Functional nanoporous TiO2 for advanced catalytic degradation of organic pollutants

This Thesis explored novel approaches to design functional catalytic surfaces based on TiO2 nanotubes. Tuneable catalytic surfaces with controlled chemistry and morphology upon doping led to enhanced photoresponse under visible light radiation. The surface engineering of TiO2 nanotubes improved the catalytic performance towards the efficient degradation of organic pollutants

Herpetic Pneumonia in Indian Ringneck Parrots (Psittacula krameri): First Report of Novel Psittacid Alphaherpesvirus-5 Infection in Europe

Simple Summary Herpesviridae is a large family of double-stranded DNA viruses that infect many different animal species. Herpesvirus infections are common in avian species and, to date, three different alphaherpesvirus species have been recognized as causative agents of disease in Psittaciformes. However, there are reports of respiratory disease in parrots characterized by the presence of distinctive herpes-related histologic lesions, albeit with no identified etiology. Our study acknowledges the unprecedented presence of the novel Psittacid alphaherpesvirus-5 in Europe. Necropsy was performed on Indian ringneck parrots deceased after severe respiratory distress and diagnosis was achieved through histological examination, visualization of the virions by electron microscopy and genome sequencing. The pathogen has been reported only once in Australia and the present report raises the probability that its distribution is wider and it should be included in the list of pathogens threatening parrot populations. The first two European outbreaks of herpetic pneumonia caused by Psittacid alphaherpesvirus-5 were diagnosed based on gross pathology findings, histological examination, transmission electron microscopy visualization and genome sequencing. The outbreaks, characterized by high morbidity and high mortality rates, involved two parrot species, namely the Indian ringneck parrot (Psittacula krameri) and the Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria). Clinical signs observed were ruffled feathers, dyspnea, tail bobbing, open wings while breathing, depression and anorexia. Necropsy was performed on Indian ringneck parrots only, and the most evident and serious gross lesion found in all the birds was a diffuse marked consolidation of the lungs associated with parenchyma congestion and oedema. Histological examination confirmed the existence of bronchopneumonia characterized by the presence of syncytial cells with intranuclear inclusion bodies. In one bird, fibrinous airsacculitis was observed as well. Lung tissue inspection through electron microscopy revealed the presence of virus particles resembling herpesviruses. Viral DNA was extracted, amplified using primers for Alloherpesviridae DNA polymerase gene detection, and then sequenced. BLAST analysis showed a 100% identity with the only previously reported sequence of PsHV-5 (MK955929.1)

Silver metal nano-matrixes as high efficiency and versatile catalytic reactors for environmental remediation

Nano-porous metallic matrixes (NMMs) offer superior surface to volume ratios as well as enhanced optical, photonic, and electronic properties to bulk metallic materials. Such behaviours are correlated to the nano-scale inter-grain metal domains that favour the presence of electronic vacancies. In this work, continuous 3D NMMs were synthesized for the first time through a simple diffusion-reduction process whereby the aerogel matrix was functionalized with (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The surface energy of the silica monolith templates was tuned to improve the homogeneity of the reduction process while thiol functionalization facilitated the formation of a high density of seeding points for metal ions to reduce. The diameter of NMMs was between 2 and 1000 nm, corresponding to a silver loading between 1.23 and 41.16 at.%. A rates of catalytic degradation kinetics of these NMMS which is three orders of magnitude higher than those of the non-functionalized silver-silica structures. Furthermore, the enhancement in mechanical stability at nanoscale which was evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy force measurements, electronic density and chemical inertness was assessed and critically correlated to their catalytic potential. This strategy opens up new avenues for design of complex architectures of either single or multi-metal alloy NMMs with enhanced surface properties for various applications

Assessing the temporal stability of surface functional groups introduced by plasma treatments on the outer shells of carbon nanotubes

