Controlling cluster dynamics at the nano scale

Gold nanoclusters deposited on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite are selectively detached andmoved as a function of their size using the atomic force microscope. Control is obtained working inamplitude modulation and by tuning the interaction strength between oscillating tip and clusters.Weshow that fundamental controlling parameter is the energy dissipation that can be adjusted varyingthe tip amplitude oscillation and monitoring the phase shift signal. We characterize the energydetachment threshold of nanoclusters with sizes of 24 and 42 nm of diameter, then we preciselyinduce and control the movement of clusters with diameter below 40 nm within a mixed deposition. © 2009 American Institute of Physics

Risk evaluation of real-time accident scenarios in the transport of hazardous material on road

International audiencePurpose: This paper seeks to tackle the complex problem of integrating real-time data information about the tracking of a hazardous material (hazmat) vehicle with classical risk evaluation methodologies in order to describe possible accident scenarios. The application deals with the transport of hydrocarbon dangerous goods, where the accident consequences may involve the population exposed along the infrastructure used for transportation. Design/methodology/approach: The approach taken consists of three phases. First, the acquisition of real-time data about the travel and the carried hazmat; second, the evaluation of the risk area; and finally, a Geographic Information System (GIS) are taken into account. Findings: The findings of this analysis constitute the methodological basis to implement a decision support system as regards hazmat transport risk analysis, also in real time, with important evaluations for planning criteria. Using TIP (Transport Integrated Platform), the data collection is received in real time and the scenario construction and visualization may represent a user-friendly tool for prompt risk evaluation. Research limitations/implications: The information displayed by the GIS interface is easy to use, and gives prompt information about the accident consequences. Originality/value: In terms of the total impact from the hazmat transport system to the whole environment (humans, goods, infrastructures, services and natural elements), the paper focuses on the importance of creating a historical real-time database implemented from a real time information, that represents a standard set of information necessary to define an accident scenarios, for hazmat transport

Microsatellite instability in medullary carcinoma of the colon

Medullary carcinoma (MC) of the large intestine is a relatively new histological type of adenocarcinoma characterized by poor glandular differentiation and an intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. MC can be associated to a defective mechanism for DNA mismatch repair, caused by the so-called microsatellite instability (MSI). We present the case of a 44 years old Caucasian woman, who referred to the Emergency Room with symptoms mimicking an acute appendicitis. Computed tomography and colonoscopy demonstrated an ulcerated and stenotic lesion of the caecum without signs of metastasis and peritoneal carcinosis. Patient underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy. The final pathologic findings provided the diagnosis of medullary carcinoma with MSI. Patient then underwent adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX- 4 protocol (association of 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin) for twelve cycles. At two-years follow-up, patient is disease free. MC in association with MSI is a non-frequent tumor of the colon characterized by a better prognosis compared to other types of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. In the observed case, 24 months after the surgical operation, the patient is in good health and there is no evidence of metastasis or relapse

\uabIl Paradosso dello Stato nello Stato\ubb. Realt\ue0 e rappresentazione delle zone libere partigiane in Emilia Romagna

Il testo si prefigge di affrontare il tema dei territori liberi partigiani in Emilia Romagna a partire da un problema di definizione: si deve parlare di repubbliche o zone libere? Come valutare i vuoti di potere che si creano in diverse zone d'Italia nel corso degli ultimi anni del secondo conflitto mondiale e le modalit\ue0 in cui civili e partigiani tentano di colmare tali vuoti? Obiettivo centrale dello studio \ue8 esaminare, all'interno della dimensione regionale, il rapporto esistente fra progettualit\ue0 ideali e risultati effettivi conseguiti nell'ambito dell'esperienza delle zone libere

Twelve years experience with high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for high risk Hodgkin's disease patients in first remission after MOPP/ABVD

High-dose therapy followed by autografting can cure patients with aggressive Hodgkin's disease (HD) refractory or with early relapse to first-line combination chemotherapy. On the other hand, the eradication of the disease is rarely achieved in heavily pretreated patients. It has been suggested that patients with HD with very high risk characteristics at diagnosis, often relapse despite appropriate therapy with 7-8 drugs combination. Thus it seems to us that such patients are potential candidates for early autografting during first remission. Twelve years ago, we initiated a pilot study to investigate whether patients with very high risk characteristics, would benefit from early autografting. The application of early autografting was compared with our historical group of patients in complete remission after receiving MOPP/ABVD, who had the same negative prognostic characteristics, refused autografting and who did not receive other treatment after achieving complete remission. Among the 22 consecutive patients entered into the pilot study and autografted, 18 are alive and 17 (77%) remain alive in unmaintained remission at a median of 86 months. One patient (4%) died of interstitial pneumonitis in the transplantation group. Only 8/24 (33%) patients, who did not receive an autograft, are currently alive and disease free at a median of 89 months. In conclusion, the early application of autografting appears to improve the outcome in patients with very high risk HD who achieved remission with MOPP/ABVD

Aut aut. Vol. 387: Ripartire con Lacan

Il contributo affronta la quesitone della scommessa di Pascal a partire dalla rilettura proposta di Lacan, indicando il modo in cui l'esistenza si sottrae alla soggettività nel mettere al posto della caduta dell'Altro l'oggetto "a