The effective Equation of State in Palatini f(R)f(R) cosmology

We investigate how the cosmological Equation of State can be used for scrutinizing extended theories of gravity, in particular, the Palatini $f(R)$ gravity. Specifically, the approach consists, at first, in investigating the effective Equation of State produced by a given model. Then, the inverse problem can also be considered in view of determining which models are compatible with a given effective Equation of State. We consider and solve some cases and show that, for example, power-law models are (the only models) capable of transforming barotropic Equations of State into effective barotropic ones. Moreover, the form of Equation of State is preserved (only) for $f(R)=R$, as expected. In this perspective, modified Equations of State are a feature capable of distinguishing Extended Gravity with respect to General Relativity. We also investigate quadratic and non-homogeneous effective Equations of State showing, in particular, that they contain the Starobinsky model and other ones.Comment: 19 page

Intravenous itraconazole for treating invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in neutropenic patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Aspergillus infection is associated with a high mortality rate in immunocompromised hosts; more effective drugs for this infection are needed. Oral itraconazole has been studied in neutropenic fungus-infected patients. Using a novel formulation (intravenous) of itraconazole, we successfully treated severe necrotizing pneumonias due to Aspergillus species occurring during a postchemotherapy prolonged aplastic phase in two patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Nonlinear diffusion & thermo-electric coupling in a two-variable model of cardiac action potential

This work reports the results of the theoretical investigation of nonlinear dynamics and spiral wave breakup in a generalized two-variable model of cardiac action potential accounting for thermo-electric coupling and diffusion nonlinearities. As customary in excitable media, the common Q10 and Moore factors are used to describe thermo-electric feedback in a 10-degrees range. Motivated by the porous nature of the cardiac tissue, in this study we also propose a nonlinear Fickian flux formulated by Taylor expanding the voltage dependent diffusion coefficient up to quadratic terms. A fine tuning of the diffusive parameters is performed a priori to match the conduction velocity of the equivalent cable model. The resulting combined effects are then studied by numerically simulating different stimulation protocols on a one-dimensional cable. Model features are compared in terms of action potential morphology, restitution curves, frequency spectra and spatio-temporal phase differences. Two-dimensional long-run simulations are finally performed to characterize spiral breakup during sustained fibrillation at different thermal states. Temperature and nonlinear diffusion effects are found to impact the repolarization phase of the action potential wave with non-monotone patterns and to increase the propensity of arrhythmogenesis

Characterization of Large Volume 3.5 x 8 inches LaBr3:Ce Detectors

The properties of large volume cylindrical 3.5 x 8 inches (89 mm x 203 mm) LaBr3:Ce scintillation detectors coupled to the Hamamatsu R10233-100SEL photo-multiplier tube were investigated. These crystals are among the largest ones ever produced and still need to be fully characterized to determine how these detectors can be utilized and in which applications. We tested the detectors using monochromatic gamma-ray sources and in-beam reactions producing gamma rays up to 22.6 MeV; we acquired PMT signal pulses and calculated detector energy resolution and response linearity as a function of gamma-ray energy. Two different voltage dividers were coupled to the Hamamatsu R10233-100SEL PMT: the Hamamatsu E1198-26, based on straightforward resistive network design, and the LABRVD, specifically designed for our large volume LaBr3:Ce scintillation detectors, which also includes active semiconductor devices. Because of the extremely high light yield of LaBr3:Ce crystals we observed that, depending on the choice of PMT, voltage divider and applied voltage, some significant deviation from the ideally proportional response of the detector and some pulse shape deformation appear. In addition, crystal non-homogeneities and PMT gain drifts affect the (measured) energy resolution especially in case of high-energy gamma rays. We also measured the time resolution of detectors with different sizes (from 1x1 inches up to 3.5x8 inches), correlating the results with both the intrinsic properties of PMTs and GEANT simulations of the scintillation light collection process. The detector absolute full energy efficiency was measured and simulated up to gamma-rays of 30 Me

Weak gravitational lensing with the Square Kilometre Array

We investigate the capabilities of various stages of the SKA to perform world-leading weak gravitational lensing surveys. We outline a way forward to develop the tools needed for pursuing weak lensing in the radio band. We identify the key analysis challenges and the key pathfinder experiments that will allow us to address them in the run up to the SKA. We identify and summarize the unique and potentially very powerful aspects of radio weak lensing surveys, facilitated by the SKA, that can solve major challenges in the field of weak lensing. These include the use of polarization and rotational velocity information to control intrinsic alignments, and the new area of weak lensing using intensity mapping experiments. We show how the SKA lensing surveys will both complement and enhance corresponding efforts in the optical wavebands through cross-correlation techniques and by way of extending the reach of weak lensing to high redshift.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures. Cosmology Chapter, Advancing Astrophysics with the SKA (AASKA14) Conference, Giardini Naxos (Italy), June 9th-13th 201

Competitive ability of canola hybrids resistant and susceptible to herbicides.

