Statistics of the seasonal cycle of the 1951-2000 surface temperature records in Italy

We present an analysis of seasonal cycle of the last 50 years of records of surface temperature in Italy. We consider two data sets which synthesize the surface temperature fields of Northern and Southern Italy. Such data sets consist of records of daily maximum and minimum temperature. We compute the best estimate of the seasonal cycle of the variables considered by adopting the cyclograms' technique. We observe that in general the minimum temperature cycle lags behind the maximum temperature cycle, and that the cycles of the Southern Italy temperatures records lag behind the corresponding cycles referring to Northern Italy. All seasonal cycles lag considerably behind the solar cycle. The amplitude and phase of the seasonal cycles do not show any statistically significant trend in the time interval considered.Comment: 30 pages, 6 figures, submitted to IJ

Putting Theatre Arts to the Test: Student Performance that Goes Beyond STEM and STEAM

President Obama’s “Educate to Innovate” initiative emphasizes training in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). More recently, arts have been added to STEM, resulting in the acronym STEAM: Science and Technology interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, based in the Mathematical elements. However, should the arts be used only to cultivate better scientists? Or might the arts be valued apart from of their service to math and science

Dense dielectric ceramics with local graded structure from core-shell particles: preparation and properties

The modification of the surface properties of particles by coating with a different material, resulting in the formation of core-shell structures, is a well-known process. However, the consolidation of core-shell particles in bulk ceramics has not been extensively investigated yet, mainly because of the difficulty in controlling interdiffusion and interface reactions. In this study, we have coated BaTiO(3) spherical templates with SrTiO(3) and BaZrO(3) using a precipitation process from inorganic precursors. The size of the particles as well as the overall composition can be tailored over a wide range. Densification of the resulting core-shell particles was accomplished either using conventional sintering or spark plasma sintering. Dense ceramics with a graded composition at the level of the single grains could only be obtained by careful choice of the sintering conditions. The final ceramics show strongly modified dielectric properties in comparison to both the parent compounds and the homogeneous solid solutions. The proposed approach is quite generic and suggests new possibilities for the realization of polycrystalline materials with local graded structure by the controlled sintering of core-shell particles

Inter-related magnetic and ferroelectric domain structures in BaTiO(3) - (Ni(0.5)Zn(0.5))Fe(2)O(4) multiferroic ceramics

Multiferroic ceramics (1-x)BaTiO(3)-x(Ni(0.5)Zn(0.5))Fe(2)O(4) with various compositions x are investigated in the present work. The processing parameters were adapted in order to obtain pure diphasic ceramics without reactions at the interfaces. The macroscopic ferroelectric behaviour was proved by the existence of the ferroelectric-paraelectric dielectric and calorimetric anomaly of BaTiO(3) around 125-130?C. The magnetic activity with a concentration influence ("dilution" effect) due to the presence of the non-magnetic phase was found by measuring the M(H) loops at various temperatures. The existence of both magnetic and ferroelectric domain structure and their interdependence was proved by local MFM/AFM-piezoresponse experiments

Perovskite particles and nanostructures by self-assembly

Controlled self-organization of nanocrystals in aqueous media can be a powerful tool to obtain (nano)particles and more complex architectures with well-defined morphology and new modified properties. Aggregation of nanocrystals produces polycrystalline assemblies which can be ordered or disordered. The oriented aggregation of nano buildings blocks overcomes the classic concept of crystal growth, which is typically thought to accur via atom-by-atom or monomer-to-monomer addition of existing nucleous. Secondary nucleation on the surface of existing crystals represents a further mechanism for the growth of particles with some level of internal organization. We will show some examples of self-assembly processes in the synthesis of BaTiO(3) and SrTiO(3) mesocrystals from aqueous suspensions of amorphous titanium hydroxide. The assembly process can be controlled by varying the temperature and the concentration of the solution as well as by introducing suitable organic molecules. Core-shell structures can be obtained when the assembly process occurs at the surface of template particles suspended in the solution. The coating of BaTiO(3) spherical particles with SrTiO(3) and BaZrO(3) nanocrystals and the possible application of this process in the field of dielectric materials will be discussed

Staple-based paper electrochemical platform for celiac disease diagnosis

A staple-based electrochemical platform is proposed for the first time as a simple and low-cost detection system for paper-based devices. The system, that incorporates small and disposable stainless-steel staples as electrodes (modified with carbon ink in the case of the working electrode) is combined with a paper strip and is carefully optimized with ferrocene carboxylic acid. As a proof-of-concept, it was employed for the enzymatic (HRP-based) immunoelectroanalytical detection of human tissue anti-transglutaminase (anti-tTG), biomarker for celiac disease diagnosis. The intensity of the current due to the electrochemical reduction of TMB (HRP substrate) was recorded chronoamperometrically at -0.2 V in different paper areas. A linear relationship between the current measured at 30 s and the logarithm of the concentration of anti-tTG in the range comprised between 3 and 100 U.mL-1 was obtained. Negative and positive controls produced expected values. Results demonstrated that the paper/staple-combined platform is very convenient for the detection of electroactive analytes and other compounds that can be determined indirectly in bioassays.Fil: Nanni, Paula Inés. Universidad de Oviedo; España. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnología. Departamento de Bioingeniería. Laboratorio de Medios e Interfases; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Lopez, Andrea. Universidad de Oviedo; EspañaFil: Nuñez Bajo, Estefanía. Universidad de Oviedo; EspañaFil: Madrid, Rossana Elena. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnología. Departamento de Bioingeniería. Laboratorio de Medios e Interfases; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Abedul, M. Teresa. Universidad de Oviedo; Españ

