Da\phi ne gamma-rays factory

Gamma sources with high flux and spectral densities are the main requirements for new nuclear physics experiments to be performed in several worldwide laboratories and envisaged in the ELI-NP (Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics) project or in the IRIDE (Interdisciplinary Research Infrastructure with Dual Electron Linacs) proposals. The paper is focalized on an experiment of gamma photons production using Compton collisions between the DA\Phi NE electron beam and a high average power laser pulse, amplified in a Fabry-P\'erot optical resonator. The calculations show that the resulting gamma beam source has extremely interesting properties in terms of spectral density, energy spread and gamma flux comparable (and even better) with the last generation gamma sources. The energy of the gamma beam depends on the adopted laser wavelength and can be tuned changing the energy of the electron ring. In particular we have analyzed the case of a gamma factory tunable in the 2-9 MeV range. The main parameters of this new facility are presented and the perturbation on the transverse and longitudinal electron beam dynamics is discussed. A preliminary accelerator layout to allow experiments with the gamma beam is presented with a first design of the accelerator optics.Comment: 26 pages, 15 figure

Crystal slow extraction of positrons from DAΦNE: the SHERPA project

The SHERPA project aim is to develop an efficient technique to extract a positron beam from one of the accelerator rings composing the DAΦNE complex at the Frascati National Laboratory of INFN, setting up a new beam line able to deliver positron spills of O(ms) length, excellent beam energy spread and emittance. The most common approach to slowly extract from a ring is to increase betatron oscillations approaching a tune resonance in order to gradually eject particles from the circulating beam. SHERPA proposes a paradigm change using coherent processes in bent crystals to kick out positrons from the ring, a cheaper and less complex alternative. A description of this innovative nonresonant extraction technique is reported in this manuscript, including its performance preliminary estimation

Moringa oleifera leaf powder as functional additive in cookies to protect sh-sy5y cells

The aim of this work is the evaluation of the addition of Moringa leaf powder (MLP) in cookies in terms of antioxidant properties, dough processability and sensorial properties of the cookies. The total content of biophenols and flavonoids in MLP was detected and the identification of the bioactive molecules was performed by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS measurements, before and after oven treatment at 180◦C for 20 min. After a preliminary evaluation of the MLP water soluble fraction (MLPsf) cytotoxicity, its protective effect against an oxidative injury induced in the SH-SY5Y cells was assessed. Data evidence that the bioactive molecules present in MLPsf are effective in preventing ROS production and in protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress. Prototypes of cookies containing MLP in different concentrations were then produced and evaluated by a consumer panel. Selected doughs containing MLP were analysed to determine the total content of biophenols in the cookies after baking and their enrichment in terms of valuable chemical elements. The influence of MLP on the viscoelastic behaviour and morphology of the doughs was also assessed. Finally, the potential role in counteracting the insurgence of not treatable neurodegenerative pathologies of two main MLP components, glucomoringin and kaempferol derivatives, present also after the thermal treatment, was discussed

Operating experience with electron cloud clearing electrodes at DAFNE

During the current run of an electron-positron collider DAFNE special electrodes for electron cloud suppression have been inserted in all dipole and wiggler magnets of the positron ring. In this paper we discuss the impact of these electrodes on beam dynamics and overall collider performance. In particular we report results of measurements such as e-cloud instabilities growth rate, transverse beam size variation, tune shifts along the bunch train etc. with the electrodes switched on and off that clearly indicate the effectiveness of the electrodes for e-cloud suppression.Comment: presented at ECLOUD'12: Joint INFN-CERN-EuCARD-AccNet Workshop on Electron-Cloud Effects, La Biodola, Isola d'Elba, Italy, 5-9 June 201

Quantitative flow ratio-based outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation quaestio study

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) ranging from 60% to 80%. The clinical and prognostic role of coronary artery lesions in patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. The aim of the present observational study was to estimate long-term clinical outcomes by Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) characterization of CAD in a well-represented cohort of patients affected by severe AS treated by TAVI. Methods: A total of 439 invasive coronary angiographies of patients deemed eligible for TAVI by local Heart Teams with symptomatic severe AS were retrospectively screened for QFR analysis. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and any hospitalization after TAVI. Results: After exclusion of patients with no follow-up data, coronary angiography not feasible for QFR analysis and previous surgical myocardial revascularization (CABG) 48/239 (20.1%) patients had a QFR value lower or equal to 0.80 (QFR + value), while the remaining 191/239 (79.9%) did not present any vessel with a QFR positive value. In the adjusted Cox regression analysis, patients with positive QFR were independently associated with an increased risk of all-casual mortality (Model 1, HR 3.47, 95% CI, 2.35−5.12; Model 2, HR 5.01, 95% CI, 3.17−7.90). In the adjusted covariate analysis, QFR+ involving LAD (37/48, 77,1%) was associated with the higher risk of the composite outcome compared to patients without any positive value of QFR or non-LAD QFR positive value (11/48, 22.9%). Conclusions: Pre-TAVI QFR analysis can be used for a safe, simple, wireless functional assessment of CAD. QFR permits to identify patients at high risk of cardiovascular mortality or MACE, and it could be considered by local Heart Teams

The Importance of Mehran Score to Predict Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with TAVI: A Large Multicenter Cohort Study

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has developed as an alternative to surgery for symptomatic high-risk patients with aortic stenosis (AS). An important complication of TAVI is acute kidney injury. The purpose of the study was to investigate if the Mehran Score (MS) could be used to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in TAVI patients. Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study including 1180 patients with severe AS. The MS comprised eight clinical and procedural variables: hypotension, congestive heart failure class, glomerular filtration rate, diabetes, age >75 years, anemia, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, and contrast agent volume use. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the MS in predicting AKI following TAVI, as well as the predictive value of MS with each AKI-related characteristic. Results: Patients were categorized into four risk groups based on MS: low (≤5), moderate (6–10), high (11–15), and very high (≥16). Post-procedural AKI was observed in 139 patients (11.8%). MS classes had a higher risk of AKI in the multivariate analysis (HR 1.38, 95% CI, 1.43–1.63, p < 0.01). The best cutoff for MS to predict the onset of AKI was 13.0 (AUC, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.57–0.67), whereas the best cutoff for eGFR was 42.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (AUC, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.56–0.67). Conclusions: MS was shown to be a predictor of AKI development in TAVI patients

Análise e perspectivas de atuação no ciclo de políticas públicas: o caso da Embrapa Agroenergia.

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Triggering CD40 on endothelial cells contributes to tumor growth

Inflammatory cells can either promote or inhibit tumor growth. Here we studied whether CD40, a key molecule for adaptive immune response, has any role in mammary carcinogenesis of BALB/NeuT transgenic tumor-prone mice. We transferred the HER2/neu oncogene into CD40-null background to obtain the CD40-KO/NeuT strain. CD40-KO/NeuT mice showed delayed tumor onset and reduced tumor multiplicity. BM (BM) transplantation experiments excluded a role of BM-derived cells in the reduced tumorigenicity associated with CD40 deficiency. Rather, CD40 expressed by endothelial cells (ECs) takes part to the angiogenic process. Accordingly, large vessels, well organized around the tumor lobular structures, characterize BALB/NeuT tumors, whereas tiny numerous vessels with scarce extracellular matrix are dispersed in the parenchyma of poorly organized CD40-KO/NeuT tumors