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We present an updated high-resolution tomographic P- and S-wave velocity model of the lithosphere and asthenosphere system in Italy, obtained by adding the observations from ∼25,000 earthquakes (recorded between 2003 and April 2012 at three-component stations) to the previously inverted dataset (165,000 P-wave phases from ∼8000 events recorded between 1988 and 2002 at single-component). The final dataset includes ∼586,000 P- and ∼290,000 S-wave arrival times. The main strength of this research is the use of a method able to model P- and S-seismic phases refracted at the Moho discontinuity. We use a new and original map of the 3D Moho geometry obtained by integrating selected high quality controlled source seismology (CSS) and teleseismic receiver function data. Resolution strongly benefits also from the fast increase in number and quality of INGV National Seismic Network since year 2003 and from its integration with several permanent regional seismic networks. This study confirms the main structural features in the best-resolved parts of the inverted volume and much better images details in the less resolved areas of previous Vp models, due to both the larger number of inverted phases and the more even distribution of seismic stations. A new 3D Vp/Vs model is presented and discussed. Shallow structures and the relationships between the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Adria plates are better imaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialkyltin(IV) and trialkyltin(IV) complexes of the deacetoxycephalo-sporin-antibiotic cephalexin [7-(d-2-amino-2-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid] (Hceph) have been synthesized and investigated both in solid and solution phase. Analytical and thermogravimetric data supported the general formula Alk2SnOHceph · H2O and Alk3Snceph · H2O (Alk=Me, n-Bu), while structural information has been gained by FT-IR, 119Sn Mo¨ssbauer and 1H, 13C, 119Sn NMR data. In particular, IR results suggested polymeric structures both for Alk2SnOHceph · H2O and Alk3Snceph · H2O. Moreover, cephalexin appears to behave as monoanionic tridentate ligand coordinating the tin(IV) atom through ester-type carboxylate, as well as through β-lactam carbonyl oxygen atoms and the amino nitrogen donor atoms in Alk2SnOHceph · H2O complexes. On the basis of 119Sn Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy it could be inferred that tin(IV) was hexacoordinated in such complexes in the solid state, showing skew trapezoidal configuration. As far as Alk3Sn(IV)ceph · H2O derivatives are concerned, cephalexin coordinated the Alk3Sn moiety through the carboxylate acting as a bridging bidentate monoanionic group. Again, 119Sn Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy led us to propose a trigonal configuration around the tin(IV) atom, with R3Sn equatorial disposition and bridging carboxylate oxygen atoms in the axial positions. The nature of the complexes in solution state was investigated by using 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. Finally, the cytotoxic activity of organotin(IV) cephalexinate derivatives has been tested using two different chromosome-staining techniques Giemsa and CMA3, towards spermatocyte chromosomes of the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca: Bivalvia). Colchicinized-like mitoses (c-mitoses) on slides obtained from animals exposed to organotin(IV) cephalexinate compounds, demonstrated the high mitotic spindle-inhibiting potentiality of these chemicals. Moreover, structural damages such as ‘chromosome achromatic lesions’, ‘chromosome breakages’ and ‘chromosome fragments’ have been identified through a comparative analysis of spermatocyte chromosomes from untreated specimens (negative controls) and specimens treated with the organotin(IV) complexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Novel triorganotin(IV) complexes of two β-lactamic antibiotics, 6-[d-(−)-β-amino-p-hydroxyphenyl-acetamido]penicillin (=amoxicillin) and 6-[d-(−)-α-aminobenzyl]penicillin (=ampicillin), have been synthesized and investigated both in solid and solution states. The complexes corresponded to the general formula R3Sn(IV)antib·H2O (R=Me, n-Bu, Ph; antib=amox=amoxicillinate or amp=ampicillinate). Structural investigations about configuration in the solid state have been carried out by interpreting experimental IR and 119Sn Mo¨ssbauer data. In particular, IR results suggested polymeric structures both for R3Sn(IV)amox·H2O and R3Sn(IV)amp·H2O. Moreover, both antibiotics appear to behave as monoanionic bidentate ligands coordinating the tin(IV) atom through ester-type carboxylate, as well as through the β-lactamic carbonyl. Evidence that in none of these compounds water molecules were involved in coordination, was provided by thermogravimetric investigations. On the basis of 119Sn Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy it can be inferred that