The combination of gamma -ray spectroscopy and charged-particle spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the study of nuclear reactions with beams of nuclei far from stability. This paper presents a new ...silicon detector array, SHARC, the Silicon Highly-segmented Array for Reactions and Coulex. The array is used at the radioactive-ion-beam facility at TRIUMF (Canada), in conjunction with the TIGRESS gamma -ray spectrometer, and is built from custom Si-strip detectors utilising a fully digital readout. SHARC has more than 50% efficiency, approximately 1000-strip segmentation, angular resolutions of Delta theta approximately 1.3 deg and Delta phi approximately 3:5 deg, 25-30 keV energy resolution, and thresholds of 200 keV for up to 25 MeV particles. SHARC is now complete, and the experimental program in nuclear astrophysics and nuclear structure has commenced.
While the origin and composition of dark matter and dark energy remains unknown, it is possible that they might represent two manifestations of a single entity, as occurring in unified dark sector ...models. On the other hand, advances in our understanding of the dark sector of the Universe might arise from Cosmic Dawn, the epoch when the first stars formed. In particular, the first detection of the global 21-cm absorption signal at Cosmic Dawn from the EDGES experiment opens up a new arena wherein to test models of dark matter and dark energy. Here, we consider generalized and modified Chaplygin gas models as candidate unified dark sector models. We first constrain these models against Cosmic Microwave Background data from the Planck satellite, before exploring how the inclusion of the global 21-cm signal measured by EDGES can improve limits on the model parameters, finding that the uncertainties on the parameters of the Chaplygin gas models can be reduced by a factor between 1.5 and 10. We also find that within the generalized Chaplygin gas model, the tension between the CMB and local determinations of the Hubble constant H0 is reduced from ≈4σ to ≈1.3σ. In conclusion, we find that the global 21-cm signal at Cosmic Dawn can provide an extraordinary window onto the physics of unified dark sectors.
Among 26 isolates of Phytophthora capsici from pepper and zucchini plants collected mainly in Piedmont (Northern Italy), 19 belonged to A1, 3 to A2 mating type and 4 were omothallic. All the isolates ...grew between 10 and 38 deg C, showing significant differences in mycelial growth and optimal growth temperature in the range of 25-32 deg C. 65.4% of the isolates were sensitive to metalaxyl and the others moderately sensitive; nevertheless, 50% of them had MIC values = 500 microng ml*-1). All the isolates were highly sensitive to dimetomorph, showing mean EC sub (50), EC sub (90) and MIC values of 0.48, 0.90 and 1.02 microng ml*-1). A differential set of 19 plant species (pepper, tomato, eggplant, Solanum nigrum, melon, squash, pea, French bean and Lima bean) allowed the isolates to be grouped in 13 pathogenicity classes depending on their ability to infect different plant species: all were pathogenic on pepper, 79% on tomato, 58% on S. nigrum, 38% on eggplant; 95% were pathogenic on squash and 20%on melon; 33% caused a root rot on pea and 8% on French bean, but none on Lima bean. Moreover, the isolates belonging to the same pathogenicity group differed in virulence on two differential sets of pepper
Fra 26 isolati di Phytophthora capsici derivanti da piante di peperone e di zucchine raccolte soprattutto in Piemonte (Italia Settentrionale), 19 appartenevano al tipo sessuale A1, 3 al tipo A2 e 4 erano omotallici. Tutti gli isolati crescevano fra 10 e 38 gradi C, evidenziando differenze significative nella crescita del micelio e temperatura ottimale di crescita nell'ambito di 25-32 gradi C. Il 50perecent di essi presentava valori di MIC = 500 microng ml*-1). Tutti gli isolati erano altamente sensibili a dimetomorph, presentando valori medi di EC inf (50), EC inf (90) e MIC di 0,48, 0,90 e 1,02 microng ml*-1). Un gruppo differenziale di specie vegetali (peperone, pomodoro, melanzana, Solanum nigrum, melone, zucca, pisello, fagiolo mangiatutto, fagiolo lunato) ha consentito di raggruppare gli isolati in 13 classi di patogenicita' in rapporto alla rispettiva capacita' di infettare le diverse specie: tutti erano patogeni sul peperone, 79% sul pomodoro, 58% su S. nigrum, 38% su melanzana, 95% su zucca e 20% su melone; il 33% determinava marciume radicale sul pisello e l'8% su fagiolo mangiatutto, ma nessuno su fagiolo lunato. Inoltre, gli isolati appartenenti allo stesso gruppo di patogenicita' presentavano virulenza diversa in due gruppi differenziali di peperone
