Alta Velocità Ferroviaria e concorrenza modale: il caso del trasporto regionale campano

In termini di mentalità, know-how e tecnologia, il sistema ferroviario italiano non è inferiore a nazioni prestigiose quali il Giappone o la Francia ma, in termini di realizzazione di nuove linee veloci, il nostro paese è piuttosto in ritardo rispetto al resto d’Europa. Basti pensare che la Francia, nonostante abbia inaugurato con 5 anni di ritardo rispetto all’Italia la prima linea ad alta velocità, è riuscita ad avere la nostra attuale estensione della rete AV con ben10 anni di anticipo! Con l’avvento del primo vettore passeggeri ad alta velocità in concorrenza a Trenitalia (2011), il processo di liberalizzazione verrà attuato in modo “quasi” sostanziale anche in questo comparto del trasporto ferroviario. Il percorso verso la liberalizzazione è stato tuttavia lungo e a tratti complesso. Tra le direttive CEE che hanno permesso questo processo, vanno ricordate la n. 440 del 29 luglio 1991, con la quale si voleva incidere sull’assetto organizzativo delle Imprese Ferroviarie (IF) degli Stati membri e si individuavano spazi adeguati per il lancio di un’effettiva liberalizzazione del trasporto ferroviario, riconoscendo alle associazioni internazionali di IF il diritto di accesso e di transito12 negli Stati membri di tali associazioni in relazione a tutte le tipologie di servizi: trasporto internazionale passeggeri e merci, sia tradizionale che combinato

Development of a Digitally Controlled Inductive Power Transfer System with Post-Regulation for Variable Load Demand

none6noInductive Power Transfer (IPT) is an emerging technology enabling a contactless charging process in manifold applications such as electric vehicles, wearable and portable devices, or biomedical applications. Such technology can be profitably used to develop enhanced electronic solutions in the framework of smart cities, homes and smart workplaces. This paper presents the development and realization of a series–series compensated IPT System (IPTS) followed by a post-regulator implemented by means of a DC–DC converter. Such a system is modeled through a first harmonic approximation method, and a sensitivity analysis of the IPTS performance is carried out with respect to the variations of the primary inverter switching frequency and phase-shift angle. As an element of novelty of this work, the bias points are determined which allow the efficiency maximization while ensuring system controllability. An enhanced dynamic modeling of the system is then performed by means of a coupled mode theory, including the inverter phase-shift modulation and extending its validity to whatever operating frequency. A digital control of the post-regulator is implemented by means of a commercial low-cost microcontroller enabling the output voltage regulation under both fixed and variable load conditions through a voltage mode control technique. An IPTS prototype is eventually realized, which is able to correctly perform the output voltage regulation at the desired nominal value of 12 V for static resistive loads in the range [5, 24] W, yielding the output power in the range [6, 28.8]Wand the experimental efficiencies going from 72.1% (for 24 W) to 91.7% (for 5 W). The developed system can also be effectively used to deliver up to 35Woutput power to variable loads, as demonstrated during the battery charging test. Finally, an excellent output voltage regulation is ascertained for load transients between 5 W and 24 W, with limited over- and undershoot amplitudes (less than 3% of the nominal output voltage), thus enabling the use of the proposed system for both fixed and variable loads in the framework of smart homes and workplaces applications.openKateryna Stoyka, Antonio Vitale, Massimo Costarella, Alfonso Avella, Mario Pucciarelli, Paolo ViscontiStoyka, Kateryna; Vitale, Antonio; Costarella, Massimo; Avella, Alfonso; Pucciarelli, Mario; Visconti, Paol

Drivers of ecosystem metabolism in two managed shallow lakes with different salinity and trophic conditions: The Sauce Grande and La Salada Lakes (Argentina)

