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3392. Raman LIDARs and atmospheric calibration along the line-of-sight of the Cherenkov Telescope ArraySamo Stanič, Longlong Wang, Marko Zavrtanik, 2019, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is the next generation ground-based observatory for
gamma-ray astronomy at very-high energies. Employing more than 100 (north and south sites)
Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes in the northern and southern hemispheres, it was
designed to reach unprecedented sensitivity and energy resolution. Understanding and correcting
for systematic biases on the absolute energy scale and instrument response functions will be a cru-
cial issue for the performance of CTA. The Montpellier group and the Spanish/Italian/Slovenian
collaboration are currently building two Raman LIDAR prototypes for the online atmospheric cal-
ibration along the line-of-sight of the CTA. Requirements for such a solution include the ability
to characterize aerosol extinction at two wavelengths to distances up to 30 km with an accuracy
better than 5%, within exposure time scales of about a minute, steering capabilities and close
interaction with the CTA array control and data acquisition system as well as other auxiliary in-
struments. Our Raman LIDARs have design features that make them different from those used
in atmospheric science and are characterized by large collecting mirrors (∼2.5 m 2 ), liquid light-
guides that collect the light at the focal plane and transport it to the readout system, reduced
acquisition time and highly precise Raman spectrometers. The Raman LIDARs will participate in
a cross-calibration and characterization campaign of the atmosphere at the CTA North site at La
Palma, together with other site characterization instruments. After a one-year test period there, an
in-depth evaluation of the solutions adopted by the two projects will lead to a final Raman LIDAR
design proposal for both CTA sites.
Keywords: Raman lidar atmospheric calibration Cherenkov Telescope Array
Published in RUNG: 29.08.2019; Views: 3447; Downloads: 102
 Full text (1,29 MB) |
3393. Analysis of 19 Minerals and Cortisol in Red Deer Hair in Two Different Areas of the Stelvio National Park: A Preliminary StudyMarta Montillo, Tanja Peric, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to perform an investigation on the concentration of 19 minerals and
cortisol in red deer (Cervus elaphus) hair, a matrix that is easy to collect with non-invasive and painless
sampling, able to represent an integrative values of long-term substance concentrations, and able to
give useful information, also when performed on dead animals, given its extreme stability over time.
In the study thirty-five animals were included, coming from two different sides of a valley in the Stelvio
National Park, where official water analysis had pointed out elevated concentrations of As in one of the
two orographic sides. Hair cortisol concentrations were measured using a RIA(Radio Immuno Assay),
while minerals were detected using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry).
Results showed a negative relationship between cortisol and some mineral concentrations (Li,
Co, As, Cd, Cr and Tl) and significant differences in some mineral concentrations between park
areas (Al, Co, Cu, Cd and Ni). As, Cr and cortisol differences approached statistical significance.
This preliminary study represents a step forward in the study of wildlife allostatic load and a valid
method for applications in wildlife management programs, in environmental studies and in public
health programs.
Keywords: hair, deer, mineral, cortisol
Published in RUNG: 27.08.2019; Views: 2978; Downloads: 97
Full text (2,10 MB) |
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3397. Fibroblast involvement in soft connective tissue calcificationIvonne Pasquali Ronchetti, Federica Boraldi, Giulia Annovi, Paolo Cianciulli, Daniela Quaglino, 2013, review article Abstract: Soft connective tissue calcification is not a passive process, but the consequence of metabolic changes of local mesenchymal cells that, depending on both genetic and environmental factors, alter the balance between pro- and anti-calcifying pathways. While the role of smooth muscle cells and pericytes in ectopic calcifications has been widely investigated, the involvement of fibroblasts is still elusive. Fibroblasts isolated from the dermis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) patients and of patients exhibiting PXE-like clinical and histopathological findings offer an attractive model to investigate the mechanisms leading to the precipitation of mineral deposits within elastic fibers and to explore the influence of the genetic background and of the extracellular environment on fibroblast-associated calcifications, thus improving the knowledge on the role of mesenchymal cells on pathologic mineralization.
Keywords: fibroblasts, PXE, PXE-likedisorders, elastin, extracellularmatrix, ectopiccalcification, mesenchymal
stromalcells
Published in RUNG: 23.08.2019; Views: 3162; Downloads: 0
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3398. Matrix Gla Protein and Alkaline Phosphatase Are Differently Modulated in Human Dermal Fibroblasts from PXE Patients and ControlsFederica Boraldi, Giulia Annovi, Cees Vermeer, Leon J. Schurgers, Tommaso Trenti, Roberta Tiozzo, Deanna Guerra, Daniela Quaglino, 2013, original scientific article Keywords: Fibroblast, Vitamin K, Elastin calcification, Proteomics
Published in RUNG: 23.08.2019; Views: 3397; Downloads: 0
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3399. Ectopic calcification in β-thalassemia patients is associated with increased oxidative stress and lower MGP carboxylationFederica Boraldi, Maria Immaculada Garcia Fernandez, Chiara Paolinelli DeVincenzi, Giulia Annovi, Leon J. Schurgers, Cees Vermeer, Paolo Cianciulli, Ivonne Pasquali Ronchetti, Daniela Quaglino, 2013, original scientific article Keywords: Elastin
Oxidative stress
Matrix Gla protein
Ectopic calcification
Beta-thalassemia
Published in RUNG: 23.08.2019; Views: 3208; Downloads: 0
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3400. Heparan Sulfate Affects Elastin Deposition in Fibroblasts Cultured from Donors of Different AgesGiulia Annovi, Federica Boraldi, Pasquale Moscarelli, Deanna Guerra, Roberta Tiozzo, Bruna Parma, Pascal Sommer, Daniela Quaglino, 2012, original scientific article Abstract: Heparan sulfate (HS), due to its presence on the cell surface and in the extracellular milieu and its ability to
modulate cell signaling, has a fundamental role in both physiological and pathological conditions. For decades
we have demonstrated the occurrence of interactions between glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and elastic fibers. In
particular, we have recently shown that HS is present inside elastic fibers and plays a role in the assembly and
stability of elastin coacervates. Elastin represents, within the extracellular matrix, the component most severely
affected during aging, and changes in the synthesis and posttranslational modifications of HS have been described,
possibly influencing cellular behavior and protein interactions. Thus, the present study has investigated,
in two different in vitro experimental models, the role of HS on elastin deposition and assembly. Results
demonstrate that: (1) Biological effects of HS are partly dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of the
GAGs; (2) HS does not affect attachment, viability, and growth of human dermal fibroblasts; (3) HS does not
modify elastin gene expression nor elastin synthesis, but favors a-elastin aggregation and, independently from
the age of donors, elastin assembly; (4) HS significantly increases the expression of fibulin 5, and these effects are
especially evident in fibroblasts isolated from aging donors. These data provide a better understanding of the
biological role of HS and offer new perspectives regarding the possibility of restoring and/or preserving the
elastic component with aging.
Keywords: Heparan sulfate, Elastin, Fibroblasts
Published in RUNG: 23.08.2019; Views: 2987; Downloads: 0
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