Eventual regularity for the parabolic minimal surface equation

We show that the parabolic minimal surface equation has an eventual regularization effect, that is, the solution becomes smooth after a (strictly positive) finite time.Comment: 17 page

Modellazione di un sistema multi-legged per locomozione in un elemento tubolare, deformabile ed a basso attrito

Questa tesi presenta una preliminare modellazione di un microrobot per la locomozione in un ambiente tubolare, deformabile ed a basso attrito. Il dispositivo rientra nel campo delle microcapsule endoscopiche destinate a muoversi all'interno del tratto gastrointestinale (tratto GI) per diagnosi e terapie. Dopo una breve descrizione delle principali caratteristiche dell'ambiente, sono stati presentati i risultati dei tests condotti per la determinazione del legame tensione-deformazione del tessuto e del coefficiente di attrito per differenti deformazioni applicate. La modellazione dela geometria del tratto GI e' stata realizzata mediante calcolatore. Lo script cosi' definito e' stato utilizzato per determinare le forze dovute al contatto e agenti sulle estremita' delle zampe. Infine, considerando il moto risultante della capsula come sequenza di configurazioni di equilibrio statico, e' stato realizzato uno studio preliminare dello stesso moto

Results of an A109 simulation validation and handling qualities study

The results for the validation of a mathematical model of the Agusta A109 helicopter, and subsequent use of the model as the baseline for a handling qualities study of cockpit centerstick requirements, are described. The technical approach included flight test, non-realtime analysis, and realtime piloted simulation. Results of the validation illustrate a time- and frequency-domain approach to the model and simulator issues. The final A109 model correlates well with the actual aircraft with the Stability Augmentation System (SAS) engaged, but is unacceptable without the SAS because of instability and response coupling at low speeds. Results of the centerstick study support the current U.S. Army handling qualities requirements for centerstick characteristics

Functions with prescribed singularities

The distributional k-dimensional Jacobian of a map u in the Sobolev space W 1,k-1 which takes values in the the sphere S k-1 can be viewed as the boundary of a rectifiable current of codimension k carried by (part of) the singularity of u which is topologically relevant. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the range of the Jacobian operator; in particular, we show that any boundary M of codimension k can be realized as Jacobian of a Sobolev map valued in S k-1. In case M is polyhedral, the map we construct is smooth outside M plus an additional polyhedral set of lower dimension, and can be used in the constructive part of the proof of a Γ-convergence result for functionals of Ginzburg-Landau type, as described in [2]

Two-step growth mechanism of supported Co3O4-based sea-urchin like hierarchical nanostructures

The formation mechanism of Co3O4-based sea-urchin like nanostructures from Co-O-B layers is unveiled. In this process, promoted by oxidizing annealing, B plays a major role, inducing first a chemical reduction of Co and the formation of a metallic particle core. The growth of nano-needles from the particle surface occurs through outdiffusion and oxidation of Co from the metallic reservoir

Clinical and neuroradiological monitoring of patients with haemorrhagic stroke: where, how and when?

Clinical evaluation of patients with stroke, immediately followed by a neuroradiological exam (generally CT scan) is essential for the diagnosis of haemorragic stroke. First-line diagnostic work-up at Emergency Department should be performed as soon as possible after stroke onset in order to limit the consequences of the disease. In particular, cases with clotting abnormalities and/or needing surgical evaluation must be rapidly assessed and treated. Patients without indication to neurosurgery in the emergency setting show a better long-term prognosis (reduced disability/mortality) if admitted to dedicated ward (“Stroke Unit”) rather than general ward. In the acute phase of the disease, blood pressure monitoring appears essential to prevent haematoma growth, which represents a predictor of poor outcome. Nowadays, an on-going international randomized clinical trial (INTERACT 2) is testing if an aggressive reduction of blood pressure (beyond the thresholds suggested by current guidelines) may improve prognosis. Moreover, clinical and instrumental prevention, assessment and treatment of potential complications (such as hyperglicemia, cerebral oedema, seizure, deep venous thrombosis) stand for additional prognostic key-issues. On top of that, further neuroradiological evaluation (with CT, CTA, MRI/MRA and/or endovascular tecniques) in properly selected patients is helpful for the diagnosis and eventually the treatment of the underlying cause of haemorrhage. Finally, advanced neuroimaging, in addition to laboratory exams, could improve the management of patients who has haemorrhagic stroke while taking oral anticoagulants

EDR - Effetti collaterali 6

The ongoing process of digitalization of Latin and Greek inscriptions from ancient Italy in the Epigraphic Database Roma (EDR: www.edr-edr.it) leads constantly to new readings and new interpretations of epigraphic texts that have been already published, sometimes even recently. The present paper includes contributions related to imperial and senatorial inscriptions from Rome (CIL, VI 40655; 40803; 41171), a lost funerary altar for an apparitor (CIL, VI 1842), and a couple of epitaphs (AE 2015, 159 and AshLI 142)

