524 research outputs found
Il sistema dei servizi educativi per le scuole del Piemonte
analisi dei progetti educativi rivolti alle ssuole da parte di regioni, enti locali, prinvati e terzo settor
Il sistema dei servizi educativi per le scuole del Piemonte
analisi dei progetti educativi rivolti alle ssuole da parte di regioni, enti locali, prinvati e terzo settor
Fully bio-based aliphatic thermoset polyesters via self-catalyzed self-condensation of multifunctional epoxy monomers directly extracted from natural sources
High spin-polarization in a disordered novel quaternary Heusler alloy FeMnVGa
In this work, we report the successful synthesis of a Fe-based novel
half-metallic quaternary Heusler alloy FeMnVGa and its structural, magnetic and
transport properties probed through different experimental methods and
theoretical technique. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed
on different types of structure reveal that Type-2 ordered structure (space
group: F-43m, Ga at 4a, V at 4b, Mn at 4c and Fe at 4d) possess minimum energy
among all the ordered variants. Ab-initio simulations in Type 2 ordered
structure further reveal that the compound is half-metallic ferromagnet (HMF)
having a large spin-polarization (89.9 %). Neutron diffraction reveal that the
compound crystalizes in disordered Type-2 structure (space group: Fm-3m) in
which Ga occupy at 4a, V at 4b and Fe/Mn occupy 4c/4d sites with 50:50
proportions. The structural disorder is further confirmed by X-ray diffraction
(XRD), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS),57Fe Mossbauer
spectrometry results and DFT calculations. Magnetisation studies suggest that
the compound orders ferromagnetically below TC ~ 293 K and the saturation
magnetization follows Slater-Pauling rule. Mossbauer spectrometry, along with
neutron diffraction suggest that Mn is the major contributor to the total
magnetism in the compound consistent with the theoretical calculations. First
principle calculations indicate that spin-polarization remain high (81.3 %)
even in the presence of such large atomic disorder. The robustness of the HMF
property in presence of disorder is a quite unique characteristic over other
reported HMF in literature and make this compound quiet promising for
spintronics applications
Qualitative, rather than quantitative, differences between HLA‐DQ alleles affect HLA‐DQ immunogenicity in organ transplantation
Prolonging the lifespan of transplanted organs is critical to combat the shortage of this life-saving resource. Chronic rejection, with irreversible demise of the allograft, is often caused by the development of donor-specific HLA antibodies. Currently, enumerating molecular (amino acid) mismatches between recipient and donor is promoted to identify patients at higher risk of developing HLA antibodies, for use in organ allocation, and immunosuppression-minimization strategies. We have counseled against the incorporation of such approaches into clinical use and hypothesized that not all molecular mismatches equally contribute to generation of donor-specific immune responses. Herein, we document statistical shortcomings in previous study design: for example, use of individuals who lack the ability to generate donor-specific-antibodies (HLA identical) as part of the negative cohort. We provide experimental evidence, using CRISPR-Cas9-edited cells, to rebut the claim that the HLAMatchmaker eplets represent “functional epitopes.” We further used unique sub-cohorts of patients, those receiving an allograft with two HLA-DQ mismatches yet developing antibodies only to one mismatch (2MM1DSA), to interrogate differential immunogenicity. Our results demonstrate that mismatches of DQα05-heterodimers exhibit the highest immunogenicity. Additionally, we demonstrate that the DQα chain critically contributes to the overall qualities of DQ molecules. Lastly, our data proposes that an augmented risk to develop donor-specific HLA-DQ antibodies is dependent on qualitative (evolutionary and functional) divergence between recipient and donor, rather than the mere number of molecular mismatches. Overall, we propose an immunological mechanistic rationale to explain differential HLA-DQ immunogenicity, with potential ramifications for other pathological processes such as autoimmunity and infections
Light to Shape the Future: From Photolithography to 4D Printing
Over the last few decades, the demand of polymeric structures with well-defined features of different size, dimension, and functionality has increased from various application areas, including microelectronics, biotechnology, tissue engineering, and photonics, among others. The ability of light to control over space and time physicochemical processes is a unique tool for the structuring of polymeric materials, opening new avenues for technological progress in different fields of application. This article gives an overview of various photochemical reactions in polymers, photosensitive materials, and structuring techniques making use of light, and highlights most recent advances, emerging opportunities, and relevant applications
The use of visual methods to explore how children construct and assign meaning to the ''self'' within two urban communities in the Western Cape, South Africa
This study aimed to explore how children construct and assign meaning to the ''self'' within two urban communities of
Cape Town in South Africa. Using a child participation methodological framework data were collected using Photovoice
and community maps with 54 participants between the ages of 9 and 12. Feelings of safety, social connectedness, and
children's spaces were found to be central to the ways in which the participants constructed and assigned meaning to the
''self.'' The study provides implications for intervention programmes aimed at improving children's well-being to be
inclusive of activities aimed at improving children's self-concept, including the construction of safe spaces for children to
play, learn, and form meaningful relationships
- …