reactive liquid Mg infiltration technology. We have assembled a homogeneous cavity by using an outer MgB2 cylinder and an inner MgB2 rod and a hybrid cavity by using an outer copper cylinder and the same MgB2 rod as inner conductor. By the analysis of the resonance curves, in the different resonant modes, we have determined the microwave surface resistance Rs of the MgB2 materials as a function of the temperature and the frequency, in the absence of dc magnetic fields. At T=4.2 K and f ≈ 2.5 GHz, by an mw pulsed technique, we have determined the quality factor of the homogeneous cavity as a function of the input power up to a maximum level of about 40 dBm (corresponding to a maximum peak magnetic field of about 100 Oe). Contrary to what occurs in many films, Rs of the MgB2 material used does not exhibit visible variations up to an input power level of about 10 dBm and varies less than a factor of 2 on further increasing the input power of 30 dB

Intergrain Effects in the AC Susceptibility of Polycrystalline LaFeAsO_{0.94}F_{0.06}

The AC susceptibility, chi, at zero DC magnetic field of a polycrystalline sample of LaFeAsO_{0.94}F_{0.06} (Tc ≈ 24 K) has been investigated as a function of the temperature, the amplitude of the AC magnetic field (in the range Hac = 0.003 Oe - 4 Oe) and the frequency (in the range f = 10 kHz - 100 kHz). The chi(T) curve exhibits the typical two-step transition arising from the combined response of superconducting grains and intergranular weak-coupled medium. The intergranular part of chi strongly depends on both the amplitude and the frequency of the AC driving field, from few Kelvin below Tc down to T = 4.2 K. Our results show that, in the investigated sample, the intergrain critical current is not determined by pinning of Josephson vortices but by Josephson critical current across neighboring grains

Impact of Etna’s volcanic emission on major ions and trace elements composition of the atmospheric deposition

Mt. Etna, on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy), is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet and it is widely recognized as a big source of volcanic gases (e.g., CO2 and SO2), halogens, and a lot of trace elements, to the atmosphere in the Mediterranean region. Especially during eruptive periods, Etna’s emissions can be dispersed over long distances and cover wide areas. A group of trace elements has been recently brought to attention for their possible environmental and human health impacts, the Technology-critical elements. The current knowledge about their geochemical cycles is still scarce, nevertheless, recent studies (Brugnone et al., 2020) evidenced a contribution from the volcanic activity for some of them (Te, Tl, and REE). In 2021, in the framework of the research project “Pianeta Dinamico”, by INGV, a network of 10 bulk collectors was implemented to collect, monthly, atmospheric deposition samples. Four of these collectors are located on the flanks of Mt. Etna, other two are in the urban area of Catania and three are in the industrial area of Priolo, all most of the time downwind of the main craters. The last one, close to Cesarò (Nebrodi Regional Park), represents the regional background. The research aims to produce a database on major ions and trace element compositions of the bulk deposition and here we report the values of the main physical-chemical parameters and the deposition fluxes of major ions and trace elements from the first year of research. The pH ranged from 3.1 to 7.7, with a mean value of 5.6, in samples from the Etna area, while it ranged between 5.2 and 7.6, with a mean value of 6.4, in samples from the other study areas. The EC showed values ranging from 5 to 1032 μS cm-1, with a mean value of 65 μS cm-1. The most abundant ions were Cl- and SO42- for anions, Na+ and Ca+ for cations, whose mean deposition fluxes, considering all sampling sites, were 16.6, 6.8, 8.4, and 6.0 mg m-2 d, respectively. The highest deposition fluxes of volcanic refractory elements, such as Al, Fe, and Ti, were measured in the Etna’s sites, with mean values of 948, 464, and 34.3 μg m-2 d-1, respectively, higher than those detected in the other sampling sites, further away from the volcanic source (26.2, 12.4, 0.5 μg m-2 d-1, respectively). The same trend was also observed for volatile elements of prevailing volcanic origin, such as Tl (0.49 μg m-2 d-1), Te (0.07 μg m-2 d-1), As (0.95 μg m-2 d-1), Se (1.92 μg m-2 d-1), and Cd (0.39 μg m-2 d-1). Our preliminary results show that, close to a volcanic area, volcanic emissions must be considered among the major contributors of ions and trace elements to the atmosphere. Their deposition may significantly impact the pedosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and directly or indirectly human health