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Over the last 30 years, a growing body of evidence has documented the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) as an independent vascular risk factor. However, the mechanisms through which elevated ...circulating levels of homocysteine (Hcy) cause vascular injury and promote thrombosis remain elusive. Most findings have been achieved in in vitro studies employing exceedingly high concentrations of Hcy, whereas only a few studies have been carried out in vivo in humans. In homocystinuric patients, homozygotes for mutations of the gene coding for the cystathionine beta-synthase enzyme, abnormalities of coagulation variables reflecting a hypercoagulable state, have been reported. In vitro studies provide a biochemical background for such a state. In homocystinuric patients, an in vivo platelet activation has also been reported. The latter abnormality is not corrected by the bolus infusion of concentrations of hirudin, which determines a long-lasting impairment of the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin by thrombin; in contrast, it appears at least in part lowered by the administration of the antioxidant drug probucol. During the autooxidation of Hcy in plasma, reactive oxygen species are generated. The latter initiate lipid peroxidation in cell membranes (potentially responsible for endothelial dysfunction) and in circulating lipoproteins. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) may trigger platelet activation as well as some of the hemostatic abnormalities reported in such patients. Thus the oxidative stress induced by Hcy may be a key process in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in HHcy. Accumulation of adenosylhomocysteine in cells (a consequence of high circulating levels of homocysteine) inhibits methyltransferase enzymes, in turn preventing repair of aged or damaged cells. This mechanism has been recently documented in patients with renal failure and HHcy and provides an additional direction to be followed to understand the tendency to thrombosis in moderate HHcy.
Adenomyosis: What the Patient Needs Alabiso, Giulia; Alio, Luigi; Arena, Saverio ...
Journal of minimally invasive gynecology,
05/2016, Volume:
23, Issue:
4
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
A panel of experts in the field of endometriosis expressed their opinions on management options in a 28-year-old patient, attempting pregnancy for 1 year, with severe cyclic pelvic pain and with ...clinical examination and imaging techniques suggestive of adenomyosis. Many questions this paradigmatic patient may pose to the clinician are addressed, and all clinical scenarios are discussed. A decision algorithm derived from this discussion is also proposed.
To develop strategies integrated with or alternative to chemicals for controlling pests, weeds and pathogens of vegetables, solarization and semi-solarization were tested in four consecutive years ...against Verticillium dahliae Kleb, on eggplants and weeds under plastic in the Po Valley, Piedmont, Italy. The temperature required for V. dahliae inactivation as a function of exposure time, and the number of days needed for effective solarization were also investigated. Treatment at 38-45°C for various periods were lethal to V. dahliae microsclerotia. The time to attain LD90 was 21, 97, 275, and 324 h respectively at 45, 42, 40, and 38°C. Temperatures and times required to kill 90% of the propagules were significantly correlated (R²= -0.9437), with a regression curve in which lethal temperature was a natural log function of exposure time. Compared with the control, semi-solarization and solarization increased the soil temperature by 8.1-10.7°C and 14.4-16.8°C respectively, at 25 cm depth. The laboratory tests suggested that in Piedmont the effective mulching period may be shorter than 45 days. Semi-solarization and solarization reduced Verticillium wilt severity by 35-48% and 89-98%, but their effectiveness was lowered by subsequent deep tillage. Eggplant yield was consistently higher in solarized than in control soil, and intermediate in semisolarized soil. Solarization reduced weeds by 97%, whereas semi-solarization had little or only moderate herbicidal effect.
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A panel of experts in the field of endometriosis expressed their opinions on management options in a 35-year-old patient desiring pregnancy with a history of previous surgery for endometrioma and ...bowel obstruction symptoms. Many questions that this paradigmatic patient may pose to the clinician are addressed, and various clinical scenarios are discussed. A decision algorithm derived from this discussion is proposed as well.
