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The lifetime of the elements made of Ni-base superalloys can be strongly increased by introducing compressive stresses. Such stresses increase the resistance of cracks nucleation and formation during cyclic loads. Therefore, it is important to know how the stresses in the cold rolled Ni-based superalloys evolve during the service. Ni-base superalloys are dedicated to the usage at elevated temperature. However, exposing the Ni-based superalloys to high temperature results in their oxidation. So far, not a single work on the studies of the residual stress evolution in the Ni-based superalloys during cycling oxidation at high temperature was performed. Thus in the present study the residual stress in the materials in the as-received conditions and the changes in the residual stresses during cycling oxidation of IN 625 and IN 718 at 1273 K in air was investigated and described. The obtained results showed differences in the residual stresses level measured for investigated alloys. It was also found that thermal cycling of studied alloys influences the residual stresses. However even after the end of the test, the measured residual stresses were still compressive. Slightly different oxidation resistance was found for the studied alloys, namely, IN 718 was found to be more prone to oxide scale spallation. The latter was correlated with different alloy chemical composition, which results in formation of δ - phase in IN 718. The dissolution of δ - phase during high temperature exposure resulted in formation of sub-scale enriched with Nb and Ti in the near oxide scale/substrate interface. The latter was claimed to have a negative effect on oxide scale adherence.

Air velocity and temperature distributions inside operating rooms (ORs) play a crucial role to reduce the risk of infections and to ensure adequate comfort conditions for patient and medical staff. In this work, the authors have developed a three-dimensional thermo-fluid dynamic model to simulate airflow and thermal comfort in an actual OR equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. The model takes into account the presence of surgical lights, people and equipment within the room. An experimental campaign is carried out inside the actual OR to measure velocity and temperature, to be employed as boundary conditions for the numerical model. The experimental data have also been used to validate the numerical results. The validated model has been used to analyze the effects of human shape, thermal boundary conditions and buoyancy forces on the main thermal and fluid dynamic quantities in the OR. The thermal comfort is evaluated based on Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) indices. The results prove that the present experimental-numerical approach is useful to analyze and improve the thermal comfort conditions for medical staff and patient.

Air and water constitute acoustic propagation media with very different physical properties. Consequently, mechanisms for air- and water-borne sound generation observed in terrestrial and aquatic animals are also significantly different. Notwithstanding, some amphibious species are capable of making efficient use of their vocal tracts in both environments. The present study investigates such a phenomenon on the example of grey seals Halichoerus grypus. Grey seals vocalise both underwater and above the water surface emitting variety of sounds. Both kinds of vocalisations were recorded using microphones and hydrophones, and analysed for their acoustic parameters which could be related to the underlying generation mechanisms. Also, video with synchronised underwater audio recordings were captured, allowing to link the acoustic phenomena with specific behaviour of the animals. The vocalisations are categorised into three groups based on differences in acoustic characteristics. Temporal and spectral parameters of the sounds belonging to each group are determined and discussed in terms of potential underlying generation mechanisms. Based on the adopted criteria surface vocalisations do not constitute a separate group but are categorised together with other tonal sounds produced underwater. Other two vocalisation groups include pulsed sounds with different bandwidths, duration times, repetition rates and associated behavioural signatures.

In 2017, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration succeeded in capturing the first direct image of the center of the M87 galaxy. The asymmetric ring morphology and size are consistent with theoretical expectations for a weakly accreting supermassive black hole of mass ∼6.5 × 109 M o˙. The EHTC also partnered with several international facilities in space and on the ground, to arrange an extensive, quasi-simultaneous multi-wavelength campaign. This Letter presents the results and analysis of this campaign, as well as the multi-wavelength data as a legacy data repository. We captured M87 in a historically low state, and the core flux dominates over HST-1 at high energies, making it possible to combine core flux constraints with the more spatially precise very long baseline interferometry data. We present the most complete simultaneous multi-wavelength spectrum of the active nucleus to date, and discuss the complexity and caveats of combining data from different spatial scales into one broadband spectrum. We apply two heuristic, isotropic leptonic single-zone models to provide insight into the basic source properties, but conclude that a structured jet is necessary to explain M87's spectrum. We can exclude that the simultaneous γ-ray emission is produced via inverse Compton emission in the same region producing the EHT mm-band emission, and further conclude that the γ-rays can only be produced in the inner jets (inward of HST-1) if there are strongly particle-dominated regions. Direct synchrotron emission from accelerated protons and secondaries cannot yet be excluded. © 2021. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society..

