Quantum Internet: from Communication to Distributed Computing!

In this invited paper, the authors discuss the exponential computing speed-up achievable by interconnecting quantum computers through a quantum internet. They also identify key future research challenges and open problems for quantum internet design and deployment.Comment: 4 pages, three figures, invited pape

The Hepatitis C Virus E1 Glycoprotein Undergoes Productive Folding but Accelerated Degradation When Expressed as an Individual Subunit in CHO Cells

Hepatitis C Virus E1E2 heterodimers are components of the viral spike. Although there is a general agreement on the necessity of the co-expression of both E1 and E2 on a single coding unit for their productive folding and assembly, in a previous study using an in vitro system we obtained strong indications that E1 can achieve folding in absence of E2. Here, we have studied the folding pathway of unescorted E1 from stably expressing CHO cells, compared to the folding observed in presence of the E2 protein. A DTT-resistant conformation is achieved by E1 in both situations, consistent with the presence of an E2-independent oxidative pathway. However, while the E1E2 heterodimer is stable inside cells, E1 expressed alone is degraded within a few hours. On the other hand, the oxidation and stability of individually expressed E2 subunits is dependent on E1 co-expression. These data are consistent with E1 and E2 assisting each other for correct folding via different mechanisms: E2 assists E1 by stabilizing a semi-native conformation meanwhile E1 drives E2 towards a productive folding pathway

Development of a Emission Compliant, High Efficiency, Two-valve DI Diesel Engine for Off-road Application

Nowadays, environmental concerns are posing a great challenge to DI Diesel engines. Increasingly tightening emission limits require a higher attention on combustion efficiency. A high efficiency Diesel engine can be developed only mastering all the parameters that can affect the combustion and, therefore, NOx and soot emissions. In this scenario, computational fluid-dynamics can prove its power guaranteeing a deeper understanding of mixture formation process and combustion. In this work, the development of an engine in order to fulfill Tier 4i emission standard will be presented, the Tier 4i compliance must be reached without an excessive increase of the final cost of the engine. Originally, the engine was a two-valve engine supplied with a DPF, since no SCR aftertreatment is supplied, NOx emission target are achieved through external exhaust gas recirculation and retarding the start of injection. Through combustion process simulations, performed with the CFD code KIVA3D, varying different geometric parameters and the intensity of the swirl ratio, the interaction between the swirl flow field, generated by the intake duct, the reverse squish motion, and motions aerodynamically generated by spray has been investigated leading to a better interaction between the flow field, the fuel spray and the piston bowl geometry and to the definition of a new engine lay-out. The study shows how, given the need of retarded injection for limiting NOx emission, the decrease of swirl ratio, when combined with a proper piston bowl design, allows a significant decrease of soot emissions and the achievement of Tier 4i emission standard. The study has been validated comparing the intake phase simulations, performed with the CFD code Fire v2009 v3, followed by the combustion process performed with the KIVA3D code, with the experimental result obtained from the engine assembled following the developed design. © 2013 The Authors

Hepatitis C Virus E2 Protein Ectodomain Is Essential for Assembly of Infectious Virions

The Hepatitis C virus E1 and E2 envelope proteins are the major players in all events required for virus entry into target cells. In addition, the recently developed HCV cell culture system has indicated that E1E2 heterodimer formation is a prerequisite for viral particle production. In this paper, we explored a new genetic approach to construct intergenotypic 2a/1b chimeras, maintaining the structural region of the infectious strain JFH1 and substituting the soluble portion of E1 and/or E2 proteins. This strategy provides useful information on the role of the surface-exposed domain of the envelope proteins in virus morphogenesis and allows comparative analysis of different HCV genotypes. We found that substituting the E2 protein ectodomain region abolishes the production of chimeric infectious particles. Our data indicate that the soluble part of the E2 protein is involved in a genotype-specific interplay with remaining viral proteins that affect the HCV assembly process

Comparing milk yield, chemical properties and somatic cell count from organic and conventional mountain farming systems

A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of farming systems (organic vs. conventional), diet (hay/concentrate vs. pasture) and their interaction on milk yield, gross composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy cows bred in mountainous areas. For this purpose four dairy farms (two organic and two conventional) were chosen in the alpine territory of Aosta Valley (NW Italy); individual milk yield was recorded daily and bulk milk samples were collected monthly from February to September 2007 to cover dietary variations. Higher levels of milk production (P<0.05) and lower milk protein amounts (P<0.01) were observed in the organic farms with respect to the conventional ones, while no significant differences were noticed in milk fat and lactose contents and in somatic cell count. Concerning fatty acids, only small differences were detected between organic and conventional milk and such differences seemed to be related mainly to the stabled period. Diet affected almost all variables studied: pasture feeding provided a significant improvement in the fatty acid composition in both organic and conventional systems leading to lower hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids, higher mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid amounts (P<0.001)

Improving the understanding of Circular Economy potential at territorial level using Systems Thinking

The definition of Circular Economy (CE) has evolved over time. It includes intervention options for reducing consumption, improving the efficiency of production, introducing recycling and reuse for materials management, including new business models geared at waste prevention. With the use of Systems Thinking and the creation of Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) we explore how CE strategies are related to territorial dynamics and how the outcomes of such strategies can support sustainable development. We first reviewed the literature, to identify the main drivers of change (i.e. feedback loops) triggered by CE interventions. We then applied the same systemic approach to six case studies across Europe in synergy with ESPON CIRCTER project. This allowed us to review, validate and improve the general systemic approach and further explore the role that specific territorial characteristics can play in the identification, selection and effective implementation of CE interventions. We find that some of the feedback loops emerged from the case studies are not found in the literature. On the one hand, new balancing loops have emerged, representing localized challenges to the implementation of CE strategies. On the other hand, new dynamics related to behavioural change have also emerged, which lead to self-reinforcing mechanisms in the case studies analysed, creating a stronger will for the implementation of CE interventions. The main result of our research is comprehensive CLD that can be used to assess and compare different CE strategies, fully considering the complexity of the CE and its various outcomes across social, economic and environmental indicators

Hypertension and emergency medicine: an update

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the correct management of hypertension in emergency departments. Studies were identified searching PubMed up to April 30, 2012, combining the terms 'HYPERTENSIVE EMERGENCY' and 'HYPERTENSIVE URGENCY'. The search strategy was limited to English and Italian language papers on adult and pediatric patients. Hypertensive crises are commonly found in emergency departments. A range of pharmacological options are available in this setting, but each physician should tailor theoretical principles to the individual patient according to his or her clinical parameters