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The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in clinical outcomes between microinvasive carcinoma (mIC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and compare the imaging features of both using mammography, US and MRI. This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board. Between January 2011 and December 2013, 516 women with mIC or DCIS confirmed by surgery were included. Patients were matched with propensity score matching to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS). RFS was compared using a Cox proportional hazards model. Imaging features were also compared between the two groups. Among 516 women, 219 mIC and 297 DCIS tumors were identified. After matching, 132 women were allocated to each group. The mean follow-up duration was 80.2 months. In the matched cohort, no statistically significant association was observed between the DCIS and mIC groups in terms of total recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8–4.0; P = 0.19), local-regional recurrence (HR: 3.4; 95% CI: 0.9–12.3, P = 0.07), or contralateral recurrence (HR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.3–2.8, P = 0.89). Non-mass lesions at US (P = 0.004), moderate or marked background parenchymal enhancement (P = 0.04), and higher peak enhancement (P = 0.02) at MRI were more commonly seen in the mIC group than in the DCIS group. Microinvasive carcinomas are distinct from DCIS in terms of imaging features, but no statistically significant association in recurrence survival. • Recurrence-free survival after propensity score matching did not differ between mIC and DCIS. • Microinvasion was not a significant independent prognostic factor. • Non-mass lesion at breast US, moderate/marked background parenchymal enhancement, and high peak enhancement at MRI were more frequent in the mIC than in the DCIS group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A tablet-based cognitive behavioral intervention, Tab-CBI was developed, and pilot tested to examine the long-term effect on daily steps, fatigue and self-efficacy. • There was a significant improvement in daily steps in Tab-CBI group participants compared to comparison group participants. • There was a significant improvement across three time points, baseline, week 4 and week 6 in daily steps, fatigue, and self-efficacy. • The findings provide preliminary evidence for the positive impact of Tab-CBI on daily steps, fatigue and self-efficacy. This pilot study evaluated the effect of the tablet-based cognitive behavioral intervention ("Tab-CBI") on daily steps, fatigue, and self-efficacy. Tab-CBI combined simple walking and a cognitive behavioral approach. An experimental pretest-posttest repeated measures design was used with 24 older adults. RM-ANOVA results showed a significant group difference (Tab-CBI vs. Comparison), F (1, 22) = 2.25, p =0.048 and time difference (baseline vs. week 4 vs. week 6), F (2, 44) =5.04, p =0.01 in daily steps. There was no significant group difference, F (1, 22) = 2.99, p =0.09, but significant time difference existed, F (2, 44) =2.65, p =0.04 in the PROMIS Fatigue scores. In the PROMIS Self-efficacy scores, no significant group difference, F (1, 22) = 0.02, p =0.90) was found, but significant time difference existed, F (2, 44) =3.27, p = 0.04. The findings provide preliminary evidence for the positive impact of Tab-CBI, but should be interpreted cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimal angular range for DBT image acquisition varies based on breast and lesion characteristics. • We used a modular phantom and a prototype DBT system to test different angular ranges with 11 projections. • Findings suggest that the ±12.5° angular range could provide the highest overall lesion visibility. To determine the optimal angular range (AR) for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems that provides highest lesion visibility across various breast densities and thicknesses. A modular DBT phantom, consisting of tissue-equivalent adipose and glandular modules, along with a module embedded with test objects (speckles, masses, fibers), was used to create combinations simulating different breast thicknesses, densities, and lesion locations. A prototype DBT system operated at four ARs (AR ±7.5° , AR ±12.5° , AR ±19° , and AR ±25°) to acquire 11 projection images for each combination, with separate fixed doses for thin and thick combinations. Three blinded radiologists independently assessed lesion visibility in reconstructed images; assessments were averaged and compared using linear mixed models. Speckle visibility was highest with AR ±7.5° or AR ±12.5° , decreasing with wider ARs in all density and thickness combinations. The difference between AR ±7.5° and AR ±12.5° was not statistically significant, except for the tube-side speckles in thin-fatty combinations (5.83 [AR ±7.5° ] vs. 5.39 [AR ±12.5° ], P = 0.019). Mass visibility was not affected by AR in thick combinations, while AR ±12.5° exhibited the highest mass visibility for both thin-fatty and thin-dense combinations (P = 0.032 and 0.007, respectively). Different ARs provided highest fiber visibility for different combinations; however, AR ±12.5° consistently provided highest or comparable visibility. AR ±12.5° showed highest overall lesion visibility for all density and thickness combinations. AR ±12.5° exhibited the highest overall lesion visibility across various phantom thicknesses and densities using a projection number of 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncotype DX is a multigene assay used in breast cancer, and the result provided as a 'recurrence score (RS)' corresponds to the risk of a cancer recurrence and the chemotherapeutic benefit in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2-negative invasive breast cancer. However, its accessibility is limited. To evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used to predict Oncotype DX RS in patients with ER-positive HER2-negative invasive breast cancer. We enrolled 473 patients with ER-positive HER2-negative invasive breast cancer who underwent a preoperative MRI and Oncotype DX assay between January 2015 and December 2018. The MRI was reviewed and associations between Oncotype DX RS values were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of high and low RS. Of the 485 cancers, 288 (59.4%) had low (<18), 155 (31.9%) had intermediate (18–30), and 42 (8.7%) had high (≥31) RS. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a round shape (odds ratio [OR] = 2.554, P = 0.089) and low proportion of washout component (OR = 1.011, P = 0.014) were associated with low RS and that heterogeneously dense (OR = 3.205, P = 0.007) or scattered fibroglandular (OR = 3.776, P = 0.005) breast tissue, a non-spiculated margin (OR = 5.435, P = 0.007), and low proportion of persistent component (OR = 1.012, P = 0.036) were associated with high RS. MRI features showed the potential for the discrimination of Oncotype DX RS in patients with ER-positive HER2-negative invasive breast cancer. • Morphologic MRI features of round shape was associated with low recurrence score (RS) of Oncotype DX. • Non-spiculated margin was associated with high RS. • Kinetic MRI features of low proportion of washout component was associated with low RS. • Low proportion of persistent component was associated with high RS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the radiologic and clinicopathologic factors in radiologic-pathologic discordance (false-negative results) in breast cancer patients who demonstrate radiologic complete response (rCR) in MR imaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).Method: Our institutional review board approved this retrospective study. We included 209 consecutive patients who showed rCR in MR imaging after NAC. rCR was diagnosed when the original lesion site showed no enhancement. Pathologic CR (pCR) was defined as the complete absence of both invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ in the breast upon pathology. Clinicopathologic and radiologic factors affecting the radiologic-pathologic correlation were analyzed.Results: pCR was noted in 108 patients (51.7%); the remaining 101 (48.3%) had residual lesion on pathology. False negative rCR findings were significantly more frequent in cases of 1 or 2 histologic grade (p = 0.001), low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (p = 0.004), and luminal A or B subtype (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of radiologic findings to identify predictors of false negative findings found calcifications in mammography (p = 0.037), multifocal multicentric lesions (p = 0.004), and non-mass enhancement in pretreatment MR imaging (p = 0.023) to be significantly associated with false-negative findings.Conclusions: Patients with calcification in mammography, multifocal multicentric lesions, and non-mass enhancement in pretreatment MR imaging are significantly associated with false-negative results who showed rCR on MR imaging after NAC. These patient populations should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of long-term nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition on litter mass loss and changes in carbon (C), N, and S composition and enzyme activities during litter decomposition was investigated in a boreal forest. This study included four N × S treatments: control (CK), N application (30 kg N ha−1 yr−1), S application (30 kg S ha−1 yr−1), and N plus S application (both at 30 kg ha−1 yr−1). Two experiments were conducted for 22 months: 1) a common litter decomposition experiment with litter bags containing a common litter (same litter chemistry) and 2) an in-situ litter decomposition experiment with litter from each treatment plot (and thus having different litter chemistry). Litterbags were placed onto the four treatment plots to investigate the direct effect of N and S addition and the combined effect of N and/or S addition and litter chemistry on litter decomposition, respectively. Regardless of the source of litter, N and/or S addition affected C, N and S composition at a certain period of the experiment but did not affect litter mass loss and enzyme activity throughout the experiment, indicating that the N and S addition rates were below the critical level required to affect C and N cycling in the studied ecosystem. However, the greater change in N composition per unit of litter mass loss in the N addition treatment than in the other treatments in the common litter but not in the in-situ litter experiment, suggests that the effect of N addition on N loss and retention depends on the initial litter chemistry. We conclude that the studied N and S addition rates did not affect litter decomposition and elemental cycling in the studied forest ecosystem even though the N and S addition rates were much greater than their ambient deposition rates. Image 1 • 10-yr N and S addition did not affect litter decomposition. • N and S addition changed litter chemistry including lignin content. • Changed litter chemistry by N and S did not affect litter decomposition. • The studied boreal forest was resistant to low levels of N and S addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of the effect of agroforestry systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) is largely limited to the upper layer of the mineral soil, while LFH (litter, partially decomposed litter and humus) and deeper soil layers are poorly studied. In this study, the effects of three different agroforestry systems (hedgerow, shelterbelt, and silvopasture) and their component land-cover types (treed area and adjacent herbland) on SOC stock in LFH and mineral soil layers (0–75 cm) were investigated across 36 sites in central Alberta, Canada. The SOC stock of mineral soil (0–75 cm) was not affected by agroforestry systems but by land-cover type. The treed area had greater ( p  < 0.001) SOC in the 0–75 cm mineral soil (25.5 kg C m −2 ) than the herbland (19.4 kg C m −2 ), driven by the greater ( p  < 0.001) SOC level in the top 0–30 cm rather than that in the deeper layers (30–75 cm). Within the treed area, the silvopasture