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Introduction: Although antibiotic prophylaxis (AB) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in bacteriuria after invasive urodynamics (UDS), no significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) has been confirmed. No absolute recommendations on the use of AB in case of relevant potential risk of UTI have been reported, though some categories of patients at increased infective probability after UDS have been recognized. The aim of this study is to report the experts' consensus on the best practice for the use of AB before UDS in the main categories of patients at potential risk of developing UTI. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was performed on AB before UDS in males and females. A panel of experts from the Italian Society of Urodynamics, Continence, Neuro‐Urology, and Pelvic Floor (SIUD) assessed the review data and decided by a modified Delphi method on 16 statements proposed and discussed by the panel. The cut‐off percentage for the consensus was a ≥70% of positive responses to the survey. The study was a Delphi consensus with experts' opinions, not a clinical trial involving directly patients. Results: The panel group was composed of 57 experts in functional urology and UDS, mainly urologists, likewise gynaecologists, physiatrists, infectivologists, pediatric urologists, and nurses. A positive consensus was achieved on 9/16 (56.25%) of the statements, especially on the need for performing AB before UD in patients with neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. Urine analysis and urine culture before UDS are mandatory, and in the event of their positivity, UDS should be postponed. A consensus was reached on avoiding AB in menopausal status, diabetes, age, gender, bladder outlet obstruction, high postvoid residual, chronic catheterization, previous urological surgery, lack of urological abnormalities, pelvic organ prolapse, and negative urine analysis. Conclusions: Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for patients without notable risk factors and with a negative urine test due to the potential morbidities that may result from antibiotic administration. However, AB can be used for risk categories such as neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. The evaluation of urine analysis and urine culture and postponing UDS in cases of positive tests were considered good practices, as well as performing AB in the neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using 42 years of reanalysis data, we investigate regional, storm‐relative characteristics of three groups of Atlantic tropical cyclone intensification: slightly, moderately, and rapidly intensifying. Probability density functions are distinct between these groups for vertical wind shear, sea surface temperature (SST), and radius of maximum winds (RMW), but less so for relative humidity (RH). In the Gulf of Mexico and southern North Atlantic, shear and RMW are good predictors. In the open Atlantic, north of 22°N, shear and SST are the best predictors. In the Caribbean, weaker relationships suggest low statistical predictability in a region where RI cases increased between 1980–2000 and 2001–2021. Of our storm‐relative variables tested, increasing SST appears to be most closely connected to the 36% increase in rapidly intensifying events between the two periods, whereas shear and RH are not significantly more favorable. The variability across regions, periods, and variables motivates further investigation. Plain Language Summary: Although many damaging Atlantic tropical cyclones intensify rapidly during their lifetime, forecasting how rapidly they will intensify remains difficult. To address this, we need to better understand whether the conditions in a storm's environment can help identify whether it will intensify rapidly or more slowly, and whether these results change in different regions. Using 42 years of data, we find that wind shear (change in wind speed and direction with height) and ocean temperature are useful to discriminate whether a storm may intensify rapidly versus slowly across the basin, although there is variability in the results. Humidity is less useful. Our results vary by region. The Caribbean shows lower discrimination between intensification rates, highlighting potential difficulties in predicting intensification in this region. This is concerning since the number of rapidly intensifying events has risen sharply in the Caribbean between 1980–2000 and 2001–2021. We also find that the trends in intensifying storms during these 21‐year periods vary by region. The most consistent signal related to the rise in intensifying events is the increasing ocean temperature. Key Points: Atlantic basin rapid intensification trends vary by region, with the greatest increases between 1980–2000 and 2001–2021 south of 22°NWind shear, sea surface temperature, and radius of maximum winds are useful discriminators between intensification ratesStorm‐relative environmental variable trends vary by region, with sea surface temperatures often related to regional intensity change trends [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is a fully non‐parametric analysis of frequency modes and trends in a given series that is based on the data alone. We have devised an improved strategy based on a series of best practices to use EMD successfully in the analysis of the monthly time series of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) atmospheric mole fractions measured at NOAA network stations (2000–2020). Long‐term trends and intra‐ and inter‐annual variability has been assessed. After a phase of generally increasing mole fractions up to 2015, with a temporary decline around 2009, we found that the OCS atmospheric mole fraction subsequently decreased at all stations, reflecting a recent imbalance in its total sources and losses. Our analysis has revealed a characteristic time scale for variation of 8–10 years. The variance associated with this long‐term behavior ranges from ∼ $\sim $15% to 40% of the total strength of the signal, depending on location. Apart from this complex long‐term behavior, the OCS time series show a strong annual cycle, which primarily results from the well‐known OCS uptake by vegetation. In addition, we have also found one more frequency of minor variance intensity in the measured mole fraction time‐history, which corresponds to periods in the range of 2–3 years. This inter‐annual variability of OCS may be linked to the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation. Plain Language Summary: The Empirical Mode Decomposition has arisen as a new paradigm for the processing and analysis of time series. The tool has been applied to multi‐year mole fraction measurements of an atmospheric gas, carbonyl sulfide (OCS), which has important implications for understanding and analyzing the carbon cycle. OCS is the most abundant sulfur‐containing trace gas in the atmosphere and has recently emerged as a putative proxy for the terrestrial photosynthetic uptake of CO2 because OCS and CO2 have the same diffusion pathway into leaves. The study has analyzed OCS at 14 cooperative stations, which are distributed all around the world. We have found a characteristic time scale for 8–10 years variation. Apart from this complex long‐term behavior, the OCS time series show a robust yearly cycle, primarily from OCS uptake by vegetation. Finally, we have also found one more frequency, which corresponds to periods in the range of 2–3 years. This inter‐annual variability of OCS may be linked to the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation, which is an almost periodic oscillation of the winds of the equatorial stratosphere. Key Points: Atmospheric carbonyl sulfide has decreased at NOAA network stations in recent yearsTime Series Analysis and trend identificationEmpirical Mode Decomposition identified many characteristic frequencies of variability, some compatible with Quasi Biennal Oscillation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

