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Model‐based development and implementation of the digital building file – BIM from construction to operation The use of BIM in bridge construction is currently limited to the design and construction phases, but BIM can be particularly useful for the operation of structures. The basis for the use of BIM in the operation life cycle phase is the transfer of relevant information from the planning and construction life cycle phases to operation. The creation of a model‐based digital building file enables the transfer of relevant information for operation. The article classifies the creation and use of model‐based digital construction files both in the scientific context and in the current working methodology with analog construction files and construction files. It also includes the practical implementation of a specific project. Furthermore, the reference to the standardized use cases 190 "Project and building documentation" and 200 "Use for operation and maintenance" is presented. The implementation of the model‐based digital construction file is demonstrated using the example of the Cologne Heumar highway interchange. The objectives and principles associated with the use of BIM, the project development and the background are discussed. The implementation and handover of the model‐based digital construction file is described in detail for the practical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ride-sharing systems, platform providers aim to distribute the drivers in the city to meet current and potential future demand and to avoid service cancellations. Ensuring such distribution is particularly challenging in the case of a crowdsourced fleet, as drivers are not centrally controlled but are free to decide where to reposition when idle. Thus, providers look for alternative ways to ensure a vehicle distribution that benefits users, drivers, and the provider. We propose an intuitive mean to improve idle ride-sharing vehicles' repositioning: repositioning heatmaps. These heatmaps highlight driver-specific earning opportunities approximated based on the expected future demand, current and expected future fleet distribution, and the location of the specific driver. Based on the heatmaps, drivers make decentralized yet better-informed repositioning decisions. As our heatmap policy changes the driver distribution in the future, we propose an adaptive learning algorithm for designing our heatmaps in large-scale ride-sharing systems. We simulate the system and generate heatmaps based on the previously learned policy in every iteration. We then update the policy based on the simulation's outcome and use it in the next iteration. We test our heatmap design in a comprehensive case study on New York ride-sharing data. We show that carefully designed heatmaps reduce service cancellations and therefore, revenue loss for the platform and drivers significantly while leading to a better service level for the users and to a fairer treatment of drivers. History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on Machine Learning Methods and Applications in Large-Scale Route Planning Problems. Funding: This research is funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) [Grant 494812908]. M. W. Ulmer's work is funded by the German Research Foundation Emmy Noether Programme [Grant 444657906]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.1202. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is impaired in late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD), but the associated molecular mechanisms, particularly with respect to the high-risk APOE4/4 genotype, are not well understood. For this purpose, we developed a multicellular isogenic model of the neurovascular unit (NVU) based on human induced pluripotent stem cells. Methods: The human NVU was modeled in vitro using isogenic co-cultures of astrocytes, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs), microglia-like cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), and pericytes. Physiological and pathophysiological properties were investigated as well as the influence of each single cell type on the characteristics and function of BCECs. The barriers established by BCECs were analyzed for specific gene transcription using high-throughput quantitative PCR. Results: Co-cultures were found to tighten the barrier of BCECs and alter its transcriptomic profile under both healthy and disease conditions. In vitro differentiation of brain cell types that constitute the NVU was not affected by the LOAD background. The supportive effect of NSCs on the barrier established by BCECs was diminished under LOAD conditions. Transcriptomes of LOAD BCECs were modulated by different brain cell types. NSCs were found to have the strongest effect on BCEC gene regulation and maintenance of the BBB. Co-cultures showed cell type-specific functional contributions to BBB integrity under healthy and LOAD conditions. Conclusions: Cell type-dependent transcriptional effects on LOAD BCECs were identified. Our study suggests that different brain cell types of the NVU have unique roles in maintaining barrier integrity that vary under healthy and LOAD conditions.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many quantum information protocols require the implementation of random unitaries. Because it takes exponential resources to produce Haar-random unitaries drawn from the full n-qubit group, one often resorts to t-designs. Unitary t-designs mimic the Haar-measure up to t-th moments. It is known that Clifford operations can implement at most 3-designs. In this work, we quantify the non-Clifford resources required to break this barrier. We find that it suffices to inject O (t 4 log 2 (t) log (1 / ε)) many non-Clifford gates into a polynomial-depth random Clifford circuit to obtain an ε -approximate t-design. Strikingly, the number of non-Clifford gates required is independent of the system size – asymptotically, the density of non-Clifford gates is allowed to tend to zero. We also derive novel bounds on the convergence time of random Clifford circuits to the t-th moment of the uniform distribution on the Clifford group. Our proofs exploit a recently developed variant of Schur-Weyl duality for the Clifford group, as well as bounds on restricted spectral gaps of averaging operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overexpression of the vacuolar sugar transporter TST1 in Arabidopsis leads to higher seed lipid levels and higher total seed yield per plant. However, effects on fruit biomass have not been observed in crop plants like melon, strawberry, cotton, apple, or tomato with increased tonoplast sugar transporter (TST) activity. Thus, it was unclear whether overexpression of TST in selected crops might lead to increased fruit yield, as observed in Arabidopsis. Here, we report that constitutive overexpression of TST1 from sugar beet in the important crop species Camelina sativa (false flax) resembles the seed characteristics observed for Arabidopsis upon increased TST activity. These effects go along with a stimulation of sugar export from source leaves and not only provoke optimised seed properties like higher lipid levels and increased overall seed yield per plant, but also modify the root architecture of BvTST1 overexpressing Camelina lines. Such mutants grew longer primary roots and showed an increased number of lateral roots, especially when developed under conditions of limited water supply. These changes in root properties result in a stabilisation of total seed yield under drought conditions. In summary, we demonstrate that increased vacuolar TST activity may lead to optimised yield of an oil‐seed crop species with high levels of healthy ω3 fatty acids in storage lipids. Moreover, since BvTST1 overexpressing Camelina mutants, in addition, exhibit optimised yield under limited water availability, we might devise a strategy to create crops with improved tolerance against drought, representing one of the most challenging environmental cues today and in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Women are underrepresented at scientific conferences, decreasing the visibility of female role models, which are vital for aspiring young female scientists. This investigation aimed to evaluate female representation at the German Society of Urology's (GSoU) annual meeting. Methods: The programs of the GSoU meeting of 2011, 2018, 2019 and the virtual conference in 2020 were retrospectively quantified by gender and categorized by chair or speaker, type, and topic of the session. Descriptive analysis was applied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify gender inequity and variables influencing gender distribution. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 2.504 chairs and speakers were invited to the GSoU meeting in 2018 and 2019. Female speakers or chairs were represented in 17.8%, indicating a gender gap of 64.7%. There were significant differences between session type, topic, and gender distribution for chairs and speakers. The topic surgical techniques were independent variables for both, underrepresented female chairs and speakers, respectively (p < 0.001). Vocational policy and plenary session were not represented by any female chair in 2011, 2018, and 2019. In comparison, the gender gap in 2011 was 74.2%, indicating a gap reduction of 1.2% per year. In a selected virtual program in 2020, the gender gap increased to 70.4%. Conclusion: There is still a significant discrepancy between gender representation at the GSoU annual meetings, and gender equity is currently not expected before 50 years. Future efforts should address the implementation of established guidelines for achieving gender equity at urological conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although citrate is necessary for the proper functioning of cancer cells, its increased intracellular level can be detrimental to cancer metabolism [[8]]. Although ATP synthesis in mitochondria used by normal cells is more efficient and secures the appropriate redox balance control, cancer cells tend to increase their glucose consumption and disrupt redox regulation by favouring ATP synthesis through glycolysis. The authors found that the response to treatment depends on the origin of the cancer cell lines tested and that CNS drugs applied alone or in combination with chemotherapy might improve existing anti-cancer therapies. Cancer metabolism has been of interest for decades; however, the recent development of sophisticated techniques such as metabolomics or lipidomics have significantly increased our understanding of processes taking place in tumour cells. [Extracted from the article]

Maltose, the major product of starch breakdown in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves, exits the chloroplast via the maltose exporter1 MEX1. Consequently, mex1 loss-of-function plants exhibit substantial maltose accumulation, a starch-excess phenotype and a specific chlorotic phenotype during leaf development. Here, we investigated whether the introduction of an alternative metabolic route could suppress the marked developmental defects typical for mex1 loss-of-function mutants. To this end, we ectopically expressed in mex1chloroplasts a functional maltase (MAL) from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chloroplastidial MAL [cpMAL] mutants). Remarkably, the stromal MAL activity substantially alleviates most phenotypic peculiarities typical for mex1 plants. However, the cpMAL lines contained only slightly less maltose than parental mex1 plants and their starch levels were, surprisingly, even higher. These findings point to a threshold level of maltose responsible for the marked developmental defects in mex1. While growth and flowering time were only slightly retarded, cpMAL lines exhibited a substantially improved frost tolerance, when compared to wild-types. In summary, these results demonstrate the possibility to bypass the MEX1 transporter, allow us to differentiate between possible starch-excess and maltose-excess responses, and demonstrate that stromal maltose accumulation prevents frost defects. The latter insight may be instrumental for the development of crop plants with improved frost tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PD-1 inhibition (PD-1i) is the standard of care in melanoma and other malignancies. In patients with bone metastases of solid tumors, the monoclonal antibody denosumab directed against RANKL is approved for the prevention of skeletal-related events. However, RANKL is not only relevant in osteoclastogenesis, but also has immunological effects. Hence, we aimed at investigating, whether the combination of PD-1i and denosumab produces synergistic effects in metastatic melanoma treatment. Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data of metastatic melanoma patients with bone metastases, who received PD-1i and denosumab therapy. Results: 29 patients were identified with a median age of 60.7 years: 20 were male and 9 were female. 20 patients (69%) were in stage IV M1c and 9 (31%) in stage IV M1d; 52% had an increased serum LDH. 24 patients (83%) received PD-1i as first-line therapy and five patients (17%) as second- or third-line therapy. 13 patients received the triple combination nivolumab, ipilimumab and denosumab (N + I+D), 16 patients received PD-1i and denosumab (PD-1i + D). Within a median follow-up time of 19.8 months, 17 patients progressed with a median time to progression of 6 months. The objective response rate was 54% in the N + I + D group and 50% in the PD-1i + D group. Recalcification of bone metastases was radiologically observed in 18 (62%) patients. No unexpected treatment-related adverse events emerged. Conclusions: The combination therapy of metastatic melanoma with PD-1i and denosumab was feasible without unexpected safety issues and showed a promising efficacy signal. Further investigation in prospective studies is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which compared the interferometrically measured density distributions with the results of gas dynamic model calculations to derive quantitative data on the deposited energy densities. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Plastocyanin functions as an electron carrier in the photosynthetic electron transport chain, located at the thylakoid membrane. In several species, endogenous plastocyanin levels are correlated with the photosynthetic electron transport rate. Overexpression of plastocyanin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana increases plant size, but this phenomenon has not been observed in crop species. Here, we investigated the effects of heterologous expression of a gene encoding a plastocyanin isoform from Arabidopsis, AtPETE2 , in the oil seed crop Camelina sativa under standard growth conditions and under salt stress. AtPETE2 heterologous expression enhanced photosynthetic activity in Camelina, accelerating plant development and improving seed yield under standard growth conditions. Additionally, CsPETE2 from Camelina was induced by salt stress and AtPETE2 expression lines had larger primary roots and more lateral roots than the wild type. AtPETE2 expression lines also had larger seeds and higher total seed yield under long-term salt stress compared with non-transgenic Camelina. Our results demonstrate that increased plastocyanin levels in Camelina can enhance photosynthesis and productivity, as well as tolerance to osmotic and salt stresses. Heterologous expression of plastocyanin may be a useful strategy to mitigate crop stress in saline soils. • Heterologous expression of Arabidopsis plastocyanin gene PETE2 in Camelina sativa optimizes photosynthetic activity. • Optimized photosynthetic activity leads to accelerated plant development and improved seed yield. • Increased plastocyanin level in Camelina sativa improves tolerance to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanochemical Knoevenagel condensation of three fluorinated benzaldehyde derivates and malononitrile was investigated. The reactions were performed under solvent- and catalyst-free conditions and resulted in highly crystalline products after crystallization from a viscous phase in the milling jar. The quality of the obtained crystals was sufficient for single-crystal X-ray diffraction circumventing a recrystallization step. To gain more information on the reaction, progress was investigated in situ using time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. The results show a direct conversion of the reactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Zur Untersuchung von Mahlreaktionen in Echtzeit wurden drei analytische Methoden gekoppelt: Synchrotron‐Röntgenbeugung mit Raman‐Spektroskopie und Thermographie. Diese Methodenkombination ermöglicht es, die strukturelle Entwicklung mit Temperaturinformationen zu korrelieren. Die Temperaturinformation ist entscheidend für das Verständnis von Thermodynamik und Reaktionskinetik. Exemplarisch wurde der Reaktionsmechanismus von drei mechanochemischen Modell‐Synthesen, einer Cokristallbildung, einer C‐C‐Bindungsknüpfung (Knoevenagel‐Kondensation) und der Bildung einer metallorganischen Verbindung, eines Mangan‐Phosphonats, aufgeklärt. Allgemeine Trends bezüglich der Temperaturentwicklung beim Mahlen konnten identifiziert werden. Die Reaktions‐ und Kristallisationswärme tragen zur gesamten Temperaturerhöhung bei. Eine Erniedrigung der Temperatur tritt bei Freisetzung von z. B. Wasser als Nebenprodukt auf. Die drei unabhängigen Methoden ergänzen sich gegenseitig, wodurch der Informationsgewinn maximiert und der Nachweis fester sowie flüssiger Intermediate ermöglicht wird. Schließlich konnte der Einfluss der mechanischen Einwirkung von den durch die Reaktion hervorgerufenen Temperatureinflüssen unterschieden werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an in situ triple coupling of synchrotron X‐ray diffraction with Raman spectroscopy, and thermography to study milling reactions in real time. This combination of methods allows a correlation of the structural evolution with temperature information. The temperature information is crucial for understanding both the thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. The reaction mechanisms of three prototypical mechanochemical syntheses, a cocrystal formation, a C−C bond formation (Knoevenagel condensation), and the formation of a manganese‐phosphonate, were elucidated. Trends in the temperature development during milling are identified. The heat of reaction and latent heat of crystallization of the product contribute to the overall temperature increase. A decrease in temperature occurs via release of, for example, water as a by‐product. Solid and liquid intermediates are detected. The influence of the mechanical impact could be separated from temperature effects caused by the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ß-1,3-glucan chrysolaminarin is the main storage polysaccharide of diatoms. In contrast to plants and green algae, diatoms and most other algal groups do not accumulate storage polysaccharides in their plastids. The diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum possesses only a single gene encoding a putative ß-1,3-glucan synthase (PtBGS). Here, we characterize this enzyme by expressing GFP fusion proteins in P. tricornutum and by creating and investigating corresponding gene silencing mutants. We demonstrate that PtBGS is a vacuolar protein located in the tonoplast. Metabolite analyses of two mutant strains with reduced amounts of PtBGS reveal a reduction in their chrysolaminarin content and an increase of soluble sugars and lipids. This indicates that carbohydrates are shunted into alternative pathways when chrysolaminarin production is impaired. The mutant strains show reduced growth and lower photosynthetic capacities, while possessing higher photoprotective abilities than WT cells. Interestingly, a strong reduction in PtBGS expression also results in aberrations of the usually very regular thylakoid membrane patterns, including increased thylakoid thickness, reduced numbers of thylakoids per plastid, and increased numbers of lamellae per thylakoid stack. Our data demonstrate the complex intertwinement of carbohydrate storage in the vacuoles with carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthetic homeostasis, and plastid morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma specific inhibitors of BRAFV600E and MEK1/2 frequently induce initial tumor reduction, frequently followed by relapse. As demonstrated previously, BRAFV600E-inhibition induces apoptosis only in a fraction of treated cells, while the remaining arrest and survive providing a source or a niche for relapse. To identify factors contributing to the differential initial response towards BRAF/MEK inhibition, we established M14 melanoma cell line-derived single cell clones responding to treatment with BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib predominantly with either cell cycle arrest (CCA-cells) or apoptosis (A-cells). Screening for differentially expressed apoptosis-related genes revealed loss of BCL2-Interacting Killer (BIK) mRNA in CCA-cells. Importantly, ectopic expression of BIK in CCA-cells resulted in increased apoptosis rates following vemurafenib/trametinib treatment, while knockdown/knockout of BIK in A-cells attenuated the apoptotic response. Furthermore, we demonstrate reversible epigenetic silencing of BIK mRNA expression in CCA-cells. Importantly, HDAC inhibitor treatment associated with re-expression of BIK augmented sensitivity of CCA-cells towards vemurafenib/trametinib treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that BIK can be a critical mediator of melanoma cell fate determination in response to MAPK pathway inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Davydov-Yetter cohomology classifies infinitesimal deformations of tensor categories and of tensor functors. Our first result is that Davydov-Yetter cohomology for finite tensor categories is equivalent to the cohomology of a comonad arising from the central Hopf monad. This has several applications: First, we obtain a short and conceptual proof of Ocneanu rigidity. Second, it allows to use standard methods from comonad cohomology theory to compute Davydov-Yetter cohomology for a family of non-semisimple finite-dimensional Hopf algebras generalizing Sweedler's four dimensional Hopf algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first part of this article, the deductive hazard analysis and its extension by a semi-quantitative risk assessment of sources of hazards were presented. This was done by using a calibrated risk graph. In this second part now, the semi-quantitative assessment of the dependability of safety measures is pointed out. The safety check is carried out by comparing the risk classes with