Background: The analysis aims to diagnose problems occurring in the spatial planning system in a broader context. The problems concerning the use of spatial policy tools (at the local level) were verified from the perspective of the criteria of planning culture, assuming that the diagnoses referring only to the legal sphere, without taking into account the institutional context are insufficient. Research purpose: The work aims to provide a synthesis, to take a new look at problems burdening the Polish spatial planning system. An attempt was made to isolate the problems of the spatial planning system from the perspective related to three dimensions of planning culture. Methods: A review of the literature on the subject in the field of urban, economic, legal, and public policy issues was carried out. After a general analysis, based on the proposed criteria, the application of three key regulations in this context of the Spatial Planning and Land Development Act was verified and assessed. Conclusions: From the perspective of the criteria of planning culture, it is noticeable how the original statutory intentions were modified during the application of individual provisions. Correlated with this phenomenon is both the lack of real protection of spatial order, as well as the low level of social capital in the local sphere.

Mounting research highlights the contribution of ecosystem services provided by urban forests to quality of life in cities, yet these services are rarely explicitly considered in environmental policy targets. We quantify regulating services provided by urban forests and evaluate their contribution to comply with policy targets of air quality and climate change mitigation in the municipality of Barcelona, Spain. We apply the i-Tree Eco model to quantify in biophysical and monetary terms the ecosystem services "air purification," "global climate regulation,"and the ecosystem disservice "air pollution" associated with biogenic emissions. Our results show that the contribution of urban forests regulating services to abate pollution is substantial in absolute terms, yet modest when compared to overall city levels of air pollution and GHG emissions. We conclude that in order to be effective, green infrastructure-based efforts to offset urban pollution at the municipal level have to be coordinated with territorial policies at broader spatial scales. ©The Author(s) 2014.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an orphan disease lacking effective systemic treatment options. The low incidence of the disease and high cost of clinical trials are major obstacles in the search for improved treatment strategies. As a novel approach, registry-based clinical trials have been introduced in clinical research, so allowing for significant cost reduction, but without compromising scientific benefit. Herein, we describe how the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENSAT) could transform its current registry into one fit for a clinical trial infrastructure. The rationale to perform randomized registry-based trials in ACC is outlined including an analysis of relevant limitations and challenges. We summarize a survey on this concept among ENSAT members who expressed a strong interest in the concept and rated its scientific potential as high. Legal aspects, including ethical approval of registry-based randomization were identified as potential obstacles. Finally, we describe three potential randomized registry-based clinical trials in an adjuvant setting and for advanced disease with a high potential to be executed within the framework of an advanced ENSAT registry. Thus we, therefore, provide the basis for future registry-based trials for ACC patients. This could ultimately provide proof-of-principle of how to perform more effective randomized trials for an orphan disease. © 2021 BioScientifica Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Trees and urban forests remove particulate matter (PM) from the air through the deposition of particles on the leaf surface, thus helping to improve air quality and reduce respiratory problems in urban areas. Leaf deposited PM, in turn, is either resuspended back into the atmosphere, washed off during rain events or transported to the ground with litterfall. The net amount of PM removed depends on crown and leaf characteristics, air pollution concentration, and weather conditions, such as wind speed and precipitation. Many existing deposition models, such as i-Tree Eco, calculate PM2.5 removal using a uniform deposition velocity function and resuspension rate for all tree species, which vary based on leaf area and wind speed. However, model results are seldom validated with experimental data. In this study, we compared i-Tree Eco calculations of PM2.5 deposition with fluxes determined by eddy covariance assessments (canopy scale) and particulate matter accumulated on leaves derived from measurements of vacuum/filtration technique as well as scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (leaf scale). These investigations were carried out at the Capodimonte Royal Forest in Naples. Modeled and measured fluxes showed good overall agreement, demonstrating that net deposition mostly happened in the first part of the day when atmospheric PM concentration is higher, followed by high resuspension rates in the second part of the day, corresponding with increased wind speeds. The sensitivity analysis of the model parameters showed that a better representation of PM deposition fluxes could be achieved with adjusted deposition velocities. It is also likely that the standard assumption of a complete removal of particulate matter, after precipitation events that exceed the water storage capacity of the canopy (Ps), should be reconsidered to better account for specific leaf traits. These results represent the first validation of i-Tree Eco PM removal with experimental data and are a starting point for improving the model parametrization and the estimate of particulate matter removed by urban trees.

Cytokine storm in COVID-19 is linked to disease severity and mortality. 40% of patients with severe COVID-19 require mechanical ventilation. Analgesia and sedation are used for treatment of pain, facilitation of mechanical ventilation, or management of acute agitation. Herein, we present the immunomodulating actions of morphine that may either improve or worsen the clinical course of COVID-19 once cytokine storm develops. A literature search was performed to find articles on potential immunomodulatory effects of morphine. Taken together, the results of in vitro and in vivo models in non-COVID-19 conditions suggest that morphine could have a beneficial effect by mitigating the cytokine storm in the early stages of severe COVID-19. In contrast, it could be potentially harmful in late stages of severe COVID-19, especially in the presence of septic shock.

We demonstrate spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) arrays achieving 2.8e-10 write error rate (WER) performance at 3 ns write duration at a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) diameter of 40 nm. The bit-to-bit distribution of the write voltage at a WER of 1e-6 is characterized by a relative standard deviation of 3.7% for W0 and 4.5% for W1, sufficient to meet the write voltage distribution requirement for last-level cache (LLC) applications at 1x nm nodes.

Summary Introduction Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common, heritable and preventable cause of premature coronary artery disease, with significant potential for positive impact on public health and healthcare savings. New clinical practice recommendations are presented in an abridged guidance to assist practitioners in enhancing the care of all patients with FH. Main recommendations Core recommendations are made on the detection, diagnosis, assessment and management of adults, children and adolescents with FH. There is a key role for general practitioners (GPs) working in collaboration with specialists with expertise in lipidology. Advice is given on genetic and cholesterol testing and risk notification of biological relatives undergoing cascade testing for FH; all healthcare professionals should develop skills in genomic medicine. Management is under-pinned by the precepts of risk stratification, adherence to healthy lifestyles, treatment of non-cholesterol risk factors, and appropriate use of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol lowering therapies, including statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. Recommendations on service design are provided in the full guidance. Potential impact on care of FH These recommendations need to be utilised using judicious clinical judgement and shared decision making with patients and families. Models of care need to be adapted to both local and regional needs and resources. In Australia new government funded schemes for genetic testing and use of PCSK9 inhibitors, as well as the National Health Genomics Policy Framework, will enable adoption of these recommendations. A broad implementation science strategy is, however, required to ensure that the guidance translates into benefit for all families with FH.