eNOS‐deficient mice were previously shown to develop hypertension and metabolic alterations associated with insulin resistance either in standard dietary conditions (eNOS−/− homozygotes) or upon high‐fat diet (HFD) (eNOS+/− heterozygotes). In the latter heterozygote model, the present study investigated the pancreatic morphological changes underlying the abnormal glycometabolic phenotype. C57BL6 wild type (WT) and eNOS+/− mice were fed with either chow or HFD for 16 weeks. After being longitudinally monitored for their metabolic state after 8 and 16 weeks of diet, mice were euthanized and fragments of pancreas were processed for histological, immuno‐histochemical and ultrastructural analyses. HFD‐fed WT and eNOS+/− mice developed progressive glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Differently from WT animals, eNOS+/− mice showed a blunted insulin response to a glucose load, regardless of the diet regimen. Such dysregulation of insulin secretion was associated with pancreatic β‐cell hyperplasia, as shown by larger islet fractional area and β‐cell mass, and higher number of extra‐islet β‐cell clusters than in chow‐fed WT animals. In addition, only in the pancreas of HFD‐fed eNOS+/− mice, there was ultrastructural evidence of a number of hybrid acinar‐β‐cells, simultaneously containing zymogen and insulin granules, suggesting the occurrence of a direct exocrine‐endocrine transdifferentiation process, plausibly triggered by metabolic stress associated to deficient endothelial NO production. As suggested by confocal immunofluorescence analysis of pancreatic histological sections, inhibition of Notch‐1 signaling, likely due to a reduced NO availability, is proposed as a novel mechanism that could favor both β‐cell hyperplasia and acinar‐β‐cell transdifferentiation in eNOS‐deficient mice with impaired insulin response to a glucose load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 in‐plane heterostructure is reported as a low‐dimensional tunable chalcogenide well suited as plasmonic building block for the visible−UV spectral range. Electron‐driven plasmon excitations of low‐dimensional Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 are investigated by monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy spectrum imaging. To resolve the nanoscale spatial distribution of various local plasmonic resonances, singular value decomposition is used to disentangle the spectral data and identify the individual spectral contributions of various corner, edge, and face modes. Furthermore, defect‐plasmon interactions are investigated both for nanoscale intrinsic and thermally induced extrinsic polygonal defects (in situ sublimation). Signature of defect‐induced red shift ranging from a several hundreds of millielectronvolts to a few electronvolts, broadening of various plasmon response, together with selective enhancement and significant variations in their intensity are detected. This study highlights the presence of a heterointerface and identifies defects as physical tuning pathways to modulate the plasmonic response over a broad spectral range. Finally, the experimental observations are compared qualitatively and validated with numerical simulations using the electron‐driven discrete dipole approximation. Low‐dimensional Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 as a less explored plasmonic system holds great promises as emerging platform for integrated plasmonics. Furthermore, introducing controlled structural defects can open the door for nanoengineering of plasmonic properties in such systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO2/O2 fluxes ratio (apparent respiration quotient [ARQ]) measured in soils and plants contains valuable information about the respiratory‐substrate stoichiometry and biotic and abiotic non‐respiratory processes. We investigated ARQ variability by measurements in soil pore space air, and in headspace air from incubations of bulk‐soil and tree stem tissues (both fresh and 24‐hr stored tissues) in 10 measurement campaigns over 15 months in a Mediterranean oak forest. Mean (range) ARQ values were: soil air, 0.76 (0.60–0.92); bulk soil, 0.75 (0.53–0.90); fresh stem tissues, 0.39 (0.19–0.70); and stored stem tissues, 0.68 (0.42–1.08). The variability in tree stems was assumed to be controlled by CO2 re‐fixation that lowered ARQ from 1.0, the value expected for carbohydrate respiration in plants. We estimate that the values of the stored tissues represent better stem metabolism since the fresh‐tissue results contained a signal of wound‐response O2 uptake that further lowered ARQ. The mean bulk‐soil ARQ (0.75) was considerably lower than expected by soil organic matter (SOM) stoichiometry (0.95). This lower value might represent the stoichiometry of the SOM sub‐pool that supports respiration, and/or oxidative depolymerization that increases O2 fluxes. Abiotic O2 uptake was demonstrated to reduce bulk‐soil ARQ down to 0.37 and consume Fe2+, but estimated to have small effect under typical respiration rates. Soil‐air ARQ was usually higher than bulk‐soil ARQ and lower than root ARQ (which, when measured, ranged from 0.73 to 0.96), demonstrating the potential of ARQ to partition the autotrophic and heterotrophic sources of soil respiration. The limitations of this partitioning method are discussed. Plain Language Summary: Carbon dioxide is produced by the processes of both metabolic respiration by plants and microbial respiration and decomposition in soils. These are among the most important processes in terrestrial ecosystems, both oxidizing organic compounds using O2 and emitting the resulting CO2 to the atmosphere. However, our understanding of these processes, which are often collectively referred to as "respiration" is still incomplete. Here we investigated the use of the measured ratio CO2 released to O2 consumed, termed the apparent respiration quotient (ARQ), to investigate respiration in soils and tree stems. ARQ measurements are rarely made, but can provide valuable information about the chemistry of the respiratory substrates, and about additional processes that involve CO2 and O2 cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The expected substrates (carbohydrates) in tree stems and soils yield ARQ ≈ 1; however, we measured considerably lower values. The low ARQ values in the soil can be explained if microbes decompose compounds with low amounts of oxygen, which is surprising. No substrates can produce ARQ values as low as those we measured in stem core