To describe safety, tolerability, and effectiveness results through a minimum 2-year follow-up of patients who underwent permanent sterilization with the Essure insert.
A retrospective multicenter ...study (Canadian Task Force classification II2).
Seven general hospitals and 4 clinical teaching centers in Italy.
A total of 1968 women, mean age 39.5 years (range, 23-48 years) who underwent office hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure insert between April 1, 2003, and December 30, 2014.
The women underwent office hysteroscopic bilateral Essure insert placement, with satisfactory device location and tube occlusion based on hysterosalpingography or hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy).
Placement rate, successful bilateral tubal occlusion, perioperative adverse events, early postoperative (during the first 3 months of follow-up), and late complications were evaluated. Satisfactory insertion was accomplished in 97.2% of women and, in 4, perforation and 1 expulsion were detected during hysterosalpingography. Three unintended pregnancies occurred before the 3-month confirmation test. Two pregnancies were reported among women relying on the Essure inserts. Postprocedure pain was minimal and brief; in 9 women, pelvic pain became intractable, necessitating removal of the devices via laparoscopy. On telephone interviews, overall satisfaction was rated as "very satisfied" by the majority of women (97.6%), and no long-term adverse events were reported.
The findings from this extended Italian survey further support the effectiveness, tolerability, and satisfaction of Essure hysteroscopic sterilization when motivated women are selected and well informed of the potential risks of the device. Moreover, the results do not demonstrate an increased incidence of complications and pregnancies associated with long-term Essure use. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to nickel may be less suitable candidates for the Essure insert.
To assess the safety and outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed before delivery in patients with placental implant anomalies at high risk for peripartum or postpartum hemorrhage.
...From January 2013 to January 2015, 50 consecutive patients with placental implant anomalies at 35-36 weeks of pregnancy were recruited. UAE was performed superselectively by injecting reabsorbable pledgets. We applied 5 dosimeters to patients' backs to measure the uterine radiation dose, considered to be the same radiation dose that the fetus received. Newborns were assessed immediately after birth and at 6-month follow-up.
All procedures were technically successful. Of patients, 64% did not require transfusions. Mean blood units transfused was 0.7 U (range, 0-4 U). No patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. Hysterectomy was performed in 13 patients (26%). Mean fluoroscopy operative time was 3 minutes 42 seconds (range, 1 min 21 s-6 min 58 s), and mean uterine radiation dose was 15.61 mGy (range, 8.15-38.18 mGy). Mean time between embolization and delivery was 6 minutes 4 seconds (range, 4 min 18 s-8 min 12 s). The 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores were 8-9 in all newborns; 8 newborns were lost to follow-up at 6 months. A normal cognitive outcome was evident in all 42 children studied.
UAE before delivery appeared to reduce bleeding during cesarean sections in this consecutive series of patients with placental implant anomalies. In the hands of experienced staff, radiation dose to the fetus was minimal.
Background Hemorrhagic transformation (HT), a complication of ischemic stroke (IS), might influence patient's prognosis. Our aim is to evaluate, in a hospital-based series of patients not treated ...with thrombolysis, the relationship between HT and mortality. Methods We compared mortality of individuals with spontaneous HT with that of individuals without. Medical records of patients diagnosed with anterior IS were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures were 30- and 90-day survival after IS onset. Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to construct survival curves. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) for the main outcome measure (death). HT was stratified in hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymal hematoma (PH). We also evaluated the relationship between HT and the main mortality risk factors (gender, age, premorbid status, severity of stroke, and radiological features). Results Thirty days from stroke onset, 8.1% (19 of 233) of patients died. At multivariate analysis, PH (HR: 7.7, 95% confidence interval CI: 2.1, 27.8) and low level of consciousness at admission (HR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 18.6) were significantly associated with death. At 3-month follow-up, mortality rate was 12.1% (28 of 232). At multivariate analysis, large infarct size (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.0) and HT (HR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 5.4) were independent risk factors for mortality. Parenchymal hematoma was, however, the strongest predictor of late mortality (HR: 7.9, 95% CI: 2.9, 21.4). Conclusions Neurological status and infarct size play a significant role, respectively, in early and late mortality after IS. Parenchymal hematoma independently predicts both early and late mortality.
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