dependability classes which are applied to both operational and technical measures. Now this paper describes the requirements for ROGA arising from the stipulations of the international standards like IEC 61508/11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new method, risk-oriented hazard analysis (ROGA), for carrying out the risk-based hazard analysis of chemical plants. The aim of ROGA method is to determine the status of a plant's safety technology by determining the risk that arises as a result of a source of hazard taking effect and by evaluating all measures taken to control this risk. The contribution consists of two parts. In this first part, the deductive hazard analysis and its extension by a semi-quantitative risk assessment associated with sources of hazards is explained with the help of a risk graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theories of dissociation emphasize that symptoms of dissociation are correlated with traumatic events. Although the association of dissociative symptoms and retrospective reports of child abuse with a focus on mainly sexual and physical abuse has been well documented, investigation of the contribution of emotional or psychological types of maltreatment to the prediction of dissociation has been neglected to a great extent. The aim of this study was to determine the differential impact of different types of maltreatment on dissociative symptoms in a sample of 203 female residential patients treated for posttraumatic stress disorder linked to child maltreatment. Moreover, it was examined whether the link between dissociation and child maltreatment is direct or indirect. Subjects completed questionnaires on child maltreatment, posttraumatic stress, and dissociative symptoms. Although all types of maltreatment were related to dissociative symptoms, emotional abuse was the strongest and most direct predictor of dissociation in multivariate hierarchical analyses with the influence of other trauma types being confounded by emotional abuse. This study highlights the importance of emotional types of maltreatment for the genesis of dissociative symptoms in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What influence did the First World War have on German civil law court rulings? Recently completed studies have stressed the importance of a concept called the 'home front' for understanding the so-called decisions of the courts during the Second World War. This concept is associated with ideas such as the 'stab-in-the-back' legend. It rests on the assumption that the population's good will is decisive for the outcome of war. This historiography suggests that, particularly in their decisions on the general clauses of the BGB (German civil code), the courts advanced what were in effect legislative ideas in seeking to stabilise the 'home front', to adapt the law to the changed circumstances brought about by the war. This essay analyses whether the notion of a 'home front' was also determinative in the First World War. Reaching out further, the influence of the First World War on the judiciary's self-image in Germany will be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Digital health information gains growing importance in the medical landscape. Despite its opportunities, there is a risk of patient misinformation which may adversely influence the patient–physician relationship. This investigation aimed to identify and compare differences in the content and quality of online health information on overactive bladder (OAB) between different digital platforms. Methods: The platforms Google search, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube were searched for the keyword OAB. The search result links were classified as useful or misleading, advertisement and personal experience. Information regarding the organization of the source and available content on treatment modalities was collected. Descriptive analysis was applied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate heterogeneity regarding the distribution of information depending on the source. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The source with the highest quantity of useful content was YouTube (100%) and Google (100%), whereas LinkedIn included mostly misleading content (73%). YouTube and Google provided the greatest variety of health information and were dominated by professional associations. Surgical procedures for treating OAB were only described in 32% and 48% of Google and YouTube results, respectively. On Google, sacral neuromodulation and OnabotulinumtoxinA were described in 26% and bladder augmentation in only 16% of the search results. In contrast, alternative medicine was present in 76%. Conclusions: A large gap in the information on surgical treatments of OAB could be identified independently from the utilized source. In contrast, conservative treatments and alternative medicine dominate the current informational sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Competition between herbivores often plays an important role in population ecology and appears strongest when densities are high or plant production is low. Phytophagous insects are often highly abundant, but relatively few experiments have examined competition between vertebrates and phytophagous insects. 2. In grassland systems worldwide, grasshoppers are often the dominant phytophagous insect, and livestock grazing is a dominant land use. For this study, a novel experiment was conducted examining competition between vertebrates and invertebrates, where both grasshopper densities and sheep grazing were manipulated inside 10-m2 caged mesocosms during a grasshopper outbreak. We examined how grasshopper densities and the timing of vertebrate herbivory affected grasshopper densities, if the effects of vertebrates on survival and reproduction changed with grasshopper density, and how a naturally occurring grasshopper outbreak affected grasshopper populations in the following year. 3. Densities of grasshoppers at the site peaked at 130 m-2. Food-limited competition was stronger in treatments with higher grasshopper densities and repeated or late livestock herbivory, leading to reduced survival, femur length, and functional ovarioles, a measure of future reproduction. Strong food-limited density-dependent reproduction and survival led to reduced hatching densities in 2001. 4. As competition was typically stronger with high grasshopper densities than with livestock grazing, competition from vertebrates could be relatively less important for phytophagous insect population dynamics during outbreaks. The experiment provides insights into how competition between insect and vertebrate herbivores influences insect population dynamics, and indicates that severe outbreaks can rapidly subside with strong competition from vertebrate and insect herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncocytomas are benign tumors most often occurring in salivary or lacrimal glands and thyroid tissue. As cutaneous oncocytoma is exceptionally rare, this tumor is uncommonly encountered by dermatopathologists. Herein, we illustrate the case of an 80-year-old man who presented with a slowly growing papule of the lower eyelid. Histopathologically, the adenomatous tumor was composed of large monomorphic cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Electron microscopy revealed abundant, enlarged and abnormally shaped mitochondria. These findings were consistent with an oncocytoma of the skin. The presented case is unique in that the thorough work-up of the tumor tissue revealed not only hyperplastic mitochondria, representing the