Behaviour of AgBi(Cr2O7)2 as a possible cathode for lithium cells

The electrochemical reduction of AgBi(Cr₂O₇)₂ electrodes occurs in a nearly continuous way from 3.5 V to 2 V/Li⁺/Li and leads to a final oxidation state of about III for chromium ions. Three reduction steps can be distinguished:- CR(VI) reduction leading approximately to Cr(V)- Ag(I) reduction to Ag(O)- Further reduction of chromium, leading approximately to CR(III) in a quasi-reversible way.A loss of capacity was observed, however, during repeated charge/discharge cycles.     

A non-parametric segmentation methodology for oral videocapillaroscopic images

We aim to describe a new non-parametric methodology to support the clinician during the diagnostic process of oral videocapillaroscopy to evaluate peripheral microcirculation. Our methodology, mainly based on wavelet analysis and mathematical morphology to preprocess the images, segments them by minimizing the within-class luminosity variance of both capillaries and background. Experiments were carried out on a set of real microphotographs to validate this approach versus handmade segmentations provided by physicians. By using a leave-one-patient-out approach, we pointed out that our methodology is robust, according to precision–recall criteria (average precision and recall are equal to 0.924 and 0.923, respectively) and it acts as a physician in terms of the Jaccard index (mean and standard deviation equal to 0.858 and 0.064, respectively).     

Interactions and penetration of polymers and nanolatexes into wood: An overview

To develop new high performance water based acrylic coatings a core of basic knowledge is needed, covering phenomena going from penetration into wood to morphology of the coated film. An overview of the issues will be presented in the paper correlating the different problems that the development of a novel coating might present. The paper is focused in particular on one component acrylic latexes, for their ease of application, and nanolatexes, which use could contribute to new improvements. We present new preliminary results of experimental investigations where some of the main issues are addressed.     

Design of power‐blocks for medium‐scale supercritical carbon dioxide plants

For power production, the emerging technologies of supercritical carbon dioxide (S‐CO₂) cycles show potential advantages if compared to conventional plants. The current bottleneck in exploiting such cycles is the development of novel components such as turbomachines and heat‐exchangers. This paper focuses on the layout arrangement and machinery design of a novel power‐block for a 10 to 15 MW supercritical carbon dioxide plant. The applied design procedure involves 0D and 1D models implemented using an in‐house Fortran code, and 3D computational fluid dynamics ( CFD) analyses using ANSYS‐CFX. Novel configurations of the power block were designed, starting with the same primary thermal source. At nominal conditions, expected overall output powers from 13.2 to 16.2 MW were found. Finally, some qualitative considerations were included in the discussion to compare the analysed arrangements.     

Identification of Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum of Multiple Sclerosis Patients by Immunoproteomics Approach

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. At present, the molecular mechanisms causing the initiation, development and progression of MS are poorly understood, and no reliable proteinaceous disease markers are available. In this study, we used an immunoproteomics approach to identify autoreactive antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients to use as candidate markers with potential diagnostic value. We identified an autoreactive anti-transferrin antibody that may have a potential link with the development and progression of MS. We found this antibody at high levels also in the serum of MS patients and created an immunoenzymatic assay to detect it. Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of multiple sclerosis, it is difficult to find a single marker for all of the processes involved in the origin and progression of the disease, so the development of a panel of biomarkers is desirable, and anti-transferrin antibody could be one of these.     

Acellular Dermal Matrix Used in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Clinical Outcomes Supported by Biochemical and Histological Analyses

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a diabetes complication which greatly impacts the patient’s quality of life, often leading to amputation of the affected limb unless there is a timely and adequate management of the patient. DFUs have a high economic impact for the national health system. Data have indeed shown that DFUs are a major cause of hospitalization for patients with diabetes. Based on that, DFUs represent a very important challenge for the national health system. Especially in developed countries diabetic patients are increasing at a very high rate and as expected, also the incidence of DFUs is increasing due to longevity of diabetic patients in the western population. Herein, the surgical approach focused on the targeted use of the acellular dermal matrix has been integrated with biochemical and morphological/histological analyses to obtain evidence-based information on the mechanisms underlying tissue regeneration. In this research report, the clinical results indicated decreased postoperative wound infection levels and a short healing time, with a sound regeneration of tissues. Here we demonstrate that the key biomarkers of wound healing process are activated at gene expression level and also synthesis of collagen I, collagen III and elastin is prompted and modulated within the 28-day period of observation. These analyses were run on five patients treated with Integra^® sheet and five treated with the injectable matrix Integra^® Flowable, for cavitary lesions. In fact, clinical evaluation of improved healing was, for the first time, supported by biochemical and histological analyses. For these reasons, the present work opens a new scenario in DFUs treatment and follow-up, laying the foundation for a tailored protocol towards complete healing in severe pathological conditions.     

Use of Staphylococcus xylosus as a starter culture in dried sausages: effect on the biogenic amine content

The main objective of this work was to investigate if the use of Staphylococcus xylosus S81 as a starter culture in sausage production can influence the amount of histamine during ripening, and the concentration of the other most important biogenic amines, by influencing the activity of the microbial amino oxidases as well as the aminoacid decarboxylases. The results confirm that the biogenic amines presence in foods is the consequence of a complex equilibrium between the composition of the medium and the enzymatic activities of the microbial population. In addition, the results suggest that the presence and relative activity of amino oxidases should be considered as an important characteristic in the selection of starter cultures used in the production of fermented foods.