Relational Graph Models at Work

We study the relational graph models that constitute a natural subclass of relational models of lambda-calculus. We prove that among the lambda-theories induced by such models there exists a minimal one, and that the corresponding relational graph model is very natural and easy to construct. We then study relational graph models that are fully abstract, in the sense that they capture some observational equivalence between lambda-terms. We focus on the two main observational equivalences in the lambda-calculus, the theory H+ generated by taking as observables the beta-normal forms, and H* generated by considering as observables the head normal forms. On the one hand we introduce a notion of lambda-K\"onig model and prove that a relational graph model is fully abstract for H+ if and only if it is extensional and lambda-K\"onig. On the other hand we show that the dual notion of hyperimmune model, together with extensionality, captures the full abstraction for H*

Exploitation of proteomics strategies in protein structure-function studies

Mass spectrometry plays a central role in structural proteomics, particularly in highly intensive structural genomics projects. This review paper reports some examples taken from recent work from the authors' laboratory and is aimed at showing that modem proteomics strategies are instrumental in the integration of structural genomic projects in fields such as: (i) protein-protein interactions, (ii) protein-DNA interactions, (iii) protein-ligand interactions, and (iv) protein-folding intermediates

Dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: impact on patient behavior, diet adaptation, and riluzole management

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical features associated with deteriorated swallow in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with spinal and bulbar onset, describe the modification of diet and liquid intake, and assess the impact of dysphagia on the use of riluzole. One hundred forty-five patients were observed periodically every 3-6 months. They underwent routinely fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and spirometry; dysphagia severity was classified according to the Penetration Aspiration Scale and the Pooling score (P-score) integrated with other parameters such as sensation, collaboration, and age (P-SCA score). During a mean follow-up period of about 2 years, the percentage of ALS patients suffering from dysphagia increased to 85 (rising from 35 to 73% in patients with spinal onset and from 95 to 98% in those with bulbar onset). Also, 8% of patients with dysphagia by FEES did not perceive the disorder. The frequency of normal and semi-solid diets decreased over time, while that of pureed diets and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) prescription increased. Forty-four percent of dysphagic patients refused thickeners or PEG. A significant difference was observed in the mortality rate between patients untreated with riluzole and patients treated with riluzole oral suspension (p < 0.05). Disease duration mainly impacted on the frequency of dysphagia in spinal onset patients, appearing very early in those with bulbar onset. Riluzole oral suspension would allow the safe administration in dysphagic ALS patients to avoid tablet crushing and consequent dispersion in food, common practices that are inconsistent with the safe and effective use of the drug

The role of activated carbon size in the catalytic cracking of naphthalene

Activated carbons are efficient catalysts for tar cracking, suitable for hot cleaning of the syngas produced during biomass- and waste-to-energy gasification processes. This study investigates the conversion of naphthalene, utilised as reference for tar compounds, when catalysed by a coal-derived activated carbon. The attention focuses on the influence of the operating temperature, in the range 750-900°C, and the size of selected activated carbon, which has been used under form of pellets, granules and powders. The conversion efficiency improves when the temperature raised from 750°C to 900°C (from 79% to 99%, for the pellets), and when the catalyst size reduced from pellets to powders (from 79% to 97%, at 750°C). The diffusional resistance in the catalyst particles has been then quantified in terms of Thiele modulus and internal effectiveness factor. A gradual reduction of catalyst surface area has been also observed for longer tests, due to the progressive deposition of soot from naphthalene decomposition over and inside the porous structure of the activated carbon. The carbon content of these deposits has been quantified, showing larger percentages on the surface of granules and powders.Activated carbons are efficient catalysts for tar cracking, suitable for hot cleaning of the syngas produced during biomass- and waste-to-energy gasification processes. This study investigates the conversion of naphthalene, utilised as reference for tar compounds, when catalysed by a coal-derived activated carbon. The attention focuses on the influence of the operating temperature, in the range 750–900 °C, and the size of selected activated carbon, which has been used under form of pellets, granules and powders. The conversion efficiency improves when the temperature raised from 750 °C to 900 °C (from 79% to 99%, for the pellets), and when the catalyst size reduced from pellets to powders (from 79% to 97%, at 750 °C). The diffusional resistance in the catalyst particles has been then quantified in terms of Thiele modulus and internal effectiveness factor. A gradual reduction of catalyst surface area has been also observed for longer tests, due to the progressive deposition of soot from naphthalene decomposition over and inside the porous structure of the activated carbon. The carbon content of these deposits has been quantified, showing larger percentages on the surface of granules and powders

