Relationship between surface temperatures and seismic activity at Vulcano, Aeolian Island (Italy)

Time-series acquired during last years by surface monitoring parameters are compared, and the results are discussed, following a theoretical approach. Surface parameters are fluid temperature, soil temperatures and seismic activity at La Fossa of Vulcano. Discussed periods are 1998 and from 2004 to 2007, when time relationship between changes of the heat flow from the ground and seismic activity, resulted worth noting. Earthquakes originating in the area of Vulcano are associated with both fracturing and degassing mechanisms. The formers are related to the activity of tectonic structures; while the latter are connected to fluid dynamics within the interior of the volcanic apparatus. In November 1998 seismic activity at La Fossa sharply increased: Five events were registered, with seismic signals of typical faulting earthquakes, triggered by mechanism of shear fracturing and focal depths ranging 1-4 km. Fumaroles temperatures, recorded by continuous monitoring system of INGV - Palermo, showed a growing trend since October to November 1998, highlighting a big increase of heat transfer during the period, and also the soil temperature, out of the fumaroles field showed a marked increase. Fumaroles temperatures heralded the increase of heat and energy flow during a pre-seismic period of about 1 month. The transient variation of surface release reflect an excited state of the system and may have many different causes, not directly related to the magma. Indeed, stress drops generated by small fracturing earthquakes, introduce a significant perturbation in the system resulting in a relevant production of mass and energy flow. Until these flows counteract every stress gradient, they support stationary state of the system. The observed time relationships only allow a qualitative discussion about cause and effects, but doesn’t allow any quantitative evaluation. Pressure transients generate anomalies (flows of matter, differential in heat flows, chemical reaction rates) whose time frame is specific, depending on many possible processes and path-ways. Fluid phases, along fumarolic conduits, reach the surface faster than the co-genetic earthquake, as the earthquake is embedded in a strain transient that broadly exceeds the time-space frame of the seismic transient (Lomnitz, 1994). On the other hand, in a volcano-tectonic context, different energy flows can either be a cause, either an effect of perturbation, depending on depth of their primary source. Thus, in some instances the strain transient related to local earthquakes produces anomalous chemical flows, while, in other instances the local seismic activity may be produced by chemical flows from the magmatic source. Following a period of lower energy release, other 3 anomalous periods were observed from November 2004, either in the seismic release and in the surface heat flow, even out from fumaroles. So far, the monitored sites resulted very sensitive to minor perturbations of the system. The comparative analysis of different time-series supplies information related to perturbations of the state variables, useful to verify conceptual framework and to better define “classical” and “new” monitoring techniques for volcanic, as well as seismic surveillance

Total CO2 output from Vulcano island (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Total CO2 output from fumaroles, soil gas, bubbling gas discharges and water dissolved gases discharged from the island, was estimated for Vulcano island, Italy. The CO2 emission from fumaroles from the La Fossa summit crater was estimated from the SO2 crater output, while CO2 discharged through diffuse soil emission was quantified on the basis of 730 measurements of CO2 fluxes from the soil of the island, performed by using the accumulation chamber method. The results indicate an overall output of ≅500 t day 1 of CO2 from the island. The main contribution to the total CO2 output comes from the summit area of the La Fossa cone (453 t day 1), with 362 t day 1 from crater fumaroles and 91 t day 1 from crater soil degassing. The release of CO2 from peripheral areas is ≅20 t day 1 by soil degassing (Palizzi and Istmo areas mainly), an amount comparable to both the contribution of water dissolved CO2 (6 t day 1), as well as to seawater bubbling CO2 (4 t day 1 measured in the Istmo area). Presented data (September 2007) refer to a period of moderate solphataric activity, when the fumaroles temperature were 450°C and gas/water molar ratio of fumaroles was up to 0.16. The calculated total CO2 emission allows the estimation of the mass release and related thermal energy from the volcanic-hydrothermal system

