1. Multi-scale and multi-modal imaging study of mantle xenoliths and petrological implicationsMarco Venier, Luca Ziberna, Lucia Mancini, Alexander P. Kao, Federico Bernardini, Giacomo Roncoroni, Sula Milani, Nasrrddine Youbi, Yondon Majigsuren, Angelo De Min, Davide Lenaz, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The accurate textural characterization of mantle xenoliths is one of the fundamental steps to understanding the main processes occurring in the upper mantle, such as sub-solidus recrystallization, magmatic crystallization, and metasomatism. Texture, composition, and mineralogy reflect the temperature, pressure, stress conditions, melting, and/or contamination events undergone before and during the entrapment in the host magma. For these reasons, characterizing the three-dimensional (3D) texture of silicate, oxide, sulfide, and glass phases has great importance in the study of mantle xenoliths. We performed a multi-scale and multi-modal 3D textural analysis based on X-ray computed microtomography (µ-CT) data of three mantle xenoliths from different geodynamic settings (i.e., mobile belt zone, pericraton, oceanic hotspot). The samples were selected to represent different, variably complex internal structures composed of grains of different phases, fractures, voids, and fluid inclusions of different sizes. We used an approach structured in increasing steps of spatial and contrast resolution, starting with in-house X-ray µ-CT imaging (spatial resolution from 30 µm down to 6.25 µm) and moving to high-resolution synchrotron X-ray µ-CT at the micrometer scale. We performed a 3D characterization of mantle xenoliths, comparing the results with the analysis of conventional 2D images (thin sections) obtained by optical microscopy and simulating the random sectioning of several thin sections to estimate the probability of correct modal classification. The 3D models allow the extraction of textural information that cannot be quantified solely from thin sections: spinel layering, distribution of silicic glass, and related vesicles. Moreover, high-density volumes identified as sulfides were detected in two xenoliths, showing no relation with the spinel layering in one case and a preferential concentration along fractures in the other. Given the variety of textures and mineral assemblages of mantle xenoliths worldwide, the results are used to suggest experimental and analytical protocols for the characterization of these materials. Keywords: petrology, mantle xenoliths, X-ray microtomography, multi-scale image analysis Published in DiRROS: 23.05.2024; Views: 187; Downloads: 41
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2. The Middle Pleistocene human metatarsal from Sedia del Diavolo (Rome, Italy)Alessandro Riga, Antonio Profico, Tommaso Mori, Riccardo Frittitta, Alessia Nava, Lucia Mancini, Diego Dreossi, Davorka Radovčić, Hannah Rice, Luca Bondioli, Damiano Marchi, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The peopling of Europe during the Middle Pleistocene is a debated topic among paleoanthropologists. Some authors suggest the coexistence of multiple human lineages in this period, while others propose a single evolving lineage from Homo heidelbergensis to Homo neanderthalensis. The recent reassessment of the stratigraphy at the Sedia del Diavolo (SdD) site (Latium, Italy), now dated to the beginning of marine isotope stage (MIS) 8, calls for a revision of the human fossils from the site. In this paper, we present the morphometric, biomechanical and palaeopathological study of the second right metatarsal SdD2, to both re-evaluate its taxonomical affinities and possibly determine the levels of physical activity experienced by the individual during lifetime. Results demonstrate the persistence of archaic features in SdD2 suggesting new insights into the technology and hunting strategies adopted by Homo between MIS 9 and MIS 8. Keywords: anthropology, evolution, palaeontology Published in DiRROS: 23.05.2024; Views: 248; Downloads: 327
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3. Outgassing behaviour during highly explosive basaltic eruptionsEmily C. Bamber, Giuseppe La Spina, Fabio Arzilli, Margherita Polacci, Lucia Mancini, Mattia de’ Michieli Vitturi, Daniele Andronico, Rosa Anna Corsaro, Mike R. Burton, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Explosivity of basaltic eruptions is related to the efficiency in which exsolved gas can separate from the melt during ascent, which is controlled by magma permeability. However, basaltic pyroclasts from eruptions of varying explosivity can show similar permeability, indicating a possible complex relationship between permeability, outgassing and eruptive style. Here, we provide 3D measurements of basaltic pyroclasts using X-ray microtomography. We investigate the role of permeability and outgassing on magma ascent dynamics by using a numerical conduit model. Among the permeable parameters, bubble number density and friction coefficient largely affect explosivity. However, for fast ascending basaltic magmas, gas-melt coupling is maintained independent of magma permeability. In this case, magma storage conditions may determine eruptive style, driving rapid magma ascent, crystallisation and bubble nucleation, producing a highly explosive eruption. Monitoring parameters which reveal pre-eruptive conditions may assist hazard mitigation, particularly for basaltic systems which exhibit a wide range in eruptive style. Keywords: natural hazards, petrology, volcanology Published in DiRROS: 12.01.2024; Views: 380; Downloads: 242
