Geochemical characteristics and mantle sources of the Oligo-Miocene primitive basalts from Sardinia: The role of subduction components.

During the Oligo-Miocene, the Island of Sardinia was covered by the products of voluminous magmatic activity, with a typical subduction-related signature. The mafic rocks of the Montresta (north) and Arcuentu (south) volcanic districts include primitive high MgO basalts whose trace element and Sr-, Nd- and Pb-isotope compositions constrain the nature and role of subduction-related components in the Tertiary Sardinian volcanism. The geochemical and isotopic data require an approximate degree of partial melting of 15% of a MORB-like depleted mantle prior to enrichment, and the input of two subduction components in the mantle wedge consisting of fluids from subducted oceanic crust (altered MORB) and fluids from subducted sediments. Ratios among trace elements which are variably compatible with fluid and melt phases (i.e. Th/Pb, Th/Nd and Sr/Nd) exclude the contribution of melts from the subducted slab. Models based on isotopic ratios indicate that the pre-subduction depleted mantle source of Sardinia magmas was enriched by 0.1-0.5% MORB fluid and less than 0.1% sediment fluid. The geochemical and isotopic compositions of the Montresta volcanic rocks are homogeneous, whereas those of the Arcuentu show quite heterogeneous characters, suggesting variations in mantle source over the long time-span (about 13 Ma) of volcanic activity in this district

Structural design of reinforced earthcrete (ReC) beams

This paper presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign aimed at evaluating the feasibility of using steel-reinforced earthen materials for load-bearing structural applications, with a focus on a new category termed "shot-earth". Addressing excavated soil, a major source of construction waste, shot-earth demonstrates remarkable properties, such as notable green strength and reduced water sensitivity. The experimental program includes four-point bending tests on steel-reinforced shot-earth beams, along with pull-out tests to assess the adherence between ribbed steel bars and shot-earth. A flexural design approach, traditionally suited for reinforced concrete, is presented and validated to establish a reliable model for reinforced shot-earth elements in bending state. These findings suggest that leveraging existing models for reinforced concrete can overcome some traditional challenges associated with earth-based constructions, promoting them as a viable and ecological alternative to conventional construction materials

Changing the approach to sustainable constructions: An adaptive mix-design calibration process for earth composite materials

One major drawback of excavation earth-based composite construction materials is the variability in excavation earth characteristics from site to site. This variability can affect certain physical properties, and, in turn, the design models used to create a structure. To solve this problem, a methodology has been developed to predict the physical properties of earth-based composites for any mix-design variation, which enables a robust structural design process. This new methodology has been tested for Shot-earth, a new class of earth-based composite material made using high rates of excavation earth, aggregates, and a low rate of stabilization if needed. Shot-earth is placed using a high-speed dry-mix process. The methodology was tested by preparing small, inexpensive specimens through a process that simulates the dry-process used to fabricate Shot-earth in the field. An adaptive technique, used in conjunction with the experimental methodology, allows for the identification of the variant of possible Shot-earth mix-designs that provides optimal physical properties for a specific project. This technique is potentially applicable to any type of earth-based composite. The proposed methodology’s reliability enables a fast and cost-effective detailing of Shot-earth constructions

Localization of DNA methyltransferase-1 during oocyte differentiation, in vitro maturation and early embryonic development in cow

DNA methyltransferase-1 (Dnmt1) is involved in the maintenance of DNA methylation patterns and is crucial for normal mammalian development. The aim of the present study was to assess the localization of Dnmt1 in cow, during the latest phases of oocyte differentiation and during the early stages of segmentation. Dnmt1 expression and localization were assessed in oocytes according to the chromatin configuration, which in turn provides an important epigenetic mechanism for the control of global gene expression and represents a morphological marker of oocyte differentiation. We found that the initial chromatin condensation was accompanied by a slight increase in the level of global DNA methylation, as assessed by 5-methyl-cytosine immunostaining followed by laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis (LSCM). RT-PCR confirmed the presence of Dnmt1 transcripts throughout this phase of oocyte differentiation. Analogously, Dnmt1 immunodetection and LSCM indicated that the protein was always present and localized in the cytoplasm, regardless the chromatin configuration and the level of global DNA methylation. Moreover, our data indicate that while Dnmt1 is retained in the cytoplasm in metaphase II stage oocytes and zygotes, it enters the nuclei of 8-16 cell stage embryos. As suggested in mouse, the functional meaning of the presence of Dnmt1 in the bovine embryo nuclei could be the maintainement of the methylation pattern of imprinted genes. In conclusion, the present work provides useful elements for the study of Dnmt1 function during the late stage of oocyte differentiation, maturation and early embryonic development in mammals

