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In the Medicago genus, saponins are complex mixtures of triterpene pentacyclic glycosides extensively studied for their different and economically relevant biological and pharmaceutical properties. This research is aimed at determining for the first time the tissue and cellular localization of triterpene saponins in vegetative organs of Medicago truncatula, a model plant species for legumes, by histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that saponins are present mainly in the palisade mesophyll layer of leaves, whereas in stems they are mostly located in the primary phloem and the subepidermal cells of cortical parenchyma. In root tissue, saponins occur in the secondary phloem region. Transmission electron microscopy revealed prominent saponin accumulation within the leaf and stem chloroplasts, while in the roots the saponins are found in the vesicular structures. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy to localize M. truncatula saponins at tissue and cellular levels and provide important information for further studies on biosynthesis and regulation of valuable bioactive saponins on agronomic relevant Medicago spp., such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Research Highlights: The Medicago genus represents a valuable rich source of saponins, one of the most interesting groups of secondary plant metabolites, which possess relevant biological and pharmacological properties.Plant tissue and cellular localization of saponins is of great importance to better understand their biological functions, biosynthetic pathway, and regulatory mechanisms.We elucidate the localization of saponins in Medicago truncatula with histochemical and transmission electron microscopy studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic alterations in cancers can be exploited for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes. This is exemplified by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), an imaging tool that relies on enhanced glucose uptake by tumors for diagnosis and staging. By performing transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer (BC) samples from patients stratified by FDG‐PET, a 54‐gene signature (PETsign) is identified that recapitulates FDG uptake. PETsign is independently prognostic of clinical outcome in luminal BCs, the most common and heterogeneous BC molecular subtype, which requires improved stratification criteria to guide therapeutic decision‐making. The prognostic power of PETsign is stable across independent BC cohorts and disease stages including the earliest BC stage, arguing that PETsign is an ab initio metabolic signature. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of BC cells reveals that PETsign predicts enhanced glycolytic dependence and reduced reliance on fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, coamplification of PETsign genes occurs frequently in BC arguing for their causal role in pathogenesis. CXCL8 and EGFR signaling pathways feature strongly in PETsign, and their activation in BC cells causes a shift toward a glycolytic phenotype. Thus, PETsign serves as a molecular surrogate for FDG‐PET that could inform clinical management strategies for BC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid and semiarid regions, salinity may affect alfalfa (Medicago sativa) productivity and survival due to either cultivation on salt‐affected soils or the use of salinized irrigation water. Exploiting germplasm evolved under salt‐stress conditions offers opportunities for crop tolerance improvement. In the first phase of the current study, four reportedly salt‐tolerant landraces originated from stress‐prone areas of West Asia or North Africa and two reference commercial cultivars underwent three evaluation trials according to different methods, namely, seed germination in saline water, in vitro testing of young plants, and greenhouse evaluation of adult plants in Cone‐tainers. Experimental populations obtained by intercrossing landrace genotypes selected according to each evaluation method were subsequently evaluated under stressful field conditions in two regions featuring different salt stress type, namely, southern Tunisia (irrigation with saline water) and northwestern Argentina (rainfed cropping in saline soil). Landrace ranking for salt tolerance differed somewhat depending on the evaluation method, and the proportion of selected plants per landrace depended accordingly on the method. In each field experiment, there were two evaluation phases, and the second phase corresponded in both cases to harsher conditions. The in vitro evaluation and selection resulted in potentially more useful selected germplasm than the other evaluation methods. The field experiments highlighted the large specific adaptation effects that affected the response of salt‐tolerant germplasm across the two regions. Core Ideas: Cultivation on salt‐affected soils or the use of salinized irrigation water affects alfalfa productivity and survival.Landraces evolved in stress‐affected areas are valuable genetic resources for salt tolerance improvement.Selections for salt tolerance from different methods in controlled conditions differ for field‐based tolerance.In vitro evaluation and selection provided potentially more useful selected germplasm than other methods.Specific adaptation affected the field response of salt‐tolerant germplasm across different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous lyophobic systems (HLSs), i.e. systems composed of a nanoporous solid and a non‐wetting liquid, have attracted much attention as promising candidates for innovative mechanical energy storage and dissipation devices. In this work, a new HLS based on a pure silica chabazite (Si‐CHA) and a ternary electrolyte solution (KCl + CaCl2) is studied from porosimetric and crystallographic points of view. The combined approach of this study has been fundamental in unravelling the properties of the system. The porosimetric experiments allowed the determination of the energetic behaviour, while high‐pressure in situ crystallographic analyses helped elucidate the mechanism of intrusion. The results are compared with those obtained for systems involving the same zeolite but intruded with solutions containing only single salts (CaCl2 or KCl). The porosimetric results of the three Si‐CHA systems intruded by simple and complex electrolyte solutions (KCl 2 M, CaCl2 2 M and the mixture KCl 1 M + CaCl2 1 M) suggest that the intrusion pressure is mainly influenced by the nature of the cations. The CaCl2 2 M solution shows the highest intrusion pressure and KCl 2 M the lowest, whereas the mixture KCl 1 M + CaCl2 1 M is almost in the middle. These differences are probably related to the higher hydration enthalpy and Gibbs energy of Ca2+ compared with those of K+. It has been demonstrated that partial ion desolvation is needed to promote the penetration of the species, and a higher solvation energy requires higher pressure. The 'intermediate' value of intrusion pressure shown by the complex electrolyte solution arises from the fact that, statistically, the second/third solvation cation shells can be assumed to be partially shared between K+ and Ca2+. The stronger interaction of Ca2+ with H2O molecules thus also influences the desolvation of K+, increasing the pressure needed to activate the process compared with the pure KCl 2 M solution. This is confirmed by the structural investigation, which shows that at the beginning of intrusion only K+, Cl− and H2O penetrate the pores, whereas the intrusion of Ca2+ requires higher pressure, in agreement with the hydration enthalpies of the two cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To derive a Delphi method‐based consensus for the surgical management of Full Thickness Macular Hole (FTMH) and Lamellar Macular Hole (LMH). Methods: 37 expert VR surgeons from 21 mainly European countries participated in Delphi method‐based questionnaire for diagnosis and treatment of FTMHs and LMHs. Results: A total of 36 items were rated in round 1 by 37 participants, of which 10 items achieved consensus: intraoperative verification of PVD; clinical superiority of OCT‐based FTMH classification; practical ineffectiveness of ocriplasmin; circular 360° ILM peeling for small macular holes; use of regular surgical technique for the size of the hole in concomitant retinal detachment; performing complete vitrectomy; SF6 gas as preferred