Comparative assessment of seismic rehabilitation techniques on a full scale 3-story RC moment frame structure

Di Ludovico, M.,Balsamo, A.,Prota, A.,Manfredi, G. Techno-Press 2008 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.28 No.6

In the framework of the SPEAR (Seismic PErformance Assessment and Rehabilitation) research Project, an under-designed three storey RC frame structure, designed to sustain only gravity loads, was subjected, in three different configurations 'as-built', Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) retrofitted and rehabilitated by reinforced concrete (RC) jacketing, to a series of bi-directional pseudodynamic (PsD) tests under different values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) (from a minimum of 0.20g to a maximum of 0.30g). The seismic deficiencies exhibited by the 'as-built' structure after the test at PGA level of 0.20g were confirmed by a post - test assessment of the structural seismic capacity performed by a nonlinear static pushover analysis implemented on the structure lumped plasticity model. To improve the seismic performance of the 'as-built' structure', two rehabilitation interventions by using either FRP laminates or RC jacketing were designed. Assumptions for the analytical modeling, design criteria and calculation procedures along with local and global intervention measures and their installation details are herein presented and discussed. Nonlinear static pushover analyses for the assessment of the theoretical seismic capacity of the structure in each retrofitted configuration were performed and compared with the experimental outcomes.

The D-lineage MADS-box gene <i>OsMADS13</i> controls ovule identity in rice

Dreni, Ludovico,Jacchia, Sara,Fornara, Fabio,Fornari, Monica,Ouwerkerk, Pieter B. F.,An, Gynheung,Colombo, Lucia,Kater, Martin M. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2007 The Plant journal Vol.52 No.4

<P>Summary</P><P>Genes that control ovule identity were first identified in <I>Petunia</I>. Co-suppression of both <I>FLORAL BINDING PROTEIN 7</I> (<I>FBP7</I>) and <I>FBP11</I>, two D-lineage genes, resulted in the homeotic transformation of ovules into carpelloid structures. Later in Arabidopsis it was shown that three genes, <I>SHATTERPROOF1</I> (<I>SHP1</I>), <I>SHP2,</I> and <I>SEEDSTICK</I> (<I>STK</I>), redundantly control ovule identity, because in the <I>stk shp1 shp2</I> triple mutant ovules lose identity and are transformed into carpel and leaf-like structures. Of these three Arabidopsis genes <I>STK</I> is the only D-lineage gene, and its expression, like <I>FBP7</I> and <I>FBP11</I>, is restricted to ovules. <I>OsMADS13</I> is the rice ortholog of <I>STK</I>, <I>FBP7,</I> and <I>FBP11</I>. Its amino acid sequence is similar to the Arabidopsis and <I>Petunia</I> proteins, and its expression is also restricted to ovules. We show that the <I>osmads13</I> mutant is female sterile and that ovules are converted into carpelloid structures. Furthermore, making carpels inside carpels, the <I>osmads13</I> flower is indeterminate, showing that <I>OsMADS13</I> also has a function in floral meristem determinacy. <I>OsMADS21</I> is most likely to be a paralog of <I>OsMADS13</I>, although its expression is not restricted to ovules. Interestingly, the <I>osmads21</I> mutant did not show any obvious phenotype. Furthermore, combining the <I>osmads13</I> and the <I>osmads21</I> mutants did not result in any additive ovule defect, indicating that <I>osmads21</I> does not control ovule identity. These results suggest that during evolution the D-lineage gene <I>OsMADS21</I> has lost its ability to determine ovule identity.</P>

On the Production of Axial Prepositions: Linking Figure and Ground in Broca`s Aphasia: A Case Study

( Elisa Zampieri ),( Ludovico Franco ),( Giulia Bencini ),( Francesca Meneghello ) 서강대학교 언어정보연구소 2013 언어와 정보 사회 Vol.19 No.-

Zampieri, Elisa; Franco, Ludovico; Bencini, Giulia, and Meneghello, Francesca(2013), “On the Production of Axial Prepositions: Linking Figure and Ground in Broca`s Aphasia: A Case Study”, Language & Information Society 19. We report the case of a classic agrammatic speaker of Italian in repeating locative Figure/Ground relations via complex prepositions consisting of a locative axial preposition and a simple preposition in light of recent theoretical accounts of prepositions and the existing literature on prepositions in aphasia. The repetition data showed greater rates of omission for simple than axial prepositions, and a trade-off between the inclusion of the Figure and the Axial preposition. Grounds tended to be preserved. These results are unexpected on accounts that simple prepositions are more functional in nature than axial prepositions and argue for an analysis in which axial prepositions can take on a functional grammatical role. To account for the repetition data we propose that the agrammatic processor is unable to fill and retain functional Axial Parts. Hence, it links Figure and Ground through a reduced configuration, mediated by the simple preposition operating as a relational item and not a functional category. The clinical data presented here add to the empirical data set against which to test the validity of finergrained distinctions among prepositions and compare different theoretical views of the status of prepositions.

Comparative assessment of seismic rehabilitation techniques on a full scale 3-story RC moment frame structure

M. Di Ludovico,A. Balsamo,A. Prota,G. Manfredi 국제구조공학회 2008 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.28 No.6

In the framework of the SPEAR (Seismic PErformance Assessment and Rehabilitation) research Project, an under-designed three storey RC frame structure, designed to sustain only gravity loads, was subjected, in three different configurations ‘as-built’, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) retrofitted and rehabilitated by reinforced concrete (RC) jacketing, to a series of bi-directional pseudodynamic (PsD) tests under different values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) (from a minimum of 0.20g to a maximum of 0.30g). The seismic deficiencies exhibited by the ‘as-built’ structure after the test at PGA level of 0.20g were confirmed by a post – test assessment of the structural seismic capacity performed by a nonlinear static pushover analysis implemented on the structure lumped plasticity model. To improve the seismic performance of the ‘as-built’ structure’, two rehabilitation interventions by using either FRP laminates or RC jacketing were designed. Assumptions for the analytical modeling, design criteria and calculation procedures along with local and global intervention measures and their installation details are herein presented and discussed. Nonlinear static pushover analyses for the assessment of the theoretical seismic capacity of the structure in each retrofitted configuration were performed and compared with the experimental outcomes.

Histopathological and microbiological findings in buffalo chronic mastitis: evidence of tertiary lymphoid structures

Brunella Restucci,Ludovico Dipineto,Manuela Martano,Anna Balestrieri,Davide Ciccarelli,Tamara Pasqualina Russo,Lorena Varriale,Paola Maiolino 대한수의학회 2019 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.20 No.3

Buffalo mastitis is an important economic problem in southern Italy, causing qualitative/ quantitative alterations in milk and resulting in economic losses due to the sub-clinical course and chronic evolution. We investigated 50 udders of slaughtered buffaloes and subjected them to effectual microbiological screening to evaluate macro and microscopic mammary gland changes, immune-characterize the cell infiltrates, and compare the degree of tissue inflammation with somatic cell counts. Numerous Gram-positive and Gram- negative bacteria were isolated from all samples, majority of which were environmental mastitis pathogens. Histological features referable to chronic mastitis were observed in 92% udders. Lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages were found to evolve into aggregates in 48% udders, which often organized to form tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). A predominance of interstitial CD8+ over CD4+ lymphocytes and, in TLSs, scattered CD8+lymphocytes in the mantle cells and CD79+ lymphocytes in germinal centers, were evidenced. Environmental pathogens are known to persist and cause chronic inflammatory changes in buffaloes, where CD8+ lymphocytes play an important role by controlling the local immune response. Moreover, the TLSs evidenced here for the first time in buffalo mastitis, could play a role in maintaining immune responses against persistent antigens, thereby contributing in determining the chronic course of mastitis.

Observation of implied motion in a work of art modulates cortical connectivity and plasticity

Carmen Concerto,Carmenrita Infortuna,Ludovico Mineo,Manuel Pereira,David Freedberg,Eileen Chusid,Eugenio Aguglia,Fortunato Battaglia 한국운동재활학회 2016 JER Vol.12 No.5

Case Report : Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Elicited "Jackhammer Esophagus": A New Complication Due to Vagal Nerve Stimulation?

