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ANS Collaboration is a growing Italian network of small and medium size telescopes performing spectroscopy (low and medium resolution single dispersion, and Echelle high resolution modes) and UBV RCIC CCD photometry of symbiotic stars and novae mainly, but with interest also on other types of objects like optical transients, eclipsing binaries, X-ray source counterparts and on-call follow-up observations of selected targets from some surveys like IPHAS or RAVE. In the present form ANS started operations in 2005, and at the time of writing has logged on symbiotic stars 14602 photometric runs and a rich ensemble of low and high resolution, absolutely fluxed spectra. the paper describes the internal organization, operation modes and procedures, and presents sample data and performance statistics.

We present optical spectroscopy collected at seven epochs and BVRCIC photometry obtained at 1227 epochs of nova V723 Cas, covering the time interval between 2007 and 2015. The mean magnitude during this period, stable at ~3 mag brighter than in quiescence, and the continuous presence of strong [Fe X] and other high-ionization emission lines, indicates that the nuclear burning at the surface of the white dwarf is continuing 20 years past the initial outburst. The light curve shows a large amplitude (2 mag) orbital modulation, which is governed by the visibility of the irradiated side of the secondary star. Our observations do not confirm the reported increase with time of the orbital period of V723 Cas, a period of P=16.638 383 ± 0.000 025 h satisfying equally well all available observations in all bands. Our observations also do not confirm the presence of an additional periodicity around P=15.2397 h from which V723 Cas was classified as an intermediate-polar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After recent improvements to the Pavia model of two-nucleon knockout from 16O with electromagnetic probes the calculated cross-sections are compared to experimental data from such reactions. Comparison with data from a measurement of the 16O (e,e’ pn) reaction cross-section shows much better agreement between the experimental data and the results of the theoretical model than was previously observed. In a comparison with recent data from a measurement of the 16O ( $ \gamma$ ,pn) reaction cross-section the model over-predicts the measured cross-section at low missing momentum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With enough advanced notice, dengue outbreaks can be mitigated. As a climate-sensitive disease, environmental conditions and past patterns of dengue can be used to make predictions about future outbreak risk. These predictions improve public health planning and decision-making to ultimately reduce the burden of disease. Past approaches to dengue forecasting have used seasonal climate forecasts, but the predictive ability of a system using different lead times in a year-round prediction system has been seldom explored. Moreover, the transition from theoretical to operational systems integrated with disease control activities is rare., Methods and Findings: We introduce an operational seasonal dengue forecasting system for Vietnam where Earth observations, seasonal climate forecasts, and lagged dengue cases are used to drive a superensemble of probabilistic dengue models to predict dengue risk up to 6 months ahead. Bayesian spatiotemporal models were fit to 19 years (2002-2020) of dengue data at the province level across Vietnam. A superensemble of these models then makes probabilistic predictions of dengue incidence at various future time points aligned with key Vietnamese decision and planning deadlines. We demonstrate that the superensemble generates more accurate predictions of dengue incidence than the individual models it incorporates across a suite of time horizons and transmission settings. Using historical data, the superensemble made slightly more accurate predictions (continuous rank probability score [CRPS] = 66.8, 95% CI 60.6-148.0) than a baseline model which forecasts the same incidence rate every month (CRPS = 79.4, 95% CI 78.5-80.5) at lead times of 1 to 3 months, albeit with larger uncertainty. The outbreak detection capability of the superensemble was considerably larger (69%) than that of the baseline model (54.5%). Predictions were most accurate in southern Vietnam, an area that experiences semi-regular seasonal dengue transmission. The system also demonstrated added value across multiple areas compared to previous practice of not using a forecast. We use the system to make a prospective prediction for dengue incidence in Vietnam for the period May to October 2020. Prospective predictions made with the superensemble were slightly more accurate (CRPS = 110, 95% CI 102-575) than those made with the baseline model (CRPS = 125, 95% CI 120-168) but had larger uncertainty. Finally, we propose a framework for the evaluation of probabilistic predictions. Despite the demonstrated value of our forecasting system, the approach is limited by the consistency of the dengue case data, as well as the lack of publicly available, continuous, and long-term data sets on mosquito control efforts and serotype-specific case data., Conclusions: This study shows that by combining detailed Earth observation data, seasonal climate forecasts, and state-of-the-art models, dengue outbreaks can be predicted across a broad range of settings, with enough lead time to meaningfully inform dengue control. While our system omits some important variables not currently available at a subnational scale, the majority of past outbreaks could be predicted up to 3 months ahead. Over the next 2 years, the system will be prospectively evaluated and, if successful, potentially extended to other areas and other climate-sensitive disease systems., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

We report a family with three members affected by a typically X-linked McLeod syndrome. In the proband a very weak positivity for antigens of the Kell group was detected. His sister showed a normal antigenic pattern. We emphasize the prominent neurological picture characterized by a choreic syndrome with atrophy of the caudate nucleus on MRI, psychiatric disturbances, peripheral nerve and muscle biopsy findings indicating slight neuromuscular involvement, and cardiac abnormalities. The differential diagnosis is discussed.

Narciclasine (1,2,3,7-tetrahydroxy-8,9-methylendioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophena ntridone) is a natural substance with strong antimitotic effects on cells and potential antitumor activity. Its release form a hydrogel matrix was studied with the purpose of avoiding the concentration spikes of the parenteral administration. The matrix prepared by gamma ray polymerization of a mixture of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (85%) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (15%) was found to release narciclasine for several days, according to a diffusion controlled mechanism. In agreement with its antimitotic effect, narciclasine inhibited the growth rate of healthy mice, when the drug-loaded matrix was introduced subcutaneously. Antitumor effect was observed in an experimental model of Erlich ascitic tumor when low amounts of tumor cells were inoculated. No effect was observed at high concentrations of inoculum or towards solid tumors (Sarcoma 180). This behaviour was related to the rapid clearance of narciclasine from the body which prevented the reaching of sufficient therapeutical concentrations. A pharmacokinetic investigation carried out by an original method of assay demonstrated that narciclasine was accumulated in significant amounts in the kidney only and eliminated in urine with a half time of less than 20 min.

We describe a large family with 14 persons presenting macrosomia with or without mental retardation in which dominant transmission is evident over 4 generations. A wide range of phenotypic variability was observed, some patients showing macrosomia and mental impairment, others only macrosomia. The cases will be discussed in relationship with other conditions in which the 2 signs may be present, and above all in Sotos sequence.