Accretion disk coronae of Intermediate Polar Cataclysmic Variables - 3D MagnetoHydro-Dynamic modeling and thermal X-ray emission

IPCVs contain a magnetic, rotating white dwarf surrounded by a magnetically truncated accretion disk. To explain their strong flickering X-ray emission, accretion has been successfully taken into account. Nevertheless, observations suggest that accretion phenomena could not be the only process behind it. An intense flaring activity occurring on the surface of the disk may generate a corona, contribute to the thermal X-ray emission and influence the system stability. Our purposes are: investigating the formation of an extended corona above the accretion disk, due to an intense flaring activity occurring on the disk surface; studying its effects on the disk and stellar magnetosphere; assessing its contribution to the observed X-ray flux. We have developed a 3D MHD model of a IPCV. The model takes into account gravity, disk viscosity, thermal conduction, radiative losses and coronal flare heating. To perform a parameter space exploration, several system conditions have been considered, with different magnetic field intensity and disk density values. From the results of the evolution of the model, we have synthesized the thermal X-ray emission. The simulations show the formation of an extended corona, linking disk and star. The flaring activity is capable of strongly influencing the disk configuration and its stability, effectively deforming the magnetic field lines. Hot plasma evaporation phenomena occur in the layer immediately above the disk. The flaring activity gives rise to a thermal X-ray emission in both the [0.1-2.0] keV and the [2.0-10] keV bands. An intense coronal activity occurring on the disk surface of an IPCV can affect the structure of the disk depending noticeably on the density of the disk and the magnetic field of the central object. Moreover, the synthesis of the thermal X-ray fluxes shows that this flaring activity may contribute to the observed thermal X-ray emission

SAPIENT-Simulator Modelling and Architecture

Future aeronautical communications will be based on the TCP/IP protocol stack, and will occur through a number of different data-link channels (e.g., satellite, terrestrial), with multipath capabilities – the so-called multilink. Seamless vertical handover between different data-links is a requirement and it will improve the safety and reliability of AEROCOM systems, possibly enabling remote-piloted aircrafts (RPAs) for civil operations. This paper describes the modelling, design and implementation of an AEROCOM system simulator based on OMNeT++, developed in the framework of the SAPIENT EU project. The simulator includes models of the aircrafts, including their mobility, terrestrial and satellite data links and core network. Moreover, it includes a solution to simulate the effect of multilink capabilities, which enables one to test multilink decision policies

Weathering grade in granitoid rocks: The San Giovanni in Fiore area (Calabria, Italy)

This paper illustrates the methodology and techniques for the compilation of a thematic (engineering) geological map based on detailed mapping of the weathering grade of crystalline rocks occurring in a portion of the Sila Massif close to the San Giovanni in Fiore Village (Calabria, Italy). The map (1:5000 scale), covering an area of about 20 km2, was compiled combining new geological and structural data with the results of a weathering grade field survey. The methodology, used to distinguish and map the weathering grade classes, was performed using qualitative criteria, semi-quantitative tests, and petrographic analysis of weathered rock samples. The Main Map, presented in this paper, aims to provide a useful tool for land-use planning, for geological hazard assessment and engineering perspectives

Fulminant ischemic colitis with a fatal outcome after cocaine snorting: Case report and literature review

Abstract Snorting represents the most common route of administration for recreational powdered cocaine, and it is considered less dangerous than other routes of intake (i.e., intravenous; crack inhalation; etc.). A case of fulminant ischemic colitis with a fatal outcome, which occurred in a 19-year-old man after cocaine snorting, is presented in this report. Although several cases are reported in the literature, no one has involved people aged less than 20 years. The young man showed unspecific symptoms, which began about 2 h after the cocaine intake and the physicians were unable to make the diagnosis. This report may assist doctors treating young men who have consumed cocaine to consider this possible complication in all young adults (teenagers) in the presence of unspecific symptoms

