94 research outputs found
The general rule applicable to torts, party autonomy and «specialized» conflict-of-law provisions in the Rome II Regulation
No full textThe paper discusses the main provisions of the European Union’s Regulation on tort conflicts (“Rome II”), by analyzing (i) the range of PIL techniques employed by the Regulation and (ii) its inspiring objectives. The need for legal certainty and foreseeability as to the law applicable permeates the whole Regulation and more specifically it motivates (a) the list of the issues which are governed by the lex delicti, as well as (b) the choice – within the general rule – of the connecting criterion based upon the locus damni. On the other hand, the will to «treat individual cases in an appropriate manner» has led to the introduction of exceptions to the general rule in relation to predetermined situations, such as the so called isolated torts, as well as to the provision of a more general and flexible power of the judge to determine the manifestly closer connection (through the escape clause). The establishment – as well as the preservation – of a reasonable balance among the parties has inspired not only the provision of special conflict-of-law rules (recital n. 19), but also the choice of the locus damni as the main connecting criterion (the fairness of such solution for the purposes of reaching a reasonable balance among the parties is extensively analysed in the paper), as well as the provision of peculiar limitations to the choice of the law applicable, in cases where weaker parties are involved. The safeguard of particular material interests deserving a special degree of protection is finally shown, for instance, by art. 7 concerning liability for environmental damage. In the light of the above, the paper underlines that the «system» of conflict-of-law rules laid down by Rome II Regulation appears to be particularly noteworthy in so far as it aims – by means of a remarkable range of solutions and techniques – at promoting several interests and objectives which are not always reciprocally consistent. Nonetheless, the real capacity of the Regulation to achieve such ambitious objectives will only be effectively assessable in the light of its future and broader application by the national courts. Paola Ivaldi is the author of paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8
Refinement of the crystal structure of anapaite Ca2Fe (PO4)2.4H2O : hydrogen bonding and relationships with the bihydrated phase
No full textThe crystal structure of anapaite from Messel (Hesse), Ca2Fe (PO4)2 • 4H2O, has been refined (R = 0.027) in space group P-1 by 1257 reflections measured on an automatic single-crystal diffractometer (MoKα radiation) ; all the hydrogen atoms have been localized and included in the refinement. The unit-cell parameters are : a = 6.447(1), b = 6.816(1), c = 5.898(1) Å, α = 101.64(3), β = 104.24(3), γ = 70.76(4)° ; Z = 1. Within the framework structure, (100) layers of coordination polyhedra are emphasized in order to describe a plausible crystallochemical path for a phase transition to the bihydrated term (messelite). Bond valence calculations show that Ca is 7 + 1 coordinated and justify the presence of hydrogen bonds which are unusually short for water molecules (2.597 and 2.600 Å).La structure de l'anapaite de Messel (Hesse), Ca2Fe (PO4)2.4H2O, a été affinée (R = 0,027) dans le groupe spatial P-1 par 1 257 réflexions mesurées à l'aide d'un diffractomètre automatique (radiation MoKα) ; tous les atomes d'hydrogène ont été localisés et inclus dans l'affinement. Les paramètres de la maille sont : a = 6,447(1), b = 6,816(1), c = 5,898(1) Å, α = 101,64(3), β = 104,24(3), γ = 70,76(4)° ; Z = 1. Des couches (100) de polyèdres de coordination sont présentes dans la structure, et au moyen d'elles on peut proposer un mécanisme cristallochimique pour la transition à la phase bihydratée (messelite). Des calculs de force de liaison montrent que Ca a une coordination 7 + 1, et expliquent la présence de liaisons hydrogène très courtes (2,597 et 2,600 Å) données par une molécule H2O.Catti Michele, Ferraris Giovanni, Ivaldi Gabriella. Refinement of the crystal structure of anapaite Ca2Fe (PO4)2.4H2O : hydrogen bonding and relationships with the bihydrated phase. In: Bulletin de Minéralogie, volume 102, 4, 1979. pp. 314-318
Influence of Silicodactyly in the Preparation of Hybrid Materials
No full textThe organic⁻inorganic hybrid materials have attracted great attention due to their improved or unusual properties that open promising applications in different areas such as optics, electronics, energy, environment, biology, medicine and heterogeneous catalysis. Different types of silicodactyl platforms grafted on silica inorganic supports can be used to synthesize hybrid materials. A careful evaluation of the dactyly of the organic precursors, normally alkoxysilanes, and of the type of interaction with the inorganic supports is presented. In fact, depending on the hydrophilicity of the silica surface (e.g., number and density of surface silanols) as well as on the grafting conditions, the hydrolysis and condensation reaction of the silylated moieties can involve only one or two out of three alkoxysilane groups. The influence of silicodactyly in the preparation of organic-inorganic silica-based hybrids is studied by TGA, 29Si, 1H and 13C solid-state NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, with the support of Molecular Dynamics calculations. Computational studies are used to forecast the influence of the different grafting configurations on the tendency of the silane to stick on the inorganic surface
