Novel calibrations of virial black hole mass estimators in active galaxies based on X-ray luminosity and optical/NIR emission lines

Accurately weigh the masses of SMBH in AGN is currently possible for only a small group of local and bright broad-line AGN through reverberation mapping (RM). Statistical demographic studies can be carried out considering the empirical scaling relation between the size of the BLR and the AGN optical continuum luminosity. However, there are still biases against low-luminosity or reddened AGN, in which the rest-frame optical radiation can be severely absorbed/diluted by the host and the BLR emission lines could be hard to detect. Our purpose is to widen the applicability of virial-based SE relations to reliably measure the BH masses also for low-luminosity or intermediate/type 2 AGN that are missed by current methodology. We achieve this goal by calibrating virial relations based on unbiased quantities: the hard X-ray luminosities, in the 2-10 keV and 14-195 keV bands, that are less sensitive to galaxy contamination, and the FWHM of the most important rest-frame NIR and optical BLR emission lines. We built a sample of RM AGN having both X-ray luminosity and broad optical/NIR FWHM measurements available in order to calibrate new virial BH mass estimators. We found that the FWHM of the H$\alpha$, H$\beta$ and NIR lines (i.e. Pa$\alpha$, Pa$\beta$ and HeI$\lambda$10830) all correlate each other having negligible or small offsets. This result allowed us to derive virial BH mass estimators based on either the 2-10 keV or 14-195 keV luminosity. We took also into account the recent determination of the different virial coefficients $f$ for pseudo and classical bulges. By splitting the sample according to the bulge type and adopting separate $f$ factors we found that our virial relations predict BH masses of AGN hosted in pseudobulges $\sim$0.5 dex smaller than in classical bulges. Assuming the same average $f$ factor for both populations, a difference of $\sim$0.2 dex is still found.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures, 4 tables, accepted for publication on A&

MODELLING IN HBIM TO DOCUMENT MATERIALS DECAY BY A THEMATIC MAPPING TO MANAGE THE CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE CASE OF "CHIESA DELLA PIETÀ" IN FERMO

Abstract. Relevant, historically, it is the role of the Diocese of Fermo (Italy) in the Vatican organization dedicated to vast ecclesiastical patrimony on the territory of the Marche region. In this context, for the peculiarity of its identity and its property, the object of this study is the "Chiesa della Pietà". This research starts with the photogrammetric survey to document and analyse the existing condition of the church. The data acquisition provides many scans following a network schema and the photographic survey allows to create orthoimages to make more realistic the 3D representation. Once acquired the geometric and material survey, a series of investigations have been carried out to assess the surface degradation and the material decay of the external façades and internal environments. Furthermore, some structural problems have been occurred, investigating and verifying the presence of advanced stages of deterioration of the wooden structures and the restoration of these structural elements must be mandatory. To take under control the decay and to propose a restoration step, we have arranged the 3D model in HBIM software with different LOD, according to the BIM Forum Level of Development Specification (2016), suitable to develop a well-structured information system. Before the 3D modelling phase, a decomposition of the building is useful to implement a semantic classification of the architectural elements. Basing on a hierarchy of classes and subclasses, the dedicated database organizes the building components assigning an ID-code to the features, putting in evidence materials decay by a thematic mapping.</p

H3 histamine receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase calpha inhibits the growth of cholangiocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Histamine regulates functions via four receptors (HRH1, HRH2, HRH3, and HRH4). The D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))/Ca(2+)/protein kinase C (PKC)/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway regulates cholangiocarcinoma growth. We evaluated the role of HRH3 in the regulation of cholangiocarcinoma growth. Expression of HRH3 in intrahepatic and extrahepatic cell lines, normal cholangiocytes, and human tissue arrays was measured. In Mz-ChA-1 cells stimulated with (R)-(alpha)-(-)-methylhistamine dihydrobromide (RAMH), we measured (a) cell growth, (b) IP(3) and cyclic AMP levels, and (c) phosphorylation of PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinase isoforms. Localization of PKC alpha was visualized by immunofluorescence in cell smears and immunoblotting for PKC alpha in cytosol and membrane fractions. Following knockdown of PKC alpha, Mz-ChA-1 cells were stimulated with RAMH before evaluating cell growth and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo experiments were done in BALB/c nude mice. Mice were treated with saline or RAMH for 44 days and tumor volume was measured. Tumors were excised and evaluated for proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of PKC alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-C, VEGF receptor 2, and VEGF receptor 3. HRH3 expression was found in all cells. RAMH inhibited the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells. RAMH increased IP(3) levels and PKC alpha phosphorylation and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. RAMH induced a shift in the localization of PKC alpha expression from the cytosolic domain into the membrane region of Mz-ChA-1 cells. Silencing of PKC alpha prevented RAMH inhibition of Mz-ChA-1 cell growth and ablated RAMH effects on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo, RAMH decreased tumor growth and expression of VEGF and its receptors; PKC alpha expression was increased. RAMH inhibits cholangiocarcinoma growth by PKC alpha-dependent ERK1/2 dephosphorylation. Modulation of PKC alpha by histamine receptors may be important in regulating cholangiocarcinoma growth. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(10):1704-13