ABSTRACT - This work aimed to compare the competitive ability of canola hybrids susceptible (conventional) or resistant to triazine or imidazolinone group herbicides, with turnip. The experiments were conducted in greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The hybrids Hyola 571CL (resistant to imidazolinone), Hyola 555TT (resistant to triazine), and Hyola 61 (conventional) were used. The treatments consisted of ratios (100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75; 0:100%) of canola and turnip plants. The evaluation was performed 44 days after emergence, determining the leaf área (AF), dry matter of aerial part (MSPA), and stature (EST) of the plants. The competitiveness analysis was performed through diagrams and interpretation of the competitiveness indexes. For the canola hybrids, the competition occurred by the same mean resources. There was damage to the crop growth in competition with the turnip. The turnip was not benefited only when in competition with Hyola 571CL hybrid, for the EST variable, and with the conventional canola, for the variable AF. There was significance for the competitiveness indexes, demonstrating that turnip is more competitive then the crop. Greater AF, MSPA, and EST occurred for canola plants in the smallest proportions of turnip and, for turnip plants, in the largest proportions of canola. The ability to compete with turnip is similar among hybrids, with injury to the crop and benefit to the weed, when competing. Interspecific competition is more damaging to canola hybrids; and intraspecific competition is more damaging to turnip. Keywords: Brassica napus L., Raphanus sativus L., interference, competitiveness. RESUMO - Este trabalho objetivou comparar a habilidade competitiva de híbridos de canola, suscetível (convencional) ou com resistência aos herbicidas do grupo das triazinas ou das imidazolinonas, com o nabo. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Foram utilizados os híbridos Hyola 571CL (resistente a imidazolinonas), Hyola 555TT (resistente a triazinas) e Hyola 61 (convencional). Os tratamentos consistiram de proporções (100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75; 0:100%) de plantas de canola e do nabo. A avaliação foi realizada aos 44 dias após a emergência, determinando-se a área foliar (AF), matéria seca de parte aérea (MSPA) e estatura (EST) de plantas. A análise da competitividade foi feita por meio de diagramas e interpretação dos índices de competitividade. Para os híbridos de canola, a competição ocorreu pelos mesmos recursos do meio. Houve prejuízo ao crescimento da cultura em competição com o nabo. O nabo somente não foi beneficiado quando em competição com o híbrido Hyola 571CL, para a variável EST, e com a canola convencional, para a variável AF. Houve significância para os índices de competitividade, demonstrando que o nabo é mais competitivo que a cultura. Maior AF, MSPA e EST ocorreu para plantas de canola nas menores proporções de nabo e, para plantas de nabo, nas maiores proporções de canola. A habilidade em competir com o nabo é semelhante entre os híbridos, havendo prejuízo à cultura e benefício à planta daninha, quando em competição. A competição interespecífica é mais prejudicial para os híbridos de canola, e a competição intraespecífica, para o nabo. Palavras-chave: Brassica napus L., Raphanus sativus L., interferência, competitividade

Central venous catheter insertion: a bedside procedure for haematological patients.

The present management of onco-haematologic patients may require continuous infusion of cytotoxic drugs, use of drugs or concentrated ion solutions which are toxic for the endothelial wall of small vessels, infusion of large amounts of antibiotics or antimycotics, red blood cell and platelet transfusion, and not rarely parenteral nutrition. Such a complex therapy needs a vascular access by a central vein catheter (CVC) insertion. Many types of CVC are available at present: tunnelled Hickman or Hickmanlike catheters, subcutaneous ports, tunnelled catheters with Groshong valve, external untunnelled catheters

Revisiting Generalized Chaplygin Gas as a Unified Dark Matter and Dark Energy Model

In this paper, we revisit generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG) model as a unified dark matter and dark energy model. The energy density of GCG model is given as $\rho_{GCG}/\rho_{GCG0}=[B_{s}+(1-B_{s})a^{-3(1+\alpha)}]^{1/(1+\alpha)}$, where $\alpha$ and $B_s$ are two model parameters which will be constrained by type Ia supernova as standard candles, baryon acoustic oscillation as standard rulers and the seventh year full WMAP data points. In this paper, we will not separate GCG into dark matter and dark energy parts any more as adopted in the literatures. By using Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, we find the result: $\alpha=0.00126_{- 0.00126- 0.00126}^{+ 0.000970+ 0.00268}$ and $B_s= 0.775_{- 0.0161- 0.0338}^{+ 0.0161+ 0.0307}$.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Identification and rejection of scattered neutrons in AGATA

Gamma rays and neutrons, emitted following spontaneous fission of 252Cf, were measured in an AGATA experiment performed at INFN Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro in Italy. The setup consisted of four AGATA triple cluster detectors (12 36-fold segmented high-purity germanium crystals), placed at a distance of 50 cm from the source, and 16 HELENA BaF2 detectors. The aim of the experiment was to study the interaction of neutrons in the segmented high-purity germanium detectors of AGATA and to investigate the possibility to discriminate neutrons and gamma rays with the gamma-ray tracking technique. The BaF2 detectors were used for a time-of-flight measurement, which gave an independent discrimination of neutrons and gamma rays and which was used to optimise the gamma-ray tracking-based neutron rejection methods. It was found that standard gamma-ray tracking, without any additional neutron rejection features, eliminates effectively most of the interaction points due to recoiling Ge nuclei after elastic scattering of neutrons. Standard tracking rejects also a significant amount of the events due to inelastic scattering of neutrons in the germanium crystals. Further enhancements of the neutron rejection was obtained by setting conditions on the following quantities, which were evaluated for each event by the tracking algorithm: energy of the first and second interaction point, difference in the calculated incoming direction of the gamma ray, figure-of-merit value. The experimental results of tracking with neutron rejection agree rather well with Geant4 simulations