incubations, indicating other processes at work. Key Points: The ratio of CO2/O2 fluxes in respiration (apparent respiration quotient) depends on the substrate stoichiometry and on biotic and abiotic non‐respiratory processesBulk‐soil ARQ is governed by substrate stoichiometry in high respiration rates and by processes like Fe2+ oxidation during low ratesARQ in tree stems is lower than expected by carbohydrates respiration and can be explained by re‐fixation of respired CO2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult diagnosis is due to rarity of the case. TT or TE echocardiography is sufficient to make a correct diagnosis. The risk of embolism or coronary ostia occlusion should guide the decision for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the number of actually Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infected blood donors applying a statistical forecasting model. Background: Following the outbreak of the SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemic, a drop in blood donation has been observed. It is crucial to determine the actual number of potential SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive donors to define the measures and ensure adequate blood supply. Methods: The cumulative incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity, calculated on the general population, was applied to the donor population by estimating the number of positive subjects. The calculation model was validated by the linear interpolation method. The number of blood units actually discarded based on post‐donation information was also taken into account. Results: Three months after the outbreak, 5322 donors were estimated to be positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 and were therefore potentially excluded from donation. A total of units of blood components were discarded following post donation information. The estimated number of donors deceased (180) and the number of clinically recovered individuals in the same period was also considered. Conclusion: This forecasting model can be used to obtain information on blood donors' involvement during future SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks, especially in case of changes concerning epidemiology, incidence by age bracket and geographical distribution and also for new outbreaks of emerging viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a large body of literature exists on the ability of biochar to retain water and nutrients, little research exists connecting these benefits to biochar qualities, water retention mechanisms, and optimal locations for agricultural use. More information is needed for biochar stakeholders to make informed decisions about where deployment should occur. Specifically, we need to know the biochar characteristics that drive changes in soil water properties, how these effects vary geographically, and what financial benefits farmers can expect in their specific region to identify where biochar can be deployed for optimal results. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the relationship between biochar properties, application rates and observed change in water holding capacity (WHC) as a function of soil texture. Then we mapped our results across US counties to determine where biochar application could yield the largest improvements in soil water properties and added an economic model designed to predict how biochar‐driven changes in soil WHC drive irrigation expenses. Limited data drove our focus to sandy soils, and among these locations, our results suggest that biochar application will be especially effective in the southeast, far north and northeast, and western United States. In a prototype application of our model we predict a 37% reduction in irrigated water use for an instrumented site in Nebraska. Our combined statistical and economic models will be useful for future field experiment proposals, farmers purchasing biochar, and decision makers working to incentivize agricultural advances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) represent one of the most important classes of pharmaceutical proteins to treat human diseases. Most are produced in cultured mammalian cells which is expensive, limiting their availability. Goats, striking a good balance between a relatively short generation time and copious milk yield, present an alternative platform for the cost‐effective, flexible, large‐scale production of therapeutic mAbs. Here, we focused on cetuximab, a mAb against epidermal growth factor receptor, that is commercially produced under the brand name Erbitux and approved for anti‐cancer treatments. We generated several transgenic goat lines that produce cetuximab in their milk. Two lines were selected for detailed characterization. Both showed stable genotypes and cetuximab production levels of up to 10 g/L. The mAb could be readily purified and showed improved characteristics compared to Erbitux. The goat‐produced cetuximab (gCetuximab) lacked a highly immunogenic epitope that is part of Erbitux. Moreover, it showed enhanced binding to CD16 and increased antibody‐dependent cell‐dependent cytotoxicity compared to Erbitux. This indicates that these goats produce an improved cetuximab version with the potential for enhanced effectiveness and better safety profile compared to treatments with Erbitux. In addition, our study validates transgenic goats as an excellent platform for large‐scale production of therapeutic mAbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neuroinflammation is considered a key driver for neurodegeneration in several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). SOD1 mutations cause about 20% of familial ALS, and related pathology might generate microglial activation triggering neurodegeneration. 11C‐PK11195 is the prototypical and most validated PET radiotracer, targeting the 18‐kDa translocator protein which is overexpressed in activated microglia. In this study, we investigated microglia activation in asymptomatic (ASYM) and symptomatic (SYM) SOD1 mutated carriers, by using 11C‐PK11195 and PET imaging. Methods: We included 20 subjects: 4 ASYM‐carriers, neurologically normal, 6 SYM‐carriers with probable ALS, and 10 healthy controls. A receptor parametric mapping procedure estimated 11C‐PK11195 binding potentials and voxel‐wise statistical comparisons were performed at group and single‐subject levels. Results: Both the SYM‐ and ASYM‐carriers showed significant microglia activation in cortical and subcortical structures, with variable patterns at individual level. Clusters of activation were present in occipital and temporal regions, cerebellum, thalamus, and medulla oblongata. Notably, SYM‐carriers showed microglia activation also in supplementary and primary motor cortices and in the somatosensory regions. Interpretation: In vivo neuroinflammation occurred in all SOD1 mutated cases since the presymptomatic stages, as shown by a significant cortical and subcortical microglia activation. The involvement of sensorimotor cortex became evident at the symptomatic disease stage. Although our data indicate the role of in vivo PET imaging for assessing resident microglia in the investigation of SOD1‐ALS pathophysiology, further studies are needed to clarify the temporal and spatial dynamics of microglia