( Salvatore Tolone ),( Edoardo Savarino ),( Ludovico Docimo ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2015 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.21 No.4

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a potentially curative method for treatment of highly symptomatic and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this technique can provoke esophageal and nerve lesion, due to thermal injury. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of a newly described motor disorder, the Jackhammer esophagus (JE) after RFCA, independently of GERD. We report a case of JE diagnosed by high-resolution manometry (HRM), in whom esophageal symptoms developed 2 weeks after RFCA, in absence of objective evidence of GERD. A 65-year-old male with highly symptomatic, drug-refractory paroxysmal AF was candidate to complete electrical pulmonary vein isolation with RFCA. Prior the procedure, the patient underwent HRM and impedance-pH to rule out GERD or hiatal hernia presence. All HRM parameters, according to Chicago classification, were within normal limits. No significant gastroesophageal reflux was documented at impedance pH monitoring. Patient underwent RFCA with electrical disconnection of pulmonary vein. After two weeks, patient started to complain of dysphagia for solids, with acute chest-pain. The patient repeated HRM and impedance-pH monitoring 8 weeks after RFCA. HRM showed in all liquid swallows the typical spastic hypercontractile contractions consistent with the diagnosis of JE, whereas impedance-pH monitoring resulted again negative for GERD. Esophageal dysmotility can represent a possible complication of RFCA for AF, probably due to a vagal nerve injury, and dysphagia appearance after this procedure must be timely investigated by HRM. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015;21:612-615)

Granulin Is a Soluble Cofactor for Toll-like Receptor 9 Signaling

Park, Boyoun,Buti, Ludovico,Lee, Sungwook,Matsuwaki, Takashi,Spooner, Eric,Brinkmann, Melanie ,M.,Nishihara, Masugi,Ploegh, Hidde ,L. Elsevier 2011 Immunity Vol.34 No.4

<P><B>Summary</B></P><P>Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling plays a critical role in innate and adaptive immune responses and must be tightly controlled. TLR4 uses LPS binding protein, MD-2, and CD14 as accessories to respond to LPS. We therefore investigated the presence of an analagous soluble cofactor that might assist in the recruitment of CpG oligonucleotides (CpG-ODNs) to TLR9. We report the identification of granulin as an essential secreted cofactor that potentiates TLR9-driven responses to CpG-ODNs. Granulin, an unusual cysteine-rich protein, bound to CpG-ODNs and interacted with TLR9. Macrophages from granulin-deficient mice showed not only impaired delivery of CpG-ODNs to endolysosomal compartments, but also decreased interaction of TLR9 with CpG-ODNs. As a consequence, granulin-deficient macrophages showed reduced responses to stimulation with CpG-ODNs, a trait corrected by provision of exogenous granulin. Thus, we propose that granulin contributes to innate immunity as a critical soluble cofactor for TLR9 signaling.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P><P>► Granulin binds TLR9 and CpG oligonucleotides ► Granulin is sufficient for intracellular localization of CpG-ODNs ► Granulin is a critical cofactor in enabling TLR9 signal transduction</P>

Multimodal sequential treatment for occluded TIPS: Case report and review of literature

Nicoletta De Matthaeis,Carmine Di Stasi,Fabrizio Pizzolante,Riccardo Manfredi,Gian Ludovico Rapaccini,Luca Miele 대한간학회 2020 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.26 No.2

Survival Nomograms after Curative Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Surgery for Stage IB2-IIIB Cervical Cancer

Claudia Marchetti,Francesca De Felice,Anna Di Pinto,Alessia Romito,Angela Musella,Innocenza Palaia,Marco Monti,Vincenzo Tombolini,Ludovico Muzii,PierLuigi Benedetti Panici 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop nomograms for predicting the probability of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in locally advanced cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery. Materials and Methods Nomograms to predict the 5-year OS rates and the 2-year PFS rates were constructed. Calibration plots were constructed, and concordance indices were calculated. Evaluated variables were body mass index, age, tumor size, tumor histology, grading, lymphovascular space invasion, positive parametria, and positive lymph nodes. Results In total 245 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery were included for the construction of the nomogram. The 5-year OS and PFS were 72.6% and 66%, respectively. Tumor size, grading, and parametria status affected the rate of OS, whereas tumor size and positive parametria were the main independent PFS prognostic factors. Conclusion We constructed a nomogram based on clinicopathological features in order to predict 2-year PFS and 5-year OS in locally advanced cervical cancer primarily treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery. This tool might be particularly helpful for assisting in the follow-up of cervical cancer patients who have not undergone concurrent chemoradiotherapy.