In Stent Restenosis Predictors after Carotid Artery Stenting

Purpose. The long-term efficacy of carotid artery stenting is debated. Predictors of stent restenosis are not fully investigated. Our aim was to assess the incidence of long term restenosis after CAS and to identify some predictors of restenosis. Methods. We retrospectively selected 189 treated patients and we obtained the survival Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival, for freedom from stroke or death and from restenosis. To correlate clinical, radiological, and procedural variables to stent restenosis, an univariate analysis was performed while to determine independent predictors of restenosis, a multivariate analysis was applied. Results. At 1, 3, and 5 years, the cumulative overall survival rate was 98%, 94%, and 92% with a cumulative primary patency rate of 87%, 82.5%, and 82.5%. The percentage residual stenosis after CAS and multiple stents deployment were independent predictors of restenosis, while diabetes and tumors are suggestive but not significant predictors of restenosis. Conclusions. In our CAS experience, encouraging long-term results seem to derive from both neurological event free rate and restenosis incidence. Adequate recanalization of the treated vessel is important to limit the development of stent restenosis. Multiple stents deployment, and with less evidence, diabetes, or neoplasms has to be considered to facilitate restenosis

Antimicrobial activity of nanoconjugated glycopeptide antibiotics and their effect on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm

In the era of antimicrobial resistance, the use of nanoconjugated antibiotics is regarded as a promising approach for preventing and fighting infections caused by resistant bacteria, including those exacerbated by the formation of difficult-to-treat bacterial biofilms. Thanks to their biocompatibility and magnetic properties, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are particularly attractive as antibiotic carriers for the targeting therapy. IONPs can direct conjugated antibiotics to infection sites by the use of an external magnet, facilitating tissue penetration and disturbing biofilm formation. As a consequence of antibiotic localization, a decrease in its administration dosage might be possible, reducing the side effects to non-targeted organs and the risk of antibiotic resistance spread in the commensal microbiota. Here, we prepared nanoformulations of the ‘last-resort’ glycopeptides teicoplanin and vancomycin by conjugating them to IONPs via surface functionalization with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). These superparamagnetic NP-TEICO and NP-VANCO were chemically stable and NP-TEICO (better than NP-VANCO) conserved the typical spectrum of antimicrobial activity of glycopeptide antibiotics, being effective against a panel of staphylococci and enterococci, including clinical isolates and resistant strains. By a combination of different methodological approaches, we proved that NP-TEICO and, although to a lesser extent, NP-VANCO were effective in reducing biofilm formation by three methicillin-sensitive or resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Moreover, when attracted and concentrated by the action of an external magnet, NP-TEICO exerted a localized inhibitory effect on S. aureus biofilm formation at low antibiotic concentration. Finally, we proved that the conjugation of glycopeptide antibiotics to IONPs reduced their intrinsic cytotoxicity toward a human cell line

Upregulation of miR-34a-5p, miR-20a-3p and miR-29a-3p by onconase in A375 melanoma cells correlates with the downregulation of specific onco-proteins

Onconase (ONC) is an amphibian secretory ribonuclease displaying cytostatic and cytotoxic activities against many mammalian tumors, including melanoma. ONC principally damages tRNA species, but also other non-coding RNAs, although its precise targets are not known. We investigated the ONC ability to modulate the expression of 16 onco-suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) in the A375 BRAF-mutated melanoma cell line. RT-PCR and immunoblots were used to measure the expression levels of miRNAs and their regulated proteins, respectively. In silico study was carried out to verify the relations between miRNAs and their mRNA targets. A375 cell transfection with miR-20a-3p and miR-34a-5p mimics or inhibitors was performed. The onco-suppressors miR-20a-3p, miR-29a-3p and miR-34a-5p were highly expressed in 48-h ONC-treated A375 cells. The cytostatic effect of ONC in A375 cells was mechanistically explained by the sharp inhibition of cyclins D1 and A2 expression level, as well as by downregulation of retinoblastoma protein and cyclin-dependent-kinase-2 activities. Remarkably, the expression of kinases ERK1/2 and Akt, as well as of the hypoxia inducible factor-1α, was inhibited by ONC. All these proteins control pro-survival pathways. Finally, many crucial proteins involved in migration, invasion and metastatic potential were downregulated by ONC. Results obtained from transfection of miR-20a-3p and miR-34a-5p inhibitors in the presence of ONC show that these miRNAs may participate in the antitumor effects of ONC in the A375 cell line. In conclusion, we identified many intracellular downregulated proteins involved in melanoma cell proliferation, metabolism and progression. All mRNAs coding these proteins may be targets of miR-20a-3p, miR-29a-3p and/or miR-34a-5p, which are in turn upregulated by ONC. Data suggest that several known ONC anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities in A375 melanoma cells might depend on the upregulation of onco-suppressor miRNAs. Notably, miRNAs stability depends on the upstream regulation by long-non-coding-RNAs or circular-RNAs that can, in turn, be damaged by ONC ribonucleolytic activity