Designing a videoconference system for active networks

Active networks are receiving increasing attention due to their promise of great flexibility in tailoring services to applications. This capability stems from the exploitation of network devices whose behaviour can be changed dynamically by applications, possibly using technologies and architectures originally conceived for mobile code systems. Notwithstanding the promise of active networks, real-world applications that clearly benefit by them are still missing. In this paper we describe the design of a videoconference system conceived expressly for operation over active networks. The goal of this activity is to pinpoint the benefits that mobile code and active networks bring to this application domain and to provide isnights for the exploitation of these concepts in other application domains.     

On the Metabolically Active Form of Metaglidasen: Improved Synthesis and Investigation of Its Peculiar Activity on Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptors and Skeletal Muscles

Metaglidasen is a fibrate‐like drug reported as a selective modulator of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), able to lower plasma glucose levels in the absence of the side effects typically observed with thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents in current use. Herein we report an improved synthesis of metaglidasen′s metabolically active form halofenic acid (R)‐ 2 and that of its enantiomer (S)‐ 2 . The activity of the two stereoisomers was carefully examined on PPARα and PPARγ subtypes. As expected, both showed partial agonist activity toward PPARγ; the investigation of PPARα activity, however, led to unexpected results. In particular, (S)‐ 2 was found to act as a partial agonist, whereas (R)‐ 2 behaved as an antagonist. X‐ray crystallographic studies with PPARγ were carried out to gain more insight on the molecular‐level interactions and to propose a binding mode. Given the adverse effects provoked by fibrate drugs on skeletal muscle function, we also investigated the capacity of (R)‐ 2 and (S)‐ 2 to block conductance of the skeletal muscle membrane chloride channel. The results showed a more beneficial profile for (R)‐ 2 , the activity of which on skeletal muscle function, however, should not be overlooked in the ongoing clinical trials studying its long‐term effects.     

Superior Osteo-Inductive and Osteo-Conductive Properties of Trabecular Titanium vs. PEEK Scaffolds on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Proof of Concept for the Use of Fusion Cages

Fusion cages composed of titanium and its alloys are emerging as valuable alternative to standard polyetheretherketone (PEEK) ones routinely used in cervical and lumbar spine surgery. Aim of this study was to evaluate osteo-inductive and osteo-conductive ability of an innovative trabecular titanium (T-Ti) scaffold on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), in both absence and presence of biochemical osteogenic stimuli. Same abilities were assessed on PEEK and standard 2D plastic surface, the latter meant as gold-standard for in vitro differentiation studies. hMSCs adhered and colonized both T-Ti and PEEK scaffolds. In absence of osteogenic factors, T-Ti triggered osteogenic induction of MSCs, as demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition increments, while PEEK and standard 2D did not. Addition of osteogenic stimuli reinforced osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs cultured on T-Ti in a significantly higher manner with respect to standard 2D plastic culture surfaces, whereas PEEK almost completely abolished the process. T-Ti driven differentiation towards osteoblasts was confirmed by gene and marker expression analyses, even in absence of osteogenic stimuli. These results clearly indicate superior in vitro osteo-inductive and osteo-conductive capacity of T-Ti compared to PEEK, and make ground for further studies supporting the use of T-Ti cages to improve bone fusion.     

An Approach to T&E of Military SDR Platforms and Waveforms: the LANCERS Lab

Software Defined Radio (SDR) is currently one of the main topics of interest in military communications, as well as in civil ones. Since 2002, the Italian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has identified the SDR technology as a strategic capability. In this respect, Italy has become part of the major multinational programs related to military SDR and waveforms, such as ESSOR (European Secure Software Radio) and COALWNW (COALition Wideband Networking Waveform). In addition, the Italian national SDR program (SDR-N) aims at developing a complete family of SDR products, part of which are already available for fielding. In order to develop a governmental capability of Test and Evaluation (T&E) for future SDR, minimizing the risks related to the fielding of this new technology, a dedicated laboratory, called LANCERS lab, has been established in the premises of CSSN ITE (Centro Supporto e Sperimentazione Navale Istituto per le Telecomunicazioni e lElettronica), a research center of the Italian Navy. LANCERS lab gathers the expertise of military technical personnel and University researchers, to provide a twofold capability: developing T&E strategies and procedures for the new tactical communications based on SDR and maintaining knowledge about the state of the art of SDR, fostering new research and development. In this paper we describe the LANCERS lab in all the following aspects: plan of development, organization, current activities, and future perspectives.     

Multiobjective Optimization of Uncertain Structures Through Fuzzy Set and Random Set Theory

An interactive procedure to solve multicriteria optimization problems is proposed and discussed. A fuzzy set is used to model the engineer's judgment on each objective function. The properties of the compromise solution obtained are investigated along with the links between the present method and those based on fuzzy logic. Uncertainty affecting the parameters is modeled by means of fuzzy relations or fuzzy numbers, whose probabilistic meaning is clarified by random set and possibility theory. Bounds to the probability that a solution satisfies a constraint can be calculated and procedures that consider the lower bound as a constraint or as an objective to be maximized are presented. Some theorems make the computational effort particularly limited in a vast class of practical problems. The relations with a recent formulation in the context of convex modeling are also stressed. Two examples show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer: Are We Ready for Prime Time?

The prognosis of invasive cervical cancer (CC) remains poor, with a treatment approach that has remained the same for several decades. Lately, a better understanding of the interactions between the disease and the host immune system has allowed researchers to focus on the employment of immune therapy in various clinical settings. The most advanced strategy is immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with numerous phase II and III trials recently concluded with very encouraging results, assessing single agent therapy, combinations with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Apart from ICIs, several other compounds have gained the spotlight. Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) due to their highly selective tumoricidal effect and manageable adverse effect profile have received the FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy designation in 2019. The antibody drug conjugate (ADC) Tisotumab-Vedotin has shown activity in metastatic CC relapsed after at least one line of chemotherapy, with a phase III trial currently actively enrolling patients. Moreover, the deeper understanding of the ever-changing immune landscape of CC carcinogenesis has resulted in the development of active therapeutic vaccines. This review highlights the different immunotherapeutic strategies being explored reflects on what role immunotherapy might have in therapeutic algorithms of CC and addresses the role of predictive biomarkers.     

Predialysis and Dialysis Therapies Differently Affect Nitric Oxide Synthetic Pathway in Red Blood Cells from Uremic Patients: Focus on Peritoneal Dialysis

Red blood cells (RBCs) have been found to synthesize and release both nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), contributing to systemic NO bioavailability. These RBC functions resulted impaired in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate whether predialysis (conservative therapy, CT) and dialysis (peritoneal dialysis, PD; hemodialysis, HD) therapies used during CKD progression may differently affect NO-synthetic pathway in RBCs. Our data demonstrated that compared to PD, although endothelial-NO-synthase activation was similarly increased, HD and CT were associated to cGMP RBCs accumulation, caused by reduced activity of cGMP membrane transporter (MRP4). In parallel, plasma cGMP levels were increased by both CT and HD and they significantly decreased after hemodialysis, suggesting that this might be caused by reduced cGMP renal clearance. As conceivable, compared to healthy subjects, plasma nitrite levels were significantly reduced by HD and CT but not in patients on PD. Additionally, the increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) values did not reach the significance exclusively in patients on PD. Therefore, our results show that PD might better preserve the synthetic NO-pathway in CKD-erythrocytes. Whether this translates into a reduced development of uremic vascular complications requires further investigation.