tamponade; cataract surgery if crystalline lens is mildly/moderately opaque; removal of both ILM and LHEP in LMH surgery. In round 2, 18 items with moderate consensus (45‐70% agreement) in round 1 were rated by 35 participants. Final consensus was reached in 35% of questions related to both diagnosis and surgical procedures. Conclusions: This Delphi study provides valuable information about the consensus/disagreement on different scenarios encountered during FTMH and LMH management as a guide tosurgical decision‐making. High rate of disagreement and/or variable approaches still exist for treating such relatively common conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The existence of past connections between different regions through corridors has influenced the diversification of the biota in South America. Evidence of such connections in southern South America is scarce and poorly understood. As a model to analyse the existence of these corridors we study the evolutionary history of a widely distributed leaf‐cutting ant by inferring its origin, historical demographic and dispersal processes, and explore for evidence that relates its evolutionary history to geoclimatic events. Location: Southern South America. Taxon: Southern black ant (Acromyrmex lobicornis). Methods: A total of 215 samples were obtained from Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia. A time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree, using a fossilised birth–death process model, was obtained using one mitochondrial and four nuclear molecular markers. Historical demographic processes were inferred using coalescence‐based methodologies. A Bayesian continuous phylogeographical diffusion model was used to estimate the geographical origin and infer its spread routes. Results: A. lobicornis has two main occurrence areas: one goes through the Arid diagonal in Argentina up to Bolivia, and the other goes from central Uruguay up to southern Brazil. Both areas are connected by scattered populations distributed along the Espinal ecoregion in Argentina. The estimated crown age is ~1.2 Ma (early Pleistocene). The origin of the species was located between the High Monte and Dry Chaco ecoregions, from where it dispersed along the Arid diagonal and towards the east into the Uruguayan Savannas through the Espinal. Main Conclusions: The Espinal has an important role as a bridge for the dispersion and posterior maintaining of the genetic flow between populations of A. lobicornis, a corridor that could have been also used by other species. As opposed to the previous hypothesis that postulated its origin in a humid subtropical region, this study provides novel evidence placing the origin of A. lobicornis in an arid subtropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following Phase 2 of the upgrade of the ESRF in which the storage ring was replaced by a new low-emittance ring along with many other facility upgrades, the status of ID22, the high-resolution powder-diffraction beamline, is described. The beamline has an in-vacuum undulator as source providing X-rays in the range 6-75 keV. ID22's principle characteristics include very high angular resolution as a result of the highly collimated and monochromatic beam, coupled with a 13-channel Si 111 multi-analyser stage between the sample and a Dectris Eiger2 X 2M-W CdTe pixel detector. The detector's axial resolution allows recorded 2θ values to be automatically corrected for the effects of axial divergence, resulting in narrower and more-symmetric peaks compared with the previous fixed-axial-slit arrangement. The axial acceptance can also be increased with increasing diffraction angle, thus simultaneously improving the statistical quality of high-angle data. A complementary Perkin Elmer XRD1611 medical-imaging detector is available for faster, lower-resolution data, often used at photon energies of 60-70 keV for pair-distribution function analysis, although this is also possible in high-resolution mode by scanning up to 120° 2θ at 35 keV. There are various sample environments, allowing sample temperatures from 4 K to 1600°C, a capillary cell for non-corrosive gas atmospheres in the range 0-100 bar, and a sample-changing robot that can accommodate 75 capillary samples compatible with the temperature range 80 K to 950°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Clinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been thoroughly investigated, but a further analysis on main signs and symptoms and their risk factors still needs attention. The objective of this study was to group together and describe based on similarity the most common signs and symptoms of COVID‐19 in MS patients and identify all factors associated with their manifestation. Method: Logistic and linear regression models were run to recognize factors associated with each pooled group of symptoms and their total number. Results: From March 2020 to November 2021, data were collected from 1354 MS patients with confirmed infection of COVID‐19. Ageusia and anosmia was less frequent in older people (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; p = 0.005) and more in smoker patients (OR 1.39; p = 0.049). Smoke was also associated with an incremental number of symptoms (OR 1.24; p = 0.031), substance abuse (drugs or alcohol), conjunctivitis and rash (OR 5.20; p = 0.042) and the presence of at least one comorbidity with shortness of breath, tachycardia or chest pain (OR 1.24; p = 0.008). Some disease‐modifying therapies were associated with greater frequencies of certain COVID‐19 symptoms (association between anti‐CD20 therapies and increment in the number of concomitant symptoms: OR 1.29; p = 0.05). Differences in frequencies between the three waves were found for flu‐like symptoms (G1, p = 0.024), joint or muscle pain (G2, p = 0.013) and ageusia and anosmia (G5, p < 0.001). All cases should be referred to variants up to Delta. Conclusion: Several factors along with the choice of specific therapeutic approaches might have a different impact on the occurrence of some COVID‐19 symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypermecaspidinae (Trilobita; Olenidae) constitutes a monophyletic clade but its internal relationships are unknown and its phylogenetic position with respect to the rest of Olenida has recently been questioned. In order to propose a phylogenetic hypothesis, and to resolve the status of the group, a cladistic analysis of the hypermecaspidinids was performed. One hundred characters (28 quantitative and 72 qualitative) of holaspid morphology were coded for 30 taxa (18 Hypermecaspidinae). Two groups of analyses were performed considering the percentage of missing data. For each group of analyses, discrete partition was treated as totally unordered or as with some characters (describing intensity, position or shape of certain structures) ordered. The analyses were performed with TNT using maximum parsimony and implied weighting as optimality criteria. Hypermecaspididae constitutes a monophyletic family within Olenida, and is the sister group of pterocephaliids. In light of the present analysis, an emended diagnosis of the family is provided. The results suggest that 'Tropidopyge' broeggeri should be reassigned to Hypermecaspis. Hypermecaspidids would have originated in the late Furongian and rapidly diversified across different parts of the world in the Early Ordovician. With the exception of H. armata and H. chamarrensis, the species of Hypermecaspis have a proportionately large pygidium with a wide doublure and a distinct postaxial field. An evolutionary trend toward an increase in the size of these characters is observed in the genus. The cranidium shows a tendency toward enlargement of the glabella and the palpebral lobes, together with a narrowing of the interocular genae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop models are powerful tools to support breeding because of their capability to explore genotype × environment×management interactions that can help design promising plant types under climate change. However, relationships between plant traits and model parameters are often model specific and not necessarily direct, depending on how models formulate plant morphological and physiological features. This hinders model application in plant breeding. We developed a novel trait‐based multi‐model ensemble approach to improve the design of rice plant types for future climate projections. We conducted multi‐model