Reductions in the number of mid-sized antral follicles are associated with markers of premature ovarian senescence in dairy cows

High-producing dairy cows are subfertile; however, the mechanisms responsible for the decreased fertility are unknown. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that culled dairy cows (4\u20138 years old) characterised by \u2018Lo\u2019 ovaries (i.e. those with <10 mid-antral follicles) are affected by premature ovarian senescence. Cows in which both ovaries were \u2018Lo\u2019 ovaries represented 5% of the total population analysed, and exhibited reduced ovarian size (P < 0.001) and increased perifollicular stroma (P < 0.05) compared with age-matched controls (i.e. cows in which both ovaries had >10 mid-antral follicles; \u2018Hi\u2019 ovaries). The total number of follicles, including healthy and atretic primordial, primary, secondary and small antral follicles, was lower in Lo ovaries (P < 0.01). Interestingly, the primordial follicle population in Lo ovaries was lower (P < 0.05) than in the control. Finally, the follicular fluid of mid-antral follicles from Lo ovaries had reduced oestradiol and anti-M\ufcllerian hormone levels (P < 0.05), but increased progesterone concentrations (P < 0.05). Together, these data account for the reduced fertility of cows with Lo ovaries and are in agreement with previous observations that oocytes isolated from Lo ovaries have reduced embryonic developmental competence. Cows with a specific Lo ovary condition may represent a suitable model to address the causes of low fertility in high-yielding dairy cows, as well as the condition of premature ovarian aging in single-ovulating species

Structure and Strength of Dislocation Junctions: An Atomic Level Analysis

The quasicontinuum method is used to simulate three-dimensional Lomer-Cottrell junctions both in the absence and in the presence of an applied stress. The simulations show that this type of junction is destroyed by an unzipping mechanism in which the dislocations that form the junction are gradually pulled apart along the junction segment. The calculated critical stress needed for breaking the junction is comparable to that predicted by line tension models. The simulations also demonstrate a strong influence of the initial dislocation line directions on the breaking mechanism, an effect that is neglected in the macroscopic treatment of the hardening effect of junctions.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Expression of progesterone receptor membrane component-1 in bovine reproductive system during estrous cycle

Several reports suggest the participation of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) in progesterone signaling in the reproductive system. This study aimed at investigating the presence and localization of PGRMC1 in bovine ovary, oviduct and uterus, during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. In the ovary, PGRMC1 has been detected in surface germinal epithelium, granulosa cells, theca cells and in the germinal vesicle of the oocytes at all stages of folliculogenesis. In the corpus luteum the expression of PGRMC1 was influenced by the stage of the estrous cycle. In the oviducts and in the uterus horns, PGRMC1 was immunolocalized in the luminal epithelium, in the muscle layer cells and in the endothelial cells. In the uterus, PGRMC1 was intensely localized also in the glandular endometrium. However, in the oviducts and in the uterus horns, the localization of PGRMC1 was independent on the stage of the estrous cycle and on whether evaluating the ipsilateral or the contralateral organ. In conclusion, the present immunohistochemical study showed that PGRMC1 is located in various compartments of the bovine female reproductive organs. With the exception of the corpora lutea, PGRMC1 localization showed similar pattern during different stages of the estrous cycle

Tracking the transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes from raw materials to sourdough breads

The present study hypothesizes that raw materials used in bread making can transfer antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to processed breads. Four types of flour and four types of semolina were purchased from supermarkets and inoculated with a commercial dried sourdough starter to make breads. The microbiological characteristics of all raw materials and fermented doughs were investigated. The levels of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased up to 107 CFU/g. The values of pH decreased to 4.54–4.86 while total titratable acidity increased inversely. All unprocessed and processed samples, including breads, were analyzed by a molecular approach to detect bacterial and fungal DNAs and 17 antibiotic resistance genes for penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol. Illumina technology showed that the operational taxonomy units (OTUs) identified from unprocessed wheat milling products, fermented doughs, and baked products mainly belonged to Acetobacteraceae. Enterococci were present in all doughs. After baking, the relative abundance (RA)% of Enterococcus and Acetobacteraceae decreased. The DNA analyzed for fungal composition showed that Kazachstania humilis dominated dried sourdough starter and doughs, and its OTUs were also detected at high RA% in baked products. The search for ARGs revealed that all samples analyzed did not show resistance to penicillins, chloramphenicol, and macrolides. However, three of the semolinas included in this study (S1, S3 and S4) and the corresponding doughs (SD1, SD3 and SD4) were positive for tet(A) and tet(B) resistance genes. This work indicated that breads have a limited role in the dissemination of ARGs