809 research outputs found
The symbiotic star H1-36. A composite model of line and continuum spectra from radio to ultraviolet
In this paper we analyse the spectra of D-type SS H1-36 within a
colliding-wind scenario. We aim to analyse the properties of this object taking
into account the observational data along the whole electromagnetic spectrum,
in order to derive a self-consistent picture able to interpret the nature of
the system as a whole. After constraining the relative physical conditions by
modelling more than 40 emission lines from radio to UV, we are able to explain
the continuum spectral energy distribution by taking into account all the
emitting contributions arising from both the stars, the dust shells and the
gaseous nebulae. A comprehensive model of the radio spectra allows to reproduce
the different slopes of the radio profile and the turnover frequency, as well
as the different size of the observed shocked envelope at different frequencies
in the light of the different contributions from the expanding and reverse
nebulae. The IR continuum unveils the presence of two dust shells with
different radii and temperatures, which might be a distinctive feature of
D-type symbiotic systems as a class of objects. The broad profiles of IR lines
direct us to investigate whether an X-ray jet may be present. This insight
leads us to indicate H1-36 as a promising X-ray target and to encourage
observations and studies which consistently take into account the complex
nature of symbiotic stars throughout the whole electromagnetic spectrum.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, 5 tables, accepted for publication in A&A on 2th
May 200
The symbiotic star CH Cygni. II. The broad Ly alpha emission line explained by shocks
Context. In 1985, at the end of the active phase 1977-1986, a broad (4000
km/s) Ly alpha line appeared in the symbiotic system CH Cygni that had never
been observed previously. Aims. In this work we investigate the origin of this
anomalous broad Ly alpha line. Methods. We suggest a new interpretation of the
broad Ly alpha based on the theory of charge transfer reactions between ambient
hydrogen atoms and post-shock protons at a strong shock front. Results. We have
found that the broad Ly alpha line originated from the blast wave created by
the outburst, while the contemporary optical and UV lines arose from the nebula
downstream of the expanding shock in the colliding wind scenario.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in A&A on 7th April 200
Combined treatment with three natural antioxidants enhances neuroprotection in a SH-SY5Y 3D culture model
Currently, the majority of cell-based studies on neurodegeneration are carried out on two-dimensional cultured cells that do not represent the cells residing in the complex microenvironment of the brain. Recent evidence has suggested that three-dimensional (3D) in vitro microenvironments may better model key features of brain tissues in order to study molecular mechanisms at the base of neurodegeneration. So far, no drugs have been discovered to prevent or halt the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. New therapeutic interventions can come from phytochemicals that have a broad spectrum of biological activities. On this basis, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of three phytochemicals (sulforaphane, epigallocatechin gallate, and plumbagin) alone or in combination, focusing on their ability to counteract oxidative stress. The combined treatment was found to be more effective than the single treatments. In particular, the combined treatment increased cell viability and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, upregulated antioxidant enzymes and insulin-degrading enzymes, and downregulated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 and 2 in respect to peroxide-treated cells. Our data suggest that a combination of different phytochemicals could be more effective than a single compound in counteracting neurodegeneration, probably thanks to a pleiotropic mechanism of action
Shock fronts in the symbiotic system BI Crucis
We investigate the symbiotic star BI Crucis through a comprehensive and
self-consistent analysis of the spectra emitted in three different epochs:
60's, 70's, and late 80's. In particular, we would like to find out the
physical conditions in the shocked nebula and in the dust shells, as well as
their location within the symbiotic system, by exploiting both photometric and
spectroscopic data from radio to UV. We suggest a model which, on the basis of
optical imaging, emission line ratios and spectral energy distribution profile,
is able to account for collision of the winds, formation of lobes and jets by
accretion onto the WD, as well as for the interaction of the blast wave from a
past, unrecorded outburst with the ISM. We have found that the spectra observed
throughout the years show the marks of the different processes at work within
BI Cru, perhaps signatures of a post-outburst evolution. We then call for new
infrared and millimeter observations, potentially able to resolve the inner
structure of the symbiotic nebula.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables; accepted for publication in MNRA
LA DIGITALIZZAZIONE PER LA DOCUMENTAZIONE, LO STUDIO E LA FRUIZIONE DI UN SITO ARCHEOLOGICO. LA VR EXPERIENCE DEL TEATRO DI RICINA
This paper presents a workflow developed thanks to the collaboration between archae- ologists and engineers, aimed at the documentation, representation and virtual fruition of an archaeological site. The purpose is to exploit the data acquired through digital solutions and the consequent elaboration of a reality 3D model to support archaeological studies and to effectively disseminate their results. The presented case study is the Roman Theatre of Ricina (Villa Potenza, MC). The building has preserved much of its masonry, but it is very different from that which could be appreciated by the audience of theatrical performances in Roman times. The work has been developed according to three steps: 1) digital documentation of the site and elaboration of a reality-based 3D model; 2) study of the archaeological finds thanks to the reality-based 3D model and design of a possible reconstruction, represented through a second 3D model elaborated by anastylosis; 3) development of a Virtual Reality environment for the fruition and the interaction with the two 3D models. The final output is therefore an immersive VR application that offers the possibility to access to the theatre both in its current form and in the original one. An experience that is not limited to a simple visualization rather presenting itself as a guided tour across the centurie
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Profiles of Spent Coffee Ground Extracts for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration
Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), waste products of coffee beverage production, are rich in organic compounds such as phenols. Different studies have demonstrated phenol beneficial effects in counteracting neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases are associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which initiates the degeneration of neurons by overactivating microglia. Unfortunately, to date, there are no pharmacological therapies to treat these pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic content of 4 different SCG extracts and their ability to counteract oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Caffeine and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, followed by 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The four extracts demonstrated a different ability to counteract oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in vitro. In particular, the methanol extract was the most effective in protecting neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as thioredoxin reductase, heme oxygenase 1, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase, and glutathione reductase. The water extract was the most effective in counteracting lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in microglial BV-2 cells by strongly reducing the expression of proinflammatory mediators through the modulation of the TLR4/NF-kappa B pathway. On these bases, SCG extracts could represent valuable nutraceutical sources for the treatment of neurodegeneratio
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