simulations targeting enhanced productivity, and aggregated results into model‐ensemble sets of phenotypic traits as defined by breeders rather than by model parameters. This allowed to overcome the limitations due to ambiguities in trait‐parameter mapping from single modelling approaches. Breeders' knowledge and perspective were integrated to provide clear mapping from designed plant types to breeding traits. Nine crop models from the AgMIP‐Rice Project and sensitivity analysis techniques were used to explore trait responses under different climate and management scenarios at four sites. The method demonstrated the potential of yield improvement that ranged from 15.8% to 41.5% compared to the current cultivars under mid‐century climate projections. These results highlight the primary role of phenological traits to improve crop adaptation to climate change, as well as traits involved with canopy development and structure. The variability of plant types derived with different models supported model ensembles to handle related uncertainty. Nevertheless, the models agreed in capturing the effect of the heterogeneity in climate conditions across sites on key traits, highlighting the need for context‐specific breeding programmes to improve crop adaptation to climate change. Although further improvement is needed for crop models to fully support breeding programmes, a trait‐based ensemble approach represents a major step towards the integration of crop modelling and breeding to address climate change challenges and develop adaptation options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosomal inversions are known to play roles in adaptation and differentiation in many species. They involve clusters of correlated genes (i.e., loci in linkage disequilibrium, LD) possibly associated with environmental variables. The grasshopper "species complex" Trimerotropis pallidipennis comprises several genetic lineages distributed from North to South America in arid and semi‐arid high‐altitude environments. The southernmost lineage, Trimerotropis sp., segregates for four to seven putative inversions that display clinal variation, possibly through adaptation to temperate environments. We analysed chromosomal, mitochondrial and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data in 19 Trimerotropis sp. populations mainly distributed along two altitudinal gradients (MS and Ju). Populations across Argentina comprise two main chromosomally and genetically differentiated lineages: one distributed across the southernmost border of the "Andes Centrales," adding evidence for a differentiation hotspot in this area; and the other widely distributed in Argentina. Within the latter, network analytical approaches to LD found three clusters of correlated loci (LD‐clusters), with inversion karyotypes explaining >79% of the genetic variation. Outlier loci associated with environmental variables mapped to two of these LD‐clusters. Furthermore, despite the complex geographical history indicated by population genetic analyses, the clines in inversion karyotypes have remained stable for more than 20 generations, implicating their role in adaptation and differentiation within this lineage. We hypothesize that these clines could be the consequence of a coupling between extrinsic postzygotic barriers and spatially varying selection along environmental gradients resulting in a hybrid zone. These results provide a framework for future investigations about candidate genes implicated in rapid adaptation to new environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Some studies have shown that air pollution, often assessed by thin particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 µg/m3 (PM2.5), may contribute to severe COVID‐19 courses, as well as play a role in the onset and evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact of air pollution on COVID‐19 has never been explored specifically amongst patients with MS (PwMS). This retrospective observational study aims to explore associations between PM2.5 and COVID‐19 severity amongst PwMS. Methods: Data were retrieved from an Italian web‐based platform (MuSC‐19) which includes PwMS with COVID‐19. PM2.5 2016–2018 average concentrations were provided by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service. Italian patients inserted in the platform from 15 January 2020 to 9 April 2021 with a COVID‐19 positive test were included. Ordered logistic regression models were used to study associations between PM2.5 and COVID‐19 severity. Results: In all, 1087 patients, of whom 13% required hospitalization and 2% were admitted to an intensive care unit or died, were included. Based on the multivariate analysis, higher concentrations of PM2.5 increased the risk of worse COVID‐19 course (odds ratio 1.90; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Even if several other factors explain the unfavourable course of COVID‐19 in PwMS, the role of air pollutants must be considered and further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium exchange by microporous materials, such as zeolites, has important applications in different fields, for example, rare earth element recovery from waste or catalytic processes. This work investigated the Ce‐exchange capacity of zeolite L in three different cationic forms (the as‐synthesized K form and Na‐ and NH4‐exchanged ones) from a highly concentrated solution. Chemical analyses and structural investigations allowed determination of the mechanisms involved in the exchanges and give new insights into the interactions occurring between the cations and the zeolite framework. Different cation sites are involved: (i) K present in the original LTL in the cancrinite cage (site KB) cannot be exchanged; (ii) the cations in KD (in the 12‐membered ring channel) are always exchanged; while (iii) site KC (in the eight‐membered ring channel) is involved only when K+ is substituted by NH4+, thus promoting a higher exchange rate for NH4+ → K+ than for Na+ → K+. In the Ce‐exchanged samples, a new site occupied by Ce appears in the centre of the main channel, accompanied by an increase in the number of and a rearrangement of H2O molecules. In terms of Ce exchange, the three cationic forms behave similarly, from both the chemical and structural point of view (exchanged Ce ranges from 38 to 42% of the pristine cation amount). Beyond the intrinsic structural properties of the zeolite L framework, the Ce exchange seems thus also governed by the water coordination sphere of the cation. Complete Ce recovery from zeolite pores was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) often report walking limitations even when the gold standard Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) indicates normal walking endurance/autonomy. The present multicenter study on early‐stage PwMS aims at analyzing which aspects are associated with patient‐reported walking limitations measured with the 12‐item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS‐12). Methods: Eighty‐two PwMS (EDSS ≤ 2.5) were assessed using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale—short (FAB‐s), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 6‐min Walk Test (6MWT), the latter administered also to 21 healthy subjects. Participants performed the 6MWT wearing three inertial sensors on ankles and trunk. Instrumented metrics describing gait velocity (stride length and frequency) and quality (regularity, symmetry, instability) were computed from sensor data. Fatigue (FSS), balance (FAB‐s), walking endurance (6MWT) and instrumented metrics were entered in a multiple regression model with MSWS‐12 as dependent variable. Results: Gait symmetry, gait instability, fatigue and balance were significantly associated with self‐rated walking ability, whilst walking endurance and velocity were not. Fatigue, balance, gait symmetry and instability were more impaired in participants reporting mild‐to‐moderate (MSMM‐PWL, 25 ≤ MSWS‐12 < 75) compared to those reporting none‐to‐minimal (MSnm‐PWL, 0 ≤ MSWS‐12 ≤ 25) perceived walking limitations. Compared to healthy subjects, gait symmetry and stability were reduced in MSnm‐PWL and MSMM‐PWL, even in those participants with EDSS ≤ 1.5. Conclusion: Instrumentally assessed gait quality aspects (symmetry and instability) are associated with patient‐reported walking ability in early‐stage PwMS and seem sensitive biomarkers to detect subtle impairments even in the earliest stages of the disease (EDSS ≤ 