tin(IV) was pentacoordinate in all of the complexes in the solid state, showing an equatorial R3Sn(IV) trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) configuration. The nature of the complexes in solution state was investigated by using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while an 119Sn spectrum was obtained for n-Bu3Sn(IV)amp·H2O. Although 1H- and 13C-NMR measurements suggested that in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d6 solution the polymeric structure collapsed, due to a solvolysis process of the β-lactamic carbonyl bonding to the organometallic moiety, the complexes have been shown to maintain the same trigonal bipyramidal configuration at tin(IV) atom by the coordination of a DMSO molecule. Cytotoxic activity of these novel semisynthetic antibiotic derivatives has been tested towards spermatocyte chromosomes of the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) using two different chromosome-staining techniques such as Giemsa and CMA3. The occurrence of typical colchicinized-like (c-like) mitoses on slides obtained from animals exposed to organotin compounds, directly confirmed the high mitotic spindle-inhibiting potency of these chemicals. In addition, by comparative analysis of spermatocyte chromosomes from untreated specimens (negative controls) and specimens treated with the triorganotin(IV) complexes, structural damages such as ‘achromatic lesions’ and ‘chromosome breakages’ have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Muon g –2 experiment at Fermilab (E989) plans to measure the muon anomalous magnetic moment to a precision of 140 parts per billion (ppb), which corresponds to a total uncertainty of 1. 6 × 1 0 − 10. To achieve this level of precision the experiment must detect more than 1. 8 × 1 0 11 decay positrons by using the 24 calorimeters distributed around the muon storage ring. Each calorimeter consists of 54 Pb F 2 crystals read out by SiPMs. The response of each of the 1296 channels must be calibrated and monitored to keep uncertainties due to gain fluctuations at the sub-per mil level in the time interval corresponding to one beam fill (700 μ s) and at the sub-percent level on longer time scales. These requirements are much more demanding than those needed by most high energy physics experiments. This paper presents a novel laser-based calibration system that distributes light to all calorimeter cells, while allowing one to correct for laser intensity fluctuations and to monitor the distribution chain stability at unprecedented levels of accuracy. Results on the system performance during the first few months of stored muon operation in 2018 are also presented. • FNAL's Muon g-2 Experiment calorimeters are calibrated with a laser-based system. • The laser calibration system yields sub-per-mil level calorimeter gain stability. • A laser pre-beam-injection pulse provides time synchronization. • Laser stability is measured via a redundant monitoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The treatment of thalassemia is still essentially based on continuous transfusion supporting using red cell concentrates (RCC) prepared in different ways. For patients with sickle-cell disorders, either urgent or chronic red blood cell transfusion therapy, is widely used in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) because it reduces HbS level and generally prevents recurrent vaso-occlusive disease (VOD). Recently, the introduction of prestorage filtration to remove leukocytes and the use of techniques for multicomponent donation have increased the types of blood components available for transfusion purposes. The clinical effects of different types of blood components in thalassaemic and sickle-cell patients have not been extensively studied so far. We evaluated the impact of the various different blood components currently available on transfusion needs, transfusion intervals and adverse reactions in order to determine which is the most advantageous for transfusion-dependent thalassaemic and sickle-cell patients followed in our centre. We believe that the optimal characteristics of the RCC are aged less than 10 days from time of collection; Hb content greater than 56g per unit; Hct: 55–60%; volume (including additive) 300mL±20%; leucodepleted to less than 200,000leukocytes pert unit; low cytokine content (achievable by prestorage filtration carried out between two and 24hours after the collection); lack of microaggregates (achievable by prestorage filtration or filtration in the laboratory) and protein content less than 0.5g per unit for patients allergic to plasma proteins (achievable with manual or automated washing). It is still recommended that the blood transfused should be as fresh as possible, compatible with the centre''s product availability and the centre''s organisation should be continuously adapted to this aim. We always transfuse blood within 10 days of its collection, respecting Rh and Kell system