On Some Schützenberger Conjectures

In this paper we consider factorizing codes C over A, i.e., codes verifying the factorization conjecture by Schützenberger. Let n be the positive integer such that aⁿC, we show how we can construct C starting with factorizing codes C′ with a^n′C′ and n′ < n, under the hypothesis that all words aⁱza^j in C, with z(A\a)A*(A\a) (A\a), satisfy i, j, > n. The operation involved, already introduced by Anselmo, is also used to show that all maximal codes C=P(A−1)S+1 with P, SZA and P or S in Za can be constructed by means of this operation starting with prefix and suffix codes. Old conjectures by Schützenberger have been revised.     

Ions and water transmembrane transport in nervous and testicular cultured cells in low gravity conditions

Aim of the present study was to investigate on the possible alterations induced by on ground modeled microgravity on ion-water transport proteins at cellular level. For the purpose we used astrocytes, C₆ line, neurons (NT₂ line from human teratocarcinoma) and testicular cells (germ cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells; primary cultures from trypsinised prepuberal pig testes). Modeled microgravity was achieved by a desktop 3D Random Positioning Machine, cultures were kept rotating for 30′, 1h and 24h. After 30′, immunopositivity for the antibodies to Na⁺/K⁺ATPase and Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^? co-transporters was greatly diminished, the plasma membrane appeared to be altered, and the mitochondria inner cristae were disrupted. Immunostaining to the antibody to the water channel aquaporin 4 was very bright. After 1h at random rotation immunostaining for the heat shock protein Hsp27 was visible, After 24h, immunostaining for the ion transport proteins was again like that of the controls, plasma membrane and the mitochondria were again normal. Immunostaining for aquaporin 4 become again similar to that of the controls. We conclude that low gravity induces only transient alterations in the cell’s transmembrane ion-water transport: the cells are able to adapt to the gravity vector changes in few hours.     

Verification Approach of Metropolis Design Framework for Embedded Systems

In this paper, we focus on the verification approach of Metropolis, an integrated design framework for heterogeneous embedded systems. The verification approach is based on the formal properties specified in Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) or Logic of Constraints (LOC). Designs may be refined due to synthesis or be abstracted for verification. An automatic abstraction propagation algorithm is used to simplify the design for specific properties. A user-defined starting point may also be used with automatic propagation. Two main verification techniques are implemented in Metropolis the formal verification utilizing the model checker Spin and the simulation trace checking with automatic generated checkers. Translation algorithms from specification models to verification models, as well as algorithms of generated checkers are discussed. We use several case studies to demonstrate our approach for verification of system level designs at multiple levels of abstraction.     

Human Aquaporin-4 and Molecular Modeling: Historical Perspective and View to the Future

Among the different aquaporins (AQPs), human aquaporin-4 (hAQP4) has attracted the greatest interest in recent years as a new promising therapeutic target. Such a membrane protein is, in fact, involved in a multiple sclerosis-like immunopathology called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and in several disorders resulting from imbalanced water homeostasis such as deafness and cerebral edema. The gap of knowledge in its functioning and dynamics at the atomistic level of detail has hindered the development of rational strategies for designing hAQP4 modulators. The application, lately, of molecular modeling has proved able to fill this gap providing a breeding ground to rationally address compounds targeting hAQP4. In this review, we give an overview of the important advances obtained in this field through the application of Molecular Dynamics (MD) and other complementary modeling techniques. The case studies presented herein are discussed with the aim of providing important clues for computational chemists and biophysicists interested in this field and looking for new challenges.     

Effects of carbonaceous nanoparticles from low-emission and older diesel engines on human skin cells

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are major constituents of ambient air pollution and are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well skin cell alterations in vitro. The epidermal cells are among the first cell populations exposed to chemical pollutants, including DEP, and are an important source of pro-inflammatory mediators. We evaluated the effects of carbonaceous soot particles from current low-emission (Euro IV) diesel engines on the oxidative and inflammatory response of normal human skin cells and compared the results with those induced by carbonaceous soot particles from an older diesel engine (BS) operating under black smoke conditions. We observed that both soot nanoparticles were spontaneously internalised by keratinocytes and distributed mostly around the cell nucleus. Moreover, at the same mass concentration, Euro IV soot particles exhibited a much higher oxidative, pro-fibrotic and toxic potential on these cell types than soot particles from the older diesel engine. These results are in agreement with and confirm our previous findings on human macrophage cells and strengthen the assumption that, at the same mass concentration, soot particles produced under low emission conditions are more cytotoxic than particles from the older diesel engine. This effect could be assigned to the defective surface structure of Euro IV diesel soot, rendering it highly active. Our findings highlight that the reduction of soot emission in terms of mass does not automatically lead to a reduction of the dangerous effects and show that soot particles from different diesel engines possess different biological behaviour towards human cells.     