Isoform-specific induction of nuclear free calcium oscillations by platelet-derived growth factor.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to analyze alterations in nuclear free calcium (Ca2+n) levels induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms in BALB/c3T3 fibroblasts loaded with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent indicator Fluo-3. Both AA-PDGF and BB-PDGF caused a transient increase in Ca2+n. Analysis of PDGF-induced Ca2+n alterations as a function of time revealed that BB-PDGF stimulation resulted in the generation of Ca2+n oscillations that diminished over time. The frequency of BB-PDGF-stimulated oscillations was modulated by extracellular Ca2+ and could not be mimicked by increasing intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate levels in the absence of growth factor stimulation. Caffeine alone had no effect on Ca2+n levels, but exposure of cells to caffeine after BB-PDGF stimulation augmented Ca2+n oscillations, either by increasing the frequency or reinitiating preexisting oscillations. The genesis of these oscillations in Ca2+n appears to be in the region just outside of the nucleus, as perinuclear cytoplasmic free calcium (Ca2+i) increased just prior to Ca2+n. In contrast, AA-PDGF stimulation resulted in the generation of one or two irregular, transient Ca2+n spikes. Caffeine pretreatment followed by AA-PDGF stimulation resulted in Ca2+n oscillations very similar to those produced by BB-PDGF alone. Additionally, the AA-PDGF and BB-PDGF isoforms appeared to modulate distinct pools of cellular Ca2+, as BB-PDGF was still capable of inducing Ca2+n oscillations subsequent to prior induction of oscillations by AA-PDGF/caffeine. These PDGF isoform-specific changes in nuclear free Ca2+ could serve as a mechanism by which isoform-specific cellular signaling pathways may be manifested by the growth factors

Tornillos at Vulcano: Clues to the dynamics of the hydrothermal system

The number of tornillo events has recently increased at the Vulcano Island, Italy. While only 15 tornillos were recorded during 2004–2006, 584 events occurred in 2007–2008. They were located just below La Fossa Crater at depths ranging between 0.1 and 1 km b.s.l. During two intervals in 2007–2008 increases in the number of tornillos took place at the same time as temperature and geochemical anomalies were observed. The spectral content of the tornillos, generally characterized by one–two dominant spectral peaks near 6 and 10 Hz, varied over time, with changes also noted in the quality factors. The simplest source mechanism proposed for tornillos is the free eigenvibration of a fluid volume within a crack or a conduit. Based on this model, we propose a causal relationship between the temperature and geochemical anomalies and the increases in numbers of tornillos. As the amount of hydrothermal fluids increases during the anomalies, the upward flux of fluids grows. The consequent changes in the pressure, temperature and dynamics of the system of cracks and conduits result in the generation of tornillos. Based on the fluid-filled crack/conduit model, the shallow depths of the sources and the values of the quality factors, the fluid within the resonant crack/conduit was inferred to be an ash–gas or water droplet–gas mixture. Moreover, the observed variations in the wavefield can be caused by small changes in the location of the source, in the source mechanism, or in the medium in between the source and the seismic station. Finally, another peculiar feature of tornillos is the amplitude modulation that can be explained as a result of a beating phenomenon.Published377-3933V. Proprietà chimico-fisiche dei magmi e dei prodotti vulcaniciJCR Journalreserve

Overall Health and the Influence of Physical Therapy on Physical Function Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Background: The overall health and the importance of physical therapy for people following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) have been understudied. Our purpose was to characterize the overall health of patients following TAA, and explore the frequency, influence, and patient-perceived value of physical therapy. Methods: People who received a TAA participated in this retrospective cohort online survey study. The survey included medical history questions and items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Short Forms. Seven PROMIS domains, reflecting the biopsychosocial model of care (physical, mental, social), were included to examine participant overall health status in comparison to the general population. Items regarding physical therapy participation (yes/no), number of visits, and perceived value (scale 0-10; 10 = extremely helpful) were also included. Descriptive statistics were generated for participant characteristics, PROMIS domain T scores, and physical therapy questions. The influence of participant characteristics or physical therapy visits on PROMIS domain T scores that scored below the population mean were examined with multiple linear regression or ordinal regression. Results: The response rate was 61% (n=95). Average postoperative time was approximately 3 years (mean [SD]: 40.0 [35.3] months). Physical function and ability to participate in social roles and activities domain T scores were at least 1 SD below the population mean. Most patients received physical therapy (86%; 17.1 [11.0] visits) and found it helpful (7.2 [3.0]). Participant characteristics were minimally predictive of physical function and social participation T scores. Number of physical therapy visits predicted physical function T scores (P = .03). Conclusions: Most health domain scores approached the population mean. Physical therapy was perceived to have a high value, and greater visits were related to greater physical function. However, lower physical function and social participation scores suggest that postoperative care directed toward these domains could improve the value of TAA and promote overall health