activation and its relationship with neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fires produce an aromatic particulate residue commonly referred to as pyrogenic carbon (PyC). Particulate PyC is low density, high porosity, and is predominantly deposited on the soil surface in post‐fire landscapes. These characteristics create a material that is prone to mobility, both vertically down the soil profile and laterally across the landscape even in low‐relief landforms. Because of its tendency for lateral mobilization, we argue here that PyC's first interaction with water determines its environmental fate and persistence, not its interactions with soil minerals or microbes. PyC's first interactions with water determine: the amount of PyC that will enter the soil profile and experience microbial and geochemical alterations, whether it will be buried in depositional environments and stored on the landscape, or if it will be transported to streams and eventually to the ocean. Here we posit that this crucial first interaction with the hydrologic cycle occurs on the timescale of days to weeks, and therefore supersedes microbial decomposition as the primary control on PyC's environmental persistence. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant evidence has accumulated demonstrating that soil biochar amendment has many environmental benefits; however, adoption has been slow. This raises the question of how to align the environmental benefits with commercial motivations to drive more widespread implementation. Here, we examine the role that government policy can play in accelerating production and use at commercial scale. We identify three types of programs that can support biochar production: commercial financial incentives, nonfinancial policy support, and research and development funding. We also describe how these programs are currently used to support biochar production. For example, financial incentives can motivate immediate changes in business practices while nonfinancial policies can be important mechanisms to educate consumers and expand market demand. Research and development support can provide the necessary funding for early‐stage innovations that may one day become commercially viable options, even without other types of policy support. There are different risk–reward profiles for each policy mechanism, and these must be considered when evaluating a policy direction. Finally, we offer broad recommendations to the development of policy that maximizes the net benefits of biochar adoption. Key recommendations include improving policies that allow for the monetization of environmental benefits and avoided costs, recognizing soil as a resource through national preservation policy, and developing a broadly accepted set of product standards for biochar. Significant evidence has accumulated demonstrating that soil biochar amendment has many environmental benefits; however, adoption has been slow. We examine the role that government policy can play in accelerating biochar production and use at commercial scale. We identify and analyze the US public incentives and programs that currently support biochar production and application. Our key recommendations for developing a policy that maximizes the benefits of biochar adoption include improving policies that allow for the monetization of environmental benefits and avoided costs, recognizing soil as a resource through national preservation policy, and developing a broadly accepted set of product standards for biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Data from hyperspectral infrared sounders are routinely ingested worldwide by the National Weather Centers. The cloud‐free fraction of this data is used for initializing forecasts which include temperature, water vapor, water cloud, and ice cloud profiles on a global grid. Although the data from these sounders are sensitive to the vertical distribution of ice and liquid water in clouds, this information is not fully utilized. In the future, this information could be used for validating clouds in National Weather Center models and for initializing forecasts. We evaluate how well the calculated radiances from hyperspectral Radiative Transfer Models (RTMs) compare to cloudy radiances observed by AIRS and to one another. Vertical profiles of the clouds, temperature, and water vapor from the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting were used as input for the RTMs. For nonfrozen ocean day and night data, the histograms derived from the calculations by several RTMs at 900 cm−1 have a better than 0.95 correlation with the histogram derived from the AIRS observations, with a bias relative to AIRS of typically less than 2 K. Differences in the cloud physics and cloud overlap assumptions result in little bias between the RTMs, but the standard deviation of the differences ranges from 6 to 12 K. Results at 2,616 cm−1 at night are reasonably consistent with results at 900 cm−1. Except for RTMs which use full scattering calculations, the bias and histogram correlations at 2,616 cm−1 are inferior to those at 900 cm−1 for daytime calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoking is a recognized risk factor for colon cancer and nicotine, the principal active component of tobacco, plays a pivotal role in increasing colon cancer cell growth and survival. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nicotine on cellular Caco‐2 and HCT‐8 migration and invasion, focusing on epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, and COX‐2 pathway involvement. In both these cell lines, treatment with nicotine increased COX‐2 expression and the release of its enzymatic product PGE2. Moreover, nicotine‐stimulated cells showed increased migratory and invasive behavior, mesenchymal markers up‐regulation and epithelial markers down‐regulation, nuclear translocation of the β‐catenin, increase of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity, and enhanced NF‐κB expression. Noticeably, all these effects are largely mediated by COX‐2 activity, as simultaneous treatment of both cell lines with nicotine and NS‐398, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, greatly reduced the number of migrating and invading cells and reverted nicotine‐induced EMT. These findings emphasize that nicotine triggers EMT, leading hence to increased migration and invasiveness of colon cancer cells. Thereby, the use of COX‐2 inhibitor drugs might likely counteract nicotine‐mediated EMT effects on colon cancer development and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Through activation of the ERK pathway, nicotine, in both normal MCF‐10A and low‐malignant breast cancer cells (MCF7), promotes increased motility and invasiveness. Melatonin antagonizes both these effects by inhibiting almost completely ERK phosphorylation. As melatonin has no effect on nonstimulated cells, it is likely that melatonin can counteract ERK activation only downstream of nicotine‐induced activation. This finding suggests that melatonin hampers ERK phosphorylation presumably by targeting a still unknown intermediate factor that connects nicotine stimulation to ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, downstream of ERK activation, melatonin significantly reduces fascin and calpain activation