Tracing the evolution of calc-alkaline magmas: In-situ Sm-Nd isotope studies of accessory minerals in the Bergell Igneous Complex, Italy

The common occurrence of Ca- and Nd-rich accessory minerals titanite, epidote, allanite and apatite in calcalkaline plutonic suites makes them ideal targets for in-situ tracing of the temporal, chemical and isotopic evolution of tonalitic and granodioritic melts. The Sm-Nd isotope composition of accessory phases from the calc-alkaline Bergell Pluton and the peraluminous Novate leucogranite (central Alps) were investigated using laser ablation MC-ICPMS techniques. Grouping of individual LA-MC-ICPMS analyses produced average eNd values with typical uncertainties of <0.3 (2s) epsilon units. SHRIMP dating of magmatic allanite cores of epidote grains from a Bergell gabbro yielded a Th-Pb age of 32.40.4 Ma, which provides a new timing constraint on the emplacement of juvenile members within the Bergell intrusive sequence. The Bergell bulkrock mantle-crust isotopic mixing curve was reproduced, demonstrating that integration of U-Th-rich accessory mineral Nd isotope compositions with crystallisation age is capable of tracing the geochemical evolution of magmatic systems over time.Crucially, the isotopic composition of the mantle end-member was successfully constrained by measurement of magmatic REE-epidote, highlighting the compositional versatility of accessory phases. The removal or addition of feldspar controls the Eu signature of both the bulk-rock and single minerals and therefore presents a unique trace element indicator of magmatic differentiation and assimilation processes in accessory minerals. Therefore the in-situ determination of age, Sm-Nd isotopes and trace elements in accessory minerals permits efficient and accurate reconstruction of complex magmatic processes in calc-alkaline plutonic suites. Sub-grain isotopic heterogeneity in magmatic monazite from the Novate leucogranite was identifiable by LA-MC-ICPMS analysis and emphasizes the additional value of a micro-analytical approach to understanding geological processes

An inquiry-based learning approach to teaching information retrieval

The study of information retrieval (IR) has increased in interest and importance with the explosive growth of online information in recent years. Learning about IR within formal courses of study enables users of search engines to use them more knowledgeably and effectively, while providing the starting point for the explorations of new researchers into novel search technologies. Although IR can be taught in a traditional manner of formal classroom instruction with students being led through the details of the subject and expected to reproduce this in assessment, the nature of IR as a topic makes it an ideal subject for inquiry-based learning approaches to teaching. In an inquiry-based learning approach students are introduced to the principles of a subject and then encouraged to develop their understanding by solving structured or open problems. Working through solutions in subsequent class discussions enables students to appreciate the availability of alternative solutions as proposed by their classmates. Following this approach students not only learn the details of IR techniques, but significantly, naturally learn to apply them in solution of problems. In doing this they not only gain an appreciation of alternative solutions to a problem, but also how to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses. Developing confidence and skills in problem solving enables student assessment to be structured around solution of problems. Thus students can be assessed on the basis of their understanding and ability to apply techniques, rather simply their skill at reciting facts. This has the additional benefit of encouraging general problem solving skills which can be of benefit in other subjects. This approach to teaching IR was successfully implemented in an undergraduate module where students were assessed in a written examination exploring their knowledge and understanding of the principles of IR and their ability to apply them to solving problems, and a written assignment based on developing an individual research proposal

Myostatin signals through miR-34a to regulate Fndc5 expression and browning of white adipocytes

