High Tc superconductivity in superlattices of insulating oxides

We report the occurrence of superconductivity, with maximum Tc = 40 K, in superlattices (SLs) based on two insulating oxides, namely CaCuO2 and SrTiO3. In these (CaCuO2)n/(SrTiO3)m SLs, the CuO2 planes belong only to CaCuO2 block, which is an antiferromagnetic insulator. Superconductivity, confined within few unit cells at the CaCuO2/SrTiO3 interface, shows up only when the SLs are grown in a highly oxidizing atmosphere, because of extra oxygen ions entering at the interfaces. Evidence is reported that the hole doping of the CuO2 planes is obtained by charge transfer from the interface layers, which act as charge reservoir.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figure

Association of immune-related adverse events with the outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with dMMR/MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show a tremendous activity in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but a consistent fraction of patients does not respond. Prognostic/predictive markers are needed. Despite previous investigations in other tumor types, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have not been well evaluated in patients with MSI-H cancers treated with ICIs. Methods: We conducted an international cohort study at tertiary cancer centers collecting clinic-pathological features from 331 patients with MSI-H mCRC treated with ICIs. Of note, the irAEs were summarized using a 'burden score' constructed in a way that the same score value could be obtained by cumulating many low-grade irAEs or few high-grade irAEs; as a result, the lower the burden the better. Clearly, the irAE burden is not a baseline information, thus it was modeled as a time-dependent variable in univariable and multivariable Cox models. Results: Among 331 patients, irAEs were reported in 144 (43.5%) patients. After a median follow-up time of 29.7 months, patients with higher burden of skin, endocrine and musculoskeletal irAEs (the latter two's effect was confirmed at multivariable analysis) had longer overall survival (OS), as opposed to gastrointestinal, pneumonitis, neurological, liver, renal and other irAEs, which showed an harmful effect. Similar results were observed for progression-free survival (PFS). Based on the results retrieved from organ-specific irAEs, 'aggregated' burden scores were developed to distinguish 'protective' (endocrine and musculoskeletal) and 'harmful' (gastrointestinal, pneumonitis, neurological, hepatic) irAEs showing prognostic effects on OS and PFS. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that not all irAEs could exert a protective effect on oncologic outcome. An easy-to-use model for ICIs toxicity (burden score of protective and harmful irAEs) may be used as surrogate marker of response

A Geological Itinerary Through the Southern Apennine Thrust-Belt (Basilicata—Southern Italy)

Open access via Springer Compact AgreementPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Cement Mortars Containing Plastic Waste Particles

ABSTRACT In the present paper an investigation of mechanical behaviour and thermal conductivity of a lightened building material containing either scraps coming from outsoles of old shoes (SR, acronym of sole rubber) or polyurethane waste particles (PU) is presented. Several mortar mixtures were prepared by replacing quartz sand with 0, 10, and 30% of either SR or PU postconsumer plastics particles. The influence of rubber particle addition on fresh mortar behaviour, compressive and flexural strength of mortar as well as on mortar thermal conductivity was detected. An optimization of mortar mixture proportions was carried out by adding a limestone powder as filler. The experimental investigation showed that the addition of rubber particles reduces both the material unit weight and the thermal conductivity. The thermal insulating effect of rubber particles indicates a high and promising potential for future developments. On the other hand, the addition of limestone powder produced higher thermal conductivity as well as higher compressive and flexural strength

ELF Shielding Effectiveness of Concrete Structures Reinforced with Steel Nets and Fibers

Proceedings of the 10th International Conference, Modena, Italy, September 12-15, 200