1.5). Future studies should assess their ability to follow walking change due to MS progression or pharmacological/rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naupactini is a tribe of Neotropical broad‐nosed weevils highly diverse in South America. This group includes several parthenogenetic species, some of them harmful for agriculture and invasive around the world. Although some hypotheses based on polyploidy and hybridization have been proposed to explain the origin of parthenogenesis in weevils, the infection with the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis may be involved in the origin of parthenogenetic reproduction of some species. In this contribution, we studied the role of Wolbachia in the reproductive biology of Pantomorus postfasciatus Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) through a curing experiment using tetracycline. This weevil has a mixed mode of reproduction including sexual and parthenogenetic populations. Exposure to an antibiotic did not affect fecundity, but did reduce egg hatching in comparison with untreated individuals. Consequently, we inferred that Wolbachia most probably takes part in the reproduction of P. postfasciatus, either by exerting nutritive functions in oogenesis necessary for egg hatching, or by induction of thelytokous parthenogenesis. Although infection was not totally cured, Wolbachia load was significantly lower in treated than in control females. Thereby, we hypothesize that a minimum threshold density of Wolbachia is required for weevil reproduction. We conclude that all analyses support a role of Wolbachia in P. postfasciatus reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pro‐protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a proenzyme primarily known to regulate low‐density lipoprotein receptor re‐uptake on hepatocytes. Whether PCSK9 can concurrently trigger inflammation or not remains unclear. Here, we investigated the potential association between circulating levels of PCSK9 and mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Methods: Plasma PCSK9 levels at days 1, 2 and 7 were measured in 958 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock previously enrolled in the Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial. Correlations between levels of PCSK9 and pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a biomarker of disease severity, were evaluated with ranked Spearman's coefficients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of PCSK9 levels at day 1 with 28‐ and 90‐day mortality. Results: Median plasma PCSK9 levels were 278 [182–452] ng mL−1 on day 1. PCSK9 correlated positively with PTX3 at the three time‐points, and patients with septic shock within the first quartile of PCSK9 showed higher levels of PTX3. Similar mortality rates were observed in patients with severe sepsis across PCSK9 quartiles. Patients with septic shock with lower PCSK9 levels on day 1 (within the first quartile) showed the highest 28‐ and 90‐day mortality rate as compared to other quartiles. Conclusion: In our sub‐analysis of the ALBIOS trial, we found that patients with septic shock presenting with lower plasma PCSK9 levels experienced higher mortality rate. Further studies are warranted to better evaluate the pathophysiological role of PCSK9 in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explainability in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been revived as a topic of active research by the need of conveying safety and trust to users in the "how" and "why" of automated decision‐making in different applications such as autonomous driving, medical diagnosis, or banking and finance. While explainability in AI has recently received significant attention, the origins of this line of work go back several decades to when AI systems were mainly developed as (knowledge‐based) expert systems. Since then, the definition, understanding, and implementation of explainability have been picked up in several lines of research work, namely, expert systems, machine learning, recommender systems, and in approaches to neural‐symbolic learning and reasoning, mostly happening during different periods of AI history. In this article, we present a historical perspective of Explainable Artificial Intelligence. We discuss how explainability was mainly conceived in the past, how it is understood in the present and, how it might be understood in the future. We conclude the article by proposing criteria for explanations that we believe will play a crucial role in the development of human‐understandable explainable systems. This article is categorized under:Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Explainable AITechnologies > Artificial Intelligence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the link between power imbalance within the romantic couple and psychological, relational and physical adolescent dating aggression (ADA) perpetration, considering also the role of relationship duration as an indicator of the developmental stage of the relationship. This is the first investigation into whom is perceived to have power in the relationship (the partner or the subject him/herself) by distinguishing between male and female adolescents. Participants were 805 Italian adolescents (36.1% males; 63.9% females) aged 14-20 years (Mage  = 17.16 years, SDage  = 1.34), all reporting having been in a romantic relationship currently or within the past 6 months. Males perceiving a balanced relationship reported lower levels of psychological ADA perpetration, and they perpetrated more relational ADA in longer relationships where the partner is perceived to have the power. No significant findings emerged regarding physical ADA. Females perceiving themselves as having the power in the relationship reported higher levels of psychological and physical ADA perpetration. They perpetrated more relational ADA when they perceived the partner as having the power in the relationship. Also, females in longer relationships in which power was not perceived as equally shared between partners reported higher physical ADA perpetration. Finally, for both males and females, longer relationships were characterized by higher levels of ADA toward the partner. Findings highlight the importance of studying the interplay between power imbalance and relationship duration on ADA perpetration, and provide the way to understand possible functions of ADA within a romantic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease, characterized by vascular damage and progressive fibrosis, affecting the skin and internal organs. The vascular changes include functional and structural abnormalities in the microcirculation, which play a central role not only in diagnosis but also in the prognosis and follow‐up of systemic sclerosis patients. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a safe, validated, noninvasive, inexpensive, reliable, and reproducible method that allows for the evaluation of structural changes in scleroderma microangiopathy. However, capillary blood flow/perfusion cannot be measured by NVC under standard conditions and, consequently, must rely on various laser techniques and thermography for the assessment and quantification of cutaneous blood perfusion. Other emerging technologies, such as optical Doppler tomography and spectroscopy, may be used to evaluate the skin flow. This review updates current knowledge on the use of microvascular evaluation techniques in SSc, including complications such as digital ulcers and pulmonary arterial hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a novel approach to monitor lung ventilation/inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Lung assessment in CF patients is relevant given that most patients succumb to respiratory failure. Respiratory functional tests (forced expiratory volume in the first second; FEV1) and inflammatory markers are used to test pulmonary ventilation/inflammation, respectively. However, FEV1 is effort dependent and might be uncomfortable for CF patients. Furthermore, inflammatory marker detection is costly and not rapid. To overcome these limitations, we propose the measurement, by means of low field nuclear magnetic resonance, of the spin‐spin relaxation time (T2m) of water hydrogens present in CF patient sputum. In CF sputum, different biological components are pathologically increased and inversely related to lung functionality. Moreover, we showed that these components alter in a