while restoring normal vinculin levels. Melatonin also counteracts nicotine effects by reshaping the overall cytoskeleton architecture and abolishing invasive membrane protrusion. In addition, melatonin decreases nicotine‐dependent ROCK1/ROCK2 activation, thus further inhibiting cell contractility and motility. Melatonin actions are most likely attributable to ERK inhibition, although melatonin could display other ERK‐independent effects, namely through a direct modulation of additional molecular and structural factors, including coronin, cofilin, and cytoskeleton components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different cell lineages growing in microgravity undergo a spontaneous transition leading to the emergence of two distinct phenotypes. By returning these populations in a normal gravitational field, the two phenotypes collapse, recovering their original configuration. In this review, we hypothesize that, once the gravitational constraint is removed, the system freely explores its phenotypic space, while, when in a gravitational field, cells are 'constrained' to adopt only one favored configuration. We suggest that the genome allows for a wide range of 'possibilities' but it is unable per se to choose among them: the emergence of a specific phenotype is enabled by physical constraints that drive the system toward a preferred solution. These findings may help in understanding how cells and tissues behave in both development and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal is a major component of the stable soil organic carbon reservoir, and the physical and chemical properties of charcoal can sometimes significantly alter bulk soil properties (e.g., by increasing soil water holding capacity). However, our understanding of the residence time of soil charcoal remains uncertain, with old measured soil charcoal ages in apparent conflict with relatively short modeled and measured residence times. These discrepancies may exist because the fate of charcoal on the landscape is a function not just of its resistance to biological decomposition but also its physical mobility. Mobility may be important in controlling charcoal landscape residence time and may artificially inflate estimates of its degradability, but few studies have examined charcoal vulnerability to physical redistribution. Charcoal landscape redistribution is likely higher than other organic carbon fractions owing to charcoal's low bulk density, typically less than 1.0 g/cm3. Here we examine both the physical and chemical properties of soil and charcoal over a period of two years following a 2011 wildfire in Texas. We find little change in properties with time; however, we find evidence of enhanced mobility of charcoal relative to other forms of soil organic matter. These data add to a growing body of evidence that charcoal is preferentially eroded, offering another explanation for variations observed in its environmental residence times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidative ratio (OR) is the O2:CO2 ratio associated with photosynthesis, respiration, and other ecosystem gas exchange processes and can be reported on the scale of an individual leaf, an ecosystem, up to the entire terrestrial biosphere. The OR of the terrestrial biosphere is used to partition anthropogenic CO2 between oceanic and terrestrial carbon sinks, and the ease of measurement of this property on smaller scales suggests its potential for other uses. However, controls on the natural variation of OR are not understood in either organic matter pools or fluxes, and this lack of basic information limits the use of the tracer. Here we assess the annual variability of the OR of photosynthesis over ~decade for two temperate forests, one coniferous and one deciduous, and show that the photosynthetic OR signature is strongly dominated by plant species. We determined the OR of this flux by measuring the OR of carbon pools that close on annual or shorter timescales (leaves and individual tree rings), via solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Leaf litter OR is different between coniferous and deciduous forests, but tree bole OR is constant between species. There was no significant change in leaf litter OR with time, nor any correlations between leaf litter OR and temperature or precipitation. During this time growing season precipitation varied by 95% from the time period average, and growing season temperature by 22%, demonstrating that on the decadal scale photosynthetic OR is invariant over significant shifts in these climate parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial symbionts of plants can affect decomposition by altering the quality or quantity of host plant tissue (substrate) or the micro-environment where decomposition occurs (conditioning). In C3 grasses, foliar fungal endophytes (Clavicipitaceae) can increase plant resistance to drought and/or produce alkaloids that reduce herbivory - effects that may also influence host litter composition and subsequent litter decomposition. We studied the effect of the endophyte Epichloë sp. on litter decomposition in the Great Lakes dunes (USA) using a reciprocal design altering endophyte presence/absence in both American beachgrass Ammophila breviligulata substrate (litter bags) and its conditioning of the decomposition microenvironment. Symbiont treatments were crossed with rain-out shelters that altered growing season precipitation. The first year of decomposition, senesced leaf substrate from A. breviligulata with Epichloë decomposed 21% faster than endophyte-free substrate. By the third year, conditioning by live symbiotic plants reduced cumulative decomposition by 33% compared to plots planted with endophyte-free plants. Of the traits we examined - litter quantity, C:N ratio, mineral composition, fungal colonization, and carbon chemistry - increased litter quantity via greater tiller production was the primary trait shift associated with endophyte symbiosis. Epichloë in A. breviligulata litter also altered litter nitrogen decomposition dynamics, as evidenced by lower nitrogen and protein content in decomposed tissue from plants that hosted the endophyte. Differences in initial litter quality and subsequent colonization by saprotrophic fungi were ruled out as key drivers. Altered precipitation had negligible effects on decomposing processes in the dunes. Grass- Epichloë symbiosis altered nutrient cycling through increasing the rate of litter decomposition when present in the litter and through reducing litter decomposition by conditioning the decomposition microenvironment. Epichloë are widespread symbionts of grasses. Thus, their effects on decomposition could be an important, but often overlooked, driver of nutrient cycling in grass-dominated ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia and HIF1 α signaling direct tissue-specific gene responses regulating tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. By integrating HIF1 α knockdown and hypoxia-induced gene expression changes, this study identifies a melanocyte-specific, HIF1 α-dependent/hypoxia-responsive gene expression signature. Integration of these gene expression changes with HIF1 α Ch IP-Seq analysis identifies 81 HIF1 α direct target genes in melanocytes. The expression