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4. Effect of undercooling on clinopyroxene crystallization in a high K basalt : implications for magma dynamics at Stromboli volcanoF. Colle, Matteo Masotta, S. Costa, Silvio Mollo, P. Landi, A. Pontesilli, S. Peres, Lucia Mancini, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: We present undercooling (∆T) experiments aimed at investigating the effect of growth kinetics on the textural and compositional evolution of clinopyroxene crystals growing from a high-K basalt erupted during the 2003 paroxysm of Stromboli volcano (Italy). The experiments were performed at P = 350 MPa, T = 1050–1210 °C, H2Omelt = 0–3 wt%, and fO2 = Ni-NiO + 1.5 buffer. An initial stage of supersaturation was imposed to the melt under nominally anhydrous (∆Tanh = 10–150 °C) and hydrous (∆Thyd = 25–125 °C) conditions. Afterwards, this supersaturation state was mitigated by melt relaxation phenomena over an annealing time of 24 h. Results show that plagioclase is the liquidus mineral phase of the high-K basalt at ∆Tanh = 10 °C and dominates the phase assemblage as the degree of undercooling increases. Conversely, clinopyroxene and spinel co-saturate the melt at ∆Thyd = 25 °C, followed by the subordinate formation of plagioclase. At ∆Tanh/hyd ≤ 50 °C, the textural maturation of clinopyroxene produces polyhedral crystals with {−111} (hourglass) and {hk0} (prism) sectors typical of a layer-by-layer growth mechanism governed by an interface-controlled crystallization regime. At ∆Tanh/hyd ≥ 75 °C, the attainment of dendritic and skeletal morphologies testifies to the establishment of diffusion-limited reactions at the crystal-melt interface. 3D reconstructions of synchrotron radiation X-ray microtomographic data reveal a composite growth history for clinopyroxene crystals obtained at ∆Tanh/hyd ≥ 95 °C. The early stage of melt supersaturation produces rosette-like structures composed of dendritic branches of clinopyroxene radiating from a common spinel grain, which acts as surface for heterogeneous nucleation. As diffusive relaxation phenomena progress over the annealing time, the elongate dendrites that constitute the inner crystal domain are partially infilled by the melt and develop skeletal overgrowths in the outer domain. With the increasing degree of undercooling, TAl and M1Ti cations are progressively incorporated in the lattice site of clinopyroxene at the expense of TSi and M1Mg cations. Because of the effect of H2Omelt on the liquidus depression and melt depolymerization, crystals obtained at ∆Thyd are also more enriched in TAl and M1Ti and depleted in TSi and M1Mg than those growing at ∆Tanh. The emerging picture is that the morphological and geochemical evolution of clinopyroxene is mutually controlled by the combined effects of melt supersaturation and relaxation phenomena. A new empirical relationship based on the cation exchange reactions in the lattice site of clinopyroxene is finally proposed to estimate the degree of undercooling governing the crystallization of augitic phenocrysts erupted during normal and violent explosions at Stromboli. Keywords: clinopyroxene, undercooling, hourglass, crystallization, microtomography Published in DiRROS: 27.10.2023; Views: 651; Downloads: 386
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5. Electrochemical cycling behaviour and shape changes of Zn electrodes in mildly acidic aqueous electrolytes containing quaternary ammonium saltsBenedetto Bozzini, Marco Boniardi, Tommaso Caielli, Andrea Casaroli, Elisa Emanuele, Lucia Mancini, Nicola Sodini, Jacopo Strada, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Secondary Zn–based batteries are a valid alternative to Li for stationary storage, but commercial devices are not yet available, chiefly owing to anode shape-change and passivation issues. Mildly acidic aqueous solutions are actively studied, since they seem to limit unstable growth of Zn, with respect to the alkaline ones, customary for primary batteries. Additives can further improve the performance of mildly acidic electrolytes. In this work we focus on the impact of a series of quaternary ammonium salts (TBAB, CTAB, DMDTDAB, BDMPAC, BPPEI, PDADMAC), selected to represent a comprehensive range of molecular functionalities. Electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and galvanostatic-cycling in split-cells), combined with 2D and 3D imaging techniques (SEM, stereomicroscopy and in situ tomography) were adopted for the assessment Zn behaviour. This multi-technique approach pinpointed TBAB as the single most effective additive for low-current density operation, while at high current densities the additive-free electrolyte allows better cycling performance, coherently with similar results for alkaline electrolytes. Keywords: battery, electrolyte, electrochemical measurements, quaternary Ammomium salt, X-ray computed microtomography, mobility Published in DiRROS: 06.07.2023; Views: 559; Downloads: 287