system that was dominated by broad-leaf deciduous trees had 56–70% more SOC in the 0–10 cm soil than in the hedgerow and shelterbelt systems. The SOC stock in the 0–10 cm layer was positively ( p  = 0.025) related to the C stock of the overlying LFH layer in the silvopasture system. These results together with the 22–24% higher dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in the silvopasture than in the other systems suggest that the greater SOC stock in the 0–10 cm mineral soil could be attributed to the higher rates of translocation of DOC from the LFH in the silvopasture than that in shelterbelt or hedgerow. We conclude that SOC stock in the top mineral soil (e.g., 0–30 cm) is more responsive to changes in land-cover type and the LFH layer plays an important role in increasing SOC stock in the surface mineral soil of the agroforestry systems in central Alberta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter decomposition rates are affected by abiotic and biotic factors such as climate, soil physico-chemical properties, litter chemistry, nitrogen (N) availability, and activities of soil organisms. Elevated N and sulfur (S) deposition originated from oil sands mining and upgrading activities can change soil microbial properties, litter chemistry, and litter decomposition rates in the surrounding forest ecosystems in northern Alberta. We studied (1) the effect of long-term N and S deposition on litter chemistry and soil microbial properties, and (2) the effect of changed litter chemistry and soil microbial properties on litter decomposition (CO 2 emission) in a 100-day laboratory incubation experiment using trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) leaf litter and forest floor collected from a mixedwood boreal forest that has been subject to simulated N and S deposition for 10 years. Litter chemistry (lignin, total carbon (C) and N, and calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and magnesium (Mg) concentration) and forest floor microbial properties (microbial biomass C and N, and extracellular enzyme activities) were analyzed. Ten years of N and S addition increased N ( P  < .05 unless otherwise stated) and decreased lignin concentrations resulting in lower C/N and lignin/N ratios in the litter. In addition, N and S addition increased forest floor microbial biomass ( P  < .01) and enzyme activities. Cumulative CO 2 emission (C cum ) from litter was greater from the N and/or S addition treatments than that from the control, probably due to decreased C/N and lignin/N ratios in litter from the N and S addition treatments; meanwhile, C cum from litter was not affected by soil microbial activity. The results indicate that N and S deposition enhances decomposition of aspen leaf litter by decreasing C/N and lignin/N ratios, suggesting that long-term exposure to high levels of N and S deposition can significantly change C (and associated nutrients) cycling in forest ecosystems in the oil sands region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chloroform fumigation efficiency for measuring microbial biomass in water-saturated soils is low due to limited diffusion of chloroform. To suggest modifications for the improvement of the fumigation efficiency, the effects of sand mixing and soil packing thickness on the fumigation efficiency in water-saturated soils were investigated through four experiments. Two soils with contrasting organic carbon content were used to examine if the modifications are applicable regardless of microbial biomass level. The soils were waterlogged to mimic rice paddy soils, and sand was mixed to decrease water content by either adding an increasing amount of sand to a decreasing amount of soil (Exp-1) or an increasing amount of sand to a constant amount of soil (Exp-2). Soil packing thickness was decreased by packing a decreasing amount of soil into same-sized containers (Exp-3) or by placing the same amount of soil into progressively wider containers (Exp-4). Overall, the effects of sand mixing and packing thickness on the fumigation efficiency did not differ with soil microbial biomass level. In both soils which were originally saturated with water, increasing the amount of sand mixing decreased ( P < 0.001) soil water content and increased ( P < 0.001) the concentration of extracted organic carbon by fumigation (EOC f ) by up to 303% in Exp-1 but decreased ( P < 0.001) EOC f by up to 80% in Exp-2, likely due to the concomitant increase in soil packing thickness. Decreasing soil packing thickness increased ( P < 0.001) EOC f by up to 128% (Exp-3) and 298% (Exp-4). It was also found that the amount of soil packed affected the fumigation efficiency (Exp-2 and 3). We suggest using the same amount of sample and same-sized beakers for fumigation is more practical to minimize the confounding effect of soil amount and packing thickness on the fumigation efficiency of water saturated soils and thus to help the comparison of microbial biomass between soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to quantify computerized calcification features from ultrasonography (US) images of thyroid nodules in order to determine the ability to differentiate between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.Methods: We designed and implemented a computerized analysis scheme to quantitatively analyze the US features of the calcified thyroid nodules from 99 pathologically determined calcified thyroid nodules. Univariate analysis was used to identify features that were significantly associated with tumor malignancy, and neural-network analysis was performed to classify tumors as benign or malignant. The diagnostic performance of the neural network was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, where in the area under the ROC curve (Az) summarized the diagnostic performance of specific calcification features.Results: The performance values for each calcification feature were as follows: ratio of calcification distance=0.80, number of calcifications=0.68, skewness=0.82, and maximum intensity=0.75. The combined value of the four features was 0.84.With