levels for 10 of the HIF1 α direct targets - GAPDH, PKM, PPAT, DARS, DTWD1, SEH1L, ZNF292, RLF, AGTRAP, and GPC6 - are significantly correlated with reduced time of disease-free status in melanoma by logistic regression (P -value = 0.0013) and ROC curve analysis ( AUC = 0.826, P-value < 0.0001). This HIF1 α-regulated profile defines a melanocyte-specific response under hypoxia, and demonstrates the role of HIF1 α as an invasive cell state gatekeeper in regulating cellular metabolism, chromatin and transcriptional regulation, vascularization, and invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of pyrogenic carbon (PyC; a continuum of organic carbon (C) ranging from partially charred biomass and charcoal to soot) is a widely acknowledged C sink, with the latest estimates indicating that ~50% of the PyC produced by vegetation fires potentially sequesters C over centuries. Nevertheless, the quantitative importance of PyC in the global C balance remains contentious, and therefore, PyC is rarely considered in global C cycle and climate studies. Here we examine the robustness of existing evidence and identify the main research gaps in the production, fluxes and fate of PyC from vegetation fires. Much of the previous work on PyC production has focused on selected components of total PyC generated in vegetation fires, likely leading to underestimates. We suggest that global PyC production could be in the range of 116-385 Tg C yr-1, that is ~0.2-0.6% of the annual terrestrial net primary production. According to our estimations, atmospheric emissions of soot/black C might be a smaller fraction of total PyC (<2%) than previously reported. Research on the fate of PyC in the environment has mainly focused on its degradation pathways, and its accumulation and resilience either in situ (surface soils) or in ultimate sinks (marine sediments). Off-site transport, transformation and PyC storage in intermediate pools are often overlooked, which could explain the fate of a substantial fraction of the PyC mobilized annually. We propose new research directions addressing gaps in the global PyC cycle to fully understand the importance of the products of burning in global C cycle dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors ( SDHIs), interfering with fungal respiration, are considered to be fungicides at medium to high risk of resistance. Boscalid was the first molecule belonging to the SDHIs that was introduced for the control of Botryotinia fuckeliana. A range of different target-site mutations leading to boscalid resistance have been found in field populations of the fungus. The different types of mutation confer different cross-resistance profiles towards novel SDHIs, such as the recently introduced fungicide fluopyram. This study combines the determination of cross-resistance profiles and the setting-up of methods for fast molecular detection of the mutations. RESULTS By means of in vitro tests, a range of SdhB mutations were characterised for resistance levels towards boscalid and fluopyram. SdhB mutations conferring P225L and P225F substitutions conferred high resistance to boscalid and high or moderate resistance to fluopyram respectively. Mutants carrying the N230I replacement were moderately resistant to both SDHIs. Substitutions at position H272 responsible for a high level of resistance to boscalid conferred sensitivity ( H272R), hypersensitivity ( H272Y) or moderate resistance ( H272V) to fluopyram. Allele-specific ( AS) PCR was developed and used for genotyping 135 B. fuckeliana isolates. The assay confirmed the strict association between resistance profiles and allelic variants of the SdhB gene. Real-time AS-PCR proved to be sensitive and specific for quantitative detection of different SDHI-resistant genotypes. CONCLUSION Fluopyram-resistant mutants are currently rarely detected in the field sprayed with boscalid, but this may change with intensive exposure of the fungal population to fluopyram. PCR assays/methods developed in the study provide tools for fast monitoring of field populations and observing possible changes in population composition following fluopyram introduction, useful for the setting-up of appropriate preventive measures. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Botryotinia fuckeliana ( Botrytis cinerea) is a pathogen with a high risk of development of resistance to fungicides. Fungicide resistance was monitored during 2008-2011 in B. fuckeliana populations from both table-grape vineyards and greenhouse-grown strawberries in southern Italy. RESULTS Isolates showing different levels of resistance to anilinopyrimidines ( APs) were detected at high frequency (up to 98%) in fields treated intensively with APs (4-7 sprays season−1). A slight decrease in sensitivity to fludioxonil, always combined with AP resistance, was generally found at lower frequencies. The repeated use of fenhexamid on grapevine (3-8 sprays season−1) led to a strong selection of highly resistant isolates (up to 100%). Boscalid-resistant mutants were detected at very variable frequencies (0-73%). Occurrence of resistance to quinone outside inhibitors ( QoIs) was also ascertained. Multiple fungicide resistance to 2-6 different modes of action were frequently recovered. Single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) in the target genes Erg27, SdhB and cytb were associated with resistance to fenehexamid, boscalid and QoIs respectively. CONCLUSION Resistance to the fungicides commonly used against grey mould on table grape and strawberry is quite common in southern Italy. This is an outcome of the incorrect use of fungicides, often because of the maximum number of detectable residues of plant protection products imposed by big international retailers, and underlines the crucial role of antiresistance strategies in integrated pest management. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical descriptions of molecular optical processes occurring in the presence of a surface plasmon resonance are surveyed in this Perspective. Particular emphasis is placed on semiclassical approaches that blend together first principles molecular quantum mechanics with the full-wave continuum electrodynamics of the molecule's nanoplasmonic environment. It is demonstrated how the latter can be built into the former through many-electron Green's function techniques combined with numerical values of the plasmon's locally scattered field. The effects of the plasmon on the molecule's one-body and many-body electronic structure is described in detail and several open theoretical challenges are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to correctly analyse high-resolution rocking curves of high-quality crystals, a special effort is needed to estimate the systematic contributions coming from the experimental setup. This article highlights the main areas that require special analytical treatment and presents results obtained using different approaches to the problem, as well as some typical results for high-quality silicon and diamond crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compelling evidence demonstrated that melatonin increases p53 activity in cancer cells. p53 undergoes acetylation to be stabilized and activated for driving cells destined for apoptosis/growth inhibition. Over-expression of p300 induces p53 acetylation, leading to cell growth arrest by increasing p21 expression. In turn, p53 activation is mainly regulated in the nucleus by MDM2. MDM2 also acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase, promoting the proteasome-dependent p53 degradation. MDM2 entry into the nucleus is finely tuned by two different modulations: the ribosomal protein L11, acts by sequestering MDM2 in the cytosol, whereas the PI3K-AkT-dependent MDM2 phosphorylation is mandatory for MDM2 translocation across the nuclear membrane. In addition, MDM2-dependent targeting of p53 is regulated in a nonlinear fashion by MDM2/ MDMX interplay. Melatonin induces both cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in MCF7 breast cancer cells. We previously reported that this effect is associated with reduced MDM2 levels and increased p53 activity. Herein, we demonstrated that melatonin drastically down-regulates MDM2 gene expression and inhibits MDM2 shuttling into the nucleus, given that melatonin increases L11 and inhibits Akt- PI3K-dependent MDM2 phosphorylation. Melatonin induces a 3-fold increase in both MDMX and p300 levels, decreasing simultaneously Sirt1, a specific inhibitor of p300 activity. Consequently, melatonin-treated cells display significantly higher values of both p53 and acetylated p53. Thus, a 15-fold increase in p21 levels was observed in melatonin-treated cancer cells. Our results provide evidence that melatonin enhances p53 acetylation by modulating the MDM2/ MDMX/p300 pathway, disclosing new insights for understanding its anticancer effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cultured red blood cells ( cRBCs) from cord blood ( CB) have been proposed as transfusion products. Whether buffy coats discarded from blood donations (adult blood [ AB]) may be used to generate cRBCs for transfusion has not been investigated. Study Design and Methods Erythroid progenitor cell content and numbers and blood group antigen profiles of erythroblasts ( ERYs) and cRBCs generated in human erythroid massive amplification ( HEMA) culture by CB (n = 7) and AB (n = 33, three females, three males, one AB with rare blood antigens cryopreserved using CB protocols) were compared. Results Variability was observed both in progenitor cell content (twofold) and number of ERYs generated (1 log) by CB and AB in HEMA. The average progenitor cell contents of the subset of AB and CB analyzed were similar. AB generated numbers of ERYs three times lower (p < 0.01) than CB in HEMA containing fetal bovine serum but similar to CB in HEMA containing human proteins. Female AB contained two times fewer (p < 0.05) erythroid progenitor cells but generated numbers of ERYs similar to those generated by male AB. Cryopreserved AB with a rare blood group phenotype and shipped to another laboratory generated great numbers of ERYs, 90% of which matured into cRBCs. Blood group antigen expression was consistent with the donor genotype for ERYs generated both by CB and AB but concordant with that of native RBCs only for cells derived from AB. Conclusion Buffy coats from regular donors, including a donor with rare phenotypes stored under conditions established for CB, are not inferior to CB for the generation of cRBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microdeletions of 8p23.1 are mediated by low copy repeats and can cause congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and cardiac defects. Within this region, point mutations of the GATA4 gene have been shown to cause cardiac defects. However, the cause of CDH in these deletions has been difficult to determine due to the paucity of mutations that result in CDH, the lack of smaller deletions to refine the region and the reduced penetrance of CDH in these large deletions. Mice deficient for one copy of the Gata4 gene have been described with CDH and heart defects suggesting mutations in Gata4 can cause the phenotype in mice. We report on the SNP microarray analysis on two fetuses with deletions of 8p23.1. The first had CDH and a ventricular septal defect (VSD) on ultrasonography and a family history of a maternal VSD. Microarray analysis detected a 127-kb deletion which included the GATA4 and NEIL2 genes which was inherited from the mother. The second fetus had an incomplete atrioventricular canal defect on ultrasonography. Microarray analysis showed a 315-kb deletion that included seven genes, GATA4, NEIL2, FDFT1, CTSB, DEFB136, DEFB135, and DEFB134. These results suggest that haploinsufficiency of the two genes in common within 8p23.1; GATA4 and NEIL2 can cause CDH and cardiac defects in humans. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: QoI fungicides, inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, are considered to be at high risk of resistance development. In several phytopathogenic fungi, resistance is caused by mutations (most frequently G143A) in the mitochondrial cytochrome b ( cytb) gene. The genetic and molecular basis of QoI resistance were investigated in laboratory and field mutants of Botryotinia fuckeliana (de Bary) Whetz. exhibiting in vitro reduced sensitivity to trifloxystrobin. RESULTS: B. fuckeliana mutants highly resistant to trifloxystrobin were obtained in the laboratory by spontaneous mutations in wild-type strains, or from naturally infected plants on a medium amended with 1-3 mg L−1 trifloxystrobin and 2 m M salicylhydroxamic acid, an inhibitor of alternative oxidase. No point mutations were detected, either in the complete nucleotide sequences of the cytb gene or in those of the aox and Rieske protein genes of laboratory mutants, whereas all field mutants carried the G143A mutation in the mitochondrial cytb gene. QoI resistance was always maternally inherited in ascospore progeny of sexual crosses of field mutants with sensitive reference strains. CONCLUSIONS: The G143A mutation in cytb gene is confirmed to be responsible for field resistance to QoIs in B. fuckeliana. Maternal inheritance of resistance to QoIs in progeny of sexual crosses confirmed that it is caused by extranuclear genetic determinants. In laboratory mutants the heteroplasmic state of mutated mitochondria could likely hamper the G143A detection, otherwise other gene(s) underlying different mechanisms of resistance could be involved. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study of the high temperature (HT) behavior of ferroelectric domains in a periodically poled rubidium-doped potassium titanyl phosphate crystal by Bragg-Fresnel X-ray diffraction imaging. The authors invoked the generation of a built-in electric field in order to model and explain the development and partial disappearance of the inverted domain structure as the temperature increases. They found that at HT, the shape of the contrast image produced by the domains changed from straight parallel lines to a triangular inverted shape.

The article discusses a study on the use of X-ray topography that employs quasi-forbidden reflections in investigating natural and synthetic diamonds with different types of defects. An X-ray topograph is a two-dimensional map of a crystal generated through the use of Bragg-diffracted X-rays. The study demonstrates the suitability of the XRT technique for mapping the distribution of several types of point defect and weak strain fields. The study used plates cut from diamond crystals grown using the high-pressure-high-temperature (HPHT) method.

