Numerical simulation of nonunitary gravity-induced localization

The localization of a quantum state is numerically exhibited in a nonunitary Newtonian model for gravity. It is shown that an unlocalized state of a ball of mass just above the expected threshold of 10^11 proton masses evolves into a mixed state with vanishing coherences above some localization lengths.Comment: RevTex, 6 figures available on request from the authors To appear in Physica

Fano collective resonance as complex mode in a two dimensional planar metasurface of plasmonic nanoparticles

Fano resonances are features in transmissivity/reflectivity/absorption that owe their origin to the interaction between a bright resonance and a dark (i.e., sub-radiant) narrower resonance, and may emerge in the optical properties of planar two-dimensional (2D) periodic arrays (metasurfaces) of plasmonic nanoparticles. In this Letter, we provide a thorough assessment of their nature for the general case of normal and oblique plane wave incidence, highlighting when a Fano resonance is affected by the mutual coupling in an array and its capability to support free modal solutions. We analyze the representative case of a metasurface of plasmonic nanoshells at ultraviolet frequencies and compute its absorption under TE- and TM-polarized, oblique plane-wave incidence. In particular, we find that plasmonic metasurfaces display two distinct types of resonances observable as absorption peaks: one is related to the Mie, dipolar resonance of each nanoparticle; the other is due to the forced excitation of free modes with small attenuation constant, usually found at oblique incidence. The latter is thus an array-induced collective Fano resonance. This realization opens up to manifold flexible designs at optical frequencies mixing individual and collective resonances. We explain the physical origin of such Fano resonances using the modal analysis, which allows to calculate the free modes with complex wavenumber supported by the metasurface. We define equivalent array dipolar polarizabilities that are directly related to the absorption physics at oblique incidence and show a direct dependence between array modal phase and attenuation constant and Fano resonances. We thus provide a more complete picture of Fano resonances that may lead to the design of filters, energy-harvesting devices, photodetectors, and sensors at ultraviolet frequencies.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Nod2 Deficiency in mice is Associated with Microbiota Variation Favouring the Expansion of mucosal CD4+ LAP+ Regulatory Cells

Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain-2 (NOD2) mutations are associated with an increased risk to develop Crohn's Disease. In previous studies, we have shown that Nod2-/- mice manifest increased proportion of Lamina Propria (LP) CD4+ LAP+ Foxp3- regulatory cells, when compared with Nod2+/+ mice, while CD4+ Foxp3 + regulatory cells were not affected. Here, we investigated the Nod2 gut microbiota, by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing, at steady state and after TNBS-colitis induction in mice reared separately or in cohousing, correlating the microbial profiles with LP regulatory T cells proportion and tissue cytokines content. We found that enrichment of Rikenella and Alistipes (Rikenellaceae) in Nod2-/- mice at 8 weeks of age reared separately was associated with increased proportion of CD4+ LAP+ Foxp3- cells and less severe TNBS-colitis. In co-housed mice the acquisition of Rickenellaceae by Nod2+/+ mice was associated with increased CD4+ LAP+ Foxp3- proportion and less severe colitis. Severe colitis was associated with enrichment of gram-negative pathobionts (Escherichia and Enterococcus), while less severe colitis with protective bacteria (Barnesiella, Odoribacter and Clostridium IV). Environmental factors acting on genetic background with different outcomes according to their impact on microbiota, predispose in different ways to inflammation. These results open a new scenario for therapeutic attempt to re-establish eubiosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients with NOD2 polymorphisms

Biofortification of selenium in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae reared on seaweed or selenium enriched substrates

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for livestock. The element can be supplemented to feed in inorganic or organic Se forms, where the chemical form in the diet affects the accumulation of Se in animal tissues. Insects are known to be natural bioaccumulators of different nutrients, but no studies have so far looked up on the capacity of insects to be biofortified with Se, as a potential future source for Se in feed. In this study, black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae were reared on three different substrates: (1) a control substrate (CTR diet) of plant-ingredients (Gainesville diet); (2) Ascophyllum nodosum diet (AN30%), with 30% substitution of the alfalfa meal with the brown algae; and (3) a Se diet, where the CTR diet was fortified with 0.3 mg/kg of Se. All experiments were carried out under dark condition, at 25 °C with 70% relative humidity for two weeks, and the final BSF prepupae were analysed for Se, metals and minerals, and Se species. The mean total Se content in the prepupae reared on Se dietary group was over five times higher compared to the CTR group, whereas lower Se levels were detected in AN30% dietary group. Se speciation analyses showed that organic selenomethionine (SeMet) was the major Se species present, both in CTR and AN30% group. For the Se group, SeMet was accounting for 54% of the total Se. The levels of SeMet were higher in the Se group compared to the CTR group, indicating that BSF prepupae are able to convert inorganic Se to organic Se. The overall results show that the substrates hereby studied affect the total Se and Se species, as well as the levels of other elements, in the BSF prepupae.publishedVersio

Chronic pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle

We present a case of a 55-year-old men who suffered a silent myocardial infarction four years earlier and presented with exertional dyspnoea. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed and revealed a giant pseudoaneursym of the lateral wall of the left ventricle with the presence of a thrombus in the lateral wall of the pseudoaneursym. We present this case since excellent non-invasive evaluation of the pseudoaneursym was feasible using state-of-the-art imaging modalities. Information on left ventricular geometry and function as well as myocardial viability and coronary anatomy is available when both MSCT and CMR are performed. This combined approach of these two imaging modalities provide clinically relevant information and may guide therapeutic decision making

CT-guided percutaneous drainage of abdominopelvic collections: a pictorial essay

CT-guided percutaneous drainage is a safe and effective procedure that allows minimally invasive treatment of abdominopelvic abscesses and fluid collections. This technique has become an alternative for surgery with lower morbility and mortality rates. In this pictorial essay, we aim at providing an overview of the technical approaches, the main clinical indications and complications of CT-guided percutaneous drainage, in order to provide a practical guide for interventional radiologists, with a review of the recent literature. The focus will be the CT-guidance, preferred when the interposition of viscera, vascular and skeletal structures, counteracts the ultrasound guidance

Alpha-particle clustering in excited expanding self-conjugate nuclei

The fragmentation of quasi-projectiles from the nuclear reaction 40Ca + 12C at 25 MeV/nucleon was used to produce alpha-emission sources. From a careful selection of these sources provided by a complete detection and from comparisons with models of sequential and simultaneous decays, strong indications in favour of $\alpha$-particle clustering in excited 16O, 20Ne and 24}Mg are reported.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, 12th International Conference on Nucleus-Nucleus collisions (NN2015), 21-26 June 2015, Catania, Ital