Forecasting Effusive Dynamics and Decompression Rates by Magmastatic Model at Open-vent Volcanoes

Effusive eruptions at open-conduit volcanoes are interpreted as reactions to a disequilibrium induced by the increase in magma supply. By comparing four of the most recent effusive eruptions at Stromboli volcano (Italy), we show how the volumes of lava discharged during each eruption are linearly correlated to the topographic positions of the effusive vents. This correlation cannot be explained by an excess of pressure within a deep magma chamber and raises questions about the actual contributions of deep magma dynamics. We derive a general model based on the discharge of a shallow reservoir and the magmastatic crustal load above the vent, to explain the linear link. In addition, we show how the drastic transition from effusive to violent explosions can be related to different decompression rates. We suggest that a gravity-driven model can shed light on similar cases of lateral effusive eruptions in other volcanic systems and can provide evidence of the roles of slow decompression rates in triggering violent paroxysmal explosive eruptions, which occasionally punctuate the effusive phases at basaltic volcanoes

Dielectric nano-antennas for strain engineering in atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductors

Atomically thin two-dimensional semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can withstand large levels of strain before their irreversible damage occurs. This unique property offers a promising route for control of the optical and electronic properties of TMDs, for instance by depositing them on nano-structured surfaces, where position-dependent strain can be produced on the nano-scale. Here, we demonstrate strain-induced modifications of the optical properties of mono- and bilayer TMD WSe$_2$ placed on photonic nano-antennas made from gallium phosphide (GaP). Photoluminescence (PL) from the strained areas of the TMD layer is enhanced owing to the efficient coupling with the confined optical mode of the nano-antenna. Thus, by following the shift of the PL peak, we deduce the changes in the strain in WSe$_2$ deposited on the nano-antennas of different radii. In agreement with the presented theory, strain up to $\approx 1.4 \%$ is observed for WSe$_2$ monolayers. We also estimate that $>3\%$ strain is achieved in bilayers, accompanied with the emergence of a direct bandgap in this normally indirect-bandgap semiconductor. At cryogenic temperatures, we find evidence of the exciton confinement in the most strained nano-scale parts of the WSe$_2$ layers, as also predicted by our theoretical model. Our results, of direct relevance for both dielectric and plasmonic nano-antennas, show that strain in atomically thin semiconductors can be used as an additional parameter for engineering light-matter interaction in nano-photonic devices

Enhanced light-matter interaction in an atomically thin semiconductor coupled with dielectric nano-antennas

Unique structural and optical properties of atomically thin two-dimensional semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides enable in principle their efficient coupling to photonic cavities having the optical mode volume close to or below the diffraction limit. Recently, it has become possible to make all-dielectric nano-cavities with reduced mode volumes and negligible non-radiative losses. Here, we realise low-loss high-refractive-index dielectric gallium phosphide (GaP) nano-antennas with small mode volumes coupled to atomic mono- and bilayers of WSe2. We observe a photoluminescence enhancement exceeding 10(4) compared with WSe2 placed on planar GaP, and trace its origin to a combination of enhancement of the spontaneous emission rate, favourable modification of the photoluminescence directionality and enhanced optical excitation efficiency. A further effect of the coupling is observed in the photoluminescence polarisation dependence and in the Raman scattering signal enhancement exceeding 10(3). Our findings reveal dielectric nano-antennas as a promising platform for engineering light-matter coupling in two-dimensional semiconductors

The effect of periodontal therapy on lymphocyte blastogenesis to plaque associated microorganisms

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66105/1/j.1600-0765.1983.tb00340.x.pd

Human-to-Human Interaction: the Killer Application of Ubiquitous Computing

Twenty-five years past the Weiser\u2019s vision of Ubiquitous Computing, and there is not a clear understanding of what is or is not a pervasive system. Due to the loose boundaries of such paradigm, almost any kind of remotely ac-cessible networked system is classified as a pervasive system. We think that that is mainly due to the lack of killer applications that could make this vi-sion clearer. Actually, we think that the most promising killer application is already here, but we are so used to it that we do not see it, as a perfect fitting of the Weiser\u2019s vision: the Human-to-Human Interaction mediated by com-puters

Adjustable Intragastric Balloons: A 12-Month Pilot Trial in Endoscopic Weight Loss Management

