Teoremi di normalizzazione per l'omotopia regolare dei grafi

Given a metric compact spaceS and a finite graphG we show that:

Multivalency as a Chemical Organization and Action Principle

Multivalent interactions can be applied universally for a targeted strengthening of an interaction between different interfaces or molecules. The binding partners form cooperative, multiple receptor–ligand interactions that are based on individually weak, noncovalent bonds and are thus generally reversible. Hence, multi‐ and polyvalent interactions play a decisive role in biological systems for recognition, adhesion, and signal processes. The scientific and practical realization of this principle will be demonstrated by the development of simple artificial and theoretical models, from natural systems to functional, application‐oriented systems. In a systematic review of scaffold architectures, the underlying effects and control options will be demonstrated, and suggestions will be given for designing effective multivalent binding systems, as well as for polyvalent therapeutics.     

An algorithm producing hyperbolicity equations for a link complement in S 3

We describe a constructive and effective method for decomposing the complement of an alternating link in the three-sphere into tetrahedra with identifications and vertices removed. Consequently we obtain an algorithm for writing down the hyperbolicity equations associated to such decomposition.     

Search of theH particle in antiproton-nuclear interactions

The proposal of hunting theH-particle taking advantage of antiproton annihilation at rest on³He is discussed. The obtained K^* beam should allow one to obtain a flux ofΞ ^? with momentum low enough to optimize the fusion probability (ΞN) to give anH. The experimental apparatus to detectH-events as the only missing mass of the fully reconstructed reaction¯p ³He →KKπ ⁺ H is the OBELIX Spectrometer at LEAR. A detailed Monte Carlo simulation of the overall acceptance of OBELIX for the above reaction is performed. The obtained final rate shows the feasibility of the experiment also in a not dedicated detector like OBELIX.     

A Critical Look at Strings

Following the invitation of the editors of Foundations of Physics, I give here a personal assessment of string theory, from the point of view of an outsider, and I compare it with the theory, methods, and expectations of my own field.     

A longitudinal study of MR diffusion changes in normal appearing white matter of patients with early multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The stage at which normal appearing white matter (NAWM) abnormalities first appear in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not clear. The aim of our study was to monitor water diffusion changes over time in NAWM of patients with early MS.METHODS: Out of a consecutive series of patients enrolled in a MR study on clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), we selected 19 subjects who had completed a one year follow-up. The MR scans obtained at baseline and at 12 months were reviewed according to the new criteria on the diagnosis of MS. Lesion load on T2 and T1 weighted images and the trace of the apparent diffusion coefficient in NAWM were measured both at baseline and at 12 months in patients and in 12 healthy controls.RESULTS: In three patients the diagnosis of MS was done at baseline based on MR. Thirteen patients developed MS during the study and in three patients the diagnosis remained "possible MS." TADC in NAWM in patients was significantly higher than in controls at the 12 months' follow-up but not at baseline (controls mean tADC +/- sd = 0.745 +/- 0.02 mm(2)/sec x 10(-3); patients mean tADC(12) +/- sd = 0.767 +/- 0.02 mm(2)/sec x 10(-3); p < 0.02). TADC and T2 lesion load at 12 months were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Patients exhibiting tADC(12) above a confidence interval had a significantly greater EDSS score at the same time period (EDSS(12) +/- sd = 1.9 +/- 0.5 and = 1.1 +/- 0.4 respectively; p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that diffusion MR cannot detect alterations in NAWM of patients with a CIS suggestive of MS. After one year, when most patients develop MS, diffusion MR abnormalities in NAWM become apparent. These abnormalities are correlated with T2 lesion load and may contribute to neurological impairment.     

Peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst prevents apoptotic cell death in a human astrocytoma cell line incubated with supernatants of HIV-infected macrophages

Background  

Oxidative stress has shown to contribute in the mechanisms underlying apoptotic cell death occuring in AIDS-dementia complex. Here we investigated the role of peroxynitrite in apoptosis occurring in astroglial cells incubated with supernatants of HIV-infected human primary macrophages (M/M).     

Superstability estimates for anharmonic systems

We consider an anharmonic crystal described by variablesS _x ,x ^d ,S _x , with one-body interaction ¦S _x ¦ and nearest neighbor (n.n.) two body interaction ¦S _x –S _y ¦. We prove that, for ^d bounded, , where is the correlation function for the free boundary condition Gibbs state in ,>0 and are suitable constants independent of and . This generalizes previous results obtained in the case.Research partially supported by Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche.