Abstract: A method is for the synthesis of an array of metal nanowires (w) capable of supporting localized plasmon resonances. A metal film (M) deposited on a planar substrate (D) is irradiated with a defocused beam of noble gas ions (IB) under high vacuum, so that, with increasing ion doses a corrugation is produced on the metal film surface, formed by a mutually parallel nanoscale self-organized corrugations (r). Subsequently, the height of the self-organized corrugations peaks is increased relative to the valleys (t) interposed therebetween. Then the whole the metal film is eroded so as to expose the substrate at the valleys, and to mutually disconnect the self-organized corrugations, thereby generating the array of metal nanowires. Finally, the transversal cross-section of the nanowires is reduced in a controlled manner so as to adjust the localized plasmon resonances wavelength which can be associated thereto. The nanowires array constitutes an electrode of an improved photonic device.

Abstract: A method for destroying asbestos in mainly organic matrix asbestos-containing waste (ACW), which includes the steps of: preparing the asbestos-containing waste; preparing a supercritical aqueous phase; allowing asbestos and the primarily organic matrix of the asbestos-containing waste to react with the aqueous phase for a time t in an appropriate reactor at predetermined pressure P and temperature T to maintain the aqueous phase in supercritical conditions; cooling and condensing the aqueous phase flowing out of the reactor; and separating said aqueous phase from any entrained solid product therein. The step in which the supercritical aqueous phase is prepared includes an additional step, in which at least one oxidizing compound is added in a predetermined concentration C1, the pressure P is in a range from 25 to 27 MPa, and the temperature T is in a range from 600° C. to 650° C., causing the asbestos and the organic binder to be simultaneously destroyed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel use of fluridone—compound known per se and used as an aquatic erbicide—in the medical field, in particular as an active compound for preparing a medicament having anti-inflammatory activity. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising fluridone as an active compound and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents are also disclosed. Finally, there is disclosed the pro-inflammatory activity of abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone which is also found in mammal serum and against which fluridone acts an inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel adenyl dinucleotides which are isomers of the dinucleotide Ap2A, having formulae (I) and (II). The dinucleotides of the invention have antitumour activity, particularly against tumours of haematological origin, such as for example leukaemias and lymphomas. The invention further relates to the use of such dinucleotides as antitumour medicaments. Finally, the invention relates to an enzymatic method for preparing the dinucleotides of formulae (I) and (II) and to an enzymatic assay method for the dinucleotide of formula (I) which is based on its complete conversion to NAD+.

Abstract: p75/AIRM1 is expressed on myeloid cells at stages of differentiation and determination of its presence is useful in monitoring cellular proliferation and determining proliferative states of cells, especially myeloid cells in diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia. Ligands such as antibody molecules, for instance the QA79 monoclonal antibody deposited under accession number ICLC No. PD99003, are useful for methods of diagnosis and treatment, e.g. by way of inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis in cells.