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La follia di Tristano. Redazione del manoscritto di Oxford
No full textIl volume contiene la traduzione dal francese antico all'italiano della versione della "Folie Tristan" del manoscritto conservato a Oxford. Completano il volume un'introduzione al testo e un comment
Integrated design of heat pump systems: A multi-objective optimized design methodology considering the mutual influence of design and control
No full text
Commentary on feliciani Giacomo et al.’s study of comparison of HDR-brachytherapy and tomotherapy for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck
No full textExploring a novel approach to COPD treatment: benralizumab effect in an ex vivo 3-D model
No full textBackground
Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that eosinophilic inflammation is a relevant component in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Objective
The current study aimed to assess the effects of Benralizumab, on ex vivo “COPD smoke-induced” bronchial mucosa equivalents.
Methods
Three-dimensional (3D) composite ex-vivo bronchial mucosa are used to study the mechanisms of repair, regeneration and differentiation within the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU). After a one month incubation in growth medium and basal membrane extracts, epithelial cells differentiate into ciliated and mucous-producing cells, and mesenchymal cells into fibroblasts. This culture model is induced to express an inflammatory phenotype through exposure to cigarette smoke extracts. Eosinophils (Eos) are placed underneath the connective layers, whereas monocytes are activated and monocyte conditioned medium (MCM) is collected. The inflammatory cells established a cross-talk with resident cells by cytokine productions. The protocol included four experimental conditions: untreated control (K), Eos only (EO), Eos+MCM (EOMO), Eos+MCM+Benralizumab (EMB).
Results
Cytokine concentrations at basal and apical side were analysed. At basal side, IL (interleukin)-5 significantly increased after the addition of eosinophils and monocytes, and decreased after the introduction of Benralizumab to the culture (after 14 days of treatment, K group: 14.6±3.2pg/mL; EO group: 13.9±4.2 pg/mL; EOMO group: 35.7±5.9pg/mL; EMB group: 14.04±4 pg/mL, p<0.005). The reduction persisted for the subsequent 14 days. IL-6 and IL-15 concentration was high in EOMO groups while EMB groups had a reduction in both interleukins concentration.
Conclusion
The findings described lead to speculate on a potential action of benralizumab on alternative inflammatory targets
Digital Maktaba Project: Proposing a Metadata-Driven Framework for Arabic Library Digitization
No full textThe rapid digitization of cultural heritage has underscored the critical need for robust digital libraries, particularly for underrepresented languages like Arabic and Persian. This paper describes the methodologies and challenges involved in developing a metadata-driven Arabic digital library, utilizing bibliographic metadata extracted from the Diamond catalogue. It explores advanced metadata schemas, such as Dublin Core, and integrates text recognition technologies and preservation strategies to address key concerns of accessibility, scholarly use, and the long-term preservation of Arabic-script texts. The paper delves into specific challenges of processing Arabic script, including handling calligraphy, diacritics, and ligatures, and introduces innovative solutions like the use of frontispiece images to train OCR systems. Furthermore, it discusses how integrated metadata could not only enhance text recognition but also improve user engagement by enabling refined search functionalities and better resource discovery. Finally, the paper outlines future directions for expanding metadata frameworks to ensure interoperability and the long-term preservation of cultural heritage
Brain network modulation in response to directional and Non-Directional Cues: Insights from EEG connectivity and graph theory
No full textObjective: Directional cues have a profound impact on cognitive processes and behavior, and studying the involved brain networks can provide insights into their processing. This research aimed to investigate the neural network modulation associated with cognitive processing after the administration of directional cues using connectivity and graph theory. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled and underwent EEG recording while they were asked to perform a visuomotor task, such as directional (DS) and non-directional (nDS). From EEG data, network parameters such as Small-World (SW) and Lagged linear connectivity across different EEG frequency bands were evaluated, analyzing the response to DS and nDS. Results: The results revealed significant differences in the SW index, particularly in the Alpha 1 band, where participants exhibited a higher SW index when presented with DS compared to nDS. Moreover, the analysis of Alpha 1 band Lagged linear connectivity revealed close to statistically significant differences predominantly in the frontal and central regions. Conclusions: This research contributes to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the processing of directional cues. Significance: It has potential implications for rehabilitation settings, for example in the rehabilitation of visual dysfunction and motor impairment following a stroke, by optimizing cognitive processing to enhance functional outcomes
Close ties: How trade dynamics and environmental regulations shape international dependence on oil
No full textEconomic Cost–Benefit Analysis on Smart Grid Implementation in China
No full textThe last Five-Year Plans (2016–2025) in China emphasise economic modernisation, focusing on boosting the services sector, urbanisation, and the expansion of the social safety net. China’s net-zero strategy targets achieving climate neutrality by 2060, necessitating a transition away from coal toward cleaner energy sources, which accounted for 60.6% of total energy consumption in 2023, to Variable Renewable Energy Sources (VRES). By 2021, VRES contributed 23.4% of power generation. To integrate VRES, Smart Grids are critical, as they autonomously manage energy production, distribution, and consumption. These grids support industrial and residential smart devices, electric vehicle charging, and battery storage. This paper applies a cost–benefit analysis using a customised version of the Electric Power Research Institute US methodology to assess Smart Grid investment in China from 2020 to 2050. The results show a benefit-to-cost ratio of 6.1:1, demonstrating substantial economic benefits. The focus on China serves as a valuable case study for Smart Grid implementation worldwide, with the methodology adaptable for use in other countries and across different scales. These findings can assist global decision-makers in evaluating the advancement in technology, policies, and potential economic impact of Smart Grids and also in comparisons with other players such as the US
Analytical interference of Burosumab therapy on intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) measurements using an immunoassay: preliminary evaluation
No full textOur study evaluated the possible interference of Burosumab (human recombinant monoclonal antibody directed against N-terminal domain of FGF23) on the immunoassay of intact FGF23 (iFGF23) with the Liaison XL. The analytical method uses three different antibodies, one of which directed against the N-terminal portion of FGF23. The evaluation of the method accuracy involved the fully automated execution of a dilution test on EDTA plasma from 5 subjects who had not received any monoclonal antibody (mAb), 20 EDTA plasma from patients treated with Burosumab, and 2 EDTA plasma from subjects who had not received any mAb in witch an adequate volume of Burosumab had been added in vitro. One sample with specific diluent (LIAISON® FGF 23) with an adequate volume of Burosumab had been added in vitro. The dilution assay provided highly inaccurate iFGF23 results in samples with therapeutic concentrations of Burosumab and in samples with concentrations below the LoQ (6.5 pg/mL). The addition of Burosumab to the diluent did not produce any analytical interference. Dissociation of iFGF23 from the mAb-target complex in diluted sample could explain the loss of accuracy in the iFGF23 immunoassay using the Liaison XL analyzer. Burosumab could be an interferent in immunoassay procedures of iFGF23