ultrastructural correlate of the observed granular cytoplasm, but additionally disclosed functional consequences with elevated levels of reactive oxygen specimen ( ROS) within the tumor. Disrupted oxygen metabolism may result from cellular aging processes and may putatively represent the underlying pathogenesis of oncocytoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All organisms require S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl group donor and cofactor for various biologically important processes. However, certain obligate intracellular parasitic bacteria and also the amoeba symbiont Amoebophilus asiaticus have lost the capacity to synthesize this cofactor and hence rely on its uptake from host cells. Genome analyses revealed that A. asiaticus encodes a putative SAM transporter. The corresponding protein was functionally characterized in Escherichia coli: import studies demonstrated that it is specific for SAM and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the end product of methylation. SAM transport activity was shown to be highly dependent on the presence of a membrane potential, and by targeted analyses, we obtained direct evidence for a proton-driven SAM/SAH antiport mechanism. Sequence analyses suggest that SAM carriers from Rickettsiales might operate in a similar way, in contrast to chlamydial SAM transporters. SAM/SAH antiport is of high physiological importance, as it allows for compensation for the missing methylation cycle. The identification of a SAM transporter in A. asiaticus belonging to the Bacteroidetes phylum demonstrates that SAM transport is more widely spread than previously assumed a occurs in bacteria belonging to three different phyla (Proteobacteria, Chlamydiae, and Bacteroidetes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of human melanomas harbor a mutation leading to permanent activation of the serine/threonine kinase BRAF, and as a consequence, they have developed dependence on BRAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Accordingly, BRAF inhibitors such as Vemurafenib show a good anti-tumorigenic effect on metastases with the BRAFV600E mutation. Although an initial period of sustained tumor regression is usually observed after Vemurafenib treatment, tumors often relapse at the same site, and apoptosis induction of melanoma cells in vitro is incomplete. Here, we demonstrate, using a large panel of melanoma cell lines, that Vemurafenib induces features of stress-induced senescence in addition to apoptosis. This senescence phenotype is characterized by heterochromatin formation, changes in cell shape, and increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. Importantly, senescence features induced by BRAFV600E inhibition was also detected in human melanoma cells xenografted into nude mice. Our observations provide a possible explanation for the lack of complete and durable pro-apoptotic effect of Vemurafenib in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many patients with resected American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) early-stage cutaneous melanoma nonetheless die of melanoma; additional risk stratification approaches are needed. Using prospectively-collected whole-tissue sections, we assessed in consecutive stage I–IIA patients (N = 439), a previously-validated, immunohistochemistry-based, 7-biomarker signature to prognosticate disease-free survival (DFS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS; primary end-point) and overall survival (OS), independent of AJCC classification. Seven-marker signature testing designated 25.1% of patients (110/439) as high-risk (stage IA, 13.3% [43/323], IB, 53.2% [42/79], and IIA, 67.6% [25/37]). A Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated high-risk patients to have significantly worse DFS, MSS and OS versus low-risk counterparts (P < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression modelling also including key clinicopathological/demographic factors, 7-marker signature data independently prognosticated the studied end-points. Models with the 7-marker signature risk category plus clinicopathological/demographic covariates substantially outperformed models with clinicopathological/demographic variables alone in predicting all studied outcomes (areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve 74.1% versus 68.4% for DFS, 81.5% versus 71.2% for MSS, 80.9% versus 73.0% for OS; absolute differences 5.7%, 10.3% and 7.9%, respectively, favouring 7-marker signature risk category-containing models). In patients with AJCC early-stage disease, the 7-marker signature reliably prognosticates melanoma-related outcomes, independent of AJCC classification, and provides a valuable complement to clinicopathological/demographic factors. • American Joint Committee on Cancer v8 early stage I-IIA melanoma includes many cases with an unfavourable course. • 7-biomarker IHC signature's ability to find at-risk stage I–IIA patients was studied. • Samples were prospectively collected from 439 consecutive stage I–IIA patients. • Results were significantly worse in 7-marker signature high-risk versus low-risk groups. • 7-marker signature high-risk class captured most recurrences and deaths from melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pro-death Bcl-2 family protein and tumor suppressor Bax is frequently mutated in tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI). The mutation often results in a "Bax negative" phenotype and therefore is generally thought to be beneficial to the development of the tumor. Here, we report the identification of a novel Bax isoform, BaxΔ2, which is unique to microsatellite unstable tumors. BaxΔ2 is generated by a unique combination of a microsatellite deletion in Bax exon 3 and alternative splicing of Bax exon 2. Consistently, BaxΔ2 is only detected in MSI cell lines and primary tumors. BaxΔ2 is a potent cell death inducer but does not directly target mitochondria. In addition, BaxΔ2 sensitizes certain MSI tumor cells to a subset of chemotherapeutic agents, such as adriamycin. Thus, our data provide evidence that mutation and alternative splicing of tumor suppressors such as Bax are not always beneficial to tumor development but can be detrimental instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane transporters set the framework organising the complexity of plant metabolism in cells, tissues and organisms. Their substrate specificity and controlled activity in different cells is a crucial part for plant metabolism to run pathways in concert. Transport proteins catalyse the uptake and exchange of ions, substrates, intermediates, products and cofactors across membranes. Given the large number of metabolites, a wide spectrum of transporters is required. The vast majority of in silico annotated membrane transporters in plant genomes, however, has not yet been functionally characterised. Hence, to understand the metabolic network as a whole, it is important to understand how transporters connect and control the metabolic pathways of plant cells. Heterologous expression and in vitro activity studies of recombinant transport proteins have highly improved their functional analysis in the last two decades. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in membrane protein expression and functional characterisation using various host systems and transport assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular senescence permanently restricts the replicative capacity of cells in response to various stress signals, including aberrant activation of oncogenes. The presence of predictive senescence markers in human premalignant lesions suggests that senescence may function as a genuine tumor suppressor. These markers are not exclusive to the senescence program, however, and it is possible that their expression in vivo does not discriminate irreversible from reversible forms of proliferative arrest. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether human nevus cells can be distinguished from primary and transformed melanocytes by examining the expression of eight senescence markers, including those previously purported to define nevi as senescent tumors. Specifically, we analyzed effectors of senescence, including p16INK4a, p53, and DNA damage (γ-H2AX), as well as predictive markers of senescence including Ki67, PML, senescence-associated β-galactosidase, heterochromatic foci (H3K9Me, 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), and nuclear size. We found that these commonly accepted senescence markers do not in fact distinguish nevi from precursor/normal and transformed/malignant melanocytes. We conclude that on the basis of current evidence it cannot be reasonably inferred that nevi are permanently growth arrested via senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological research on gender differences in self-presentation has already revealed that women place higher priority on creating a positive self-presentation, while men are less concerned about the image they present in face-to-face (ftf) communication. Nowadays, with the extensive use of new media, self-presentation is no longer so closely tied to ftf situations, but can also take place in the online world. Specifically, social networking sites (SNS), such as Facebook or MySpace, offer various features such as profile pictures, groups, and virtual bulletin boards with which users can create elaborated online representations of themselves. What remains open is whether this virtual self-presentation on SNS is subject to gender differences. Based on studies emphasizing gender-related differences in Internet communication and behavior in general, it can be assumed that men and women have different motives regarding their SNS usage as well. A multimethodological study, combining results of an online survey and a content analysis of 106 user profiles, assessed users' diverse motives for participating in SNS in general, and their use of specific profile elements or self-presentation in particular. In this sample of StudiVZ users, women tend to be more likely to use SNS for comparing themselves with others and for searching for information. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to look at other people's profiles to find friends. Moreover, women tend to use group names for their self-presentation and prefer adding portrait photos to their profiles, while men choose full-body shots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social networking sites (SNS) offer various opportunities for communicating personal information, thus providing an ideal setting for getting in contact with other users. This study investigated whether a person's relationship status presented on his/her online profile is related to virtual self-presentation on the German Web 2.0 site StudiVZ. Considering the social psychological concept of the "need to belong" (Baumeister & Leary, 1995), we assumed that users who are searching for a relationship make use of certain self-presentational strategies, for example by creating a more detailed profile and placing high priority on the display of a large network of social bonds. An analysis of 100 online profiles showed that singles disclosed more photographs of themselves on their profiles than people in relationships. The highest numbers of friends and wall postings were shown by people who did not reveal their relationship status. Singles displayed more groups on their profile and were more likely to join user groups dealing with parties, sexual statements as well as fun and nonsense. Results therefore indicate that - although SNS are not especially dedicated to dating behavior - self-presentation is nevertheless affected by the potential to form romantic relationships. Therefore, relationship status is suggested as a further factor which affects online impression management, besides, for example, socio-demographic aspects, personality traits and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenine nucleotides play a vital role in plant metabolism and physiology, essentially representing the major energy currency of the cell. Heterotrophic cells regenerate most of the ATP in mitochondria, whereas autotrophic cells also possess chloroplasts, representing a second powerhouse for ATP regeneration. Even though the synthesis of these nucleotides is restricted to a few locations, their use is nearly ubiquitous across the cell and thereby highly efficient systems are required to transport these molecules into and out of different compartments. Here, we discuss the location, biochemical characterization and evolution of corresponding transport systems in plants. We include recent scientific findings concerning organellar transporters from plants and algae and also focus on the physiological importance of adenine nucleotide exchange in these cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Through their features-such as profile photographs or the personal vita-online profiles on social-networking sites offer a perfect basis for social comparison processes. By looking at the profile photograph, the user gains an impression of a person's physical attractiveness, and the user's vita shows which career path the person is pursuing. Against the background of Festinger's Social Comparison Theory, the focus of this research is on the effects of online profiles on their recipients. Therefore, qualitative interviews ( N = 12) and two online experiments were conducted in which virtual online profiles of either physically attractive or unattractive persons ( N = 93) and profiles of users with either high or low occupational attainment ( N = 103) were presented to the participants. Although qualitative interviews did not initially give reason to expect online profiles to constitute a basis for comparison processes, results of the experiments proved otherwise. The first study indicates that recipients have a more negative body image after looking at beautiful users than persons who were shown the less attractive profile pictures. Male participants of the second study, who were confronted with profiles of successful males, showed a higher perceived discrepancy between their current career status and an ideal vita than male participants who looked at profiles of less successful persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hydronephrosis and BMI are analyzed together with established factors such as TNM stage and surgical margins in a multivariate modality to investigate their status as independent prognostic factors for bladder cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Patients and Methods: We studied a prospective cohort of 328 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer at our institution. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, Kendall-tau rank correlation and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Hydronephrosis was positively correlated with advanced tumor stage, positive lymph node involvement and positive surgical margins. Adjusted for all other investigated parameters, BMI and hydronephrosis did not affect cancer-specific survival. In multivariate analysis only non-organ-confined disease (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04-1.87, p = 0.024), positive lymph node stage (HR 1.71: 95% CI: 1.12-2.61, p = 0.013) and positive surgical margins (HR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.74-5.15, p < 0.001) were prognostic factors. Conclusions: Hydronephrosis at the time of radical cystectomy is significantly correlated with the presence of more advanced bladder cancer and positive surgical margins. However, the long-established parameters pT stage, pN stage and surgical margins predominantly influence cancer-specific survival for patients undergoing radical cystectomy irrespective of hydronephrosis and BMI status. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the SulfoSYS (Sulfolobus Systems Biology) project, the effect of temperature on a metabolic network is investigated at the systems level. Sulfolobus solfataricus utilizes an unusual branched ED (Entner–Doudoroff) pathway for sugar degradation that is promiscuous for glucose and galactose. In the course of metabolic pathway reconstruction, a glucose dehydrogenase isoenzyme (GDH-2, SSO3204) was identified. GDH-2 exhibits high similarity to the previously characterized GDH-1 (SSO3003, 61% amino acid identity), but possesses different enzymatic properties, particularly regarding substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency. In contrast with GDH-1, which exhibits broad substrate specificity for C5 and C6 sugars, GDH-2 is absolutely specific for glucose. The comparison of kinetic parameters suggests that GDH-2 might represent the major player in glucose catabolism via the branched ED pathway, whereas GDH-1 might have a dominant role in galactose degradation via the same pathway as well as in different sugar-degradation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recently developed technique for dilution of the naturally high protein packing density in isolated grana membranes was applied to study the dependence of the light harvesting efficiency of photosystem (PS) II on macromolecular crowding. Slight dilution of the protein packing from 80% area fraction to the value found in intact grana thylakoids (70%) leads to an improved functionality of PSII (increased antenna size, enhanced connectivity between reaction centers). Further dilution induces a functional disconnection of light-harvesting complex (LHC) II from PSII. It is concluded that efficient light harvesting by PSII requires an optimal protein packing density in grana membranes that is close to 70%. We hypothesize that the decreased efficiency in overcrowded isolated grana thylakoids is caused by excited state quenching in LHCII, which has previously been correlated with neoxanthin distortion. Resonance Raman spectroscopy confirms this increase in neoxanthin distortion in overcrowded grana as compared with intact thylakoids. Furthermore, analysis of the changes in the antenna size in highly diluted membranes indicates a lipid-induced dissociation of up to two trimeric LHCII from PSII, leaving one trimer connected. This observation supports a hierarchy of LHCII-binding sites on PSII. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncogene-induced senescence is considered to act as a potent barrier to cell transformation, and has been seen in vivo during the early stages of tumor development. Human nevus cells frequently express oncogenic N-RAS or B-RAF, and are thought to be permanently growth arrested. Many studies have suggested that the p16INK4a and, to a lesser extent, the p14ARF tumor suppressor proteins act as critical triggers of oncogene-induced senescence in nevi, and thus these proteins represent major inhibitors of progression to melanoma. There have also been reports, however, showing that p16INK4a and/or p14ARF is not sufficient to execute the oncogene-induced senescence program. In this study, we examined the impact of melanoma-associated N-RASQ61K on melanocyte senescence and utilized RNA-interference vectors to directly assess the individual contribution of human p14ARF and p16INK4a genes to the N-RAS-induced senescence program. We formally show that cultured human melanocytes can initiate an effective oncogene-mediated senescence program in the absence of INK4a/ARF-encoded proteins. Our data are consistent with observations showing that senescent nevus cells do not always express p16INK4a, and highlight the need to thoroughly explore INK4a/ARF-independent molecular pathways of senescence in human melanocytes.Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2009) 129, 1983–1991; doi:10.1038/jid.2009.5; published online 12 February 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CDKN2A/p16INK4a is frequently altered in human cancers and it is the most important melanoma susceptibility gene identified to date. p16INK4a inhibits pRb phosphorylation and induces cell cycle arrest, which is considered its main tumour suppressor function. Nevertheless, additional activities may contribute to the tumour suppressor role of p16INK4a and could help explain its specific association with melanoma predisposition. To identify such functions we conducted a yeast-two-hybrid screen for novel p16INK4a binding partners. Results: We now report that p16INK4a interacts with the chromatin remodelling factor BRG1. We investigated the cooperative roles of p16INK4a and BRG1 using a panel of cell lines and a melanoma cell model with inducible p16INK4a expression and BRG1 silencing. We found evidence that BRG1 is not required for p16INK4a-induced cell cycle inhibition and propose that the p16INK4a-BRG1 complex regulates BRG1 chromatin remodelling activity. Importantly, we found frequent loss of BRG1 expression in primary and metastatic melanomas, implicating this novel p16INK4a binding partner as an important tumour suppressor in melanoma. Conclusion: This data adds to the increasing evidence implicating the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex in tumour development and the association of p16INK4a with chromatin remodelling highlights potentially new functions that may be important in melanoma predisposition and chemoresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES To assess the protein expression of Livin, an apoptosis inhibitor, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to determine its prognostic relevance. PATIENTS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for Livin was performed in tissue microarrays (TMAs), including tumour tissue cores, from patients with RCC who had undergone renal surgery. In 682 TMAs cytoplasmatic staining intensity and nuclear staining quantity were evaluated, and the association of Livin expression with progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analysed with a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS Over a median (range) follow-up of 5.2 (0–16.1) years, 204 patients (28%) had died from their disease. The CSS rates at 1 and 5 years for the entire cohort was 88% and 71%. Cytoplasmatic Livin staining was absent in 516 (76%) specimens; staining was positive in 166 (24%) specimens. Weak nuclear Livin staining (≤25%) was present in 571 (84%) specimens, strong nuclear staining (26–100%) in 111 (16%). In multivariate analysis, high (>25%) nuclear Livin expression was a favourable independent predictor of PFS and CSS even after adjusting for tumour stage, Fuhrman grade, age, sex and Karnofsky severity rating. Cytoplasmatic Livin expression did not offer additional prognostic information. CONCLUSION High nuclear Livin expression is a favourable independent predictor of PFS and CSS in patients with RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of CO2 and diode lasers as an alternative thermal method for the non-chemical control of weeds is investigated. Under