Quasi-simultaneous INTEGRAL, SWIFT, and NuSTAR Observations of the New X-Ray Clocked Burster 1RXS J180408.9-342058

We report the quasi-simultaneous INTEGRAL, SWIFT, and NuSTAR observations showing spectral state transitions in the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 1RXS J180408.9−342058 during its 2015 outburst. We present results of the analysis of high-quality broad energy band (0.8–200 keV) data in three different spectral states: high/soft, low/very-hard, and transitional state. The broadband spectra can be described in general as the sum of thermal Comptonization and reflection due to illumination of an optically thick accretion disk. During the high/soft state, blackbody emission is generated from the accretion disk and the surface of the neutron star. This emission, measured at a temperature of kT_(bb) ~ 1.2 keV, is then Comptonized by a thick corona with an electron temperature of ~2.5 keV. For the transitional and low/very-hard state, the spectra are successfully explained with emission from a double Comptonizing corona. The first component is described by thermal Comptonization of seed disk/neutron star photons (kT_(bb) ~ 1.2 keV) by a cold corona cloud with kT_e ~ 8–10 keV, while the second one originates from lower temperature blackbody photons (kT_(bb) ≤ 0.1 keV) Comptonized by a hot corona (kT_e ~ 35 keV). Finally, from NuSTAR observations, there is evidence that the source is a new clocked burster. The average time between two successive X-ray bursts corresponds to ~7.9 and ~4.0 ks when the persistent emission decreases by a factor of ~2, moving from a very hard to transitional state. The accretion rate (~4 x 10⁻⁹ M⊙ yr ⁻¹) and the decay time of the X-ray bursts longer than ~30 s suggest that the thermonuclear emission is due to mixed H/He burning triggered by thermally unstable He ignition

The fusion of external and internal 3D photogrammetric models as a tool to investigate the ancient human/cave interaction:The La Sassa case study

Caves have been used by humans and animals for several thousand years until present but, at these time scales, their structures can rapidly change due to erosion and concretion processes. For this reason, the availability of precise 3D models improves the data quality and quantity allowing the reconstruction of their ancient appearance, structure and origin. However, caves are usually characterised by lack of light, high percentage of relative humidity, narrow spaces and complex morphology. Thus, quite often the traditional topographic instruments cannot be employed. In the La Sassa cave (Sonnino, Italy) a huge deposit ranging from Pleistocene to the Second World War has been found and stratigraphic evidence suggested that the shape of the cave and its entrance might have been different. In this paper, the fusion of the internal and external 3D photogrammetric models of the La Sassa, made to support the archaeological excavations, is presented, A Nikon camera with a fisheye lens and a smartphone camera have been used to survey the internal part of the cave, while an aerial drone has been employed for the external area. The two models have been georeferenced and scaled using GCPs acquired by a double frequency GNSS (GPS and GLONASS) receiver. A low-resolution DTM derived from a previous aerial laser scanning survey and the 3D models have been elaborated in CloudCompare environment to highlight the complete morphology of the cave and its surroundings

THE FUSION of EXTERNAL and INTERNAL 3D PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MODELS AS A TOOL to INVESTIGATE the ANCIENT HUMAN/CAVE INTERACTION: The la SASSA CASE STUDY

Caves have been used by humans and animals for several thousand years until present but, at these time scales, their structures can rapidly change due to erosion and concretion processes. For this reason, the availability of precise 3D models improves the data quality and quantity allowing the reconstruction of their ancient appearance, structure and origin. However, caves are usually characterised by lack of light, high percentage of relative humidity, narrow spaces and complex morphology. Thus, quite often the traditional topographic instruments cannot be employed. In the La Sassa cave (Sonnino, Italy) a huge deposit ranging from Pleistocene to the Second World War has been found and stratigraphic evidence suggested that the shape of the cave and its entrance might have been different. In this paper, the fusion of the internal and external 3D photogrammetric models of the La Sassa, made to support the archaeological excavations, is presented, A Nikon camera with a fisheye lens and a smartphone camera have been used to survey the internal part of the cave, while an aerial drone has been employed for the external area. The two models have been georeferenced and scaled using GCPs acquired by a double frequency GNSS (GPS and GLONASS) receiver. A low-resolution DTM derived from a previous aerial laser scanning survey and the 3D models have been elaborated in CloudCompare environment to highlight the complete morphology of the cave and its surroundings