Plasma treatments are emerging as superior efficiency treatment for high surface to volume ratio materials to tune functional group densities and alter crystallinity due to their ability to interact with matter at the nanoscale. The purpose of this study is to assess for the first time the long term stability of surface functional groups introduced across the surface of carbon nanotube materials for a series of oxidative, reductive and neutral plasma treatment conditions. Both plasma duration dose matrix based exposures and time decay experiments, whereby the surface energy of the materials was evaluated periodically over a one-month period, were carried out. Although only few morphological changes across the graphitic planes of the carbon nanotubes were found under the uniform plasma treatment conditions, the time dependence of pertinent work functions, supported by Raman analysis, suggested that the density of polar groups decreased non-linearly over time prior to reaching saturation from 7 days post treatment. This work provides critical considerations on the understanding of the stability of functional groups introduced across high specific surface area nano-materials used for the design of nano-composites, adsorptive or separation systems, or sensing materials and where interfacial interactions are key to the final materials performance

Intestinal Paneth cell differentiation relies on asymmetric regulation of Wnt signaling by Daam1/2

The mammalian intestine is one of the most rapidly self-renewing tissues, driven by stem cells residing at the crypt bottom. Paneth cells form a major element of the niche microenvironment providing various growth factors to orchestrate intestinal stem cell homeostasis, such as Wnt3. Different Wnt ligands can selectively activate β-catenin-dependent (canonical) or -independent (noncanonical) signaling. Here, we report that the Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) and its paralogue Daam2 asymmetrically regulate canonical and noncanonical Wnt (Wnt/PCP) signaling. Daam1/2 interacts with the Wnt inhibitor RNF43, and Daam1/2 double knockout stimulates canonical Wnt signaling by preventing RNF43-dependent degradation of the Wnt receptor, Frizzled (Fzd). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Paneth cell differentiation is impaired by Daam1/2 depletion because of defective Wnt/PCP signaling. Together, we identified Daam1/2 as an unexpected hub molecule coordinating both canonical and noncanonical Wnt, which is fundamental for specifying an adequate number of Paneth cells

Continuous flow (Sulfated) Zirconia Catalysed Cascade Conversion of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is a renewable and versatile platform chemical derived from sustainable carbon feedstocks. The cascade conversion of levulinic acid into GVL requires Brønsted and Lewis acid catalysed reactions. Here, a dual-catalyst bed configuration is demonstrated that promotes synergy between Brønsted acid sites in sulfated zirconia (SZ) and Lewis acid sites in ZrO 2/SBA-15 for the liquid phase, continuous flow esterification and subsequent catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of levulinic acid to GVL. A saturated surface sulfate monolayer, possessing a high density of strong Brønsted acid sites, was optimal for levulinic acid esterification to isopropyl levulinate over SZ (>80 % conversion). A conformal ZrO 2 bilayer, deposited over a SBA-15 mesoporous silica and possessing mixed Brønsted:Lewis acidity, catalysed CTH of the levulinate ester and subsequent dealcoholisation/cyclisation to GVL (>60 % selectivity). Maximum stable productivity for the dual-bed was 2.2 mmol GVL.g cat.h −1 at 150 °C, significantly outperforming either catalyst alone or a physical mixture of both. Flow chemistry is a versatile approach to achieve spatial control over cascade transformations involving distinct catalytically active sites

Varespladib and cardiovascular events in patients with an acute coronary syndrome: the VISTA-16 randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE: Secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2) generates bioactive phospholipid products implicated in atherosclerosis. The sPLA2inhibitor varespladib has favorable effects on lipid and inflammatory markers; however, its effect on cardiovascular outcomes is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sPLA2inhibition with varespladib on cardiovascular outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A double-blind, randomized, multicenter trial at 362 academic and community hospitals in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, and North America of 5145 patients randomized within 96 hours of presentation of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to either varespladib (n = 2572) or placebo (n = 2573) with enrollment between June 1, 2010, and March 7, 2012 (study termination on March 9, 2012). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to receive varespladib (500 mg) or placebo daily for 16 weeks, in addition to atorvastatin and other established therapies. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary efficacy measurewas a composite of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), nonfatal stroke, or unstable angina with evidence of ischemia requiring hospitalization at 16 weeks. Six-month survival status was also evaluated. RESULTS: At a prespecified interim analysis, including 212 primary end point events, the independent data and safety monitoring board recommended termination of the trial for futility and possible harm. The primary end point occurred in 136 patients (6.1%) treated with varespladib compared with 109 patients (5.1%) treated with placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95%CI, 0.97-1.61; log-rank P = .08). Varespladib was associated with a greater risk of MI (78 [3.4%] vs 47 [2.2%]; HR, 1.66; 95%CI, 1.16-2.39; log-rank P = .005). The composite secondary end point of cardiovascular mortality, MI, and stroke was observed in 107 patients (4.6%) in the varespladib group and 79 patients (3.8%) in the placebo group (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.82; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In patients with recent ACS, varespladib did not reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events and significantly increased the risk of MI. The sPLA2inhibition with varespladib may be harmful and is not a useful strategy to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes after ACS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01130246. Copyright 2014 American Medical Association. All rights reserved