laboratory conditions, experiments were carried out on the interaction of laser light with mono- and dicotyledonous plants represented by Echinochloa crus-galli and Nicotiana tabacum. Two laser systems, three growth stages and different energy doses were used. The fresh masses of treated and untreated plants were measured and compared seven days following treatment. By fitting dose–response curves to the results it was possible to define a specific ED90 value for each combination of laser wavelength, growth stage and plant species. The ED90 intervals were classified by growth stage; increasingly higher doses were needed from seedling to second leaf growth stage and on to the third growth stage. For the treatments, the higher absorption of the CO2 laser wavelength yielded a higher efficiency than the diode laser. The plant species N. tabacum was found to be more sensitive than E. crus-galli. The different characteristics of the absorption spectra and the growth habits of the plants were regarded as the main reasons for the different effects. Overall, the application of laser radiation as a weed control method showed promising results, especially in the area of effectiveness and energy efficiency for non-chemical weed control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plastid endosymbiosis was accompanied by the appearance of a novel type of semi-cristalline storage polysaccharide (starch). Interestingly, starch is found in the cytoplasm of Rhodophyceae and Glaucophyta but is localized to the chloroplast stroma of Chloroplastida. The pathway is presumed to have been cytosolic in the common ancestor of the three Archaeplastida lineages. The means by which in green plants and algae an entire suite of nuclear-encoded starch-metabolism genes could have had their protein products rewired simultaneously to plastids are unclear. This opinion article reviews the timing and the possible reasons underlying this rewiring and proposes a hypothesis that explains its mechanism. The consequences of this mechanism on the complexity of starch metabolism in Chloroplastida are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The p16INK4a-Rb tumour suppressor pathway is required for the initiation and maintenance of cellular senescence, a state of permanent growth arrest that acts as a natural barrier against cancer progression. Senescence can be overcome if the pathway is not fully engaged, and this may occur when p16INK4a is inactivated. p16INK4a is frequently altered in human cancer and germline mutations affecting p16INK4a have been linked to melanoma susceptibility. To characterize the functions of melanoma-associated p16INK4a mutations, in terms of promoting proliferative arrest and initiating senescence, we utilized an inducible expression system in a melanoma cell model. We show that wild-type p16INK4a promotes rapid cell cycle arrest that leads to a senescence programme characterized by the appearance of chromatin foci, activation of acidic β-galactosidase activity, p53 independence and Rb dependence. Accumulation of wild-type p16INK4a also promoted cell enlargement and extensive vacuolization independent of Rb status. In contrast, the highly penetrant p16INK4a variants, R24P and A36P failed to arrest cell proliferation and did not initiate senescence. We also show that overexpression of CDK4, or its homologue CDK6, but not the downstream kinase, CDK2, inhibited the ability of wild-type p16INK4a to promote cell cycle arrest and senescence. Our data provide the first evidence that p16INK4a can initiate a CDK4/6-dependent autonomous senescence programme that is disabled by inherited melanoma-associated mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATP/ADP translocases are a hallmark of obligate intracellular pathogens related to chlamydiae and rickettsiae. These proteins catalyze the highly specific exchange of bacterial ADP against host ATP and thus allow bacteria to exploit their hosts' energy pool, a process also referred to as energy parasitism. The genome sequence of the obligate intracellular pathogen Lawsonia intracellularis (Deltaproteobacteria), responsible for one of the most economically important diseases in the swine industry worldwide, revealed the presence of a putative ATP/ADP translocate most similar to known ATP/ADP translocases of chlamydiae and rickettsiae (around 47% amino acid sequence identity). The gene coding for the putative ATP/ADP translocate of L. intracellularis (L. intracellularis nucleotide transporter 1 [NTT1Li]) was cloned and expressed in the heterologous host Escherichia coli. The transport properties of NTT1Li were determined by measuring the uptake of radioactively labeled substrates by E. coli. NTT1Li transported ATP in a counterexchange mode with ADP in a highly specific manner; the substrate affinities determined were 236.3 (± 36.5) μM for ATP and 275.2 (± 28.1) μM for ADP, identifying this protein as a functional ATP/ADP translocase. NTT1Li is the first ATP/ADP translocase from a bacterium not related to Chlamydiae or Rickettsiales, showing that energy parasitism by ATP/ADP translocases is more widespread than previously recognized. The occurrence of an ATP/ADP translocase in L. intracellularis is explained by a relatively recent horizontal gene transfer event with rickettsiae as donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rangelands are complex systems that occupy more than 50% of the land area in the world. Carbon cycling on rangelands is generally understood, but details concerning agricultural management practices of prescribed fire and grazing are not well defined. Field experiments were conducted on northern mixed-grass prairie in eastern Montana with undisturbed, burned, and grazed treatments established in 2003. Designated plots were burned during the dormant season (December) in 2003. Grazing occurred in 2004 and 2005, removing 45–50% of then currently available leaf area. Responses were evaluated monthly from April to October of 2004 and 2005. Abiotic measurements included: precipitation, soil water content, photosynthetically active solar radiation, and temperatures of soil and leaves. Biotic responses were: standing crop, leaf area, root mass to a soil depth of 30cm, and CO2 fluxes above the mixed-grass prairie canopy and bare soil. Moisture available to the northern mixed-grass prairie system at this location was the primary identifiable factor that either directly or indirectly controlled much of the CO2 flux. Treatment effects on seasonal changes in soil water content were consistent across years, with grazed and undisturbed plots being similar. Burned plots had less soil water content than grazed or undisturbed plots in late spring and early summer with soil water content becoming similar across all treatments in late summer and into autumn. Despite differences in soil water content, CO2 fluxes above either burned or undisturbed plots were dynamically similar. However, peak CO2 flux of grazed plots was shifted one month earlier in 2004 and was decreased in 2005, relative to the undisturbed and burned plots. Over the course of this experiment, cumulative CO2 flux on the grazed plots was 72% of that on the burned and undisturbed plots. Depending on conditions during the growing season, C removed from northern mixed-grass prairie rangeland may not be re-sequestered during the growing season immediately post-burning. We conclude that the studied ecosystem is unlikely to sequester considerable C, irrespective of imposed agricultural practices, due to the relatively low CO2 flux and the small magnitude of treatment observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]