High energy photon-neutrino interactions

A general decomposition of the amplitudes for the $2\to 2$ processes gauge invariance and Bose symmetry. The restrictions implied by this decomposition are investigated for the reaction $\gamma\gamma\to\nu\bar{\nu}$ by computing the one-loop helicity amplitudes in the standard model. In the center of mass, where $\sqrt{s} = 2\omega$, the cross section grows roughly as Astrophysical implications of very high energy photon-neutrino interactions are discussed

High energy photon-neutrino elastic scattering

The one-loop helicity amplitudes for the elastic scattering process $\gamma\nu\to\gamma\nu$ in the Standard Model are computed at high center of mass energies. A general decomposition of the amplitudes is utilized to investigate the validity of some of the key features of our results. In the center of mass, where $\sqrt{s} = 2\omega$, the cross section grows roughly as $\omega^6$ to near the threshold for $W$-boson production, $\sqrt{s} = m_W$. Although suppressed at low energies, we find that the elastic cross section exceeds the cross section for $\gamma\nu\to\gamma\gamma\nu$ when $\sqrt{s}>13$ GeV. We demonstrate that the scattered photons are circularly polarized and the net value of the polarization is non-zero. Astrophysical implications of high energy photon-neutrino scattering are discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, RevTeX

Advanced SAR interferometric analysis to support geomorphological interpretation of slow-moving coastal landslides (Malta, Mediterranean Sea)

An advanced SAR interferometric analysis has been combined with a methodology for the automatic classification of radar reflectors phase histories to interpret slope-failure kinematics and trend of displacements of slow-moving landslides. To accomplish this goal, the large dataset of radar images, acquired in more than 20 years by the two European Space Agency (ESA) missions ERS-1/2 and ENVISAT, was exploited. The analysis was performed over the northern sector of Island of Malta (central Mediterranean Sea), where extensive landslides occur. The study was assisted by field surveys and with the analysis of existing thematic maps and landslide inventories. The outcomes allowed definition of a model capable of describing the geomorphological evolution of slow-moving landslides, providing a key for interpreting such phenomena that, due to their slowness, are usually scarcely investigated

Landslide susceptibility modeling assisted by Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI): an example from the northwestern coast of Malta

Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) techniques are widely employed in geosciences to detect and monitor landslides with high accuracy over large areas, but they also suffer from physical and technological constraints that restrict their field of application. These limitations prevent us from collecting information from several critical areas within the investigated region. In this paper, we present a novel approach that exploits the results of PSI analysis for the implementation of a statistical model for landslide susceptibility. The attempt is to identify active mass movements by means of PSI and to avoid, as input data, time-/cost-consuming and seldom updated landslide inventories. The study has been performed along the northwestern coast of Malta (central Mediterranean Sea), where the peculiar geological and geomorphological settings favor the occurrence of a series of extensive slow-moving landslides. Most of these consist in rock spreads, evolving into block slides, with large limestone blocks characterized by scarce vegetation and proper inclination, which represent suitable natural radar reflectors for applying PSI. Based on geomorphometric analyses and geomorphological investigations, a series of landslide predisposing factors were selected and a susceptibility map created. The result was validated by means of cross-validation technique, field surveys and global navigation satellite system in situ monitoring activities. The final outcome shows a good reliability and could represent an adequate response to the increasing demand for effective and lowcost tools for landslide susceptibility assessment

Using texture analysis in the development of a potential radiomic signature for early identification of hepatic metastasis in colorectal cancer

Background: Radiomics allows information not readily available to the naked eye to be extracted from high resolution imaging modalities such as CT. Identifying that a cancer has already metastasised at the time of presentation through a radiomic signature will affect the treatment pathway. The ability to recognise the existence of metastases earlier will have a significant impact on the survival outcomes. / Aim: To create a novel radiomic signature using textural analysis in the evaluation of synchronous liver metastases in colorectal cancer. / Methods: CT images at baseline and subsequent surveillance over a 5-year period of patients with colorectal cancer were processed using textural analysis software. Comparison was made between those patients who developed liver metastases and those that remained disease free to detect differences in the ‘texture’ of the liver. / Results: A total of 24 patients were divided into two matched groups for comparison. Significant differences between the two groups scores when using the textural analysis programme were found on coarse filtration (p = 0.044). Patients that went on to develop metastases an average of 18 months after presentation had higher levels of hepatic heterogeneity on CT. / Conclusion: This initial study demonstrates the potential of using a textural analysis programme to build a radiomic signature to predict the development of hepatic metastases in rectal cancer patients otherwise thought to have clear staging CT scans at time of presentation

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland – case report and literature review

Epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland are rare and usually develop in the orbital lobe. We report the exceedingly rare occurrence of a primary adenoid cystic carcinoma in the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland. A 26-year-old female was referred for evaluation of a gradually enlarging mass in the lateral upper eyelid, previously diagnosed as a chalazion. Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous round lesion anterior to the orbital rim. Excisional biopsy was compatible with an adenoid cystic carcinoma. After excluding distant metastasis, and as the patient refused adjuvant radiotherapy, a second surgical procedure, with wide local excision, was indicated. Follow-up showed no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of performing a thorough clinical examination when diagnosing any lateral upper eyelid mass. A high index of suspicion for malignant tumors of the lacrimal gland should always be maintained, and a complete excision with histological analysis should be preferred whenever possible.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Solvent-Free Synthesis of Quaternary Oxazolidine-2-thione β3-Amino Ester Analogs

A solvent-free organocatalyzed intermolecular cyclization reaction starting from β-substituted γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated esters and aryl isothiocyanates proceeds via an aza-Michael addition to provide previously unknown quaternary oxazolidine-2-thione β3 amino ester analogs. A panel of diversely-substituted esters was investigated, including β,γ-disubstituted examples which provided the target molecules with very high cis diastereoselectivity

Synthesis of cyclobutane-fused oxazolidine-2-thione derivatives

An expedient, solvent-free, mild base catalyzed intermolecular cyclization reaction has been developed to enable the one-pot synthesis of fourteen examples of cyclobutane-fused oxazolidine-2-thiones in good to high yields. Bicyclic structures of this type have not previously been described in the literature; they have a cis ring junction with both rings deviating slightly from planarity