Evidence of mud diapirism and coral colonies in the ionian sea (central mediterranean) from high resolution chirp sonar survey

A chirp sonar survey in the Ionian Sea investigated the Calabrian margin, the Calabrian accretionary wedge, the Taranto Trench and the Apulian foreland. Shallow tectonics structures have been related to deeper ones, recognised on CROP seismic profiles. The identified echo characters have been compared with those described in the modern literature and have been related to different kinds of sediments, on the basis of core samples. Based on echo character and morphology we have recognised: 1) A widespread presence of mounds, up to 50 m high, occurring on the Apulian plateau as isolated mounds in the deepest zones (1600-800 m) and in groups in the shallower ones (800-600 m); they have been interpreted as coral mounds, according to a recent discovery of living deep water coral colonies in this zone. 2) Some mud diapirs, isolated or in groups of two or three elements, widespread in the whole study area. In analogy of what has been observed on the Mediterranean Ridge, their presence suggests the activity of deep tectonic structures (thrusts and faults) and a reduced thickness (or absence) of Messinian evaporites in this part of the Ionian Sea

High Performances Corrugated Feed Horns for Space Applications at Millimetre Wavelengths

We report on the design, fabrication and testing of a set of high performance corrugated feed horns at 30 GHz, 70 GHz and 100 GHz, built as advanced prototypes for the Low Frequency Instrument (LFI) of the ESA Planck mission. The electromagnetic designs include linear (100 GHz) and dual shaped (30 and 70 GHz) profiles. Fabrication has been achieved by direct machining at 30 GHz, and by electro-formation at higher frequencies. The measured performances on side lobes and return loss meet the stringent Planck requirements over the large (20%) instrument bandwidth. Moreover, the advantage in terms of main lobe shape and side lobes levels of the dual profiled designs has been demonstrated.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in Experimental Astronom

Discovery of Carbon/Oxygen depleted Blue Straggler Stars in 47 Tucanae: the chemical signature of a mass-transfer formation process

We use high-resolution spectra obtained with the ESO Very Large Telescope to measure surface abundance patterns of 43 Blue Stragglers stars (BSS) in 47 Tuc. We discovered that a sub-population of BSS shows a significant depletion of Carbon and Oxygen with respect to the dominant population. This evidence would suggest the presence of CNO burning products on the BSS surface coming from a deeply peeled parent star, as expected in the case of mass-transfer process. This is the first detection of a chemical signature clearly pointing to a specific BSS formation process in a globular cluster.Comment: Published on 2006, August 10, in ApJ 647, L5

Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional and health status of boxer dogs

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain on nutritional status and faecal and microbiological parameters in a group of purebred boxers. Methods Forty healthy adult boxer dogs were randomly assigned to a treated (LACTO) group receiving a commercial diet supplemented with L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) to a final concentration of 5.0 x 109 colony-forming unit/kg of food, and a control (CTR) group receiving the same diet but without the probiotic (placebo). Nutritional status (body weight, skinfold thickness, body condition score) and faecal quality parameters were analysed. Results No differences in body weight and skin thickness were found during the whole experimental period. Dogs in the LACTO group showed a significantly higher body condition score than those in the CTR group (4.86\ub10.55 v 4.65\ub10.65), and no significant differences were recorded in body weight and skinfold thickness. The LACTO group showed a significantly lower faecal moisture (in per cent) compared with the CTR group (0.67\ub10.007 v 0.69\ub10.007). Faecal hardness (in kg) was higher in the LACTO group than in the CTR group (0.86\ub10.047 v 0.70\ub10.051), and faecal score also improved in the LACTO group (3.78\ub10.95 v 4.25\ub10.91). A significant difference in total Escherichia coli counts as well as in lactobacilli counts between the CTR and LACTO groups was only detected at 28 days. Conclusion Supplementation of L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) significantly improved the nutritional status and faecal parameters of dogs

Influence of synaptic depression on memory storage capacity

Synaptic efficacy between neurons is known to change within a short time scale dynamically. Neurophysiological experiments show that high-frequency presynaptic inputs decrease synaptic efficacy between neurons. This phenomenon is called synaptic depression, a short term synaptic plasticity. Many researchers have investigated how the synaptic depression affects the memory storage capacity. However, the noise has not been taken into consideration in their analysis. By introducing "temperature", which controls the level of the noise, into an update rule of neurons, we investigate the effects of synaptic depression on the memory storage capacity in the presence of the noise. We analytically compute the storage capacity by using a statistical mechanics technique called Self Consistent Signal to Noise Analysis (SCSNA). We find that the synaptic depression decreases the storage capacity in the case of finite temperature in contrast to the case of the low temperature limit, where the storage capacity does not change