SESAR EXPLORATORY RESEARCH SAPIENT PROJECT OVERVIEW

The SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Exploratory Research project called SAPIENT (Satellite and terrestrial architectures improving performance, security and safety in ATM) is a program of the SESAR Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement 699328 [1][2]. It aims at defining Satellite and Terrestrial Architectures improving performance security and Safety in ATM (Air Traffic Management) through new and innovative functionalities for future CNS (Communication, Navigation and Surveillance) and ATM systems and future European RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) C2/C3 satellite Data Link (DL) for governmental initiatives (C2 states for Command and Control, while C3 states Command, Control and Communications). In this context it has been defined SAPIENT which is a novel cost-effective and performance-efficient system solution for aeronautical communications, aimed at adapting and optimizing the capacity and safety performance of aeronautical communication applications, e.g. CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) and ADS-C (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract), in view of the estimated ‘status’ of air ground ATM SoL (Safety of Life) terrestrial and satellite datalinks over actual flown trajectories. To meet these targets, SAPIENT exploits the information on actual 4D aircraft trajectories – in terms of dynamic position in space and time – and performance data of ATM Air Ground Datalinks, produced by aircraft and other elements of the ATM Communication Infrastructure [3]. The innovative aspects addressed in the SAPIENT Project are related to the TAS-I patent “System for Aeronautical Safety of Life Applications Providing Adaptation of Services and Communication Resources for Maximized Safety and Capacity Performance” [4] . Significant references for the ATM Datalink aspects are the activities undergong in SESAR on VDL2 (VHF Digital Link Mode 2) [5] and other new generation digital datalinks and in ESA on Iris [7]. The SAPIENT solution is a multilink/data link monitor and control system. It is aimed at providing information on the aircraft perception of the operational layout goodness in order to correct or operate more effectively with respect to the ATM communication goals. The main objectives are: - Support the multilink function during the selection of the optimal data link; - Foresee retroaction on the in-use data link, and change the resources during the flight, according to information obtained through it and according to the information collected from the other SAPIENT system actors; - Retroact on multilink function in order to change the priority between data links (i.e. need of load balancing in a common coverage area with traffic hot spots). The use of the SAPIENT system is expected to positively impact: - The efficiency of the data-links management in a multilink environment, resulting in less resources needed by ATM communication system elements, with main focus on effective and efficient use of RF spectrum The Communication issues in the ATM air/ground links minimizing the need of tactical interventions from ATC (Air Traffic Control) and pilots to de-conflict situations - Communication issues in the RPAS C3 satellite DL minimizing the use of RPAS safety procedure that will limit the execution of the RPAS missions - The Air Navigation Service providing a cost saving obtained by improving the Air navigation Service productivity and the frequency band usage The aim of this paper is to present the SAPIENT reference architecture and system boundaries, the SAPIENT protocol and the main SAPIENT simulation result

Inner Peripheries: towards an EU placebased agenda on territorial peripherality

The main goal of this paper is to propose a sound interpretative and policy framework for \u2018Inner Peripheries\u2019 at the EU level. Its ambition is to bridge conceptual approaches to peripherality with the policy objectives set by key documents such as the Territorial Agenda 2020 and other recent reports on economic, social and territorial cohesion. An integrated multi-scalar approach, grounded on the notion of spatial disparity, is therefore connected with a \u2018place-based\u2019 approach to policy design. The breakthrough experience of the Italian programme on Inner Areas is an opportunity to broaden the reflection on inner peripheries and policies that are most apt to reconnect them. A more comprehensive analytical framework is proposed here, which looks at the foundational economy, spatial justice and territorial cohesion. The framework deals with both the \u2018condition\u2019 of peripherality and the \u2018process\u2019 by which endogenous and exogenous drivers determine the marginalisation of specific territories. Such tenets are fleshed out in the development of an original approach bridging theory and practice, analysis and policy, crucially assuming multi-scale governance design as the enabling framework for greater coherence between top-down and community-led initiatives

Off-label long acting injectable antipsychotics in real-world clinical practice: a cross-sectional analysis of prescriptive patterns from the STAR Network DEPOT study