Radiological determination of cranial size and index by measurement of skull diameters in a population of children in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To measure radiologically obtained skull diameters and, based on these data, calculating the cranial index and size to compare with diameter measurements and indices reported in the literature, particularly those reported by Haas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study evaluated 732 individuals with no cranial disease, whose skull diameters were measured, Subsequently, the authors calculated the cranial index and size which demonstrate the different phases of the skull growth by inner-table to inner-table measurements. RESULTS: The comparative study of diameters averages by inner-table measurements has demonstrated a clearly progressive skull growth in the first year of life for both genders, and a slower growth as from the second year. Overall diameters averages did not present any significant difference between male and female individuals. CONCLUSION: Cranial index and size are good skull growth indicators, especially in the first four years of life, a period characterized by an accelerated growth in the first year and a moderate growth until the fourth year. After this age, a slight and stable growth occurs with a decrease in the statistical value. No statistically significant difference was found for both genders. It is recommended that mean diameters are utilized for both genders; and it is suggested that the cranial index is utilized until four years of age, and the cranial size after the age of four, as the ideal parameter for following up the skull growth.OBJETIVO: Realizar as medidas dos diâmetros cranianos obtidos por método radiológico e elaborar, por meio delas, o índice e o tamanho craniano, para comparar com as medidas dos diâmetros e os índices propostos por alguns trabalhos da literatura, principalmente os do estudo de Haas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 732 pacientes sem doenças cranianas, medidos seus diâmetros cranianos e, posteriormente, formulados o índice e o tamanho craniano, que mostram as diferentes fases do crescimento do crânio, pelas medidas de tábua interna a tábua interna. RESULTADOS: O estudo comparativo das médias dos diâmetros, por medidas de tábuas internas, mostrou aumento do crescimento francamente progressivo no primeiro ano de vida para ambos os sexos e aumento menor a partir do segundo ano de vida. As médias globais dos diâmetros não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os sexos feminino e masculino. CONCLUSÃO: O índice e o tamanho craniano são bons indicadores do crescimento craniano, principalmente nos quatro primeiros anos de vida, quando o crescimento aumenta vertiginosamente no primeiro ano e, posteriormente, ocorre aumento moderado até os quatro anos de idade. Após esta idade, ocorre um leve e estável aumento e seu valor estatístico diminui. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante, no crescimento, para ambos os sexos. Recomenda-se o uso dos valores médios dos diâmetros para ambos os sexos e sugere-se o uso do índice craniano, até os quatro anos de idade, e o tamanho craniano, após os quatro anos, sendo ideal para o acompanhamento do crescimento do crânio.22923

Discussão de casos e rodas de conversa: instrumentos para a melhoria do atendimento de pessoas com transtorno ou deficiência, envolvendo saúde mental, na Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo / Case discussions and conversations: instruments to improve the assistance to people with mental health disorders or disabilities in the Public Defender's office of the State of São Paulo

O presente trabalho apresenta dois instrumentos interdisciplinares - a discussão de casos e as rodas de conversas - utilizados para o atendimento de pessoas com transtorno ou deficiência,  envolvendo saúde mental, na Regional Central da Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo, em 2017. Além disso, discorre brevemente sobre os espaços institucionais em que há atuação interdisciplinar na Defensoria Pública. Porém, o principal objetivo será registrar as atividades, como parte do processo interdisciplinar. E, para além dos benefícios resultantes do registro, é refletir sobre dificuldades e benefícios para as/os profissionais que participaram e redigiram este trabalho, à instituição e aos atendimentos.

Sorbitol dehydrogenase overexpression and other aspects of dysregulated protein expression in human precancerous colorectal neoplasms: a quantitative proteomics study

Colorectal adenomas are cancer precursor lesions of the large bowel. A multitude of genomic and epigenomic changes have been documented in these preinvasive lesions, but their impact on the protein effectors of biological function has not been comprehensively explored. Using shotgun quantitative MS, we exhaustively investigated the proteome of 30 colorectal adenomas and paired samples of normal mucosa. Total protein extracts were prepared from these tissues (prospectively collected during colonoscopy) and from normal (HCEC) and cancerous (SW480, SW620, Caco2, HT29, CX1) colon epithelial cell lines. Peptides were labeled with isobaric tags (iTRAQ 8-plex), separated via OFFGEL electrophoresis, and analyzed by means of LC-MS/MS. Nonredundant protein families (4325 in tissues, 2017 in cell lines) were identified and quantified. Principal component analysis of the results clearly distinguished adenomas from normal mucosal samples and cancer cell lines from HCEC cells. Two hundred and twelve proteins displayed significant adenoma-related expression changes (q-value < 0.02, mean fold change versus normal mucosa ±1.4), which correlated (r = 0.74) with similar changes previously identified by our group at the transcriptome level. Fifty-one (∼25%) proteins displayed directionally similar expression changes in colorectal cancer cells (versus HCEC cells) and were therefore attributed to the epithelial component of adenomas. Although benign, adenomas already exhibited cancer-associated proteomic changes: 69 (91%) of the 76 protein up-regulations identified in these lesions have already been reported in cancers. One of the most striking changes involved sorbitol dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in the polyol pathway. Validation studies revealed dramatically increased sorbitol dehydrogenase concentrations and activity in adenomas and cancer cell lines, along with important changes in the expression of other enzymes in the same (AKR1B1) and related (KHK) pathways. Dysregulated polyol metabolism might represent a novel facet of metabolome remodeling associated with tumorigenesis