Two novel C-terminus RUNX2 mutations in two cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) patients impairing p53 expression

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a dominantly inherited skeletal disease, is characterized by a variable phenotype ranging from dental alterations to severe skeletal defects. Either de novo or inherited mutations in the RUNX2 gene have been identified in most CCD patients. Transcription factor RUNX2, the osteogenic master gene, plays a central role in the commitment of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblast lineage. With the aim to analyse the effects of RUNX2 mutations in CCD patients, we investigated RUNX2 gene expression and the osteogenic potential of two CCD patients’ cells. In addition, with the aim to better understand how RUNX2 mutations interfere with osteogenic differentiation, we performed string analyses to identify proteins interacting with RUNX2 and analysed p53 expression levels. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that, in addition to the alteration of downstream gene expression, RUNX2 mutations impair p53 expression affecting osteogenic maturation. In conclusion, the present work provides new insights into the role of RUNX2 mutations in CCD patients and suggests that an in-depth analysis of the RUNX2-associated gene network may contribute to better understand the complex molecular and phenotypic alterations in mutant subjects

The Antral Artery Anastomosis: An In Vivo Investigation

The arterial vascular supply of maxillary sinus has to be considered in all the surgical procedures where it is involved. In particular, the intraosseous anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infraorbital artery branches in the bony canal can be tricky to a not well aware clinician (1). The aim of this study is to investigate the arterial blood supply of the maxillary sinus to give clinicians the basis for a better understanding of vascular complications that can derive from surgical procedures at this level. 50 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) were analysed by the Imaging software for 3D images, i-Dixel 2.0. The parameters considered have been the presence (i), the calibre (ii), the dorso-ventral length (iii) and the cranio-caudal distance (iv). The data have been processed with Means, Standard Deviations and verified by T-Student test. The statistical outputs showed that less than half of samples presented the intraosseous anastomosis. Those anastomosis resulted both in dorso-ventral way (13,59 + 0,04 mm) and in cranio-caudal way (15,38 + 0,94 mm) long. The calibre measurements resulted quite big as well: 1,63 + 0,03 mm. The differences between the right and left sides were found not statistically significant. This in vivo investigation shows how a knowledge of the maxillary sinus vascularization is essential during the programming surgical phase in order to prevent blood complications during the operations involving this region

Physical activity modulates miRNAs levels and enhances MYOD expression in myoblasts

Stem cells functions are regulated by different factors and non-conding RNAs, such as microRNA. MiRNAsplay an important role in modulating the expression of genes involved in the commitment and differentiation of progenitor cells. MiRNAs are post transcriptional regulators which may be modulated by physical exercise. MiRNAs, by regulating different signaling pathways, play an important role in myogenesis as well as in muscle activity. MiRNAs quantification may be considered for evaluating physical performance or muscle recovery. With the aim to identify specific miRNAs potentially involved in myogenesis and modulated by physical activity, we investigated miRNAs expression following physical performance in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and in sera of half marathon (HM) runnners. The effect of runners sera on Myogenesis in in vitro cellular models was also explored. Therefore, we performed Microarray Analysis and Real Time PCR assays, as well as in vitro cell cultures analysis to investigate myogenic differentiation. Our data demonstrated gender-specific expression patterns of PBMC miRNAs before physical performance. In particular, miR223-3p, miR26b-5p, miR150-5p and miR15-5p expression was higher, while miR7a-5p and miR7i-5p expression was lower in females compared to males. After HM, miR152-3p, miR143-3p, miR27a-3p levels increased while miR30b-3p decreased in both females and males: circulating miRNAs mirrored these modulations. Furthermore, we also observed that the addition of post-HM participants sera to cell cultures exerted a positive effect in stimulating myogenesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that physical activity induces the modulation of myogenesis-associated miRNAs in bothfemales and males, despite the gender-associated different expression of certain miRNAs, Noteworthy, these findings might be useful for evaluating potential targets for microRNA based-therapies in diseases affecting the myogenic stem cells population