Intragastric balloons are associated with (1) early period intolerance, (2) diminished effect within 3–4 months, and (3) bowel obstruction risk mandating removal at 6 months. The introduction of an adjustable balloon could improve comfort and offer greater efficacy. A migration prevention function, safely enabling prolonged implantation, could improve efficacy and weight maintenance post-extraction. The first implantations of an adjustable balloon with an attached migration prevention anchor are reported. The primary endpoint was the absence of bowel perforation, obstruction, or hemorrhage. Eighteen patients with mean BMI of 37.3 were implanted with the Spatz Adjustable Balloon system (ABS) for 12 months. Balloon volumes were adjusted for intolerance or weight loss plateau. Mean weight loss at 24 weeks was 15.6 kg with 26.4% EWL (percent of excess weight loss) and 24.4 kg with 48.8% EWL at 52 weeks. Sixteen adjustments were successfully performed. Six downward adjustments alleviated intolerance, yielding additional mean weight loss of 4.6 kg. Ten upward adjustments for weight loss plateau yielded a mean additional weight loss of 7 kg. Seven balloons were removed prematurely. Complications necessitating early removal included valve malfunction (1), gastritis (1), Mallory–Weiss tear (1), NSAID (2× dose/2 weeks) perforating ulcer (1), and balloon deflation (1). Two incidents of catheter shear from the chain: one passed uneventfully and one caused an esophageal laceration without perforation during extraction. The Spatz ABS has been successfully implanted in 18 patients. (1) Upward adjustments yielded additional weight loss. (2) Downward adjustments alleviated intolerance, with continued weight loss. (3) Preliminary 1-year implantation results are encouraging

History of Periodontitis Diagnosis and Edentulism as Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, and Mortality in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in older women, which is the objective of the present investigation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants were 57 001 postmenopausal women ages 55 to 89 years (mean 68 years; \u3e 85% 60 and older) who were enrolled (1993-1998) in the Women\u27s Health Initiative Observational Study, and were without known CVD when history of periodontitis and edentulism was assessed by questionnaire at study Year-5 (1998-2003). There were 3589 incident CVD events and 3816 total deaths during a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. In multivariable analysis, periodontitis was not associated with CVD events, but was associated with higher total mortality (hazard ratio (HR)=1.12, 95% CI: 1.05-1.21). Edentulism was associated with higher age- and smoking-adjusted risks of CVD (HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.27-1.59) and mortality (HR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.32-1.63). Further adjustment eliminated the association with CVD, but mortality remained significantly increased (HR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.33). Stratification on age, race-ethnicity, smoking, and diabetes mellitus yielded comparable results; however, edentulism was more strongly associated with CVD in women reporting \u3e /=1 dental visit (HR=1.57) compared with (HR 1.03, interaction P=0.004) annually. CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling older women, edentulism was associated with increased risks of CVD and total mortality, and presence of periodontitis, which is more prevalent than edentulism, was associated with 17% higher mortality rate. These findings suggest that improving periodontal condition of the general population could reduce overall mortality

The Stromboli geophysical experiment. Preliminary report on wide angle refraction seismics and morphobathymetry of Stromboli Island (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) based on integrated offshore-onshore data acquisition (Cruise STR06 R/V URANIA)

Cruise STR06 on R/V Urania was performed in the framework of the ”INGV - DPC V2 - Monitoring and research activity at Stromboli and Panarea - Unit V2/03”, and resulted as a joint initiative between CNR (IAMC, Napoli and ISMAR, Bologna), INGV (Roma2, Osservatorio Vesuviano, Catania, Gibilmanna-CNT), University of Firenze and DPC, aiming to produce a seismic tomography of the Stromboli volcano, South Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea [Fig.1], and have insights into its 2-D structure and magma chambers. Cruise work plan was designed to extend at sea the existing Seismographic Network, complemented by several mobile stations, and to generate seismic shots by air-gun tuned array. 10 OBS were deployed around Stromboli, along the NE, SE and SW flanks of the volcano, according to (a) morphobathymetric analysis of available and newly produced DTMs, (b) modeling and (c) optimal lineaments with on-land recording stations. Seismic shots along radial and circle lines were obtained by a 4 GI-GUN 105+105 C.I. tuned array, while the absolute shot time was recorded at the resolution of ms. A request for ship time of R/V Uraniawas presented by IAMC, and a period of 7 days, including 2 day of transit was assigned to the project by CNR and scheduled for late November 2006. Cruise STR06 started in Naples 2006-11-27 and ended in Naples 2006-12-06. This paper reports the shipboard activities during the cruise STR06 on R/V Urania and some preliminary results regarding also the onshore activities carried out in order to perform the Stromboli geophysical experiment. A description of the ship, equipment and their usage is given thereinafter, along with details of the general settings, performances and some scientific and technical results.Istituto di Scienze Marine, ISMAR-CNR, BolognaPublished3.6. Fisica del vulcanismo1.4. TTC - Sorveglianza sismologica delle aree vulcaniche attiveope