Understanding the drivers and how they affect ecosystem metabolism is essential for developing effective management policy and plans. In this study, net ecosystem production (NEP), ecosystem respiration (R), and gross primary production (GPP) rates were estimated in relation to physicochemical, hydrological, and meteorological variables in La Salada (LS) and Sauce Grande (SG), two shallow lakes located in an important agricultural region with water management. LS is a mesosaline, mesotrophic-eutrophic lake, whereas SG is a hyposaline and eutrophic lake. GPP and R showed daily and seasonal variations, with R exceeding GPP during most of the study period in both lakes. Net heterotrophic conditions prevailed during the study period (NEP LS: -1.1 mmol O2 m-2 day-1 and NEP SG: -1.25 mmol O2 m-2 day-1). From data analysis, the temperature, wind speed, and lake volume are the main drivers of ecosystem metabolism for both lakes. Despite the significant differences between the two lakes, the NEP values were similar. The different hydrological characteristics (endorheic vs. flushing lake) were crucial in explaining why the two different systems presented similar ecosystem metabolic rates, emphasizing the importance of water management.Fil: Alfonso, María Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Brendel, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Vitale, Alejandro José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; ArgentinaFil: Seitz, Carina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Piccolo, Maria Cintia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geografía y Turismo; ArgentinaFil: Perillo, Gerardo Miguel E.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentin

Evaluation of Plasmatic Procalcitonin in Healthy, and in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Negative or Positive Colic Horses

Colic horses show systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) clinical signs. Procalcitonin (PCT) showed increased circulating levels in sick horses. This study compares plasma PCT concentrations in healthy vs. SIRS negative/positive colic horses over time, and evaluates PCT and SIRS score potential correlation, to verify the usefulness of PCT for the evaluation of SIRS severity. Ninety-one horses were included; 43/91 were healthy, on basis of physical examination, blood work and SIRS score (score = 0), while 48/91 were sick colic horses, classified as SIRS-negative (score < 2) and positive (score ≥ 2). Moreover, a 0–6 point-scale SIRS score was calculated (assessing mucous membrane color and blood lactate concentration). PCT was evaluated at admission, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, using a commercial kit for equine species. We verified by the ANOVA test PCT differences between healthy vs. colic horses, healthy vs. SIRS-negative or SIRS-positive colic horses, at all sampling times, and the correlation between the SIRS score at admission with the SIRS score. Statistically significant differences were detected between healthy vs. all colic horses and between healthy vs. SIRS-positive or negative horses at all sampling times. No correlation was observed between the SIRS score at admission and PCT values. PCT was statistically higher in colic horses compared to the healthy ones, suggesting a role as a biomarker for colic

Evaluation of Plasmatic Procalcitonin in Healthy, and in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Negative or Positive Colic Horses

Colic horses show systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) clinical signs. Procalcitonin (PCT) showed increased circulating levels in sick horses. This study compares plasma PCT concentrations in healthy vs. SIRS negative/positive colic horses over time, and evaluates PCT and SIRS score potential correlation, to verify the usefulness of PCT for the evaluation of SIRS severity. Ninety-one horses were included; 43/91 were healthy, on basis of physical examination, blood work and SIRS score (score = 0), while 48/91 were sick colic horses, classified as SIRS-negative (score < 2) and positive (score ≥ 2). Moreover, a 0–6 point-scale SIRS score was calculated (assessing mucous membrane color and blood lactate concentration). PCT was evaluated at admission, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, using a commercial kit for equine species. We verified by the ANOVA test PCT differences between healthy vs. colic horses, healthy vs. SIRS-negative or SIRS-positive colic horses, at all sampling times, and the correlation between the SIRS score at admission with the SIRS score. Statistically significant differences were detected between healthy vs. all colic horses and between healthy vs. SIRS-positive or negative horses at all sampling times. No correlation was observed between the SIRS score at admission and PCT values. PCT was statistically higher in colic horses compared to the healthy ones, suggesting a role as a biomarker for colic

Impacto de las olas de calor en el flujo de calor superficial latente y sensible y perspectivas de futuro para las lagunas someras basadas en modelos de cambio climático