a threshold of 0.64, the Az value of calcification features was 0.83 with a sensitivity of 83.0%, specificity of 82.4%, and accuracy of 82.8%.Conclusions: These results support the clinical feasibility of using computerized analysis of calcification features from thyroid US for differentiating between malignant and benign nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine correlations between shear-wave elastography (SWE) parameters with molecular subtype and axillary lymph node (LN) status of breast cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 545 consecutive women (mean age, 52.7 ± 10.7 years; range, 26–83) with breast cancer who underwent preoperative breast ultrasound with SWE between December 2019 and January 2021. SWE parameters (E max , E mean , and E ratio) and the histopathologic information from surgical specimens including histologic type, histologic grade, size of invasive cancer, hormone receptor and HER2 status, Ki-67 proliferation index, and axillary LN status were analyzed. The relationships between SWE parameters and histopathologic findings were analyzed using an independent sample t -test, one-way ANOVA test with Tukey's post hoc test, and logistic regression analyses. Higher stiffness values of SWE were associated with larger lesion size (>20 mm) on ultrasound, high histologic grade, larger invasive cancer size (>20 mm), high Ki-67, and axillary LN metastasis. E max and E mean were the lowest in the luminal A-like subtype, and all three parameters were the highest in the triple-negative subtype. Lower value of E max was independently associated with the luminal A-like subtype (P = 0. 04). Higher value of E mean was independently associated with axillary LN metastasis for tumors ≤ 20 mm (P = 0. 03). Increases in the tumor stiffness values on SWE were significantly associated with aggressive histopathologic features of breast cancer. Lower stiffness values were associated with the luminal A-like subtype, and tumors with higher stiffness values were associated with axillary LN metastasis in small breast cancers. • Increased tumor stiffness on shear-wave elastography was significantly associated with aggressive histopathologic features of breast cancer. • Tumors with lower stiffness values were associated with the luminal A-like subtype. • Higher stiffness values were associated with axillary lymph node metastasis in small breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of the study described here was to investigate the correlation between histologic factors, including immunohistochemical factors, related to the prognosis of breast cancer and shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements. One hundred twenty-two breast cancers from 116 women were subjected to sonoelastography. Of the SWE features, mean and maximum elasticity and SWE ratio were extracted. The SWE ratio was calculated as the ratio of the stiffness of a portion of the lesion to that of a similar region of interest in fatty tissue. High ratios indicate stiffer lesions. The Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. Estrogen receptor negativity, progesterone receptor negativity, p53 positivity, Ki-67 positivity, high nuclear grade, high histologic grade and large tumor (invasive) size were associated with a significantly high SWE ratio (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis yielded SWE ratio cutoff values of 2.74–3.69 for significant immunohistochemical factors and 4.21 for the basal-like subtype by maximizing specificity while ensuring more than 80% sensitivity. Breast cancers with aggressive histologic features had high SWE ratios. Shear wave elastography may provide useful information for determining prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The impact of chronic air pollution such as increased CO2 and NO x emissions on forest ecosystems in the Athabasca oil sands region in Alberta, Canada, was investigated in Pinus banksiana (jack pine) and Populus tremuloides (trembling aspen, aspen) stands in two watersheds (NE7 and SM8) located at different distances from the main emission sources of oil sands mining and upgrading facilities, using δ13C, δ15N, and Ca/Al of soil and tree ring samples as indicators. Watershed NE7 was exposed to greater amounts of acid deposition due to its closeness to the mining and upgrading area. The δ15N in the forest floor was lower (p <0.05) in NE7 (ranged from −1.42 to −0.87‰) than in SM8 (−0.54 to 1.43‰), implying a greater amount of recent deposition of 15N-depleted N in NE7. Tree ring δ13C gradually decreased over time for both tree species/watersheds, indicating the influence of 13C-depleted CO2 emitted from industrial sources. Tree ring N concentration and δ15N were not different between watersheds and did not significantly change with time. Interestingly, however, the difference between watersheds (NE7–SM8) that is expressed as Diff_N (for N) increased with concomitant decreases in Diff_δ15N over time, implying greater increases in 15N-depleted N input in NE7 than in SM8. Such trends were stronger in aspen stands (R 2 =0.64 and p <0.001 for Diff_N and R 2 =0.44 and p <0.01 for Diff_δ15N between 1964 and 2009) than in jack pine stands. We conclude that δ15N in the forest floor and differences in N and δ15N of tree rings between watersheds are useful indicators reflecting the impact of spatial variations of air pollution on forest stands in the Athabasca oil sands region in western Canada. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Temporal changes in δ 15N of cattle feedlot manure during its composting with either rice hull (RHM) or sawdust (SDM) as bedding materials were investigated. Regardless of the bedding material used, the δ 15N of total N in the manure increased sharply from +7.6‰ to +9.9‰ and from +11.4‰ to +14.3‰, respectively, in RHM or SDM, within 10 days from the commencement of composting. Such increases could be attributed primarily to N loss via NH3 volatilization and denitrification based on the very high δ 15N values (greater than +20‰) of and in the co-composted manure. The δ 15N of total N in RHM was substantially lower (by more than 3‰) than that in SDM, suggesting that the δ 15N of the composted manure was affected not only by N loss but also by the type of bedding material used. Specifically, the higher N concentration in the rice hull than in the saw dust could lead to a greater 15N isotope dilution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A better understanding of N availability in co-composted drilling wastes is required to evaluate the potential use of the composts as growth media. We investigated N dynamics in co-composted drilling wastes by examining the changes in the concentrations and partition of applied 15N in various soil N pools (, , dissolved organic N, microbial biomass N, and non-extractable N) in a 4-month greenhouse incubation experiment using 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old (referred to below as 1Y, 2Y, 3Y, and 4Y, respectively) composts, representing substrates with different quality. Regardless of compost age, after 4 months of incubation extractable N concentrations decreased (P<0.05), in contrast with the increasing pattern of the non-extractable N, indicating stabilization of the extractable N into the recalcitrant soil organic fraction. Fertilizer N application increased (P<0.05) extractable N concentrations. In the younger composts, a major part of the applied 15N was recovered in the non-extractable N fraction (44.0% for 1Y and 38.5% for 2Y) with little recovered as mineral N. On the other hand, a considerable percentage of the applied 15N (21.8% for 3Y and 18.8% for 4Y) was found in the pool in the older composts with relatively high mineral N but low organic C contents. This study shows that the dynamics of biologically available N and fate of applied N in the composts depend on compost quality such as mineral N and organic C contents, and compost C:N ratio. To use the co-composted drilling waste as growth media, different N management strategies need to be established for those composts with differed substrate quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We examined δ 13C and δ 15N in needle (current and 1-year-old) and soil samples collected on two occasions (July and September 1999) from a 15-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand in an irrigation and fertilization experiment to investigate whether these treatments leave specific isotope signals in the samples and thus to infer the effects of treatments on C and N cycling. Irrespective of foliar age or sampling date, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) was increased by irrigation, and decreased by fertilization. The carbon isotope discrimination model suggested that increased Δ by irrigation was due to decreased water use efficiency (WUE) through increased stomatal and/or mesophyll conductance. The decreased Δ by fertilization and published gas exchange measurements at the same site suggest that water stress resulting from increased water demand in the fertilized plots improved WUE through increased stomatal control of water loss. Foliar δ 15N values were not affected by irrigation, but were increased by fertilization. The δ 15N value of soil NH4 + were higher than those of NO3 − and were positively correlated with foliar δ 15N, suggesting that tree uptake of NH4 + was one of the factors affecting foliar δ 15N. We conclude that irrigation and fertilization affected δ 13C and δ 15N values in plant and soil samples, reflecting changed C and N cycling patterns and water use efficiency in the studied loblolly pine stand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Temporal variations in δ15N of NH4+ and NO3− in water-saturated and unsaturated soils were examined in a laboratory incubation study. Ammonium sulfate (δ15N=−2.6‰) was added to 25 g samples of soil at concentrations of 160 mg N kg−1. Soils were then incubated under unsaturated (50% of water holding capacity at saturation, WHC) or saturated (100% of WHC) water conditions for 7 and 36 d, respectively. During 7 d incubation of unsaturated soil, the NH4+-N concentration decreased from 164.8 to 34.4 mg kg−1, and the δ15N of NH4+ increased from −0.4 to +57.2‰ through nitrification, as evidenced by corresponding increase in NO3−-N concentration and lower δ15N of NO3− (product) than that of NH4+ (substrate) at each sampling time. In saturated soil, the concentration of NH4+-N decreased gradually from 162.4 to 24.2 mg kg−1, and the δ15N values increased from +0.8 to +21.0‰ during 36 d incubation. However, increase in NO3− concentration was not observed due to loss of NO3− through concurrent denitrification in anaerobic sites. The apparent isotopic fractionation factors (αs/p) associated with decrease in NH4+ concentration were 1.04 and 1.01 in unsaturated and saturated soils, respectively. Since nitrification is likely to introduce greater isotope fractionation than microbial immobilization, the higher value for unsaturated soil probably reflected faster nitrification under aerobic conditions. The lower value for saturated soil suggests that immobilization and subsequent remineralization of NH4+ were relatively more dominant than nitrification under the anaerobic conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global meta-analyses showed that biochar application can reduce N 2 O emission. However, no relevant review study is available for East Asian countries which are responsible for 70% of gaseous N losses from croplands globally. This review analyzed data of the biochar-induced N 2 O mitigation affected by experimental conditions, including experimental types, biochar types and application rates, soil properties, and chemical forms and application rates of N fertilizer for East Asian countries. The magnitude of biochar-induced N 2 O mitigation was evaluated by calculating N 2 O reduction index (R index , percentage reduction of N 2 O by biochar relative to control). The R index was further standardized against biochar application rate by calculating R index per unit of biochar application rate (ton ha−1) (Unit R index). The R index averaged across different experimental types (n = 196) was −21.1 ± 2.4%. Incubation and pot experiments showed greater R index than column and field experiments due to higher biochar application rate and shorter experiment duration. Feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature also affected R index ; either bamboo feedstock or pyrolysis at > 400 °C resulted in a greater R index. The magnitude of R index also increased with increasing biochar rate. Soil properties did not affect R index when evaluated across all experimental types, but there was an indication that biochar decreased N 2 O emission more at a lower soil moisture level in field experiments. The magnitude of R index increased with increasing N fertilizer rate up to 500–600 kg N ha−1, but it decreased thereafter. The Unit R index averaged across experimental types was −1.2 ± 0.9%, and it was rarely affected by experimental type and conditions but diminished with increasing biochar rate. Our results highlight that since N 2 O mitigation by biochar is affected by biochar application rate, R index needs to be carefully evaluated by standardizing against biochar application rate to suggest the best conditions for biochar usage in East Asia. • Nitrous oxide reduction (Rindex) of biochar (BC) was affected by experimental types. • Rindex was greater at a higher BC rate and in a shorter experimental duration. • Biochar feedstock and pyrolysis temperature affected Rindex. • Soil properties and fertilizer types rarely affected Rindex. • Unit Rindex per BC rate was rarely affected by biochar, soil, and fertilizer types. N 2 O reduction by biochar was dependent on its application rate and affected by experimental types, biochar types, and soil moisture conditions, but biochar-induced N 2 O reduction per unit biochar application rate was rarely affected by these factors in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High N increased litter biomass of oak, but not pine, regardless of CO 2 × T air. • High N changed litter chemistry for both pine and oak regardless of CO 2 × T air. • Changed N concentration, C/N, and lignin/N rarely affected litter decomposition. The effects of increased nitrogen (N) availability through atmospheric deposition on the quantity and quality of tree leaf litter have been widely reported. However, such N effects under co-elevated CO 2 concentration ([CO 2) and air temperature (T air) have not been investigated. In this study, changes in biomass and chemistry of litter of Pinus densiflora S. et Z. (pine) and Quercus variabilis Blume (oak) saplings with two levels of each N × [CO 2 × T air were investigated for two growing seasons. The levels of N, [CO 2 , and T air were 2 and 6-fold of ambient N deposition, ambient and ambient + 285 ppmv, and ambient and ambient + 2.2 °C, respectively, on average across the two seasons. The concentrations of N, minerals, and carbon (C) compounds such as non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and lignin as well as stoichiometry such as the ratio of C to N (C/N) and lignin to N (lignin/N) of litter were analyzed to determine litter chemistry. In addition, the legacy effect of changed chemistry on microbial decomposability of the litters were also assessed by measuring CO 2 emission in a 60-day lab incubation experiment. The effect of high N addition on increasing litter production was consistent regardless of [CO 2 and T air for oak; however, for pine, N-induced increases in litter production were negated under elevated [CO 2 and/or T air , probably due to efficient uptake and use of N by pine under elevated [CO 2 as well as lowered N demand via warming-induced stress under elevated T air. High N-induced decreases in C/N and lignin/N was consistent across [CO 2 -T air combination for both species though other chemical components such as NSC and minerals including phosphorous, calcium, aluminum, and manganese varied inconsistently. The CO 2 emission from the soils amended with litters of different chemistry was not correlated with litter chemistry, suggesting that changed litter chemistry under different N level × [CO 2 × T air may not affect litter decomposability in the soils. This study enlarges our understanding of the effect of increased N availability on litter quantity, chemical composition, and microbial decomposability under different [CO 2 and T air. However, a study with mature trees in a natural forest stand should further improve our understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Natural 15N abundances (δ 15N) in plant and soil can be used as a powerful marker to reveal the history of N fertilization. To investigate whether N fertilizer source and timing of fertilization leave specific δ 15N signals in plant tissue and soil inorganic N, Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. cv. Maeryok), one of the most popular vegetables in Asia, was grown in pots for 60 days with a single or split N applications of organic (composted manure; δ 15N=+16.4‰) or inorganic N (urea; δ 15N=−0.7‰). Seven N treatments were studied: (1) a single basal fertilization with compost or (2) urea; (3) a basal urea application followed by an additional (at 40 days after transplant, same below) compost or (4) urea application; (5) a basal compost application followed by an additional compost or (6) urea application; and (7) no N fertilization. Regardless of the time of N application, δ 15N of cabbage treated with compost was higher (>+9.0‰) than that (< +1.0‰) treated with urea, reflecting the effect of isotopically different N sources. In split N fertilization, only the addition of isotopically different N sources in the middle of the growth period significantly affected the δ 15N of the whole plant. Specific δ 15N signals of basal N inputs were detected in outer cabbage parts formed in the early growth stage, while those of additional N inputs were detected in inner cabbage parts formed in the latter growth stage. We conclude that measurements of temporal variations in δ 15N of plant parts formed in different growth stages could reveal the history of N fertilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Dense breasts have increased cancer risk, but low sensitivity of mammography necessitates supplemental screening modalities. • DW-MRI had sensitivity higher than mammography but lower than DCE-MRI in detecting clinically occult cancers in dense breasts. • DW-MRI is expected to be an effective supplemental screening tool for mammography in women with dense breasts. To compare the performance of mammography, high-resolution DW-MRI, DCE-MRI, and their combinations in detecting clinically occult breast cancer in women with dense breasts. 