Hydrogen bonding in the crystalline state. Structure of talmessite, Ca2 (Mg, Co) (As O4)2.2H2O, and crystal chemistry of related minerals
No full textThe crystal structure of a talmessite from Bou-Azzer, Ca₂ (Mg₀,₆₅, Co₀,₃₅) (AsO₄)₂ • 2H₂O, was solved and refined (R = 0.081) in space group P[-1] by 979 reflections measured on an automatic single˗crystal diffractometer (MoKα radiation). The unit˗cell parameters are : a = 5.874 (7), b = 6.943 (11), c = 5.537 (6) Å, α = 97.3 (1), β = 108.7 (1), γ = 108.1 (2)° ; Z = 1. The structure is built up by alternating (110) layers of Ca and Mg coordination polyhedra, and is characterized by two unusually short [2.562 (15) and 2.613 (14) Å] hydrogen bonds donated by the H₂O molecule, which account for the high dehydration temperature (460° C) of this mineral. The triclinic minerals Ca₂Me (XO₄)₂ • 2H₂O (X = P or As), regarded as isostructural, are divided in two subgroups (fairfieldite and messelite ; collinsite, cassidyite, talmessite and β˗roselite) characterized by a closer isostructurality and distinguishable by the cell parameters. Thermal studies were performed on collinsite, fairfieldite and talmessite, showing a dehydration temperature increasing with the strength of hydrogen bonds.La structure cristalline d'une talmessite cobaltifère de Bou-Azzer, Ca₂ (Mg₀,₆₅, Co₀,₃₅) (AsO₄)₂ • 2H₂O, a été résolue et affinée (R = 0,081) dans le groupe spatial P[-1] par 979 réflexions mesurées à l'aide d'un difïractomètre automatique (radiation MoKα). Les paramètres de la maille sont : a = 5,874 (7), b = 6,943 (11), c = 5,537 (6) Å, α = 97,3 (1), β = 108,7 (1), γ = 108,1 (2)° ; Z = 1. La structure est formée de couches ([-1]10) alternée de polyèdres de coordination de Ca et Mg, et montre deux liaisons hydrogène très courtes [2,562 (15) et 2,613 (14) Å], données par la molécule H₂O, qui expliquent la température de déshydratation élevée (460° C) du minéral. Les minéraux tricliniques Ca₂Me (XO₄)₂ • 2H₂O (X = P ou As), considérés isostructuraux, sont divisés en deux groupes (fairfieldite et messélite ; collinsite, cassidyite, talmessite et β˗rosélite) qui sont caractérisés par une isostructuralité plus étroite et peuvent se distinguer par les paramètres de la maille. Des études thermiques sur collinsite, fairfieldite et talmessite ont montré que la température de déshydratation de ces minéraux augmente avec la force des liaisons hydrogène.Catti Michele, Ferraris Giovanni, Ivaldi Gabriella. Hydrogen bonding in the crystalline state. Structure of talmessite, Ca2 (Mg, Co) (As O4)2.2H2O, and crystal chemistry of related minerals. In: Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie et de Cristallographie, volume 100, 3-4, 1977. pp. 230-236
Reproducibility of the external surface position in left-breast radiotherapy with deep inspiration breath-hold using spirometer-based monitoring
No full textPhaunouxite Ca3(AsO4)2 • 11 H2O, a new mineral strictly associated with rauenthalite
No full textPhaunouxite is triclinic P[-1] with a = 12.563(7), b = 12.181(6), c = 6.205(4) Å, α = 88.94(3), ß = 91.67(3), γ = 113.44(4)°, Z = 2. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are : 11.5(10) (100), 6.23(9) ([-2]10), 5.42(8) (011, 101, 0[-1]1), 3.276(9) (2[-3]1, 310), 2.963(6) (221), 2.810(6) (112, [-2]12), 2.443(7) (1[-3]2, [-5]30, [-3]02), 2.026(6) (0[-1]3, 103). The [001] needle crystals are colourless, vitreous, and with {100} dominant ; they occur in fan-shaped clusters at Gabe-Gottes vein in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (Vosges) with picropharmacolite, ferrarisite and aragonite. Cleavage {100} perfect ; Dmeas = 2.28(2) g.cm⁻³, Dcalc = 2.275 g. cm⁻³. Refractive indices are : nγ = 1.556(2), nß = 1.542(2), nα = 1.532(2). 2V ≃ 80°. Only Ca, As, O and H are among the chemical constituents ; wet chemical analysis gave CaO 28.2, As₂O₅ 39,0. H₂O 31,5 %. The ideal chemical formula, Ca₃(AsO₄)₂ • 11 H₂O, was also established through crystal structure determination and the identification of the final dehydration product Ca₃(AsO₄)₂, which is formed at 570 °C and is preceded by two unidentified phases at 60 and 110°C. Phaunouxite is always intergrown with rauenthalite, Ca₃(AsO₄)₂ • 10 H₂O, from which it can be distinguished only through the strongest lines of their powder patterns. The name is for Phaunoux, the french name of the Rauenthal valley where the mine is, and has been approved by the IMA Commission.Triclinique, P[-1], a = 12,563(7), b = 12,181(6), c = 6,205(4) Å, α = 88,94(3), ß = 91,67(3), γ = 113,44(4)°, Z = 2. Principales raies du diagramme de poudre : 11,5(10) (100) ; 6,23(9) ([-2]10) ; 5,42(8) (011, 101, 0[-1]1) ; 3,276(9) (2[-3]1, 310) ; 2,963(6) (221) ; 2,810(6) (112, [-2]12) ; 2,443(7) (1[-3]2, [-5]30, [-3]02) ; 2,026(6) (0[-1]3, 103). Cristaux aciculaires [001], vitreux et incolores, groupés en éventails et aplatis sur {100}. Dmes = 2,28(2) g. cm⁻³, Dcalc = 2,275 g. cm⁻³. Clivage (100) parfait. Indices