On the Catalytic Activity of Cobalt Oxide for the Steam Reforming of Ethanol

The paper presents an investigation on the catalytic activity for the ethanol steam reforming of Co₃O₄ oxidized, reduced and supported on MgO, and of CoO in MgO solid solution. Only samples containing metallic cobalt are found to be active for reforming reaction. H₂-TPR characterization of aged samples shows that reaction mixture oxidizes a small fraction of metallic cobalt to Co⁺². A distinct role of Co⁺² and Co⁰ in the reaction is enlightened.     

Use of Piezocone to Predict Maximum Stiffness of Venetian Soils

A comprehensive geotechnical in situ and laboratory investigation into the soils forming the Upper Quaternary basin of the Venetian Lagoon has been carried out. In addition to standard tests, measurements of shear wave velocity were performed using crosshole, seismic piezocone, bender element system, and resonant column tests. Despite the incompatible strain levels of the seismic and piezocone tests, it is shown that piezocone tip resistance and excess pore pressure can be used for a preliminary estimate of the small-strain shear modulus Gmax for the Venetian soils.     

Separation and analysis of phospholipids in different foods with a light-scattering detector

A method for the separation of phospholipids (PL) from total lipids by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with reversephase C₈ cartridges is described. The method was validated with a standard mixture of PL and applied to natural food matrixes, such as egg, chicken meat, salami, and ripened cheese. The recovery of PL ranged between 93 and 99.7% and was evaluated by an organic phosphorus spectrophotometric determination. The egg powder PL fraction obtained by SPE contained about 20% (w/w) nonpolar PL material when 100–150 mg of lipids were loaded onto the cartridge. Higher percentages of nonphospholipid components (30–43%) were obtained when the amount of lipids loaded was below or above the 100–150 mg range. The purified PL fractions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an evaporative light-scattering detector. Good HPLC performance was observed even with low-purity SPE fractions (43% nonphospholipid material).     

Perceptions of nonclinical psychologists toward clinical psychology and clinical psychologists.

Surveyed psychologists outside the clinical realm to ascertain their views on the efficacy of psychotherapy, as well as their views on clinical psychologists. Surveys were mailed to 300 nonclinical psychologists randomly chosen from the American Psychological Association Directory. Results of 109 usable surveys suggest that although the majority had a positive view of clinical psychology, a substantial minority either were uncertain or disagreed that therapy was effective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of the operating conditions on the electrochemical disinfection process of natural waters at BDD electrodes

Results are reported of an investigation of the oxidation products formed during electrolyses of aqueous solutions of NaCl, in which the initial concentration of chloride ions was maintained at levels normally present in natural waters. The Design of Experiments (DOE) technique has been used effectively to plan a framework of experiments, in which the main operative parameters: current density, electrolyte stirring rate, and cell geometry, were varied at two levels. Their effects, as well as their possible interactions have been evaluated on the yield of chloride oxidation and on the selectivity of the reaction towards the formation of hypochlorite.     

Lung Microbiome in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Other Interstitial Lung Diseases

Interstitial lung diseases represent a heterogeneous and wide group of diseases in which factors leading to disease initiation and progression are not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests that the lung microbiome might influence the pathogenesis and progression of interstitial lung diseases. In recent years, the utilization of culture-independent methodologies has allowed the identification of complex and dynamic communities of microbes, in patients with interstitial lung diseases. However, the potential mechanisms by which these changes may drive disease pathogenesis and progression are largely unknown. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of the altered lung microbiome in several interstitial lung diseases. Untangling the host–microbiome interaction in the lung and airway of interstitial lung disease patients is a research priority. Thus, lung dysbiosis is a potentially treatable trait across several interstitial lung diseases, and its proper characterization and treatment might be crucial to change the natural history of these diseases and improve outcomes.     

Antimicrobial Combined Action of Graphene Oxide and Light Emitting Diodes for Chronic Wound Management

Innovative non-antibiotic compounds such as graphene oxide (GO) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may represent a valid strategy for managing chronic wound infections related to resistant pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate 630 nm LED and 880 nm LED ability to enhance the GO antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus- and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-resistant strains in a dual-species biofilm in the Lubbock chronic wound biofilm (LCWB) model. The effect of a 630 nm LED, alone or plus 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALAD)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) (ALAD-PDT), or an 880 nm LED on the GO (50 mg/l) action was evaluated by determining the CFU/mg reductions, live/dead analysis, scanning electron microscope observation, and reactive oxygen species assay. Among the LCWBs, the best effect was obtained with GO irradiated with ALAD-PDT, with percentages of CFU/mg reduction up to 78.96% ± 0.21 and 95.17% ± 2.56 for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The microscope images showed a reduction in the cell number and viability when treated with GO + ALAD-PDT. In addition, increased ROS production was detected. No differences were recorded when GO was irradiated with an 880 nm LED versus GO alone. The obtained results suggest that treatment with GO irradiated with ALAD-PDT represents a valid, sustainable strategy to counteract the polymicrobial colonization of chronic wounds.