Expression of FBXW11 in normal and disease-associated osteogenic cells

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by degrading a multitude of key regulatory proteins. FBXW11, also known as b-TrCP2, belongs to the F-box family, which targets the proteins to be degraded by UPS. Transcription factors or proteins associated with cell cycle can be modulated by FBXW11, which may stimulate or inhibit cellular proliferation. Although FBXW11 has been investigated in embryogenesis and cancer, its expression has not been evaluated in osteogenic cells. With the aim to explore FBXW11gene expression modulation in the osteogenic lineage we performed molecular investigations in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteogenic cells in normal and pathological conditions. In vitro experiments as well as ex vivo investigations have been performed. In particular, we explored the FBXW11 expression in normal osteogenic cells as well as in cells of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) patients or osteosarcoma cells. Our data showed that FBXW11 expression is modulated during osteogenesis and overexpressed in circulating MSCs and in osteogenically stimulated cells of CCD patients. In addition, FBXW11 is post-transcriptionally regulated in osteosarcoma cells leading to increased levels of beta-catenin. In conclusion, our findings show the modulation of FBXW11 in osteogenic lineage and its dysregulation in impaired osteogenic cells

Monitoring Risk Factors and Improving Adherence to Therapy in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (Smit-CKD Project): Pilot Observational Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a major public health issue, with about 13% of the general adult population and 30% of the elderly affected. Patients in the last stage of this disease have an almost uniquely high risk of death and cardiovascular events, with reduced adherence to therapy representing an additional risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Considering the increased penetration of mobile phones, a mobile app could educate patients to autonomously monitor cardiorenal risk factors. Objective: With this background in mind, we developed an integrated system of a server and app with the aim of improving self-monitoring of cardiovascular and renal risk factors and adherence to therapy. Methods: The software infrastructure for both the Smit-CKD server and Smit-CKD app was developed using standard web-oriented development methodologies preferring open source tools when available. To make the Smit-CKD app suitable for Android and iOS, platforms that allow the development of a multiplatform app starting from a single source code were used. The integrated system was field tested with the help of 22 participants. User satisfaction and adherence to therapy were measured by questionnaires specifically designed for this study; regular use of the app was measured using the daily reports available on the platform. Results: The Smit-CKD app allows the monitoring of cardiorenal risk factors, such as blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose. Collected data are transmitted in real time to the referring general practitioner. In addition, special reminders improve adherence to the medication regimen. Via the Smit-CKD server, general practitioners can monitor the clinical status of their patients and their adherence to therapy. During the test phase, 73% (16/22) of subjects entered all the required data regularly and sent feedback on drug intake. After 6 months of use, the percentage of regular intake of medications rose from 64% (14/22) to 82% (18/22). Analysis of the evaluation questionnaires showed that both the app and server components were well accepted by the users. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that a simple mobile app, created to self-monitor modifiable cardiorenal risk factors and adherence to therapy, is well tolerated by patients affected by chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to clarify if the use of this integrated system will have long-term effects on therapy adherence and if self-monitoring of risk factors will improve clinical outcomes in this population

Multivariate statistical process control charts for batch monitoring of transesterification reactions for biodiesel production based on near-infrared spectroscopy

[EN] This work describes an application of Multivariate Statistical Process Control to monitor soybean oil transesterification. For the development of multivariate control charts, near infrared spectra were acquired in-line during the evolution of ten batches under Normal Operating Conditions. They were then organized in a three-way array (batch × spectral variable × time). This structure was analysed by the two most commonly used approaches to develop batch monitoring schemes for handling such kind of data, referred to as Nomikos-MacGregor (NM) and Wold-Kettaneh-Friden-Holmberg (WKFH), respectively. To assess the performance of the approaches, eight test batches, during which specific interferences were induced, were manufactured. When applied for off-line monitoring, both NM and WKFH correctly pointed out such intentionally produced failures. On the other hand, concerning on-line monitoring, NM exhibited a better fault detection capability than WKFH. Contribution plots were found to highlight the spectral region mostly affected by the disturbances regardless of the modelling strategy resorted to.The authors would like to thank FACEPE/NUQAAPE, CNPq/INCTAA science funding programs for partial financial support. Research fellowships granted by the Brazilian agencies ANP/Petrobras and CNPq are also gratefully acknowledged. This research work was partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under the project DPI2014-55276-C5-1R and Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Amsterdam, The Netherlands).Sales Figueiredo, R.; Vitale, R.; Pimentel, MF.; De Lima, SM.; Stragevitch, L.; Ferrer, A. (2016). Multivariate statistical process control charts for batch monitoring of transesterification reactions for biodiesel production based on near-infrared spectroscopy. Computers & Chemical Engineering. 94:343-353. doi:10.1016/j.compchemeng.2016.08.013S3433539