Topography and structural heterogeneities in surface ground deformation: a simulation test for Somma-Vesuvius volcano

Abstract. We simulate the deformation of Somma-Vesuvius volcano due to some overpressure sources by means of a finite element 3D code. The main goal of these simulations is to investigate the influence of topography and structural heterogeneity on ground deformation. In our model the sources of deformation are embedded in an elastic linear isotropic medium and located at various depths. Geometry (shape and lateral extension) of the sources is mainly constrained by the results coming from recent seismic tomography studies. The structural heterogeneity has been modelled in terms of dynamic elastic parameters (Young's modulus) retrieved from previous seismic tomography and gravity studies. A high-resolution digital terrain model is used for the topography of the volcano subaerial edifice. Evidences from our results suggest that real topography and structural heterogeneities are key factors governing the ground deformation, which often turns being one of the most relevant problems in volcano monitoring. A large deviation from the axially symmetrical model of the displacement field is the main result of our modelling. Such an asymmetry is routinely unaccounted for when Mogi's simplistic modelling in a homogeneous medium with simplified topography is used. Our study clearly demonstrate that a better knowledge of deformation patterns can significantly help in the location of monitoring sensors as well as in the design of an efficient geodetic network

The Ponseti approach for the treatment of congenital clubfoot

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On the rehydration of organic layered double hydroxides to form low-ordered carbon/LDH nanocomposites

Low-ordered carbon/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared by rehydration of the oxides produced by calcination of an organic LDH. While the memory effect is a widely recognized effect on oxides produced by inorganic LDH, it is unprecedented from the calcination/rehydration of organic ones. Different temperatures (400, 600, and 1100 °C) were tested on the basis of thermogravimetric data. Water, instead of a carbonate solution, was used for the rehydration, with CO2 available from water itself and/or air to induce a slower process with an easier and better intercalation of the carbonaceous species. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared in reflection mode (IR), and Raman spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRPD indicated the presence of carbonate LDH, and of residuals of unreacted oxides. IR confirmed that the prevailing anion is carbonate, coming from the water used for the rehydration and/or air. Raman data indicated the presence of low-ordered carbonaceous species moieties and SEM and XRPD the absence of separated bulky graphitic sheets, suggesting an intimate mixing of the low ordered carbonaceous phase with reconstructed LDH. Organic LDH gave better memory effect after calcination at 400 °C. Conversely, the carbonaceous species are observed after rehydration of the sample calcined at 600 °C with a reduced memory effect, demonstrating the interference of the carbonaceous phase with LDH reconstruction and the bonding with LDH layers to form a low-ordered carbon/LDH nanocomposite

Immunohistochemical diagnosis of canine ovarian epithelial and granulosa cell tumors

In humans and canines, the morphology of granulosa cell tumors is extremely variable and causes diagnostic difficulties. In human pathology, immunohistochemistry has been widely used for the diagnosis of granulosa cell tumors, whereas, limited studies are present in canine species. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of cytokeratins, vimentin, and inhibin-\u3b1 in canine normal ovaries, epithelial ovarian tumors, and granulosa cell tumors to establish an immunohistochemical panel for the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 4 normal ovaries, 8 granulosa cell tumors, and 6 epithelial ovarian tumors (2 adenomas and 4 adenocarcinomas) sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 7, vimentin, and inhibin-\u3b1. In normal ovaries, cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and vimentin were expressed in the surface epithelium. Granulosa cells were negative for cytokeratin 7 and displayed variable expression of vimentin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and inhibin-\u3b1 toward follicular maturation. Granulosa cell tumors were negative for cytokeratin 7 and positive for inhibin-\u3b1. Conversely, ovarian epithelial cells tumors were positive for cytokeratin 7 and negative for inhibin-\u3b1. Both granulosa and epithelial cell tumors displayed variable expression of vimentin. Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 was expressed by all epithelial-derived tumors and 6 of 8 granulosa cell tumors. The results of this study suggest that useful immunohistochemical markers to distinguish epithelial ovarian tumors from granulosa cell tumors are cytokeratin 7 and inhibin-\u3b1

The effect of novel biodegradable films on agronomic performance of zucchini squash grown under open-field and greenhouse conditions

The soil mulching is an important agricultural practice for increasing crop productivity and earliness. Mulching can be made with natural or synthetic materials. The common films being used these days are usually made of low density polyethylene (LDPE), but its disposal can represent a serious environmental and economic problem. The biodegradable mulching can overcome these problems. Two experiments were carried out comparing the effects of biodegradable and LDPE mulching films on yield and quality of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) grown in two environments (open-field vs. greenhouse). In both the environments a randomized complete block design was adopted. The treatments composed of no-mulched crop (control), soil covered by 15 microns black biodegradable film (MB15) and soil covered by 50 microns black LDPE film. The results showed that MB15 was able to maintain discrete technical proprieties until the end of cycle, especially in greenhouse, assuring a sufficient heating of soil, similar to LDPE. The soil heating promoted crop development. Furthermore, earliness was increased (84 in greenhouse vs. 99 days in open air) in greenhouse. The early production of zucchini grown on MB15 was similar to the one in LDPE production in greenhouse. The total marketable yield of plants grown on both films was not different but it was lower in open air. The biodegradable film significantly improved fruits quality, with higher values of firmness and total soluble solid than fruits grown on LDPE

Association between Diet Quality and Index of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in a Large Population of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Data from the TOSCA.IT Study

Background: There are still open questions with respect to the optimal dietary treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coexisting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study is to investigate, in patients with T2D, the association between NASH, dietary component intake, food groups and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 2026 people with T2D (1136 men and 890 women). The dietary habits were assessed with the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) questionnaire. NASH was identified by the Index Of NASH (ION). Based on the cluster analysis two dietary patterns were identified: the NASH and the NO-NASH pattern. Results: The macronutrient composition of the diet was similar in the two patterns. However, the NASH pattern compared with the NO-NASH pattern was characterized by a significantly lower content of fibre (p < 0.001), β-carotene (p < 0.001), vitamin C (p < 0.001), vitamin E (p < 0.001), polyphenols (p = 0.026) and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001). With regard to food consumption, the NASH pattern compared with NO-NASH pattern was characterized by higher intake of rice (p = 0.021), potatoes (p = 0.013), red (p = 0.004) and processed meat (p = 0.003), and a lower intake of wholegrain bread (p = 0.019), legumes and nuts (p = 0.049), vegetables (p = 0.047), fruits (p = 0.002), white meat (p = 0.001), fatty fish (p = 0.005), milk and yogurt (p < 0.001). Conclusions: NO-NASH dietary pattern was characterized by a food consumption close to the Mediterranean dietary model, resulting in a higher content of polyphenols, vitamins, and fibre. These finding highlight the potential for dietary components in the prevention/treatment of NASH in people with T2D

Microcondylaea bonellii as a new host for the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus

We report for the first time that the freshwater mussel Microcondylaea bonellii (Ferussac, 1827) functions as a suitable host for the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus (Bloch, 1782). Given the recent expansion of R. amarus in Europe, the possible physiological cost (e.g. competition for oxygen, reduction in water circulation, and consequent impairment of filter-feeding) of this interaction may further affect the already poor conservation status of M. bonellii populations.We acknowledge the two anonymous referees for the helpful suggestions that improve the clarity of our manuscript. This research was funded by FCT under project ConBiomics No NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-030286, cofinanced by COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and the European Union through the ERDF