phenotypes. Prestorage filtration is strongly recommended, both in order to prevent adverse reactions through the marked leucodepletion (less than 200,000leukocytes per unit) and for a better standardisation of the final product, including the certainty that the product does not contain clots, an assurance that bed-side filtration cannot give. The RCC should be produced using a method causing as little as possible stress to the red cell membrane. The use of RCC with a high content of Hb (less than 56g per unit) is strongly recommended, because our study clearly shows that this reduces the number of exposures to donors and the number of accesses to hospital, thus improving the patient''s quality of life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Treatment of oxidative stress-related pathologies is a possible therapeutical strategy for the future. Natural product with antioxidant properties could trigger this goal. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the antioxidant activity of the natural product ergothioneine (EGT), a compound of plant origin, which is assimilated and conserved by mammals in erythrocytes, kidney, seminal fluid and liver. Methods: We measured the antioxidant activity of EGT as its ability to antagonize the oxidation of α-keto-γ-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) by hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. The results are expressed as total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) units. Glutathione (GSH), uric acid and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (trolox), the water-soluble analog of vitamin E, were used as the reference antioxidants. Results: EGT was the most active scavenger of free radicals as compared to classic antioxidants as GSH, uric acid and trolox. In particular, the highest antioxidant capacity exhibited by EGT vs. peroxyl radicals (5.53 ± 1.27 units) resulted 25% higher than the value obtained with the reference antioxidant trolox (4.4 ± 0.6 units, P < 0.01). The scavenging capacity of EGT towards hydroxyl radicals (0.34 ± 0.09 units) was 60% higher, as compared to uric acid (0.21 ± 0.04 units, P < 0.001), which represent the reference antioxidant vs. hydroxyl radicals. Finally, EGT showed the highest antioxidant activity also towards peroxynitrite (5.2 ± 1.0 units), with a scavenging capacity 10% higher than that of uric acid (4.7 ± 0.9 units, P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that EGT has potent intrinsic anti-hydroxyl, anti-peroxyl and anti-peroxynitrite radicals antioxidant activity, as compared to classic molecules with antioxidant capacity as GSH, trolox and uric acid. This appears of interest, given the increasing use of non-vitamins cocktails for therapeutical approaches to many oxidative-induced pathologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The new Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab (E989) will measure the muon anomaly a μ = (g μ -2)/2 to an uncertainty of 16 x 10−11 (0.14 ppm). The experiment is running with a positive muon beam. The decay positrons are detected by 24 electromagnetic calorimeters placed on the inner radius of the magnetic storage ring. As the gain fluctuation of each calorimeter channel must be corrected to a few parts in 104, a state-of-art laser calibration system has been realized which provides short laser pulses to the calorimeters. The monitoring of these light signals is done by specific photo-detectors read by a specialized Monitoring Electronics, which is organized in devoted crates and performs the full data acquisition of the calibration signals starting from pre-amplification, then digitization and finally transfer of the information. Here we describe few key elements of the whole system, namely the single readout channel of the Monitoring Board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermilab, a calibration apparatus based on a set of laser sources and a distribution system has been designed and implemented by the INFN group. The light pulses are read by specific photo-detectors, whose signals are digitized by custom electronics modules designed to match the experimental requirements. The data frames of each module are transmitted to a controller board that performs the event-building process and transfers the reconstructed data to the online farm. In this work we present the architecture and data flow of the acquisition system that depends on the laser calibration program defined inside the Laser Control board. Experimental results on the overall system performances, also including the software processes running both at controller and farm level will be described. • A custom DAQ system performs a trigger-driven data collection. • Each crate hosts a master board and several slaves based on FPGA elements. • The crate event building is fully realized in hardware. • Monitoring facility to track in realtime data transfers and processing activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]