CoQ10 and vitamin A supplementation support voice rehabilitation. A double-blind, randomized, controlled, three-period cross-over pilot study

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an adjuvant therapy (CoQ10 in its watersoluble form and vitamin A) in supporting voice rehabilitation in a large group of patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). Study Design: Twelve-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled, three-period crossover pilot study. The primary endpoint was the change in the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) over the 12-week study period. Secondary endpoints were the changes in the subcomponents of DSI, including MPT, F0-high, I-low, and jitter. Exploratory endpoints were the changes in the Shimmer and in Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Methods: Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two counter-balanced arms. Group A (ADJ-PLA) patients were administered QTer 300 mg and Vit A acetate 500.000 Ul/g 1 mg twice daily for a 4-week intervention period, followed by a 4-week period of wash-out, and then were submitted to a last 4-week period of placebo. Patients in Group B (PLB-ADJ) were given the treatment period in reverse order. Both groups received a 45-min voice therapy in a group format once a day for 4 weeks during the first and the second active periods. The therapy was held during the wash-out period. Results: The analysis of main time effect indicated a trend toward recovery of vocal function regardless of group assignment. A significant time by group effect was found on DSI [F = 3.4 (2.5, 80.5), p = 0.03], F0-high [F = 4.5 (2.6, 82.9), p = 0.008] and Shimmer [F = 3.6 (1.5, 46.9), p = 0.048], under CoQ10 and Vit A treatment, with a small effect size. There was no significant time by group effect on the other study measures, namely MPT, I-low, VHI. Conclusions: A trend toward recovery of vocal function was observed in all the patients, likely due to voice rehabilitation. The improvement of DSI was greater under CoQ10 and Vitamin treatment, indicating a more pronounced improvement of vocal quality under adjuvant therapy. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy Rif. 3069/13.02.2014

HYDRODYNAMICS OF UNCONVENTIONAL FLUIDIZED BEDS: SOLIDS FLOW PATTERNS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON MIXING/SEGREGATION OF A LARGE FLOTSAM PARTICLE IN A BED OF FINER SOLIDS

Gross solids circulation of solid phase and its influence on mixing/segregation of a large flotsam particle in beds of finer solids in unconventional fluidized beds has been investigated. A tapered two-dimensional fluidization column and a fluidization column equipped with a diverging cone as gas distributor have been adopted. The hydrodynamics of the gas-solid suspension in the two apparatus has been qualitatively assessed by visual observation and the trajectories of the centre-of-gravity of large flotsam particles have been evaluated to assess the extent of mixing/segregation

Exploring Key Challenges of Understanding the Pathogenesis of Kidney Disease in Bardet–Biedl Syndrome

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ATTRITION OF BED MATERIALS AND FUEL PELLETS FOR FLUIDIZED BED GASIFICATION APPLICATION

This paper reports on a study of the attrition/fragmentation behavior of different bed materials and fuel pellets for application in fluidized bed gasification. Three different bed materials displaying catalytic activity, namely fresh and sintered dolomite and a Ni-alumina catalyst, were tested for their resistance to fragmentation and attrition in fluidized bed. The fresh dolomite displayed extensive particle breakage upon calcination and a large production of attrited fines during fluidized bed operation. The other two materials were much more resistant to attrition and appeared to be suitable for further long-term operation testing. The attrition/fragmentation resistance of three pelletized fuels, one based on wood and the other two on a mixture of wood and coal, was also characterized under both inert and gasification conditions. Pellet breakage by primary fragmentation upon devolatilization appeared to be rather limited for all fuels. On the contrary, attrition of carbon fines from the char particles during gasification was extensive, due to a gasification-assisted attrition mechanism