Bouty (Italy)

Artificial intelligence algorithms can be exploited to enhance identification, localization, and grasping performance in robotics applications, employing low-cost vision systems (such as 2D cameras). The aim of this paper is, indeed, to optimize the camera pose to improve object detection tasks considering a mul- tiple objects scenario. Therefore, transfer learning capabilities are required to minimize the experimental effort in subsequent grasps. Bayesian optimization (BO) with transfer learning (TL) capabilities has been proposed to address the mentioned scenario. A grasping task of multiple parts has been considered, being executed by an ABB Yumi single-arm manipulator IRB 14050 with a 2D Cognex AE3 In-Sight camera mounted at its end- effector. The proposed BO+ TL methodology has been compared with BO (without TL). The achieved results show that BO+TL is more efficient than BO exploiting the already available data.

The affiliations listed for author Antonio Ceriello have been amended to a single affiliation note, …

A fast, specific, accurate, precise and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with diode-array detector (DAD) was developed and validated for the determination of ketoprofen (CAS 22071-15-4) in human plasma using flubiprofen (CAS 5104-49-4) as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an onyx monolithic C18 (100 x 4.6 mm) analytical column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) 0.01 M, (40:60, v/v) adjusted to pH 3.5. The flow was set at 5 ml x min(-1) and the wavelength at 254 nm. The total analysis time was less than 5 min. The ratio of peak area of analyte to internal standard was used for quantification. The limit of detection was defined as the ketoprofen concentration that produced a signal-to noise ratio greater than 3. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 10 ng x m(-1). At this level, the relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 13%. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 1-500 ng x ml(-1) with a minimum detectable limit of 10 ng x ml(-1). The coefficients of variation for the inter-day and intra-day assay were found to be less than 11%. The present method was successfully applied to the routine analysis of human plasma samples collected from healthy volunteers after dermal application of two topical formulations containing ketoprofen in order to assess the relative bioavailability and to demonstrate that the systemic bioavailability of ketoprofen administered topically is low enough to ensure a low incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events.

Ring Chromosome 14 Mosaicism: An Unusual Case Associated With Developmental Delay and Epilepsy, Characterized by Genome Array-CGH Anna Lisa Nucaro,* Melania Falchi, Tiziana Pisano, Rossano Rossino, Francesca Boscarelli, Giusi Stoico, Angela Milia, Caterina Montaldo, Carlo Cianchetti, and Dario Pruna INN-CNR, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy Clinica di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche e Medicina Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Odontostomatologiche, Universit a di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy Technogenetics Bouty, Company, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Universit a di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

High avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies are more specific for SLE diagnosis, and more closely associated with renal involvement than intermediate or low-affinity anti-dsDNA antibodies. ELISA methods are largely used to detect anti-dsDNA, but their high sensitivity is inversely related to specificity because they also detect low avidity antibodies. We developed an ELISA assay based on the law of mass action and the competitive binding of dsDNA in solution and coated to microwells with anti-dsDNA antibodies. A simplified Scatchard plot analysis system was used to measure anti-dsDNA antibody avidity which was expressed as apparent affinity constant (Kaa), and quantified in liters per unit (I/U). We prospectively studied 101 consecutive SLE patients, who were followed for 3 years; three serum samples were sequentially collected from each patient during follow-up for determination of IgG anti-dsDNA antibody concentration, and anti-dsDNA avidity. SLE disease activity was estimated using the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measure (ECLAM) index. Sera from 100 healthy subjects and 133 patients with other connective tissue diseases or infectious diseases were also assayed as controls. The mean Kaa in SLE patients was 65.2 +/- 47.3 l/U, with no variations over time. Anti-dsDNA-positive SLE patients had higher Kaa values (79.1 +/- 46.8) than anti-dsDNA negative patients (27.2 +/- 20.1; P < 0.001). No correlation emerged between anti-dsDNA avidity and the ECLAM activity index score. Avidity was significantly higher in patients with renal involvement vs patients without this complication (78.2 +/- 50 vs 59.9 +/- 45.6 l/U; P = 0.0013). This simple ELISA method could be very useful in the diagnostic phase to differentiate high avidity anti-dsDNA autoantibodies that are characteristically found in SLE patients from low avidity antibodies that can also be found in other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, our data confirm the predictive value of high avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies for the development of lupus nephritis.

The electricity distribution scenario around the world is undergoing fast changes; the main drivers being a new, high level of competition in the energy supply business and a higher consciousness of both industrial and commercial end users to power quality issues. The privatization of utilities and deregulation of the electrical energy market is boosting the interest for the energy supply PQ, focusing on its economic value. A better understanding of PQ problems and their mutual impact on the power system and on the end-users facilities can lead to building and operating a safer, more reliable and, at the end, more profitable energy supply system.

A standardized exchange of ECG data by using current information technology was made possible thanks to the European projects OEDIPE (Open European Data Interchange and Processing for Electrocardiography) and SCP-ECG (Standard Communications Protocol for Computerized Electrocardiography). With SCP implemented in electrocardiographs and in software products, open networks can be built up through normal telephone lines, cellular telephones (GSM), or even satellite telephones. Various systems based upon the SCP technology have already been installed in different areas of health care.

Abstract A column fractionation technique for poly(oxymethylene diacetate) is described. Fractionation is achieved by using a single solvent, N,N‐dimethylformamide, at a gradually increasing temperature.The mode of introduction of the crystallizable polymer into the column is a decisive factor for the reproducibility and efficiency of fractionation. Best results are obtained by introducing the polymer as a gel phase.