Proceedings of the Fifth Italian Conference on Computational Linguistics CLiC-it 2018

On behalf of the Program Committee, a very warm welcome to the Fifth Italian Conference on Computational Linguistics (CLiC-­‐it 2018). This edition of the conference is held in Torino. The conference is locally organised by the University of Torino and hosted into its prestigious main lecture hall “Cavallerizza Reale”. The CLiC-­‐it conference series is an initiative of the Italian Association for Computational Linguistics (AILC) which, after five years of activity, has clearly established itself as the premier national forum for research and development in the fields of Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing, where leading researchers and practitioners from academia and industry meet to share their research results, experiences, and challenges

Influence of microwave plasticization, areal compression and high-temperature treatment on equilibrum moisture content and shrinkage of Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

The wood is heterogenous material compound from substance of cell walls and air. It is colloidal ca­pil­la­ry-cellular material with ortogonal anisotropy (Babiak, 1976). The wood has possibility to bound liquids and gases into the structure. Due to this the wood is hygroskopic material leads to changes in dimensions and volume of wood generating at adsorption and desorption of water molecules into the wood. The dimentional changes evoked by changes in moisture content (bounded water) during shrinkage and sweeling have the biggest importance. Shrinkage is making the linear dimensions, area and volume shorter and smaller (Požgaj a kol., 1997). Hygroscopicity and dimensional instability is possible to affect by drying or modification (Horáček, 2004).Wood modification is a process where it causes improvement in material properties. Aimed changes in chemical structure of wood leads to change in material properties. The aim of modification is to reduce negative properties and to improve positive properties. Wood with changed properties has different parameters which it is necessary to investigate.Plasticization as temporary modification of material properties leads to softer wood due to release of intercellular bonds mainly in middle lamela. It makes subsequent processing as areal compression possible (Bouajila et al., 2006). To ther plasticization is necessary to heat up the wood on the certain temperature. The microwave heating is very useful for this heating. It has smaller expenses and time consumption.Pressing or areal compression perpendicular to the gain in radial direction presses the wood and makes it’s density bigger. Areal compression is responsible for changes in submicroscopic, microscopic and makroscopic levels of wood structure. Changes in wood structure leads to changes in li­near directions during shrinking.Plasticizated and compressed wood has many of excellent properties, but it has some negative pro­per­ties too that high temperature treatment reduces.The aim of this article is to find and compare equilibrium mositure content, linear shrinkage in radial, tangential and longitudinal direction of the native spruce wood (Picea abies L. Karst.) with the same values of microwave plasticizated, areal compressed in radial direction perpendicular to the gain and high temperature treated Spruce wood

Rehabilitation of existing masonry structures with hysteretic dampers: a displacement based approach

A displacement-based method for the design of an energy dissipating system is herein proposed. The device, which is composed of added concrete walls equipped with hysteretic Added Damping and Stiffness dampers, is aimed at upgrading the seismic behaviour of existing masonry structures. The proposed displacement-based design procedure was tested by means of inelastic time history analyses considering four masonry structures. The results of the analyses were compared with the seismic behaviour expected from design. A probabilistic characterization of the method was studied within the 2000 SAC-FEMA framework