Introduction: Information on the off-label use of Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) antipsychotics in the real world is lacking. In this study, we aimed to identify the sociodemographic and clinical features of patients treated with on- vs off-label LAIs and predictors of off-label First- or Second-Generation Antipsychotic (FGA vs. SGA) LAI choice in everyday clinical practice. Method: In a naturalistic national cohort of 449 patients who initiated LAI treatment in the STAR Network Depot Study, two groups were identified based on off- or on-label prescriptions. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test several clinically relevant variables and identify those associated with the choice of FGA vs SGA prescription in the off-label group. Results: SGA LAIs were more commonly prescribed in everyday practice, without significant differences in their on- and off-label use. Approximately 1 in 4 patients received an off-label prescription. In the off-label group, the most frequent diagnoses were bipolar disorder (67.5%) or any personality disorder (23.7%). FGA vs SGA LAI choice was significantly associated with BPRS thought disorder (OR = 1.22, CI95% 1.04 to 1.43, p = 0.015) and hostility/suspiciousness (OR = 0.83, CI95% 0.71 to 0.97, p = 0.017) dimensions. The likelihood of receiving an SGA LAI grew steadily with the increase of the BPRS thought disturbance score. Conversely, a preference towards prescribing an FGA was observed with higher scores at the BPRS hostility/suspiciousness subscale. Conclusion: Our study is the first to identify predictors of FGA vs SGA choice in patients treated with off-label LAI antipsychotics. Demographic characteristics, i.e. age, sex, and substance/alcohol use co-morbidities did not appear to influence the choice towards FGAs or SGAs. Despite a lack of evidence, clinicians tend to favour FGA over SGA LAIs in bipolar or personality disorder patients with relevant hostility. Further research is needed to evaluate treatment adherence and clinical effectiveness of these prescriptive patterns

Antitumoral efficacy of the protease inhibitor gabexate mesilate in colon cancer cells harbouring KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations

The employment of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies represents a backbone of the therapeutic options for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, this therapy is poorly effective or ineffective in unselected patients. Mutations in KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA genes have recently emerged as the best predictive factors of low/absent response to EGFR-targeted therapy. Due to the need for efficacious treatment options for mCRC patients bearing these mutations, in this short report we examined the antitumoral activity of the protease inhibitor gabexate mesilate, alone and in combination with the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab, in a panel of human CRC cell lines harbouring a different expression pattern of wild-type/mutated KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA genes. Results obtained showed that gabexate mesilate significantly inhibited the growth, invasive potential and tumour-induced angiogenesis in all the CRC cells employed in this study (including those ones harbouring dual KRAS/PIK3CA or BRAF/PIK3CA mutation), while cetuximab affected these parameters only in CRC cells with KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA wild-type. Notably, the antitumoral efficacy of gabexate mesilate and cetuximab in combination was found to be not superior than that observed with gabexate mesilate as single agent. Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that gabexate mesilate could represent a promising therapeutic option for mCRC patients, particularly for those harbouring KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations, either as monotherapy or in addition to standard chemotherapy regimens. Further studies to better elucidate gabexate mesilate mechanism of action in CRC cells are therefore warranted

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF POWER LINES ON BIRDS IN SICILY

Electrocution is a serious conservation problem worldwide for a large number of bird species (BEVANGER, 1994, 1998; BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL, 2004; PRINSEN et al., 2011). Due to its wide extension, it is necessary to seek methods that optimize the identification of the most dangerous pylons (JANSS and FERRER, 2001; MANOSA, 2001), lines and the highest risk areas (TINTÓ et al., 2010; GUIL et al., 2011). Actually, the data on bird mortality caused by electrocution and collision in Sicily are deficient, however, a preliminary study suggests that the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia L., 1758) is one of the most threatened species inside two Special Protection Areas (SPA) (ZAFARANA and BARBERA, 2016). The project C.L.E.S.A. aims at making a complete checklist of the species at risk, collecting information from published articles and personal reports. Unpublished data were collected through a request for information widely circulated among professional and dabbler ornithologists, local sections of bird conservation ONG and wildlife services. A standard monitoring method was used to collect data, monthly during the entire sampling period. First, we selected different transects randomly, and, subsequently, we counted and removed all the birds found dead. A total of 152 cases were collected from 1996 to 2017, of which 85 caused by electrocution and 67 by collision. The 55.5% of the founded species are considered as “Birds of Community Importance” (included in Annex I of the Council Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds). C. ciconia is the most species killed by electrocution and Phoenicopterus roseus Pallas, 1811 by collision. These preliminary results suggest that this problem, as well as having serious consequences in terms of conservation, could has serious economic repercussions for human societies, as power failures, loss of revenue, necessity of repairs infrastructures and cost of legal compliance (LEHMAN et al., 2007). The monitoring activities of the C.L.E.S.A. volunteers have the purpose of implementing direct conservation actions for endangered species. The synergy between power companies and C.L.E.S.A. will be basic to adopt the measures suggested by the Conference of the Parties in Resolution 7.4 "Electrocution of migratory birds" (BONN, 2002) and the current management plans for SPAs. This partnership will improve the effective field actions in Sicily