dose‐dependent manner the T2m in synthetic CF sputum. Methods: Sputum samples were obtained from 42 CF subjects by voluntary expectoration; FEV1, C‐reactive protein (CRP), blood neutrophil counts together with cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐4, and vascular endothelial growth factor) quantifications were then evaluated. Results: In sputum samples, we observe that T2m directly correlates (rFEV1 = 0.44; P < 10−4; 169 samples) with FEV1. Moreover, T2m inversely correlates with the circulating inflammation markers CRP/neutrophil number (rCRP = −0.44, P < 10−4; rNC = −0.37, P < 2 * 10−4; 103 and 86 samples, respectively) and with the sputum inflammatory cytokines TNFα/IL‐β1 (rTNFα = −0.72, P < 10−4; rIL‐1β = −0.685, P < 10−4; 27 samples). T2m variations also correspond to FEV1 values over time in defined patients. Conclusion: These findings, together with the fast, reliable, and simple determination of T2m, make our approach a novel tool potentially usable in the real world of CF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of the brachiopod Gigantoproductus are giants within the Palaeozoic sedentary benthos. This presents a dilemma as living brachiopods have low‐energy lifestyles. Although brachiopod metabolic rates were probably higher during the Palaeozoic than today, the massive size reached by species of Gigantoproductus is nevertheless unusual. By examining the diet of Gigantoproductus species from the Visean (Mississippian, Carboniferous) of Derbyshire (UK), we seek to understand the mechanisms that enabled those low‐metabolism brachiopod species to become giants. Were they suspension feeders, similar to all other brachiopods, or did endosymbiosis provide a lifestyle that allowed them to have higher metabolic rates and become giants? We suggest that the answer to this conundrum may be solved by the identification of the biogeochemical signatures of symbionts, through combined analyses of the carbon and nitrogen‐isotopic compositions of the occluded organic matrix within their calcite shells. The shells are formed of substructured columnar units that are remarkably long and a few hundreds of microns wide, deemed to be mostly pristine based on multiple analyses (petrography, cathodoluminescence (CL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)); they contain occluded organic fractions detected by TEM, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses. We conclude that the gigantic size reached by the species of Gigantoproductus is probably the result of a mixotroph lifestyle, by which they could rely on the energy and nutrients derived both from photosymbiotic microbes and from filtered particulate food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amazing properties of ferroelectric perovskite BaTiO3 (BT) and its solid solutions make them indispensable for many technological applications (e.g. multilayer capacitors). Unfortunately, the so‐called 'size effect' limits their use. Indeed, under a certain critical particle size, these materials show a suppression of the spontaneous polarization and thus of the ferroelectric properties. In pure nanometric BaTiO3, this is related to a certain local structural disorder. However, only a few studies have explored BT solid solutions, where the doping effect, coupled to the reduced particle size, can play an important role. Therefore, in this work, the structure of BaCexTi1–xO3 (x = 0.02–0.20) was explored by traditional Rietveld method and Pair Distribution Function. Samples present a particle size from 80–160 nm to 400–1000 nm depending on increasing x. The carbox approach was applied, investigating the evolution of the local structure, its modifications and the structural coherent correlation length, as a function of cerium amount. Results demonstrate a cooperative effect of composition and reduced size in the ferroelectricity loss. The two, in fact, contribute to intensify the local structural disorder, decreasing the structural coherent correlation length. The local structural disorder is thus confirmed to be a relevant factor in the ferroelectric properties degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a worldwide problem for rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, and a number of breeding programs targeting increased salt tolerance are ongoing. A new trait‐based mathematical model for salt stress on rice was recently proposed, characterized by a high level of detail in the description of physiological mechanisms dealing with crop response to salinity. In this study, dedicated growth chamber experiments were performed where three rice cultivars with different degrees of tolerance were grown under different salinity levels. The aim was to improve the understanding of physiological mechanisms like Na+ uptake and sequestration in structural tissues, and to validate the model using new datasets where temporal dynamics in plant response to salt stress were analyzed. Model evaluation demonstrated strong agreement between measured and simulated dry weights of plant organs (e.g., R2 = 0.88–0.97 for aboveground biomass), [Na+] in plant tissues (R2 = 0.73–0.88), and green leaf area index (R2 = 0.71–0.99). These results demonstrate the reliability of the model and support its adoption within studies aimed at analyzing or predicting the response of different cultivars to temporal dynamics of Na+ concentration in soil and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gender, age, physiology (GAP) system have proven to be an easy tool for predicting disease stages and survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. Objective: To validate mortality risk as determined by the GAP system in a real‐life multicentre IPF population treated with pirfenidone. Methods: The study included patients who received pirfenidone for at least 6 months. The GAP calculator and the GAP index were determined. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The prognostic accuracy of the GAP system was evaluated with respect to calibration and discrimination. Results and Conclusion: Sixty‐eight IPF patients were enrolled in the study. The median follow‐up was 2.4 years (range 0.1‐7.4 years). A total of 22 deaths as first event (32%) and of 10 lung transplantation (15%) were recorded. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 1, 2 and 3 years was 10.4%, 22.4% and 38.4%, respectively. The differences between the predicted and observed mortality were not significant for the GAP index while the observed mortality become comparable to that predicted by the GAP calculator only in the third year of follow‐up. The C‐index for the GAP index was 0.74 (95% CI 0.57‐0.93) while the C‐statistic value for the GAP calculator was 0.77 (95% CI 0.59‐0.95). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐line free propagation phase‐contrast synchrotron tomography of the lungs has been shown to provide superior image quality compared with attenuation‐based computed tomography (CT) in small‐animal studies. The present study was performed to prove the applicability on a human‐patient scale using a chest phantom with ventilated fresh porcine lungs. Local areas of interest were imaged with a pixel size of 100 µm, yielding a high‐resolution depiction of anatomical hallmarks of healthy lungs and artificial lung nodules. Details like fine spiculations into surrounding alveolar spaces were shown on a micrometre scale. Minor differences in artificial lung nodule density were detected by phase retrieval. Since we only applied a fraction of the X‐ray dose used for clinical high‐resolution CT scans, it is believed that this approach may become applicable to the detailed assessment of focal lung lesions in patients in the future. This proof‐of‐concept study on a human‐scale chest phantom and fresh porcine lungs with artificial pulmonary nodules demonstrates that local‐area in‐line free propagation phase‐contrast synchrotron tomography of fresh porcine lungs can be performed with an acceptable X‐ray dose that would allow for future application in patients while providing spatial‐resolution magnitudes higher than currently available clinical computed tomography scanners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramics with perovskite structure and composition BaCexTi1−xO3 (x = 0.02–0.30) show a progressive evolution with increasing x, from the long‐range polar order of ferroelectric BaTiO3 to the short‐range polar order typical of relaxors. The ionic size mismatch between Ti4+ and Ce4+ determines strong local strains which have a significant impact on dielectric properties and phase transitions. The pair distribution function, coupled with transmission electron microscopy analysis, was applied to study the local structure. Because of the inner B‐cation sizes, the superposition of rigid B—O octahedra with different volumes is not compatible with the construction of an ideal perovskite structure. In this light, local structure can be described by an original model which allows (i) different Ti—O and Ce—O distances and (ii) the typical distortions of the two end members: off‐center displacement of Ti occurring in BaTiO3 and octahedral tilt in BaCeO3. The results show a clear difference, in terms of volumes, between oxygen octahedra with titanium and those related to cerium. In addition, the inclusion of cerium causes a tilt of its oxygen cage, as occurs in pure BaCeO3, creating contra‐rotations and distortions of the octahedra containing titanium. This complex arrangement entails a substantial distortion, increasing as a function of cerium amount, which strongly influences the directions of titanium displacements, their local correlation and consequently their long‐range cooperative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The tablet PC represents a very popular mobile computing device, and together with other technologies it is changing the world of education. This study aimed to explore the acceptance of tablet PC of Italian high school students in order to outline the typical students' profiles and to compare the acceptance conveyed in two types of use (learning and communicative activities at school). Data were collected using an online survey that was filled out by students at home. Two hundred and ninety‐six students from six public high schools in Milan and surrounding suburbs voluntarily accepted to participate in the study. The results show a varied situation in the Italian schools despite the availability of and funding for the technology. Three clusters were identified with high, moderate and low acceptance of tablet PC and a comparison between such clusters revealed significant differences in gender, grade level and usage frequency. The groups showed also significant differences in relation to the uses of tablet PC at school that appeared coherent with their level of acceptance: students who have higher level of acceptance are those who use the tool more both for learning and communicative purposes. To conclude, students with lower acceptance probably need to better understand the opportunities offered by this technology and how to use it. Based on examining the data from the survey, preliminary recommendations are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Development of a reliable, simple method to monitor lung condition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Lung functionality assessment in CF patients is relevant, as most of them still die of respiratory failure. In lung mucus (sputum) of CF patients, components such as proteins, biopolymers, DNA, bacteria, and mucin are pathologically increased. As lung functionality is related to the amount of the pathological components in the sputum, their determination can help clinicians in monitoring lung condition and planning therapy. Methods: Low-field NMR was used to evaluate the variation of the relaxation time (T2m) of the water hydrogens present in CF sputum in relation to the amounts of the pathological components. Low-field NMR was tested in artificial samples (mucin or alginates), then in conditional sputum (saliva from healthy volunteers, added by different amounts of the pathological components), and finally in 12 patients’ sputums, in which T2m was correlated to a commonly used lung monitoring test (i.e., forced expiratory volume in the first second).Results: T2m significantly (P< 0.05) differed between samples with and without pathological components and between healthy and CF patients (P< 0.05), in which T2m correlated (r = 0.87) with FEV1.Conclusions: The presented method can potentially become a valuable lung-monitoring tool in CF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The open vegetation biomes, within the limits of the Chacoan subregion, occur along a diagonal in eastern South America covering a large range of environmental conditions. In order to contribute to the knowledge on the biodiversity of these open biomes, we analysed the phylogenetic relationships of the grasshopper genus Zoniopoda to the remaining South American Romaleinae, and examined the biogeographical patterns of diversification of the genus. The study is based on morphological and molecular (COI and H3) evidence, including 12 species of Zoniopoda and 17 species of four tribes of South American Romaleinae. We describe a new species of Zoniopoda, and test its taxonomic placement within the group. Results of our phylogenetic analyses recovered Zoniopoda as a monophyletic group with high support values. According to the dispersion–vicariance analysis, the ancestor of Zoniopoda may have been distributed in an area corresponding to the Chacoan and Cerrado provinces. A vicariant event, that could be explained by the uplift of the Brazilian Plateau and the subsidence of the Chaco, is hypothesized to have occurred splitting the ancestral distribution of Zoniopoda, resulting in the independent evolution of the Tarsata group within the Cerrado and the Iheringi group in the Chacoan subregion. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:FCFB4C5D-1741-46F1-8E25-B37ED2B9D872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing food crops to meet global demand and the search for more sustainable cropping systems are increasing the need for new cultivars in key production areas. This study presents the identification of rice traits putatively producing the largest yield benefits in five areas that markedly differ in terms of environmental conditions in the Philippines, India, China, Japan and Italy. The ecophysiological model WARM and sensitivity analysis techniques were used to evaluate phenotypic traits involved with light interception, photosynthetic efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stressors, resistance to fungal pathogens and grain quality. The analysis involved only model parameters that have a close relationship with phenotypic traits breeders are working on, to increase the in vivo feasibility of selected ideotypes. Current climate and future projections were considered, in the light of the resources required by breeding programs and of the role of weather variables in the identification of promising traits. Results suggest that breeding for traits involved with disease resistance, and tolerance to cold- and heat-induced spikelet sterility could provide benefits similar to those obtained from the improvement of traits involved with canopy structure and photosynthetic efficiency. In contrast, potential benefits deriving from improved grain quality traits are restricted by weather variability and markedly affected by G × E interactions. For this reason, district-specific ideotypes were identified using a new index accounting for both their productivity and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Recombinant peptides have the power to harness the inherent biocompatibility of natural macromolecules, while maintaining a defined chemistry for use in tissue engineering. Creating scaffolds from peptides requires stabilization via crosslinking, a process known to alter both mechanics and density of adhesion ligands. The chemistry and mechanics of linear scaffolds from a recombinant peptide based on human collagen type I (RCP) was investigated after crosslinking. Three treatments were compared: dehydrothermal treatment (DHT), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDIC), and genipin. With crosslinking, mechanical properties were not significantly altered, ranging from 1.9 to 2.7 kPa. However, the chemistry of the scaffolds was changed, affecting properties such as water uptake, and initial adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genipin crosslinking supported the lowest adhesion, especially during osteoblastic differentiation. While significantly altered, RCP scaffold chemistry did not affect osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs. After four weeks in vitro, all scaffolds showed excellent cellular infiltration, with up-regulated osteogenic markers (RUNX2, Osteocalcin, Collagen type I) and mineralization, regardless of the crosslinker. Thus, it appears that, without significant changes to mechanical properties, crosslinking chemistry did not regulate hMSC differentiation on scaffolds from recombinant peptides, a growing class of materials with the ability to expand the horizons of regenerative medicine. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1856-1866, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The F-box protein FBXW7 is the substrate-recruiting subunit of an SCF ubiquitin ligase and a major tumor-suppressor protein that is altered in several human malignancies. Loss of function of FBXW7 results in the stabilization of numerous proteins that orchestrate cell proliferation and survival. Little is known about proteins that directly regulate the function of this protein. In the current work, we have mapped the interactome of the enigmatic pseudophosphatase STYX. We reasoned that a catalytically inactive phosphatase might have adopted novel mechanisms of action. The STYX interactome contained several F-box proteins, including FBXW7. We show that STYX binds to the F-box domain of FBXW7 and disables its recruitment into the SCF complex. Therefore, STYX acts as a direct inhibitor of FBXW7, affecting the cellular levels of its substrates. Furthermore, we find that levels of STYX and FBXW7 are anti-correlated in breast cancer patients, which affects disease prognosis. We propose the STYX- FBXW7 interaction as a promising drug target for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The long pentraxin PTX3 is a key component of the humoral arm of innate immunity related to sepsis severity and mortality. We evaluated the clinical and prognostic significance of circulating PTX3 in the largest cohort ever reported of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Materials and methods Plasma PTX3 was measured on days 1, 2 and 7 after randomization of 958 patients to albumin or crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in the multicentre Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial. We tested the association of PTX3 and its changes over time with clinical severity, prevalent and incident organ dysfunctions, 90-day mortality and treatment. Results PTX3 was high at baseline (72 [33-186] ng/mL) and rose with the severity and number of organ dysfunctions ( P < 0·001) and the incidence of subsequent new failures. The PTX3 concentration dropped from day 1 to 7, but this decrease was less pronounced in patients with septic shock ( P = 0·0004). Higher concentrations of PTX3 on day 1 predicted incident organ dysfunctions. Albumin supplementation was associated with lower levels of PTX3 in patients with septic shock ( P = 0·005) but not in those without shock. In a fully adjusted multivariable model, PTX3 on day 7 predicted 90-day mortality. Smaller drops in PTX3 predicted higher 90-day mortality. Conclusions In severe sepsis and septic shock, early high PTX3 predict subsequent new organ failures, while a smaller drop in circulating PTX3 over time predicts an increased risk of death. Patients with septic shock show lower levels of PTX3 when assigned to albumin than to crystalloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the associations of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: 192 patients with primary RRD who underwent 3‐port pars plana vitrectomy were included; 112 patients developed PVR grade C1 or higher within 3 months from surgery (enrolled as PVR cases), and 80 patients did not develop PVR (enrolled as controls). Genotyping was performed for 9 SNPs with known or predicted functional effects across 7 genes important in antioxidant and inflammatory pathways. SOD2 (rs4880), CAT (rs1001179), GPX1 (rs1050450), IL1B (rs1143623, rs16944, rs1071676), MIR146A (rs2910164), IL6 (rs1800795) and TNF (rs1800629) were genotyped using a fluorescent‐based, competitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP, LGC Genomics, Hoddesdon, UK). For quality control, 10% of the samples were genotyped in duplicate, and all results were concordant. Results: Comparing the genotype frequencies between patients with or without PVR grade C1 or higher, 2 SNPs were found to be statistically significant: (1) SOD2 rs4880 (TT) (p‐value = 0.046; after adjustment = 0.021), as well as CC + TT (p‐value before and after adjustment = 0.05); and (2) IL1B rs1071676 (GC) (p‐value = 0.056; after adjustment = 0.034). Conclusions: Our data reveal association between polymorphisms in SOD2 and ILB1B and PVR. Further studies, in particular, expanded multicentric population‐based studies, would be necessary to elucidate the role of these findings in PVR development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research revealed complex diversification patterns in the parthenogenetic weevil Naupactus cervinus. To understand the origin of clonal diversity and successful spreading of this weevil, we investigated its geographic origin and possible dispersal routes and whether parthenogens can persist in habitats under unsuitable environmental conditions. This study is based on samples taken throughout a broad area of the species' range. We used both mitochondrial and nuclear markers and applied phylogenetic and network analyses to infer possible relationships between haplotypes. Bayesian phylogeographic analyses and ecological niche modeling were used to investigate the processes that shaped genetic diversity and enabled the colonization of new geographic areas. Southeastern Brazil emerges as the original distribution area of N. cervinus. We detected two range expansions, one along natural corridors during the Pleistocene and the other in countries outside South America during recent times. Isolation due to climate shifts during the early Pleistocene led to diversification in two divergent clades, which probably survived in different refugia of the Paranaense Forest and the Paraná River delta. The origin of the clonal diversity was probably a complex process including mutational diversification, hybridization, and secondary colonization. The establishment of N. cervinus in areas outside its native range may indicate adaptation to drier and cooler conditions. Parthenogenesis would be advantageous for the colonization of new environments by preventing the breakup of successful gene combinations. As in other insect pests, the present distribution of N. cervinus results from both its evolutionary history and its recent history related to human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of tumor cell dissemination and the contribution of membrane trafficking in this process are poorly understood. Through a functional siRNA screening of human RAB GTPases, we found that RAB2A, a protein essential for ER-to-Golgi transport, is critical in promoting proteolytic activity and 3D invasiveness of breast cancer (BC) cell lines. Remarkably, RAB2A is amplified and elevated in human BC and is a powerful and independent predictor of disease recurrence in BC patients. Mechanistically, RAB2A acts at two independent trafficking steps. Firstly, by interacting with VPS39, a key component of the late endosomal HOPS complex, it controls post-endocytic trafficking of membrane-bound MT1-MMP, an essential metalloprotease for matrix remodeling and invasion. Secondly, it further regulates Golgi transport of E-cadherin, ultimately controlling junctional stability, cell compaction, and tumor invasiveness. Thus, RAB2A is a novel trafficking determinant essential for regulation of a mesenchymal invasive program of BC dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of plant tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1a in genome stability is studied using a Medicago truncatula MtTdp1α-depleted line. Lack of MtTdp1α results in a 39% reduction of methylated cytosines as compared to control. RNA-Seq analyses revealed that 11 DNA transposons and 22 retrotransposons were differentially expressed in the Tdp1α-2a line. Among them all, DNA transposons (MuDR, hAT, DNA3-11_Mad) and seven retrotransposons (LTR (Long Terminal Repeat)/Gipsy, LTR/Copia, LTR and NonLTR/L1) were down-regulated, while the 15 retrotransposons were up regulated. Results suggest that the occurrence of stress-responsive cis-elements as well as changes in the methylation pattern at the LTR promoters might be responsible for the enhanced retrotransposon transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the Pocket LAI® smart app for estimating leaf area index ( LAI) in