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6. Multiscale femoral neck imaging and multimodal trabeculae quality characterization in an osteoporotic bone sampleEnrico Soldati, Flavy Roseren, Daphne Guenoun, Lucia Mancini, Emilio Catelli, Silvia Prati, Giorgia Sciutto, Jerome Vicente, Stefano Iotti, David Bendahan, Emil Malucelli, Martine Pithioux, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Although multiple structural, mechanical, and molecular factors are definitely involved in osteoporosis, the assessment of subregional bone mineral density remains the most commonly used diagnostic index. In this study, we characterized bone quality in the femoral neck of one osteoporotic patients as compared to an age-matched control subject, and so used a multiscale and multimodal approach including X-ray computed microtomography at different spatial resolutions (pixel size: 51.0, 4.95 and 0.9 µm), microindentation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Our results showed abnormalities in the osteocytes lacunae volume (358.08 ± 165.00 for the osteoporotic sample vs. 287.10 ± 160.00 for the control), whereas a statistical difference was found neither for shape nor for density. The osteoporotic femoral head and great trochanter reported reduced elastic modulus (Es) and hardness (H) compared to the control reference (−48% (p < 0.0001) and −34% (p < 0.0001), respectively for Es and H in the femoral head and −29% (p < 0.01) and −22% (p < 0.05), respectively for Es and H in the great trochanter), whereas the corresponding values in the femoral neck were in the same range. The spectral analysis could distinguish neither subregional differences in the osteoporotic sample nor between the osteoporotic and healthy samples. Although, infrared spectroscopic measurements were comparable among subregions, and so regardless of the bone osteoporotic status, the trabecular mechanical properties were comparable only in the femoral neck. These results illustrate that bone remodeling in osteoporosis is a non-uniform process with different rates in different bone anatomical regions, hence showing the interest of a clear analysis of the bone microarchitecture in the case of patients’ osteoporotic evaluation Keywords: synchrotron X-ray microtomography, bone, trabecular struicture, osteons, osteoporosis, phase-contrast imaging, open access Published in DiRROS: 28.04.2023; Views: 510; Downloads: 265
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7. PyPore3D : an open source software tool for imaging data processing and analysis of porous and multiphase mediaAmal Aboulhassan, Francesco Brun, George Kourousias, Gabriele Lanzafame, Marco Voltolini, Adriano Contillo, Lucia Mancini, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: In this work, we propose the software library PyPore3D, an open source solution for data processing of large 3D/4D tomographic data sets. PyPore3D is based on the Pore3D core library, developed thanks to the collaboration between Elettra Sincrotrone (Trieste) and the University of Trieste (Italy). The Pore3D core library is built with a distinction between the User Interface and the backend filtering, segmentation, morphological processing, skeletonisation and analysis functions. The current Pore3D version relies on the closed source IDL framework to call the backend functions and enables simple scripting procedures for streamlined data processing. PyPore3D addresses this limitation by proposing a full open source solution which provides Python wrappers to the the Pore3D C library functions. The PyPore3D library allows the users to fully use the Pore3D Core Library as an open source solution under Python and Jupyter Notebooks PyPore3D is both getting rid of all the intrinsic limitations of licensed platforms (e.g., closed source and export restrictions) and adding, when needed, the flexibility of being able to integrate scientific libraries available for Python (SciPy, TensorFlow, etc.). Keywords: tomographic 3D/4D imaging data, image processing and analysis, open source software, Python Published in DiRROS: 28.04.2023; Views: 678; Downloads: 257
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