Self-attraction effect and correction on three absolute gravimeters

The perturbations of the gravitational field due to the mass distribution of an absolute gravimeter have been studied. The so called Self Attraction Effect (SAE) is crucial for the measurement accuracy, especially for the International Comparisons, and for the uncertainty budget evaluation. Three instruments have been analysed: MPG-2, FG5-238 and IMPG-02. The SAE has been calculated using a numerical method based on FEM simulation. The observed effect has been treated as an additional vertical gravity gradient. The correction (SAC) to be applied to the computed g value has been associated with the specific height level, where the measurement result is typically reported. The magnitude of the obtained corrections is of order 1E-8 m/s2.Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Metrologi

Standardized Nursing Diagnoses in a Surgical Hospital Setting: A Retrospective Study Based on Electronic Health Data

Introduction: In electronic health records (EHRs), standardized nursing terminologies (SNTs), such as nursing diagnoses (NDs), are needed to demonstrate the impact of nursing care on patient outcomes. Unfortunately, the use of NDs is not common in clinical practice, especially in surgical settings, and is rarely included in EHRs. Objective(s): The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence and trend of NDs in a hospital surgical setting by also analyzing the relationship between NDs and hospital outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. All adult inpatients consecutively admitted to one of the 15 surgical inpatient units of an Italian university hospital across 1 year were included. Data, including the Professional Assessment Instrument and the Hospital Discharge Register, were collected retrospectively from the hospital's EHRs. Results: The sample included 5,027 surgical inpatients. There was a mean of 6.3 ± 4.3 NDs per patient. The average distribution of NDs showed a stable trend throughout the year. The most representative NANDA-I ND domain was safety/protection. The total number of NDs on admission was significantly higher for patient whose length of stay was longer. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the number of NDs on admission and the number of intra-hospital patient transfers. Additionally, the mean number of NDs on admission was higher for patients who were later transferred to an intensive care unit compared to those who were not transferred. Conclusion: NDs represent the key to understanding the contribution of nurses in the surgical setting. NDs collected upon admission can represent a prognostic factor related to the hospital's key outcomes

Continuum and discrete models for structures including (quasi-) inextensible elasticae with a view to the design and modeling of composite reinforcements

Inspired by some composite fiber reinforcements used in aeronautical engineering and by the need of conceiving new metamaterials, some discrete models including (quasi-) inextensible elasticae are considered. A class of continuum models approximately describing the macroscopic mechanical behavior of introduced structures is then heuristically proposed. Some of these continuum models can be regarded as a special kind of second-gradient elastic media, in which the higher-gradient elasticity is conferred by the flexural stiffnesses of elasticae constituting the microscopic lattice. The discrete models are studied by means of suitably tailored numerical codes designed to avoid numerical instabilities and locking and a comparison of discrete versus continuum models is attempted. The obtained results show that the theory of generalized continua may be useful in some engineering applications and it plays a relevant role in the mechanics of woven composites. The introduced discrete and continuum models are used to describe the so-called bias extension test on woven fabrics and it is shown that a good choice to correctly reproduce the targeted phenomenology is to use a second gradient continuum theory. However, as discussed throughout the paper, in the context of rigorous micro-macro identification procedures there still remain many open problems to be solved, especially when dealing with systems subjected to particular constraints, such as inextensibility. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd

Measuring emptiness: Validation of the Italian version of the Subjective Emptiness Scale in clinical and non-clinical populations

Background: Although a feeling of emptiness is listed only as a symptom of the DSM-5 borderline personality disorder, it is commonly encountered in other disorders. The aim of this study was to validate the Italian version of the Subjective Emptiness Scale (SES-I), a 7-item self-report instrument assessing the feeling of emptiness. Methods: Participants in one clinical group (n = 63) and one non-clinical group (n = 48) completed the SES-I along with several other instruments. A principal component analysis was used to analyze the structure of the SES-I and Cronbach's alpha and Rho's Spearman were used to establish aspects of reliability and validity, respectively. Results: The SES-I has a unidimensional structure reflecting the core feature of the feeling of emptiness. It showed an excellent internal consistency (a = 0.92) and convergent validity, as demonstrated by significant correlations with scores on the Beck Depression Inventory – II and conceptually related scales and subscales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory – III and Personality Inventory for DSM-5. Divergent validity was also demonstrated for the SES-I. SES-I scores in the clinical group were significantly higher than in the non-clinical group. A significant relationship was not found between the feeling of emptiness and self-harming behavior, impulsivity and acting-out. Limitations: A small sample size, several significant differences between the clinical and non-clinical groups and diagnostic heterogeneity in the clinical group limit generalizability of the study. Conclusion: The SES-I is a valid and reliable instrument, which should improve assessment of the feeling of emptiness and help clinicians better understand this complex phenomenon

Reduced expression of THRβ in papillary thyroid carcinomas: relationship with BRAF mutation, aggressiveness and miR expression