Ethanol misuse is frequently associated with a multitude of profound medical conditions, contributing to health-, individual- and social-related damage. A particularly dangerous threat from this classification is coined as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), a liver condition caused by prolonged alcohol overconsumption, involving several pathological stages induced by alcohol metabolic byproducts and sustained cellular intoxication. Molecular, pathological mechanisms of ALD principally root in the innate immunity system and are especially associated with enhanced functionality of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. NF-κB is an interesting and convoluted DNA transcription regulator, promoting both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Thus, the abundancy of studies in recent years underlines the importance of NF-κB in inflammatory responses and the mechanistic stimulation of inner molecular motifs within the factor components. Hereby, in the following review, we would like to put emphasis on the correlation between the NF-κB inflammation signaling pathway and ALD progression. We will provide the reader with the current knowledge regarding the chronic and acute alcohol consumption patterns, the molecular mechanisms of ALD development, the involvement of the NF-κB pathway and its enzymatic regulators. Therefore, we review various experimental in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the research on ALD, including the recent active compound treatments and the genetic modification approach. Furthermore, our investigation covers a few human studies.

The aim of this study was to identify how the literature analyzes (identifies, evaluates, forecasts, etc.) the relationship between health issues and urban policy in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Four main levels were identified in these cases: (1) direct demands for changes in health care, (2) social issues, (3) spatial organization and (4) redefining the tasks of public authority in the face of identified challenges. The basic working method used in the study assumed a critical analysis of the literature on the subject. The time scope of the search covered articles from January 2020 to the end of August 2021 (thus covering the period of three pandemic waves). Combinations of keywords in the titles were used to search for articles. The health perspective pointed to the need for urban policies to develop a balance between health and economic costs and for coordination between different professionals/areas. A prerequisite for such a balance in cities is the carrying out of social and spatial analyses. These should illustrate the diversity of the social situations in individual cities (and more broadly in urban areas, including, sometimes, large suburbs) and the diversity’s relationship (both in terms of causes and consequences) to the severity of pandemics and other health threats.

Trees provide critical contributions to human well-being. They sequester and store greenhouse gasses, filter air pollutants, provide wood, food, and other products, among other benefits. These benefits are threatened by climate change, fires, pests and pathogens. To quantify the current value of the flow of ecosystem services from U.S. trees, and the threats they face, we combine macroevolutionary and economic valuation approaches using spatially explicit data about tree species and lineages. We find that the value of five key ecosystem services with adequate data generated by US trees is $114 billion per annum (low: $85 B; high: $137 B; 2010 USD). The non-market value of trees from carbon storage and air pollution removal far exceed their commercial value from wood products and food crops. Two lineages—pines and oaks—account for 42% of the value of these services. The majority of species face threats from climate change, many face increasing fire risk, and known pests and pathogens threaten 40% of total woody biomass. The most valuable US tree species and lineages are among those most threatened by known pests and pathogens, with species most valuable for carbon storage most at risk from increasing fire threat. High turnover of tree species across the continent results in a diverse set of species distributed across the tree of life contributing to ecosystem services in the U.S. The high diversity of taxa across U.S. forests may be important in buffering ecosystem service losses if and when the most valuable lineages are compromised.

In this work, the laboratory test rig for visualisation of the CO2 ejector is shortly presented. The internal flow structures in the premixing chamber and expansion cone are visualised using two different measurement arrangements, i.e. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system and high-speed camera system. Both systems allow to determine some characteristic features of the R744 flows and propose some important quantities (i.e. expansion and mixing angles) describing expansion and mixing processes. Potentials of those preliminary results for field validation data are also pointed out.

There is an extensive and rapidly growing body of literature on renewable energy [...]

Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies, found in patients with autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), can directly contribute to disease pathology through activation of the classical complement pathway. Activation of the complement pathway in autoimmune diseases can lead to a secondary complement deficiency resulting in reduced complement activity, due to consumption, during episodes of disease activity. It is not clear whether complement activity in MG patients associates with measurements of disease activity or the titer of circulating pathogenic AChR autoantibodies. To explore such associations, as a means to identify a candidate biomarker, we measured complement activity in AChR MG samples (N = 51) using a CH50 hemolysis assay, then tested associations between these values and both clinical status and AChR autoantibody titer. The majority of the study subjects (88.2%) had complement activity within the range defined by healthy controls, while six patients (11.8%) showed reduced activity. No significant association between complement activity and disease status or AChR autoantibody titer was observed.