Preliminary estimate of CO2 budget discharged from Vulcano island

Total CO2 output from fumaroles, soil gases, bubbling and water dissolved gases were estimated at Vulcano Island, Italy. The fumaroles output has been estimated from SO2 plume flux, while soil flux emission has been carried out through 730 CO2 fluxes measured on the island surface, performed by means of accumulation chamber method. Vulcano Island, located in the Aeolian Archipelago, is an active volcano that has been in state of solphataric activity, since the last eruption (1888-1890). At present, the main exhalative activity is in the northern part of the island, it is revealed by a wide fumaroles field, on the active edifice of “La Fossa” crater, (100°C <T<450°C); by low temperature fumaroles (T<100°C) and sea-bubbling gases in the Baia Levante area; moreover, strong soil degassing occurs in the Vulcano Porto area and around the volcanic edifice, where the active tectonic discontinuities drive CO2 to the surface. Finally, numerous carbon-rich thermal wells (up to 80°C) in the Vulcano Porto Area, testify the presence of a geothermal system with equilibrium temperature around 200°C. The preliminary results indicate an overall output of 470 T/day of CO2 from the island. The main contribution to the total output is from the summit area of the active cone (450 T/day), where 360 T/day and 90 T/day are from crater fumaroles and crater soil degassing, respectively. Peripheral areas release 8 T/day by soil degassing (Palizzi and Istmo areas mainly), a measure comparable to the contribution of water dissolved CO2 (estimated as 6 T/day) and higher than sea-bubbling CO2 (1 T/day measured in the Istmo area). The presented data (September 2007) refer to a period of moderate solphataric activity, when the highest temperature and gas/water ratio of fumaroles were 457°C and 0.17 respectively. These preliminary data allow the estimation of the background mass release and related thermal energy from the volcanic system. They represent the first complete data set, collected during moderate volcanic activity which can be compared to the new one acquired during subsequent (the next o future) evolution of the activity

Synthesis and Evaluation of Cytostatic and Antiviral Activities of 3′ and 4′-Avarone Derivatives

A series of 3′ and 4′-substituted avarone derivatives were synthesized and tested in culture systems as antitumour and antiviral agents in comparison to avarol and avarone. 3′-alkylamino derivatives showed potent cytostatic activities against murine L1210 and human B (Raji) and T (C8166, H9) lymphoblast cells (ID50 range 1.7–3.7 μm). Avarol and avarone were six times less active. While none of the derivatives showed anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity superior to that of the parent compounds, most of them, avarol and avarone included, were potent and selective inhibitors of poliovirus multiplication

Assessment of the environmental status in Hellenic coastal waters (Eastern Mediterranean): from the Water Framework Directive to the Marine Strategy Water Framework Directive.

A  methodology is presented to assess the environmental status sensu the Marine Strategy Water Framework Directive (MSFD) based on data obtained from the monitoring of water quality in the Hellenic coastal waters within the Water Framework Directive (WFD).   An adapted decision tree used for integrating the results of the WFD in the Basque country was applied. Modifications lie to the evaluation of the physicochemical status based on a eutrophication index developed for Eastern Mediterranean waters. Results on hydromorphological, physicochemical and biological elements are presented. The chemical status was evaluated based on measurements of heavy metals in water. The evaluation of the biological quality was based on the use of metrics developed for phytoplankton biomass, benthic macroinvertebrates and macroalgae updated to accommodate MSFD needs. Results on the integrative status of the water bodies were validated by correlating classification results with a pressure index and environmental indicators in water column and sediment. Following this decision tree the majority of stations expected to be at risk of achieving the good status were found in moderate status. Benthos was found to be the element with the closest agreement with the integrated final status having an increased weighting in the decision tree. The quality of benthos and in some  limited cases  the eutrophication index determined largely the final status. The highest disagreement with the integrative classification was produced by macroalgae. All indicators used correlated with water and sediment parameters but benthos correlated better with sediment factors while phytoplankton and eutrophication index with water column parameters

Radiometer Calibration Using Colocated GPS Radio Occultation Measurements

We present a new high-fidelity method of calibrating a cross-track scanning microwave radiometer using Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (GPSRO) measurements. The radiometer and GPSRO receiver periodically observe the same volume of atmosphere near the Earth's limb, and these overlapping measurements are used to calibrate the radiometer. Performance analyses show that absolute calibration accuracy better than 0.25 K is achievable for temperature sounding channels in the 50-60-GHz band for a total-power radiometer using a weakly coupled noise diode for frequent calibration and proximal GPSRO measurements for infrequent (approximately daily) calibration. The method requires GPSRO penetration depth only down to the stratosphere, thus permitting the use of a relatively small GPS antenna. Furthermore, only coarse spacecraft angular knowledge (approximately one degree rms) is required for the technique, as more precise angular knowledge can be retrieved directly from the combined radiometer and GPSRO data, assuming that the radiometer angular sampling is uniform. These features make the technique particularly well suited for implementation on a low-cost CubeSat hosting both radiometer and GPSRO receiver systems on the same spacecraft. We describe a validation platform for this calibration method, the Microwave Radiometer Technology Acceleration (MiRaTA) CubeSat, currently in development for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Science Technology Office. MiRaTA will fly a multiband radiometer and the Compact TEC/Atmosphere GPS Sensor in 2015