De acuerdo con las proyecciones de los modelos climáticos, se espera a nivel mundial un aumento en la frecuencia e intensidad de las olas de calor. Este estudio analiza, por primera vez, el efecto de los eventos de olas de calor en los flujos de calor latente (LE) y calor sensible (H) en dos lagunas someras: Laguna La Salada (LS - 39°27′ S, 62°42′ W) y Laguna Sauce Grande (SG - 38°57′ S, 61°24′ W). La velocidad y dirección del viento, la humedad relativa, y las diferencias de temperatura entre el aire y el agua determinaron los cambios en LE y H. Los valores diarios de ambas variables fueron altamente fluctuantes. Los valores medios diarios de H variaron entre -309,4 y 200,5 W m-2 y entre -78,6 y 104,8 W m-2 en LS y SG, respectivamente. Los valores medios diarios de LE variaron entre -152 y 463,9 W m-2 y entre -59,2 y 360,1 W m-2 en LS y SG, respectivamente. Ambos flujos disminuyeron con el paso de eventos de olas de calor, presentando una gran amplitud en los valores. En días con olas de calor comparados con días regulares se registraron cambios de hasta 96% en la media diaria de LE y 671% en la media diaria de H en LS y cambios de hasta 25% en la media diaria de LE y 987% en la media diaria de H para SG. Finalmente, se analizó el futuro incremento de la temperatura del aire para ambas lagunas bajo dos escenarios de calentamiento global (RCP 4.5 y RCP 8.5), que permiten deducir mayores amplitudes de cambio en ambos flujos de calor. Estos resultados contribuyen al desarrollo de modelos para lagunas someras, y a las decisiones de manejo de los recursos hídricos en el futuro.According to model projections, increases in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected all over the world. This study analyzed, for the first time, the effect of heatwaves events on long-term surface latent (LE) and sensible heat fluxes (H) from two shallow lakes: La Salada lake (LS-39°27′ S, 62°42′ W) and Sauce Grande lake (SG-38°57′ S, 61°24′ W). The main drivers of LE and H are wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and the difference between air and water temperature. We found that the daily values of both fluxes were highly fluctuating. Mean daily H values ranged between-309.4 to 200.5 W m-2 and-78.6 to 104.8 W m-2 in LS and SG, respectively. LE oscillated between-152 and 463.9 W m-2 and between-59.2 and 360.1 W m-2 in LS and SG, respectively. Both fluxes decreased with the passage of heatwaves events, presenting a high variation in its amplitude. Changes up to 96% in mean daily LE and 671% in mean daily H for LS and up to 25% in LE and 987% in H for SG were accounted in days with heatwaves respect to regular ones. We analyzed the air temperature increase for both lakes under future global warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 y RCP 8.5), expecting higher amplitudes in heat fluxes. These results contribute to the development of lake models, as well as to water resources management in the future.Fil: Alfonso, María Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Brendel, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Vitale, Alejandro José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; ArgentinaFil: Piccolo, Maria Cintia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geografía y Turismo; Argentin

Serum amino acid profiles in normal subjects and in patients with or at risk of Alzheimer dementia

Background/Aims: Abnormalities in the plasma amino acid profile have been reported in Alzheimer disease (AD), but no data exist for the prodromal phase characterized by subjective memory complaint (SMC). It was our aim to understand if serum amino acid levels change along the continuum from normal to AD, and to identify possible diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: Serum levels of 15 amino acids and 2 organic acids were determined in 4 groups of participants – 29 with probable AD, 18 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 24 with SMC, and 46 cognitively healthy subjects (HS) – by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Glutamate, aspartate, and phenylalanine progressively decreased, while citrulline, argi­ninosuccinate, and homocitrulline progressively increased, from HS over SMC and MCI to AD. The panel including these 6 amino acids and 4 ratios (glutamate/citrulline, citrulline/phenylalanine, leucine plus isoleucine/phenylalanine, and arginine/phenylalanine) discriminated AD from HS with about 96% accuracy. Other panels including 20 biomarkers discriminated SMC or MCI from AD or HS with an accuracy ranging from 88 to 75%. Conclusion: Amino acids contribute to a characteristic metabotype during the progression of AD along the continuum from health to frank dementia, and their monitoring in elderly individuals might help to detect at-risk subjects

Utilidad del monitoreo lagunar ambiental con boyas multiparamétricas en la región pampeana: Laguna La Barrancosa

Las lagunas de la región pampeana son ambientes naturales que poseen la particularidad de ?atraparnos? por diferentes razones. Quizás sea por la tranquilidad que trasmiten sus aguas, el sonido del oleaje, el silencio, su aire fresco y renovador, sus amaneceres, sus atardeceres, el sonido de algunas aves, el disfrute de la pesca o por el contacto con la naturaleza. Este libro es una invitación a emprender un viaje, recorrer un camino que nos lleve imaginariamente a una laguna, tomando como caso La Barrancosa, para visualizarla, conocerla, valorarla, protegerla, usarla y disfrutarla responsablemente. El objetivo es dar a conocer diferentes aspectos de las lagunas pampeanas con énfasis en La Barrancosa. Se tiende a que el lector sepa de su existencia, su dinámica, sus factores determinantes, sus bienes y servicios ecológicos, su fragilidad, su pertenencia e identificación con el paisaje folklórico pampeano, sus organismos constituyentes, sus relaciones tróficas, sus vínculos con el hombre actual y del pasado, en definitiva que sean consideradas un escenario propicio para lograr el acercamiento y respeto hacia la Naturaleza y sus diferentes formas de vida.Está conformado por 21 capítulos escritos por especialistas en temas sobre la limnología o aspectos asociados a este ambiente en particular. Los 50 autores de Destino: La Barrancosa. Una invitación a conocer lagunas pampeanas intentan trasmitir esa pasión por las lagunas y compartir conocimientos con un público amplio: docentes y estudiantes de distintos niveles educativos, científicos, productores agropecuarios, pescadores, prestadores turísticos, concesionarios de lagunas, funcionarios, ONGs ambientalistas y público en general.Fil: Alfonso, María Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Vitale, Alejandro José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Perillo, Gerardo Miguel E.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Piccolo, Maria Cintia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentin

Dasatinib-Blinatumomab for Ph-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults

BACKGROUND: Outcomes in patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved with the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Molecular remission is a primary goal of treatment.METHODS: We conducted a phase 2 single-group trial of first-line therapy in adults with newly diagnosed Ph-positive ALL (with no upper age limit). Dasatinib plus glucocorticoids were administered, followed by two cycles of blinatumomab. The primary end point was a sustained molecular response in the bone marrow after this treatment.RESULTS: Of the 63 patients (median age, 54 years; range, 24 to 82) who were enrolled, a complete remission was observed in 98%. At the end of dasatinib induction therapy (day 85), 29% of the patients had a molecular response, and this percentage increased to 60% after two cycles of blinatumomab; the percentage of patients with a molecular response increased further after additional blinatumomab cycles. At a median follow-up of 18 months, overall survival was 95% and disease-free survival was 88%; disease-free survival was lower among patients who had an IKZF1 deletion plus additional genetic aberrations (CDKN2A or CDKN2B, PAX5, or both [i.e., IKZF1 plus]). ABL1 mutations were detected in 6 patients who had increased minimal residual disease during induction therapy, and all these mutations were cleared by blinatumomab. Six relapses occurred. Overall, 21 adverse events of grade 3 or higher were recorded. A total of 24 patients received a stem-cell allograft, and 1 death was related to transplantation (4%).CONCLUSIONS: A chemotherapy-free induction and consolidation first-line treatment with dasatinib and blinatumomab that was based on a targeted and immunotherapeutic strategy was associated with high incidences of molecular response and survival and few toxic effects of grade 3 or higher in adults with Ph-positive ALL. (Funded by Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro and others; GIMEMA LAL2116 D-ALBA EudraCT number, 2016-001083-11; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02744768.)

A multicenter total therapy strategy for de novo adult Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Final results of the GIMEMA LAL1509 protocol

The GIMEMA LAL1509 protocol, designed for adult (≥18-60 years) de novo Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, was based on a dasatinib plus steroids induction - with central nervous system prophylaxis - followed by dasatinib alone in patients in complete molecular response or chemotherapy and/or allogeneic transplantation in patients not reaching a complete molecular response. Sixty patients (median age 41.9 years) were enrolled: 33 were p190+, 18 p210+ and 9 p190/p210+. At the end of induction (day +85), 58 patients (97%) achieved a complete hematologic remission. No deaths in induction were recorded. Eleven patients (18.3%) obtained a complete molecular response. Among non-complete molecular responders (n=47), 22 underwent an allogeneic transplant. Seventeen hematologic relapses occurred (median 7 months, range 3-40.1), 13 during consolidation and 4 post-transplant. ABL1 mutations (5 T315I, 3 V299L, 1 E281K and 1 G254E) were found in 10/13 relapsed cases. With a median follow-up of 57.4 months (range: 4.2-75.6), overall survival and disease-free survival are 56.3% and 47.2%. A better diseasefree survival was observed in patients who obtained a molecular response at day +85 compared to cases who did not. The presence of additional copy number aberrations - IKZF1 plus CDKN2A/B and/or PAX5 deletions - was the most important unfavorable prognostic factor on overall and disease-free survival (p=0.005 and p=0.0008). This study shows that in adult Ph+ ALL long-term survivals can be achieved with a total-therapy strategy based on a chemo-free induction and, in complete molecular responders, also without further systemic chemotherapy. Finally, the screening of additional copy number aberrations should be included in the diagnostic work-up. EudraCT 2010-019119-39