de réfraction nγ = 1,556(2) ; nß = 1,542(2) ; nα = 1,532(2) ; 2V ≃ 80°. Ne contient que Ca, As, O et H. L'analyse chimique : CaO 28,2 ; As₂O₅ 39,0 ; H₂O 31,5 % conduit à la formule théorique : Ca₃(AsO₄)₂ • 11 H₂O. La formule chimique est aussi déterminée par la résolution de la structure cristalline et l'identification du produit final de déshydratation Ca₃(AsO₄)₂, qui se forme à 570 °C et est précédé par deux phases inconnues à 60 et 110 °C. La phaunouxite montre toujours des intercroissances avec la rauenthalite Ca₃(AsO₄)₂ • 10 H₂O ; ces deux minéraux ne peuvent être distingués que par leurs raies principales des diagrammes de poudre. Gisement type : le filon Gabe-Gottes à Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (Vosges). Associée à : picropharmacolite, ferrarisite et aragonite. Le nom vient de Phaunoux, nom français de la vallée de Rauenthal où le gisement se trouve. Approuvé par la Commission de l'IMA.Bari Hubert, Catti Michele, Ferraris Giovanni, Ivaldi Gabriella, Permingeat François. Phaunouxite Ca3(AsO4)2 • 11 H2O, a new mineral strictly associated with rauenthalite. In: Bulletin de Minéralogie, volume 105, 4, 1982. pp. 327-332
Impact of Natural Killer (NK) Cells on Immune Reconstitution, and Their Potential as a Biomarker of Disease Activity, in Alemtuzumab-Treated Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: An Observational Study
No full textBackground: Defining immune mechanisms leading to multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult, due to the great inter-individual difference in immune system responses. The anti-CD52 antibody alemtuzumab transiently abolishes differences in immune parameters among individuals, allowing analysis of subsequent immune cell repopulation patterns, and their possible role in MS. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between innate and adaptive immune cell subsets and disease activity in MS in the context of treatment with alemtuzumab. Methods: A two-center observational cohort of patients treated with alemtuzumab underwent immune profiling of T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells, biomarker, clinical and radiological follow-up. Results: After treatment, the percentage of NK and B cells increased; NK, T- and B-cell populations underwent a profound rearrangement. Within the effector T-cell compartment, treatment led to a transient decrease, followed by an increase, of T-helper 1 cells, and to a transient decrease of T-helper 17 cells. Within the T-regulatory compartment, naïve T-regulatory cells increased. Within the B-cell compartment, memory B cells and mature B cells decreased, whereas transitional B cells increased. Within the NK cell compartment, CD56bright NK cells increased. Subjects without disease activity had a greater decrease in serum NfL and greater NK cell/CD3+ T cell ratio. NK cell numbers at baseline and after treatment influenced reconstitution of T and B cells, being inversely correlated with the reconstitution of proinflammatory CD3+ T cells and mature B cells, and directly correlated to the increase in transitional B cells. Conclusions: The results of this study provide novel evidence that NK cells influence reconstitution of adaptive immune cells upon alemtuzumab and that patients with a successful response to alemtuzumab have an early immune reconstitution dominated by NK cells
Population, Migration, Ageing and Health: A Survey
No full textWe review the literature on recent demographic changes in Europe, focusing on two of the main challenges brought about by an ageing population: severe labour shortages in many sectors of the economy and growing pressures on both health and welfare systems. We discuss how and to what extent migration can contribute to addressing these challenges both in a short and a long-term perspective. Finally, we identify several areas in which more research is needed to help devise more effective policies to cope with a greying society
Copyright and endogenous market structure: a glimpse from the journal-publishing market
No full textThis article explores the journal publishing industry in order to shed light on the overall economic consequences of copyright in markets. Since the rationale for copyright is among others to promise some market power to the holder of the successful copyrighted item, it also provides incentives to preserve and extend market power. A regular trait of copyright industries is high concentration and the creation of large catalogues of copyrights in the hands of incumbents. This outcome can be observed as the aggregation of rights and is one of the pivotal strategies for obtaining or extending market power, consistently with findings in other cases. Journal publishing is no different in this respect from other copyright industries, and in the last decade has experienced a similar trajectory, leading to a highly concentrated industry in which a handful of large firms increasingly control a substantial part of the market. It also provides a clear example of the effect of copyright dynamics on market structure, suggesting that a different attitude should be taken in lawmaking and law enforcement.copyright and market power, endogenous market structure, journal-publishing industry
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