Selective Laser Treatment on Cold-Sprayed Titanium Coatings: Numerical Modeling and Experimental Analysis

In this paper, a selective laser post-deposition on pure grade II titanium coatings, cold-sprayed on AA2024-T3 sheets, was experimentally and numerically investigated. Morphological features, microstructure, and chemical composition of the treated zone were assessed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Microhardness measurements were also carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of the coating. A numerical model of the laser treatment was implemented and solved to simulate the process and discuss the experimental outcomes. Obtained results highlighted the key role played by heat input and dimensional features on the effectiveness of the treatment.     

Selective Laser Post-Treatment on Titanium Cold Spray Coatings

The aim of the present work is to investigate the feasibility and effects of a selective postdeposition laser treatment on titanium coatings. Commercially pure titanium grade 2 powders were deposited by means of a cold spray process on aluminum alloy AA2024-T3 sheets. The surface treatment of the coating was realized using a 220 W diode laser. The influence of heat input and dimensional features of coating layer and substrate was assessed by an experimental campaign conducted following a design of experiments approach. Optical and scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure of the deposited and treated material as well as microhardness measurements showed the formation of a compact layer of titanium oxide on the coating surface and the preservation of the temper state of the aluminum substrate.     

Rheological characterization of wax-modified asphalt binders at high service temperatures

The research reported herein focuses on the rheological characterization of wax-modified asphalt binders used in warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology. Wax-modified asphalt binders were produced by adding controlled quantities of different types of wax to a 50/70 unmodified bitumen. Five different kinds of wax were used, including synthetic hydrocarbons Fischer–Tropsch wax, Montan waxes and amidic-modified waxes. All the blends were subjected to different rheometric tests to assess their mechanical response at high service temperatures. The viscous deformation mechanism was analyzed with reference to static and repetitive creep loading; it was found that the viscous deformation is strongly affected by the presence of both hydrocarbons and amidic-modified waxes. Wax-modified binders exhibited an effective improvement in intrinsic resistance to non-reversible deformation, even in high applied stress and cyclic loading conditions. It was observed that the chemical composition and the consequent physical characteristics of the wax are the most important factors regulating the final behavior of wax-modified asphalt binders at high service temperatures. The final contribution of the experience performed is related to the technical evaluation of wax-modified asphalt binders and to the general development of WMA technologies for pavement applications.     

Current practice and open issues in strengthening historical buildings with composites

Modern techniques and innovative materials are often quite rapidly proposed and allowed in current practice, even for restoration of historical constructions, in which essential preservation criteria must be taken into account. The considerable variability and complexity of masonry structures and types means that choosing the most appropriate structural models and interventions is particularly difficult, since they must be based on suitable knowledge of both existing and new materials, and on their interactions in environmental and loading conditions. This paper discusses the potentials and limitations of externally bonded composite materials in masonry structures and components, in the light of knowledge acquired from research in the field, together with the requirements and recommendations of codes and restoration documents. The analysis of some case studies is presented, to highlight the advantages and constraints in the use of composites for strengthening historical buildings.     

A model for representing topological relationships between complex geometric features in spatial databases

Various models for the representation of topological relationships have been developed. The aim of this paper is to show that the set of relationships proposed in [7] (the CBM), for describing topological relationships among two-dimensional simple features, is applicable with few modifications to the case of complex features (that is, areas made up of several components possibly containing holes, lines with self-intersections, and/or more than two endpoints, and so on). The CBM offers a small set of topological relationships with high expressiveness which is proven to be mutually exclusive and complete, and therefore suitable to be embedded in a spatial query language.