Refined Gelfand models for some finite complex reflection groups

In 'Involutory reflection groups and their models' (F. Caselli, 2010), a uniform Gelfand model is constructed for all complex reflection groups G(r,p,n) satisfying GCD(p,n)=1,2 and for all their quotients modulo a scalar subgroup. The present work provides a refinement for this model. The final decomposition obtained is compatible with the Robinson-Schensted generalized correspondence.

Refined Estimation of Earthquake Source Parameters: Methods, Applications and Scaling Relationships

The objective of this work of thesis is the refined estimations of source parameters. To such a purpose we used two different approaches, one in the frequency domain and the other in the time domain. In frequency domain, we analyzed the P- and S-wave displacement spectra to estimate spectral parameters, that is corner frequencies and low frequency spectral amplitudes. We used a parametric modeling approach which is combined with a multi-step, non-linear inversion strategy and includes the correction for attenuation and site effects. The iterative multi-step procedure was applied to about 700 microearthquakes in the moment range 1011-1014 N•m and recorded at the dense, wide-dynamic range, seismic networks operating in Southern Apennines (Italy). The analysis of the source parameters is often complicated when we are not able to model the propagation accurately. In this case the empirical Green function approach is a very useful tool to study the seismic source properties. In fact the Empirical Green Functions (EGFs) consent to represent the contribution of propagation and site effects to signal without using approximate velocity models. An EGF is a recorded three-component set of time-histories of a small earthquake whose source mechanism and propagation path are similar to those of the master event. Thus, in time domain, the deconvolution method of Vallée (2004) was applied to calculate the source time functions (RSTFs) and to accurately estimate source size and rupture velocity. This technique was applied to 1) large event, that is Mw=6.3 2009 L’Aquila mainshock (Central Italy), 2) moderate events, that is cluster of earthquakes of 2009 L’Aquila sequence with moment magnitude ranging between 3 and 5.6, 3) small event, i.e. Mw=2.9 Laviano mainshock (Southern Italy).

Longitudinal Micro CT-driven biomarkers as a tool to evaluate lung fibrosis progression and antifibrotic efficacy in a refined Bleomycin mouse model

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease with no curative pharmacological treatment. Animal models play an essential role in revealing molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis is the most widely used and characterized model for anti-fibrotic drugs screening. However, several issues have been reported, such as the identification of an optimal BLM dose and administration scheme as well as gender-specificity. Moreover, the balance between disease resolution, an appropriate time window for therapeutic intervention and animal welfare remains critical aspects yet to be fully elucidated. In this thesis, Micro CT imaging has been used as a tool to identify the ideal BLM dose regimen to induce sustained lung fibrosis in mice as well as to assess the anti-fibrotic effect of Nintedanib (NINT) treatment upon this BLM administration regimen. In order to select the optimal BLM dose scheme, C57bl/6 male mice were treated with BLM via oropharyngeal aspiration (OA), following either double or triple BLM administration. The triple BLM administration resulted in the most promising scheme, able to balance disease resolution, appropriate time-window for therapeutic intervention and animal welfare. The fibrosis progression was longitudinally assessed by micro-CT every 7 days for 5 weeks after BLM administration and 5 animals were sacrificed at each timepoint for the BALF and histological evaluation. The antifibrotic effect of NINT was assessed following different treatment regimens in this model. Herein, we have developed an optimized mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, enabling three weeks of the therapeutic window to screen putative anti-fibrotic drugs. micro-CT scanning, allowed us to monitor the progression of lung fibrosis and the therapeutical response longitudinally in the same subject, drastically reducing the number of animals involved in the experiment.