544 breasts from 281 consecutive asymptomatic women with dense breasts were retrospectively identified. They underwent breast MRI for preoperative evaluation of breast cancers (n = 214) or as supplemental screening (n = 67) including DCE-MRI and DW-MRI (b values, 0 and 1000 sec/mm2; in-plane resolution, 1.1 × 1.1 mm2 and 1.3 × 1.3 mm2; section thickness, 3 mm), in addition to mammography. Three readers independently reviewed each examination on a per-breast basis. Histopathology and at least two year of imaging follow-up served as the gold standard. The sensitivities and specificities of different imaging modalities were compared using McNemar test. 230 of 544 breasts (42 %) had malignant lesions. The sensitivity of DW-MRI was higher than that of mammography (77.0 % vs 57.9 %; adjusted p < 0.001), but lower than that of DCE-MRI (84.8 %; adjusted p = 0.014). The specificity of DW-MRI was comparable to those of mammography (98.1 % vs 99.1 %; adjusted p > 0.999) and DCE-MRI (97.1 %; adjusted p > 0.999). DW-MRI plus mammography had a comparable sensitivity and specificity to those of DCE-MRI plus mammography (88.6 % vs 90.9 % and 97.1 % vs 96.2 %; adjusted p > 0.999 for both). High-resolution DW-MRI had a sensitivity higher than mammography and lower than DCE-MRI. Nevertheless, DW-MRI plus mammography showed a comparable sensitivity and specificity to DCE-MRI plus mammography for detecting clinically occult cancers in women with dense breasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash (FA) and zeolite (Z) are known to reduce bioavailability of metals in soils via immobilization; however, these amendments may not only immobilize metals such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), but also reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability in the soils via sorption (for N by Z) and precipitation (for P by FA). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of application of FA and Z (0, 5, and 10% rate) on the availability of nutrients as well as metals in the metal-contaminated soils cultivated with paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.). Both FA and Z reduced Cu and Zn uptake by rice while increasing metal retention in the soils regardless of the application rates. However, reduced uptake of metals did not translate into increase in rice growth, especially at the 10% of amendment rates, due to decreased nutrient uptake as indicated by higher NH 4 + and available P concentration in the soils amended with Z and FA, respectively, which inhibited tillering in the early rice growth period and thus reduced biomass accumulation at maturity. Our results suggest that FA and Z may reduce Cu and Zn uptake by rice in the soils contaminated with the metals; however, the availability of N and P is likely to be co-decreased. We suggest that the capacities of FA and Z to immobilize nutrients as well as metals need to be considered prior to using the amendments in metal-contaminated rice paddies. • Fly ash (FA) and zeolite (Z) reduced rice uptake of Cu and Zn in polluted soils. • FA and Z also reduced N and P availability via sorption and precipitation. • FA and Z decreased rice growth due to the nutrient limitation. • Both nutrient and metal immobilization by FA and Z should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A biopsy of first recurrence or metastatic disease is recommended to re-evaluate oestrogen receptor status in patients with breast cancer and to select appropriate treatment. However, retesting for oestrogen receptor status with rebiopsy is not always feasible, depending on lesion location and the risk associated with biopsy, and in these cases clinicians continue to treat patients according to the oestrogen receptor status of the primary tumour. Consequently suboptimal therapy might be offered to these patients. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy and safety of 16α-[18F]fluoro-17β-oestradiol (18F-FES) PET-CT to assess oestrogen receptor status in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.Methods: We did a prospective cohort study at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. Eligible patients had breast cancer, with first recurrence or metastatic disease at presentation, were 19 years or older, and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. The primary objective was to show the agreement between qualitative 18F-FES PET-CT interpretation and the results of oestrogen receptor expression by immunohistochemical assay, a non-reference standard test. Whole-body 18F-FES PET-CT imaging was done after intravenous injection of 111-222 MBq of 18F-FES, with dosing primarily determined by radiation dosimetry analysis. 18F-FES uptake above background intensity was interpreted as positive. Efficacy was assessed in all patients with histologically confirmed recurrent or metastatic breast cancer who received 18F-FES and had PET-CT images available (intention-to-diagnose analysis), and safety was assessed in all patients who received 18F-FES. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01986569.Findings: Between Nov 27, 2013, and Nov 10, 2016, 93 patients were enrolled. Of the 85 patients included in the efficacy analysis, 47 (55%) were oestrogen receptor-positive and 38 (45%) were oestrogen receptor-negative. Positive status percent agreement between the 18F-FES PET-CT results and oestrogen receptor status by immunohistochemical assay was 76·6% (95% CI 62·0-87·7) and the negative status percent agreement was 100·0% (90·8-100·0). Patients who were oestrogen receptor-positive and had a positive 18F-FES PET-CT result had a significantly higher progesterone receptor expression than those who were oestrogen receptor-positive and had a negative 18F-FES PET-CT result (23 [68%] of 34 patients vs 0 of 11 patients; p<0·0001). The most common adverse event was procedural pain in nine (10%) of 90 patients injected with 18F-FES. No adverse events were related to the study drug except injection site pain in one (1%) patient. No serious adverse events were recorded.Interpretation: The high negative percent agreement between 18F-FES PET-CT and oestrogen receptor status by immunohistochemical assay in this cohort suggests that positive 18F-FES uptake by recurrent or metastatic oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer lesions could be an alternative to oestrogen receptor assays in this setting. Staging assessment should include 18F-FES PET-CT when retesting oestrogen receptor status is not feasible.Funding: Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Ministry of Health and Welfare, South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the accuracy of mammography (MG), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of residual tumor extent in breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).Methods: Fifty-one stage II-III breast cancer undergoing NAC were enrolled from March 2015 to December 2016. The longest diameter of residual tumor measured with MG, DBT, ABUS and MRI was compared with the pathologic tumor size. Statistical analysis was performed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and marginal homogeneity test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR).Results: MRI size correlated well with pathology (ICC = 0.83), significantly better than MG, DBT and ABUS size (ICC = 0.56, ICC = 0.63 and ICC = 0.55, respectively). The discrepancy between MRI and pathology was statistical different from that of MG and ABUS (p = 0.0231 and 0.0039, respectively), but not different from that of DBT (p = 0.5727). For predicting pCR, MRI and DBT had a better performance compared to MG and US (area under the ROC curve: 0.92, 0.84, 0.72, 0.75, respectively; p = 0.3749 for DBT, p = 0.0972 for MG and p = 0.0596 for ABUS, when MRI being reference).Conclusions: MRI and DBT allow more accurate assessment of tumor size compared to pathology compared with MG and ABUS. MRI and DBT outperform MG and ABUS in the prediction of pathologic complete response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest decline due to atmospheric pollution is a consequence of long-term chronic exposure, and thus chemical proxies that are sensitive to the pollution are helpful in estimating the impact of atmospheric pollution on forest health. In this study, we explored changes in the isotopic and elemental compositions of needles of red pine ( Pinus densiflora ) with varying precipitation pH and concentrations of NO 2 and SO 2 across 18 cities to identify isotopic and chemical signatures that are sensitive to acid deposition. The cities had different intensity of traffic and industrial activities, and thus were expected to have varying levels of atmospheric pollution. The pine needles were analyzed for carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope ratios, N concentrations, C-to-N ratio (C/N), and calcium-to-aluminum ratio (Ca/Al). Analysis of variance, simple linear correlation, and redundancy analysis were used to investigate the variations in foliar chemistry with atmospheric variables. Neither NO 2 nor SO 2 concentration was correlated with foliar δ 13 C, δ 15 N, N concentration, and C/N; whereas precipitation pH was correlated with the foliar parameters, suggesting that foliar chemistry is more sensitive to total acidifying materials than to individual pollutant. The foliar δ 13 C decreased with lowered precipitation pH, reflecting the increased 13 C-depleted CO 2 that was co-emitted with acidifying materials from fossil fuel combustion. Foliar δ 15 N decreased and foliar N concentration increased with lowered precipitation pH, indicating tree uptake of 15 N-depleted N from acid deposition. Accordingly, the C/N ratio also decreased with lowered precipitation pH. However, there was no relationship between foliar Ca/Al and precipitation pH; rather. Our result suggests that δ 13 C, δ 15 N, N concentration, and C/N of pine needle samples are associated with the level of precipitation pH and thus pine needles could be used as bio-indicators of the impacts of total acidifying pollutants on forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess whether ADC values of tumor and peritumoral stroma (PS) obtained on high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging (HR DWI) were different according to pathologic biomarkers in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 96 patients (age range, 30-75 years; mean, 52 years) with breast cancer who underwent HR DWI at 3T MR scanner. We obtained the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and ADC range of tumor and PS by drawing the region of interest (ROI) of entire tumor. We assessed histopathological features of tumors. ADC values of tumor and PS were compared according to pathologic biomarkers using student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Mean ADC of tumor boundary was significantly higher in ER-negative tumors than in ER-positive tumors (P=0.005). The ADC ranges of tumor boundary and proximal PS were significantly higher in tumors with high nuclear grade, negative ER, positive HER2, positive Ki67, and lymph node metastasis than those with low nuclear grade, positive ER, negative HER2, negative Ki67, and without lymph node metastasis (P<0.05 for all). ADC range of tumor boundary and proximal PS was significantly lower in low risk tumor than in the others (P=0.004 and 0.002). Mean ADC of whole tumor was significantly higher in low-risk tumor than in non-low-risk tumor (P=0.030). Conclusion: On HR DWI, ADC ranges of tumor boundary and adjacent proximal PS were significantly lower in low-risk tumor than in non-low-risk tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]