SMN protein promotes membrane compartmentalization of ribosomal protein S6 transcript in human fibroblasts

Alterations of RNA homeostasis can lead to severe pathological conditions. The Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, which is reduced in Spinal Muscular Atrophy, impacts critical aspects of the RNA life cycle, such as splicing, trafficking, and translation. Increasing evidence points to a potential role of SMN in ribosome biogenesis. Our previous study revealed that SMN promotes membrane-bound ribosomal proteins (RPs), sustaining activity-dependent local translation. Here, we suggest that plasma membrane domains could be a docking site not only for RPs but also for their encoding transcripts. We have shown that SMN knockdown perturbs subcellular localization as well as translation efficiency of RPS6 mRNA. We have also shown that plasma membrane-enriched fractions from human fibroblasts retain RPS6 transcripts in an SMN-dependent manner. Furthermore, we revealed that SMN traffics with RPS6 mRNA promoting its association with caveolin-1, a key component of membrane dynamics. Overall, these findings further support the SMN-mediated crosstalk between plasma membrane dynamics and translation machinery. Importantly, our study points to a potential role of SMN in the ribosome assembly pathway by selective RPs synthesis/localization in both space and time

GRB host galaxies with VLT/X-Shooter: properties at 0.8 < z < 1.3

Long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) are associated with the death of massive stars. Their host galaxies therefore represent a unique class of objects tracing star formation across the observable Universe. Indeed, recently accumulated evidence shows that GRB hosts do not differ substantially from general population of galaxies at high (z > 2) redshifts. However, it has been long recognised that the properties of z < 1.5 hosts, compared to general star-forming population, are unusual. To better understand the reasons for the supposed difference in LGRB hosts properties at z < 1.5, we obtained VLT/X- Shooter spectra of six hosts lying in the redshift range of 0.8 < z < 1.3. Some of these hosts have been observed before, yet we still lack well constrained information on their characteristics such as metallicity, dust extinction and star formation rate. We search for emission lines in the VLT/X-Shooter spectra of the hosts and measure their fluxes. We perform a detailed analysis, estimating host average extinction, star-formation rates, metallicities and electron densities where possible. Measured quantities of our hosts are compared to a larger sample of previously observed GRB hosts at z < 2. Star-formation rates and metallicities are measured for all the hosts analyzed in this paper and metallicities are well determined for 4 hosts. The mass-metallicity relation, the fundamental metallicity relation and SFRs derived from our hosts occupy similar parameter space as other host galaxies investigated so-far at the same redshift. We therefore conclude that GRB hosts in our sample support the found discrepancy between the properties of low-redshift GRB hosts and the general population of star- forming galaxies.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Chronic MPTP in Mice Damage-specific Neuronal Phenotypes within Dorsal Laminae of the Spinal Cord

The neurotoxin 1-methyl, 4-phenyl, 1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP) is widely used to produce experimental parkinsonism. Such a disease is characterized by neuronal damage in multiple regions beyond the nigrostriatal pathway including the spinal cord. The neurotoxin MPTP damages spinal motor neurons. So far, in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients alpha-synuclein aggregates are described in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Nonetheless, no experimental investigation was carried out to document whether MPTP affects the sensory compartment of the spinal cord. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether chronic exposure to small doses of MPTP (5&nbsp;mg/kg/X2, daily, for 21&nbsp;days) produces any pathological effect within dorsal spinal cord. This mild neurotoxic protocol produces a damage only to nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) axon terminals with no decrease in DA nigral neurons assessed by quantitative stereology. In these experimental conditions we documented a decrease in enkephalin-, calretinin-, calbindin D28K-, and parvalbumin-positive neurons within lamina I and II and the outer lamina III. Met-Enkephalin and substance P positive fibers are reduced in laminae I and II of chronically MPTP-treated mice. In contrast, as reported in PD patients, alpha-synuclein is markedly increased within spared neurons and fibers of lamina I and II after MPTP exposure. This is the first evidence that experimental parkinsonism produces the loss of specific neurons of the dorsal spinal cord, which are likely to be involved in sensory transmission and in pain modulation providing an experimental correlate for sensory and pain alterations in PD