Background/Objectives: Myostatin (Mstn) has a pivotal role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Mstn deficiency leads to the increased browning of white adipose tissue (WAT), which results in the increased energy expenditure and protection against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism(s) through which Mstn regulates browning of white adipocytes. Methods: Quantitative molecular analyses were performed to assess Mstn regulation of miR-34a and Fndc5 expression. miR-34a was overexpressed and repressed to investigate miR-34a regulation of Fndc5. Luciferase reporter analysis verified direct binding between miR-34a and the Fndc5 3′-untranslated region (UTR). The browning phenotype of Mstn−/− adipocytes was assessed through the analysis of brown fat marker gene expression, mitochondrial function and infrared thermography. The role of miR-34a and Fndc5 in this browning phenotype was verified through antibody-mediated neutralization of FNDC5, knockdown of Fndc5 by small interfering RNA and through miR-34a gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments. Results: Mstn treatment of myoblasts inhibited Fndc5 expression, whereas the loss of Mstn increased Fndc5 levels in muscles and in circulation. Mstn inhibition of Fndc5 is miR-34a dependent. Mstn treatment of C2C12 myoblasts upregulated miR-34a expression, whereas reduced miR-34a expression was noted in Mstn−/− muscle and WAT. Subsequent overexpression of miR-34a inhibited Fndc5 expression, whereas blockade of miR-34a increased Fndc5 expression in myoblasts. Reporter analysis revealed that miR-34a directly suppresses Fndc5 expression through a miR-34a-specific binding site within the Fndc5 3′UTR. Importantly, Mstn-mediated inhibition of Fndc5 was blocked upon miR-34a inhibition. Mstn−/− adipocytes showed reduced miR-34a, enhanced Fndc5 expression and increased thermogenic gene expression, which was reversed upon either neutralization of Fndc5 or Fndc5 knockdown. In agreement, Mstn−/− adipocytes have increased mitochondria, improved mitochondrial function and increased heat production. Conclusions: Mstn regulates Fndc5/Irisin expression and secretion through a novel miR-34a-dependent post-transcriptional mechanism. Loss of Mstn in mice leads to the increased Fndc5/Irisin expression, which contributes to the browning of white adipocytes

Effective RFID-based object tracking for manufacturing

International audienceAbstract Automated Identification and in particular, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) promises to assist with the automation of mass customised production processes by simplifying the retrieval, tracking and usage of highly specialised components. RFID has long been used to gather a history or trace of object movements, but its use as an integral part of the automated control process is yet to be fully exploited. Such (automated) use places stringent demands on the quality of the sensor data collected and the method used to interpret that data. In particular, this paper focuses on the issue of correctly identifying, tracking and dealing with aggregated objects in customised production with the use of RFID. In particular, this work presents approaches for making best use of RFID data in this context. The presented approach is evaluated in the context of a laboratory manufacturing system that produces customised gift boxes

Microwave Spectroscopy

Contains research objectives and reports on four research projects.Signal Corps Contract DA36-039-sc-7489

Sanitation challenges in Dar es salaam: The potential of Simplified Sewerage Systems

In the context of growing urbanization, sanitation in many cities is an acute crisis with severe social and environmental consequences. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of sanitation for all by 2030 is increasingly elusive. Municipalities have been experimenting with a range of lower-cost sanitation solutions. Simplified Sewerage Systems (SSS) have emerged in different cities as one response, but with mixed results. This paper evaluates an SSS project in an informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Drawing on a combination of a survey and focus group discussions, the paper examines the social and economic impacts of the SSS and identifies a set of key concerns for future urban sanitation interventions: affordability, maintenance and governance. We conclude by considering the implications for future research and practice on urban sanitation, including the limits of technology-based approaches and the need to focus on the diverse needs of residents in place

q-Analogue of Am−1⊕An−1⊂Amn−1A_{m-1}\oplus A_{n-1}\subset A_{mn-1}

A natural embedding $A_{m-1}\oplus A_{n-1}\subset A_{mn-1}$ for the corresponding quantum algebras is constructed through the appropriate comultiplication on the generators of each of the $A_{m-1}$ and $A_{n-1}$ algebras. The above embedding is proved in their $q$-boson realization by means of the isomorphism between the $\mathcal{A}_q^{-}$ (mn)$\sim {\otimes} ^n \mathcal{A}_q^{-}$(m)$\sim {\otimes}^m\mathcal{A}_q^{-}$(n) algebras.Comment: 11 pages, no figures. In memory of professor R. P. Rousse