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance

Background The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillusacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats. Methods Ten healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m 2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m 2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 10 9 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P 640.05). Results The two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2-3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of Lacidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts. Conclusions This study's preliminary results describe how inclusion of Lacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats' diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats

HST-NICMOS Observations of Terzan 5: Stellar Content and Structure of the Core

We report results from HST-NICMOS imaging of the extremely dense core of the globular cluster Terzan 5. This highly obscured bulge cluster has been estimated to have one of the highest collision rates of any galactic globular cluster, making its core a particularly conducive environment for the production of interacting binary systems. We have reconstructed high-resolution images of the central 19"x19" region of Terzan 5 by application of the drizzle algorithm to dithered NIC2 images in the F110W, F187W, and F187N near-infrared filters. We have used a DAOPHOT/ALLSTAR analysis of these images to produce the deepest color-magnitude diagram (CMD) yet obtained for the core of Terzan 5. We have also analyzed the parallel 11"X11" NIC1 field, centered 30" from the cluster center and imaged in F110W and F160W, and an additional NIC2 field that is immediately adjacent to the central field. This imaging results in a clean detection of the red-giant branch and horizontal branch in the central NIC2 field, and the detection of these plus the main-sequence turnoff and the upper main sequence in the NIC1 field. We have constructed an H versus J-H CMD for the NIC1 field. We obtain a new distance estimate of 8.7 kpc, which places Terzan 5 within less than 1 kpc of the galactic center. We have also determined a central surface-density profile which results in a maximum likelihood estimate of 7.9" +/- 0.6" for the cluster core radius. We discuss the implications of these results for the dynamical state of Terzan 5.Comment: 17 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ, for May 20, 200

Palliative care integration for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):Identifying essential components using participatory action research

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-limiting condition with palliative care needs. Despite increasing awareness about the role palliative care can play in care provision for patients with advanced COPD, integration in standard care remains underdeveloped. The unpredictability of the disease progression and misconceptions about palliative care being equivalent to end-of-life care often prevent a timely integrated approach in advanced COPD. Aim: To identify practices designed to increase integration of palliative care in the management of patients with advanced COPD in a respiratory service in Southern Switzerland. Design: A participatory action research approach was chosen and key stakeholders were involved to develop new knowledge and practices, supported by a Theory of Change framework. Data from each cycle and retrospective analysis at the end of the whole research were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting/participants: Five action research cycles with seven healthcare professionals working in palliative or respiratory care settings were conducted. Results: Three elements of integrated palliative care in advanced COPD were identified: multidimensional assessment, healthcare professionals’ education and interdisciplinary team meetings, which are the pillars of a new integrated palliative care model for patients with advanced COPD. Conclusions: The new integrated palliative care model in advanced COPD includes essential elements with a focus on patients, healthcare professionals and care delivery. Further research on testing this model in clinical practice, service development, implementation processes and possible outcomes, including evaluation of the financial impact of integrated palliative care is necessary to foster this care approach across all possible settings

Living with Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:A Qualitative Interview Study with Patients and Informal Carers

The disease trajectory in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by a progressive decline in overall function, loss of independence and reduction of health-related quality of life. Although the symptom burden is high and care is often demanding, patients' and informal carers' experiences in living with advanced COPD are seldom described. This study sought to explore patients' and informal carers' experiences in living with advanced COPD and to understand their awareness about palliative care provision in advanced COPD. About 20 patients and 20 informal carers were recruited in a respiratory care service in Southern Switzerland. Semistructured individual interviews with participants were conducted on clinic premises and audio-recorded. Interviews lasted between 35 and 45 min. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Living day to day with COPD, psychosocial dimension of the disease and management of complex care were the main themes identified. Patients and informal carers reported a range of psychological challenges, with feelings of guilt, discrimination and blame. Most of the participants had no knowledge of palliative care and healthcare services did not provide them with any information about palliative care approaches in advanced COPD. The reported psychological challenges may influence the relationship between patients, informal carers and healthcare professionals, adding further complexity to the management of this long-term condition. Further research is needed to explore new ways of managing complex care in advanced COPD and to define how palliative care may be included in this complex care network