To explore changes in molecular epidemiology of acute viral hepatitis B (AVH-B), hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes were determined by direct sequencing of the Pre-S-S region in 123 consecutive patients, with AVH-B observed in Naples or its surroundings in the last decade (group AVH-B) and in 123 HBV chronic carriers [chronic carrier of HBV (CC-B) group] from the same areas, who had been hepatitis B surface antigen-positive for more than 10 years. Genotype D was less frequently detected in patients with AVH-B than in those in the CC-B group (76.4% vs 97.5%, P < 0.0001). In the AVH-B group, intravenous drug addiction (IVDA) was the prevalent risk factor (55.3%) for acquiring HBV in the 94 patients with HBV genotype D, but it was rarely recorded (6.9%) in the 29 patients with genotypes non-D ( P < 0.0001); unsafe sexual intercourse was prevalent in patients with genotype non-D (72.3%) and less frequent in those with genotype D (28.8%, P < 0.005). In the AVH-B group, the prevalence of non-D genotypes increased during the observation period from 11.1% in 1999–2003 to 41.1% in 2004–2008 ( P < 0.0005), paralleling the increase in the prevalence of patients with unsafe sexual intercourse; similarly, the progressive decrease in IVDA paralleled the decrease in the prevalence of genotype D (from 88.3% in 1999–2003 to 11.7% in 2004–2008). The prevalence of HBV non-D genotypes recorded in the last 10 years in AVH-B in this area shows a progressive increase, most probably because of recent changes in HBV epidemiology, namely, the HBV mass vaccination campaign and increased immigration from areas with high HBV endemicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical Education 2010: 44: 459–467 Context The crucial role of academic leadership in the success of higher education institutions is well documented. Medical education in Iran has been integrated into the health care system through a complex organisational change. This has called into question the current academic leadership, making Iranian medical universities and schools a good case for exploring the challenges of academic leadership. Objectives This study explores the leadership challenges perceived by academic managers in medical schools and universities in Iran. Methods A qualitative study using 18 face-to-face, in-depth interviews with academic managers in medical universities and at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran was performed. All interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative content analysis. Results The main challenges to academic leadership could be categorised under three themes, each of which included three sub-themes: organisational issues (inefficacy of academic governance; an overly extensive set of missions and responsibilities; concerns about the selection of managers); managerial issues (management styles; mismatch between authority and responsibilities; leadership capabilities), and organisational culture (tendency towards governmental management; a boss-centred culture; low motivation). Conclusions This study emphasises the need for academic leadership development in Iranian medical schools and universities. The ability of Iranian universities to grow and thrive will depend ultimately upon the application of leadership skills. Thus, it is necessary to better designate authorities, roles of academic staff and leaders at governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cultured human erythroid cells derived in vitro may represent alternative transfusion products. It is unknown, however, if these ex vivo expanded erythroid cells remain functional or develop genetic abnormalities after storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using mononuclear cells from four adult blood donors, erythroblasts were generated ex vivo in expansion cultures supplemented with stem cell factor, interleukin-3, erythropoietin (EPO), dexamethasone, and estradiol. The viability and in vitro function of freshly expanded or short (1-2 months)- and long (8 years)-term-stored erythroblasts cryopreserved in dimethyl sulfoxide were compared. Erythroblast function was defined as ability to proliferate in expansion media and mature in response to EPO. Cell number was determined manually and expressed as fold increase. Viability was assessed by trypan blue and propidium iodide exclusion. Maturation was evaluated by morphologic analyses and CD36/CD235a expression profiling. Cytogenetic evaluation included karyotype and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. RESULTS: Equivalent numbers (>80%) of erythroblasts were viable after short- and long-term storage. Freshly expanded and short- and long-term-stored erythroblasts equally doubled in number (fold increase, 2.4) retaining an immature phenotype (23% of the cells were CD36highCD235aneg) when cultured for 4 days under expansion conditions. The numbers of freshly expanded and short-term-stored erythroblasts that matured when exposed for 4 days to EPO were also similar (approx. 22% of the cells became CD36negCD235ahigh). In spite of the massive amplification, ex vivo generated erythroblasts demonstrated a normal (46,XY) karyotype with no obvious genomic rearrangements. CONCLUSION: Ex vivo expanded erythroblasts remain functional and genetically normal after long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic low-dose dexamethasone (DEX) treatment in rats is associated to insulin resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and reduction in food intake. We tested the hypothesis that the elevation in circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) induced by DEX is the common mediator of both insulin resistance and insulin hyperproduction. Methods For this purpose, an anti-lipolytic agent was administered during DEX treatment to lower lipacidaemia for several hours prior to glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Leptin expression in adipose tissue (by Northern blot) and plasma leptin levels (by radioimmunoassay) were also investigated to verify whether a rise in circulating leptin could be responsible for the anorectic effect of DEX. Results Our data show that a transient pharmacological reduction of elevated plasma FFA levels abates the post-loading hyperinsulinaemia and counteracts the insulin resistance induced by DEX, supporting the hypothesis that the chronic elevation in FFAs is the common mediator of DEX-induced changes. Despite enhanced leptin expression in white adipose tissue, DEX-treated rats show no significant increase in plasma leptin levels. This suggests that the anorectic effect of DEX should be mediated, at least partially, by other factors, possibly related to the influence of concomitantly elevated plasma FFA and insulin levels on the hypothalamic centers regulating feeding. Conclusions Our results sustain the idea that a prolonged increase in plasma FFA levels plays an important role in the adaptive regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis, not only by potentiating insulin secretion but also by providing a signal of 'nutrient abundance' capable of restraining food intake. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]