A next-generation liquid xenon observatory for dark matter and neutrino physics

The nature of dark matter and properties of neutrinos are among the most pressing issues in contemporary particle physics. The dual-phase xenon time-projection chamber is the leading technology to cover the available parameter space for weakly interacting massive particles, while featuring extensive sensitivity to many alternative dark matter candidates. These detectors can also study neutrinos through neutrinoless double-beta decay and through a variety of astrophysical sources. A next-generation xenon-based detector will therefore be a true multi-purpose observatory to significantly advance particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, solar physics, and cosmology. This review article presents the science cases for such a detector

Evaluation of prediction capability of the MaxEnt and Frequency Ratio methods for landslide susceptibility in the Vernazza catchment (Cinque Terre, Italy)

none6The research is focused on the Vernazza catchment, an area of 5,75 km2 belonging to the Vernazza municipality in the Cinque Terre National Park, Italy; here, landslide susceptibility maps are produced using two different statistical methods by analyzing several intrinsic factors controlling landslides. It is also intended to evaluate the maps to determine the comparison between the coverage of high susceptibility areas obtained through different methods. The first statistically based method is a presence–absence (Frequency Ratio) method, while the second one is a presence-only (MaxEnt) method; the acquisition and preparation of the predisposition factors are also described, as well as their sensitivity and hierarchy regarding the landslide susceptibility models. Furthermore, in order to understand the effective improvement brought by the performance of the models, a validation using the receiving operator characteristics (ROC) and the area under curve (AUC) techniques has been carried out. The role played by variables such as land use and FAS is well visible: the outputs generated through both methods show a uniform distribution of very high susceptibility values on the medium-lower right portion of the catchment, and also the “aspect” variable, in which the value of each cell in a dataset indicates the direction of the cell’s slope faces, strongly influences the results since the west–south west-facing cells are considered as prone to generate landslides. Results obtained for assessing landslide susceptibility show good prediction rate curves for both the tested methodologies, with higher values for the frequency ratio susceptibility model. However, for the MaxEnt susceptibility models, these values are lower, though, without ever decreasing below 0.60. In both cases, future developments of the adopted methods could involve a further distinction of landslide type to evaluate the potential of model prediction specifically for each landslide category.mixedRaso, Emanuele; Di Martire, Diego; Cevasco, Andrea; Calcaterra, Domenico; Scarpellini, Patrizio; Firpo, MarcoRaso, Emanuele; Di Martire, Diego; Cevasco, Andrea; Calcaterra, Domenico; Scarpellini, Patrizio; Firpo, Marc

Delineation of a 50 kilobase DNA segment containing the recombination site in a sporadic case of Huntington's disease

No detectable rearrangements involving chromosome 4p16.3 have been observed in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). New mutations for HD could involve structural alterations which might aid the localization of the defective gene. We have reinvestigated a well documented sporadic case of HD. DNA haplotyping with markers between D4S10 and the telomeric locus D4S141 reveals a recombination event in one chromosome of the sporadic HD patient. The site of recombination maps within a 50 kilobase (kb) region, about 700 kb from the 4p telomere. Based on the extremely low HD mutation rate and significantly decreased recombination in the distal region of 4p, we hypothesize a direct link between the site of the recombination and HD in this patient

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy affects testicular and bone development, glucose metabolism and response to overnutrition in weaned horses up to two years

Pregnant mares and post-weaning foals are often fed concentrates rich in soluble carbohydrates, together with forage. Recent studies suggest that the use of concentrates is linked to alterations of metabolism and the development of osteochondrosis in foals. The aim of this study was to determine if broodmare diet during gestation affects metabolism, osteoarticular status and growth of yearlings overfed from 20 to 24 months of age and/or sexual maturity in prepubertal colts. Twenty-four saddlebred mares were fed forage only (n = 12, group F) or cracked barley and forage (n = 12, group B) from mid-gestation until foaling. Colts were gelded at 12 months of age. Between 20 and 24 months of age, all yearlings were overfed (+140% of requirements) using an automatic concentrate feeder. Offspring were monitored for growth between 6 and 24 months of age, glucose homeostasis was evaluated via modified frequently sampled intra veinous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) at 19 and 24 months of age and osteoarticular status was investigated using radiographic examinations at 24 months of age. The structure and function of testicles from prepubertal colts were analyzed using stereology and RT-qPCR. Post-weaning weight growth was not different between groups. Testicular maturation was delayed in F colts compared to B colts at 12 months of age. From 19 months of age, the cannon bone was wider in B vs F yearlings. F yearlings were more insulin resistant at 19 months compared to B yearlings but B yearlings were affected more severely by overnutrition with reduced insulin sensitivity. The osteoarticular status at 24 months of age was not different between groups. In conclusion, nutritional management of the pregnant broodmare and the growing foal may affect sexual maturity of colts and the metabolism of foals until 24 months of age. These effects may be deleterious for reproductive and sportive performances in older horses