International audience; he distribution of urban ecosystem services (UES) is often uneven across socioeconomic groups, leading to environmental justice issues. Understanding the distribution of UES across a landscape can help managers ensure an equitable distribution of services. While many past studies have focused on the distribution of green spaces in relation to socioeconomic variables, this research analyzes the distribution of UES provided by these green spaces. This research quantified air pollution removal, atmospheric carbon reduction, and surface runoff mitigation provided by urban trees in Strasbourg city (France). The provision of these three UES was studied at the census block scale by creating an index of UES delivery, which was contrasted with a constructed social deprivation index. Our results show that there is no significant association between the delivery of UES and social deprivation. Some deprived populations benefit from high UES delivery. Results also suggest that mapping associations between UES delivery and social deprivation should be integrated with future development plans to enhance the equitable distribution of UES. This study provides insights into the French context where studies about the distribution of UES at a small-area level remain lacking

Background In several preclinical and in vitro models of acute inflammation, alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) has been described as an immunomodulatory agent. Similarly, in different pathologies, clinical observations have confirmed either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects of EtOH. The liver plays an important role in immunity and alcohol metabolism; therefore, we analysed dose- and time-dependent effects of EtOH on the inflammatory response of human liver cells in an in vitro model of acute inflammation. Methods HepG2 cells were stimulated with IL-1β and subsequently exposed to EtOH in a low or high dose (85 mM, LoD or 170 mM, HiD) for 1 h (acute exposure) or 72 h (prolonged exposure). IL-6 and TNF-α release was determined by ELISA. Cell viability, adhesion of isolated neutrophils to HepG2 monolayers, their ICAM-1 expression, and the activation of stress-induced protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were analysed. Results In this experimental design, EtOH did not markedly change the cell viability. Acute and prolonged exposure to EtOH significantly reduced dose-independent IL-1β-induced IL-6 and TNF-α release, as well as adhesion capacity to pretreated HepG2 cells. Acute exposure to EtOH significantly decreased the percentage of ICAM-1-expressing cells. IL-1β stimulation notably increased the activation of SAPK/JNK. However, low-dose EtOH exposure reduced this activation considerably, in contradiction to high-dose EtOH exposure. Acute exposure to LoD EtOH significantly diminished the IL-1β-induced STAT3 activation, whereas an acute exposure of cells to either HiD EtOH or in a prolonged setting showed no effects on STAT3 activation. Conclusion EtOH exerts anti-inflammatory potential in this in vitro model of hepatic inflammation. These effects are associated with the reduced activation of JNK/STAT3 by EtOH, particularly in the condition of acute exposure to low-dose EtOH.

Background and aims: An inverse relationship between lipid levels and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been suggested, but whether the association is upheld for all age groups remains unclear. The aim of the study was to examine associations between lipid levels and AF by age groups in a nationwide study in Poland. Methods: Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) for AF by lipid levels. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were grouped into quartiles. Results: Of the 13,724 participants, 5.2% (n = 708) had AF. People with AF were older with more comorbidities, but lower lipid levels (all p < 0.05). The prevalence of AF was inversely associated with LDL-C (Adjusted PR (95% Confidence Interval) highest versus lowest quartile: 0.60 (0.48, 0.75)), TC (0.61 (0.49, 0.75)) and non-HDL-C (0.63 (0.51, 0.78)). The prevalence of AF was inversely associated with HDL-C (0.58 (0.46, 0.74)), but this was not statistically significant for people aged 75 years and older. For the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, the prevalence of AF was only inversely associated with higher levels for people aged 75 years and older (0.75 (0.61, 0.94)). There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of AF by TG levels. Conclusions: The results suggest an inverse relationship between lipid levels and AF. The inverse association between higher HDL-C and AF was only significant for people aged