Purpose Down-regulation of thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) gene has been described in several human malignancies, including thyroid cancer. In this study, we analyzed THRβ mRNA expression in surgical specimens from a series of human papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), characterized by their genotypic and clinical–biological features. Methods Thirty-six PTCs were divided into two groups according to the 2009 American Thyroid Association risk classification (17 low, 19 intermediate), and each group was divided into subgroups based on the presence or absence of the BRAFV600E mutation (21 BRAF mutated, 15 BRAF wild type). Gene expression was analyzed using fluidic cards containing probes and primers specific for the THRβ gene, as well as for genes of thyroperoxidase (TPO), sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) and for some miRNAs involved in thyroid neoplasia and targeting THRβ. The mRNA levels of each tumor tissue were compared with their correspondent normal counterpart. Results THRβ transcript was down-regulated in all PTCs examined. No significant differences were found between intermediate- vs low-risk PTCs patients, and BRAF-mutated vs BRAF wild-type groups. THRβ expression was directly correlated with NIS, TPO, Tg and TSH-R, and inversely correlated to miR-21, -146a, -181a and -221 expression. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that down-regulation of THRβ is a common feature of PTCs. While it is not associated with a more aggressive phenotype of PTC, it correlates with the reduction of all the markers of differentiation and is associated with overexpression of some miRNAs supposed to play a role in thyroid tumorigenesis

SCREENING TOMATO GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE DIVERSITY FOR ASSOCIATION TO DROUGHT STRESS

Environmental stresses are one of the main challenges in agriculture, as they significantly limit crop productivity. As a result of global warming and climate change, extreme environmental events and abiotic stresses are expected to increase in intensity and frequency. Selecting tolerant plants for more resilient agro-ecosystems is a promising strategy for mitigating the effects of adverse environments. The cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has a narrow genetic base, and its reduced genetic diversity hampers the progress of breeding. However, the rediscovery and use of local and wild genetic resources allow useful/beneficial alleles to be identified and used in breeding programs. To improve adaptation to harmful conditions, plants have evolved many molecular and genetics mechanisms, including hormone regulation and the activation of specific gene networks. Among others, glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes have been identified in various plant species and found to be involved in different physiological, developmental and stress modulation pathways. The aim of this research is to add insights into the role of tomato GST genes in the plant response to stress by associating allele diversity with drought tolerance. Tomato GST sequences were characterized in silico showing their diffuse clustering pattern across chromosomes with TAU class GSTs duplicated in tandem and mostly aggregated on chromosomes 7 and 9. To characterize the diversity of selected GSTs, a core collection of 75 tomato accessions was selected based on microsatellite screening from a larger collection of worldwide accessions. The core collection was screened for drought tolerance when 50% of plants showed fruit set on the lower flower truss. At this stage, two different water treatments were applied consisting in the complete restitution of the water lost due to evapo-transpiration (Full Water Restitution FWR) and the restitution of 50% of the water lost (Half Water Restitution HWR). After seven days the plants showed visible sign of drought and the leaves were analyzed for gas exchange and colorimetric variations. A gas exchange analyzer (Licor 6400) was used to measure the assimilation rate of foliar CO2 (µmol CO2 m-2 s-1) and transpiration (mmol H2O m-2 s-1). The colorimetric analysis was carried out with a portable Chroma Meters (Minolta). The eco-physiological data showed a continuous variability of the response to drought throughout the collection and allowed to identify eight tomato accessions combining a lower reduction in CO2 assimilation, transpiration and water use efficiency and higher stability in leaf temperatures and colorimetric variations when challenged with HWR. Enriched libraries for GST loci were prepared based on the specific hybridization of short oligonucleotide primers (20-25 bases). Libraries will be sequenced using next/third generation sequencing technology (Illumina or PacBio). Mapped variants and haplotypes in the GST loci will be integrated with drought tolerant traits and used to identify associations with tolerant phenotypes to additional environmental stresses

HYDRAULIC RISK ASSESSMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES SUPPORTED BY AN INTEGRATED DIGITAL SURVEY – CFD (COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS) MONITORING APPROACH

Abstract. This paper presents a methodological approach for analysing and evaluating hydraulic risks in complex archaeological areas, and thereby substantially improve general preservation and conservation efforts involving cultural heritage.The hypogeum of Calaforno (province of Ragusa, Sicily) represents a unique sample of rock-cut architecture in terms of size and architectural features, and an ideal candidate for the case study due to its high historical, archaeological and cultural significance, as well as its intrinsic fragility and criticality associated with hydrogeological and seismic factors.The interdisciplinary research approach involved archaeological and engineering contributions towards the development of numerical models for the assessment of hydraulic risks threatening archaeological heritage. The morphological characteristics of the site rendered the use of a Laser Scanner necessary for three-dimensional survey.The prehistoric structures currently undergoing excavation outside the main entrance of the monument have raised concerns regarding the impact of the Manna stream, which flows a few meters from the main entrance to the hypogeum, which has seen periodic flooding in some of its rooms. Simulations of these flooding events were performed in order to attain better understanding of the hydraulic phenomena influencing the site, especially regarding the dynamics associated with surface runoff.The interdisciplinary approach to this research, combining in-depth archaeological expertise with digital 3D surveying and modelling technologies, has proven fundamental to the effective monitoring of this morphologically complex site, and should perhaps be considered integral to any preventive assessment and risk management initiative involving cultural heritage

Antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity of açai fruit makes it a valuable functional food

Several plant extracts are acquiring increasing value because of their antioxidant activity and hypolipidemic properties. Among them, great interest has been recently paid to açai fruit as a functional food. The aim of this study was to test the ability of açai extract in reducing oxidative stress and modulating lipid metabolism in vitro using different cell models and different types of stress. In fact, lipid peroxidation as evaluated in a HepG2 model was reduced five-fold when using 0.25 µg/mL of extract, and it was further reduced (20-fold) with the concentration increase up to 2.5 µg/mL. With the non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)in vitro model, all concentrations tested showed at least a two-fold reduced fat deposit. In addition, primary adipocytes challenged with TNF-α under hypoxic conditions to mimic the persistent subcutaneous fat, treated with açai extract showed an approximately 40% reduction of fat deposit. Overall, our results show that açai is able to counteract oxidative states in all the cell models analysed and to prevent the accumulation of lipid droplets. No toxic effects and high stability overtime were highlighted at the concentrations tested. Therefore, açai can be considered a suitable support in the prevention of different alterations of lipid and oxidative metabolism responsible for fat deposition and metabolic pathological conditions

INVESTIGATING THE NUCLEOTIDE DIVERSITY IN THE GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE GENE FAMILY ACROSS THE TOMATO GENE POOL AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN CONTROLLING PLANT RESPONSE TO STRESS

The agricultural sector faces a significant challenge in dealing with environmental stresses, which greatly reduce crop productivity. Due to global warming and climate change, abiotic stresses are predicted to become more frequent. In this scenario, to meet a growing global demand for food, breeding crops for enhanced tolerance to harsh environments is promising. The cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and the genome of its wild relatives Solanum pimpinellifolium, Solanum lycopersicoides and Solanum pennellii have been sequenced and their effective tolerance to extreme environments well documented. However, knowledge about tomato genetic diversity is limited and its phenotypic significance dramatically unpredictable to make its exploitation proficient. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes have been identified in numerous plant species and are involved in various physiological, developmental, and stress modulation pathways. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of the GST nucleotide diversity in the tomato gene pool and contextual mining of functional significance for plant adaptability to challenging stresses. We identified 83 GST genes in Solanum lycopersicum (ITAG 4.1) and their orthologues within the wild relatives. Sequences were analyzed for their exon-intron structures, conserved protein motifs, putative subcellular locations, phylogenetic relationships and duplication events. Interaction networks, promoter and cis-regulatory elements and gene expression profiles were also identified. Phylogenetic analysis enabled grouping GST genes into ten subclasses. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction networks revealed the central role of GST genes controlling the cell redox state. A reference non redundant core collection of 75 tomato genotypes was selected from a larger collection of worldwide accessions genotyped by SSR markers. The core collection was screened for drought tolerance at the fruit set stage on the first flower truss. The leaves were assayed for gas exchange and colorimetric variations and profiled for H2O2, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity. The most tolerant and sensitive tomato accessions were selected. Plants were grown in lysimeters where the water supply was managed to apply two levels of soil water potential that is 10-20 kPa in the control treatment and 100-120 kPa for the drought treatment, respectively. To deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that control photo-assimilation, photo-assimilate allocation and fruit yield and quality under limited levels of available water, leaves, stems and fruit at different ripening stages were collected for RNA-seq analysis. Further bioinformatics analysis will allow us to validate the role of specific GSTs and other key genes in controlling the response of tomato plants to drought and modulating photo-assimilate allocation in sensitive and tolerant genomic backgrounds

Thermodynamical features of multifragmentation in peripheral Au + Au Collisions at 35 A.MeV

The distribution of fragments produced in events involving the multifragmentation of excited sources is studied for peripheral Au + Au reactions at 35 A.MeV. The Quasi-Projectile has been reconstructed from its de-excitation products. An isotropic emission in its rest frame has been observed, indicating that an equilibrated system has been formed. The excitation energy of the Quasi-Projectile has been determined via calorimetry. A new event by event effective thermometer is proposed based on the energy balance. A peak in the energy fluctuations is observed related to the heat capacity, suggesting that the system undergoes a liquid-gas type phase transition at an excitation energy about 5 A.MeV and a temperature 4 - 6 MeV, dependent on the freeze-out hypothesis. By analyzing different regions of the Campi-plot, the events associated with the liquid and gas phases as well as the critical region are thermodynamically characterized. The critical exponents, tau, beta,gamma, extracted from the high moments of the charge distribution are consistent with a liquid-gas type phase transition.Comment: 44 pages, 16 Postscript figures, Fig14_nucl-ex.eps in colors, to be published in Nucl.Phys.A (1999