woody canopies. Location Northern Italy. Methods Pocket LAI - a smartphone application for LAI estimates based on gap fraction derived from the real-time processing of images acquired at 57° below the canopy - was tested on continuous forest stands, plantations, spotted shrub-lands and spotted tree-lands. LAI data from hemispherical photography (images post-processed with Can-eye software) were taken as reference values. Plants were clustered on the basis of leaf type and canopy structure. Results In general, Pocket LAI showed satisfactory performances in the case of broad-leaf plants ( R2 = 0.78, P < 0.001) for all shrub and tree clusters. On the other hand, poor results were obtained for conifers ( R2 = 0.16), likely because of the unfavourable leaf area to perimeter ratio. Best performances were observed for dense broad-leaf canopies characterized by a regular arrangement of crowns ( R2 = 0.95 for row-planted trees, R2 = 0.87 for tall forest trees), although satisfying results were achieved also in the case of canopies made irregular and non-homogeneous by pruning ( R2 = 0.73 for small fruit trees). Concerning shrubs, the agreement between Pocket LAI and hemispherical photography was higher for species with big leaves ( R2 = 0.72). Conclusions These results suggest that Pocket LAI can be an alternative to other methods in case of broad-leaf woody species, especially in contexts where resources and portability are key issues, whereas further improvements are required for conifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting rice ( Oryza sativa) productivity under future climates is important for global food security. Ecophysiological crop models in combination with climate model outputs are commonly used in yield prediction, but uncertainties associated with crop models remain largely unquantified. We evaluated 13 rice models against multi-year experimental yield data at four sites with diverse climatic conditions in Asia and examined whether different modeling approaches on major physiological processes attribute to the uncertainties of prediction to field measured yields and to the uncertainties of sensitivity to changes in temperature and CO2 concentration [ CO2]. We also examined whether a use of an ensemble of crop models can reduce the uncertainties. Individual models did not consistently reproduce both experimental and regional yields well, and uncertainty was larger at the warmest and coolest sites. The variation in yield projections was larger among crop models than variation resulting from 16 global climate model-based scenarios. However, the mean of predictions of all crop models reproduced experimental data, with an uncertainty of less than 10% of measured yields. Using an ensemble of eight models calibrated only for phenology or five models calibrated in detail resulted in the uncertainty equivalent to that of the measured yield in well-controlled agronomic field experiments. Sensitivity analysis indicates the necessity to improve the accuracy in predicting both biomass and harvest index in response to increasing [ CO2] and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 50% of all human microRNAs reside within introns of coding genes and are usually co-transcribed. Gene expression datasets, therefore, should contain a wealth of miRNA-relevant latent information, exploitable for many basic and translational research aims. The present study was undertaken to investigate this possibility. We developed an in silico approach to identify intronic-miRNAs relevant to breast cancer, using public gene expression datasets. This led to the identification of a miRNA signature for aggressive breast cancer, and to the characterization of novel roles of selected miRNAs in cancer-related biological phenotypes. Unexpectedly, in a number of cases, expression regulation of the intronic-miRNA was more relevant than the expression of their host gene. These results provide a proof of principle for the validity of our intronic miRNA mining strategy, which we envision can be applied not only to cancer research, but also to other biological and biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant height has a deep influence on the productivity of many crops, as it involves susceptibility to lodging, crop-weed competition, and the achievement of favorable harvest index. Nevertheless, modellers have practically ignored related ecophysiological processes, especially those modulated by management practices. The aim of this study was to analyze and model the processes involved with the effects of management on rice (Oryza sativa L.) elongation. Data were collected in two greenhouse experiments (2010-2011) where three factors (floodwater level, N fertilization, sowing density) were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. The model proposed demonstrated its suitability in reproducing both the dynamics involved with tissue elongation in the different phenological phases and the effects of submergence and N luxury consumption on elongation rates. Relative root mean square error (RRMSE) ranged between 4.23 and 12.41% for different treatments and years. The inclusion of algorithms for the impact of agronomic practices on plant height in cropping system models would increase their suitability for scenario analyses and for in silico ideotyping studies, owing to the great interest shown by geneticists in related traits. Moreover, this study--performed with students of a Cropping Systems MS course-- demonstrated once more the power of modeling within educational activities. In this case, models were not the subject of the teaching but tools for analyzing processes and formalizing new knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The West African States recognize the importance of social protection and its dual social and economic function; a perspective that coincides fully with the topic of this special issue on Dynamic Social Security. Between 2007 and 2013 theses States developed national social protection policies, strategies or action plans and are now engaged in their implementation. This article reviews these national social protection policies (or strategies) in ten countries in the sub-region ( Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d' Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal and Togo) and presents their contents, revealing a similarity of approach in the development of policies. Specifically, after having carried out a diagnostic study of social protection in their respective countries, the States followed seven distinct stages: defining a national vision, defining precisely what is meant by social protection, laying down the principles on which policies were to be based and finally setting out the general objectives, key areas and mechanisms for implementing and financing their national social protection policies. Following these stages, this comparative study seeks to outline the main trends and key elements of the national social protection policies and bring out best practices to provide a basic structure and general guidelines for developing a national social protection policy, implementing a social protection floor and promoting access to higher levels of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of tools for evaluating the sustainability of cropping systems is fundamental to providing reliable information on crop performance. In this study, an integrated index [Performance Index ( PI)] was developed based on environmental, production and cost variables. In this approach, data are aggregated using a fuzzy logic-based procedure to deal with the inherent subjectivity at each aggregation step. The PI was tested for three cropping systems in the Po Valley (northern Italy) where maize was grown using minimum tillage, sod seeding and conventional tillage. The methodology proved to be effective for evaluating the three systems. In contrast to other methods for evaluating cropping systems such as those based on agro-ecological indicators ( AEIs), direct aggregation of measured variables reduces the risk of losing information because the level of abstraction in the mathematical formalization of AEIs is usually higher. This advantage is counterbalanced by an increase in the data needed for the evaluation process. The use of domain experts and the mathematical management of subjective decisions should encourage the use of the methodology in other regions and cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]