European Linguistic Monitor (ELM)

The European Linguistic Monitor (ELM) is a project conceived as an online system to collect data and to provide detailed up-to-date information on the linguistic situation and development in the various member state of the European Union. This paper discusses the criteria adopted and the third version of ELM

Numerical simulation of nonunitary gravity-induced localization

The localization of a quantum state is numerically exhibited in a nonunitary Newtonian model for gravity. It is shown that an unlocalized state of a ball of mass just above the expected threshold of 10^11 proton masses evolves into a mixed state with vanishing coherences above some localization lengths.Comment: RevTex, 6 figures available on request from the authors To appear in Physica

chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the bark of xylopia hypolampra

Hydrodistillation of Xylopia hypolampra Mildbr. stem bark afforded 39 mg (dry weight basis) of a pale yellow fragrant essential oil; gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatogra..

Use of the sensors of a latest generation mobile phone for the three-dimensional reconstruction of an archaeological monument: The survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru')

The survey of archaeological monuments presents particular needs and difficulties. Such surveys must in fact be as complete, geometrically correct and accurately geo-referenced as possible. These needs, however, often face problems of difficult accessibility, the need for rapid timing and complex logistical conditions. The latest generation of mobile phones are equipped with ultra-high resolution cameras up to 100 megapixel. Although they do not have the geometric characteristics of professional cameras, they can be used advantageously for the reconstruction of three-dimensional models using Structure from Motion methodologies . At the same time, the latest mobile phones are equipped with GPS/GNSS chips that allow a postprocessing of their positioning allowing to reach decimetric/centimetric accuracies. The use of sensors integrated in a mobile phone greatly simplify the survey both in terms of transportability but also in terms of authorizations by the competent authorities as the equipment is exactly the same that most tourists who visit the sites themselves bring with them. The approach proposed and made possible by these combined features in a latest generation mobile phone have been tested for a rapid survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru), a site with considerable logistical and organizing complexity

Use of the sensors of a latest generation mobile phone for the three-dimensional reconstruction of an archaeological monument: the survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru’)

Abstract The survey of archaeological monuments presents particular needs and difficulties. Such surveys must in fact be as complete, geometrically correct and accurately geo-referenced as possible. These needs, however, often face problems of difficult accessibility, the need for rapid timing and complex logistical conditions. The latest generation of mobile phones are equipped with ultra-high resolution cameras up to 100 megapixel. Although they do not have the geometric characteristics of professional cameras, they can be used advantageously for the reconstruction of three-dimensional models using Structure from Motion methodologies . At the same time, the latest mobile phones are equipped with GPS/GNSS chips that allow a postprocessing of their positioning allowing to reach decimetric/centimetric accuracies. The use of sensors integrated in a mobile phone greatly simplify the survey both in terms of transportability but also in terms of authorizations by the competent authorities as the equipment is exactly the same that most tourists who visit the sites themselves bring with them. The approach proposed and made possible by these combined features in a latest generation mobile phone have been tested for a rapid survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru), a site with considerable logistical and organizing complexity

Solutions and limitations of the geomatic survey of an archaeological site in hard to access areas with a latest generation smartphone: the example of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru)

Archaeological remains need to be geometrically surveyed and set in absolute reference systems in order to allow a "virtual visit" and to create "digital twins" useful in case of deterioration for proper restoration. Some countries (e.g., Peru) have a vast archaeological heritage whose survey requires optimized procedures that allow high productivity while maintaining high standards of geometric accuracy. A large part of Peru's cultural heritage is located in remote areas, at high altitudes and not easily accessible. For this reason, it is of great interest to study the possible applications of easily transportable instruments. In this study it was verified how the capabilities of the latest smartphones in terms of absolute differential positioning and photogrammetric acquisition can allow the acquisition of a geometrically correct and georeferenced three-dimensional model. The experimentation concerned a new survey of the Intihuatana stones at Machu Picchu and its comparison with a previous survey carried out with a much more complex laser scanning instrumentation. It is important to note that both the photogrammetric survey and the GPS/GNSS survey were carried out with the same smartphone taking full advantage of both features of the same mobile phone. Relative comparison to an existing point cloud provided differences of 2 millimeters in mean with an RMSE of 2 cm. The absolute positioning accuracy compared to a very large-scale cartography appears to be of the order of one metre as was expected mainly due to the high distance of the GPS/GNSS permanent stations

Prexasertib, a Chk1/Chk2 inhibitor, increases the effectiveness of conventional therapy in B-/T- cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

During the last few years many Checkpoint kinase 1/2 (Chk1/Chk2) inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of different type of cancers. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of the Chk 1/2 inhibitor prexasertib mesylate monohydrate in B-/T- cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as single agent and in combination with other drugs. The prexasertib reduced the cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner in all the treated cell lines. The cytotoxic activity was confirmed by the increment of apoptotic cells (Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining), by the increase of \u3b3H2A.X protein expression and by the activation of different apoptotic markers (Parp-1 and pro-Caspase3 cleavage). Furthermore, the inhibition of Chk1 changed the cell cycle profile. In order to evaluate the chemo-sensitizer activity of the compound, different cell lines were treated for 24 and 48 hours with prexasertib in combination with other drugs (imatinib, dasatinib and clofarabine). The results from cell line models were strengthened in primary leukemic blasts isolated from peripheral blood of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. In this study we highlighted the mechanism of action and the effectiveness of prexasertib as single agent or in combination with other conventional drugs like imatinib, dasatinib and clofarabine in the treatment of B-/T-ALL

Surviving adversity: Exploring the presence of Lunularia cruciata (L.) Dum. on metal‐polluted mining waste

The tailings dump of Barraxiutta (Sardinia, Italy) contains considerable concentrations of heavy metals and, consequently, is scarcely colonized by plants. However, wild populations of the liverwort Lunularia cruciata (L.) Dum. form dense and healthy-looking carpets on this tailing dump. L. cruciata colonizing the tailing dump was compared with a control population growing in a pristine environment in terms of: (i) pollutant content, (ii) photochemical efficiency, and (iii) volatile secondary metabolites in thalli extracts. L. cruciata maintained optimal photosynthesis despite containing considerable amounts of soil pollutants in its thalli and had higher sesquiterpene content compared to control plants. Sesquiterpenes have a role in plant stress resistance and adaptation to adverse environments. In the present study, we propose enhanced sesquiterpenes featuring Contaminated L. cruciata as a defence strategy implemented in the post-mining environment

Prevention of incisional hernia post emergency laparotomy: A time to change? A case series.

Introduction: Complicated acute diverticulitis (CAD) is a surgical challenge in which a mini-invasive approach may be offered. Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) was introduced as an alternative to sigmoid resection. However, the role of LPL is still under debate. Aim of this study was to evaluate which surgical strategy between LPL and Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy (LS) could give better outcomes in CAD. Materials and methods: This prospective, observational, multicenter study lasted from 2015 until to 2018. Inclusion criteria: left colonic or sigmoid CAD (modified Hinchey’’s classification: grade II not responder to conservative treatment and grade III). Exclusion criteria: septic shock, immunodepression, previous multiple surgical operations, modified Hinchey’’s grade I and IV,\15 and[85 years. Comparisons were made between LPL and LS groups. Results: 66 patients were enrolled: 28 (42%) had LPL and 38 (58%) LS. Following sigmoidectomy, 24 pts (63%) had a primary anastomosis and 14 pts (37%) an end-colostomy (Hartmann’’s procedure). There were no significant differences regarding age, male gender rate and mean BMI (p = 0.314, p = 0.07, p = 0.129, respectively). ASA score [2 was significantly higher in LPL (p = 0.05). The number of previous episodes of diverticulitis and the mean C-Reactive Protein dosage were similar (p = 0.756 and 0.846). Mannheim Peritonitis Index was significantly higher in LPL (0.004). No differences were found regarding to the distribution of Hinchey’’s grades II and III (p = 0.727). 1 (4%) patient in LPL and 5 pts (13%) in LS needed a conversion to open surgery (p = 0.181). Overall, the morbidity rates were 33% in LPL and 18% in LS (p = 0.169). Organ space infection (30% vs 3%, p = 0.002) and the re-operation rates (18.5% vs 0; p = 0.006) resulted significantly higher in the LPL group. Mortality was nihil. Mean post-op length of stay was 11.4 days in LPL and 8.23 days in LS (p = 0.088). Diverticular recurrence was significantly increased in LPL (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Compared to LS, LPL is associated with increased ongoing sepsis, emergency re-intervention and recurrence of acute diverticulitis. The role of LPL for patients with CAD remains questionabl

Case Report: A Novel Activating FLT3 Mutation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is among the most common driver genes recurrently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), accounting for approximately 30% of cases. Activating mutations of the FLT3 receptor include internal tandem duplications (ITD) that map to the auto-inhibitory juxtamembrane (JM) domain or point mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD). Several FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed in the last few years, but midostaurin is currently the only one approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients harboring FLT3 mutations. Here we describe for the first time a novel in-frame deletion in exon 14 (JM domain) of the FLT3 gene, that we identified in a young woman with CBFb-MYH11-positive AML. We demonstrated that this novel FLT3 variant is pathogenic, since it is responsible for constitutive activation of FLT3 receptor. Finally, ex-vivo studies demonstrated that this novel mutation is sensitive to midostaurin