Urban forests provide different ecosystem services, such as the removal of atmospheric pollutants, carbon sequestration, water and microclimate regulation, and habitat for wildlife. This improves environmental quality and the well-being of the population. In this study, the structure of the urban forest of the Aburrá Valley was analyzed and its contribution to the removal of atmospheric pollutants was estimated and valued using the i-Tree Eco software. For this purpose, 398 forest sampling plots were established and secondary information on climatic and pollution conditions was used. A 23% tree cover was found in the study area and a removal of 228 tons of pollutants per year (approximate value of 2.1 million USD). Finally, strategies are recommended for the optimization of this service and the creation of mechanisms to compensate for the loss of tree cover.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a dominant and highly penetrant monogenic disorder present from birth that markedly elevates plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration and, if untreated, leads to premature atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). There are approximately 100,000 people with FH in Australia. However, an overwhelming majority of those affected remain undetected and inadequately treated, consistent with FH being a leading challenge for public health genomics. To further address the unmet need, we provide an updated guidance, presented as a series of systematically collated recommendations, on the care of patients and families with FH. These recommendations have been informed by an exponential growth in published works and new evidence over the last 5 years and are compatible with a contemporary global call to action on FH. Recommendations are given on the detection, diagnosis, assessment and management of FH in adults and children. Recommendations are also made on genetic testing and risk notification of biological relatives who should undergo cascade testing for FH. Guidance on management is based on the concepts of risk re-stratification, adherence to heart healthy lifestyles, treatment of non-cholesterol risk factors, and safe and appropriate use of LDL-cholesterol lowering therapies, including statins, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors and lipoprotein apheresis. Broad recommendations are also provided for the organisation and development of health care services. Recommendations on best practice need to be underpinned by good clinical judgment and shared decision making with patients and families. Models of care for FH need to be adapted to local and regional health care needs and available resources. A comprehensive and realistic implementation strategy, informed by further research, including assessments of cost-benefit, will be required to ensure that this new guidance benefits all Australian families with or at risk of FH.

Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model organism in which to address the genetics of cardiac patterning and heart development. This system allows the pairing of live imaging with the myriad available genetic and transgenic techniques to not only identify the genes that are critical for heart development, but to assess their impact on heart function in living organisms. There are several described methods to assess cardiac function in Drosophila. However, these approaches are restricted to imaging of mid- to late-instar larval and adult hearts. This technical hurdle therefore does not allow for the recording and analysis of cardiac function in embryos bearing strong mutations that do not hatch into larvae. Our technical innovation lies in transgenically labeling the cells of the Drosophila heart and using line scan-based confocal imaging to repeatedly image the walls of the heart. By plotting this line scan as a kymograph, heart contractions can be visualized and assayed, thereby allowing for quantification of physiological defects. This method can be used to obtain physiological data from known mutations that affect cardiac development yet are incapable of hatching into larvae for conventional analysis.•Use transgenic methods to label heart proper walls•Use high-speed line scanning to capture position of heart proper walls•Create X vs. time plot to visualize and quantify contractions over imaging period., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Significance: Practical implementation of acousto-optic imaging (AOI) encounters difficulties that prevent it from rapid adoption in clinical use. In many practical medical applications, the region of interest may be accessed only from one side, and using a water tank for coupling is not feasible. The solution might be to use reflection-mode imaging with an electronically scanned ultrasound (US) focus. Such an approach, however, entails considerable challenges. Aim: The possibilities of detecting and localizing light-absorbing inclusions inside turbid media by combining reflection-mode AOI conducted using a one-dimensional US array with electronic scanning of the US focus are investigated experimentally and signal processing algorithms that could be used for this purpose are introduced. Approach: We determine the speckle contrast decrease due to the acousto-optic effect as a function of the US focal point coordinates. Different signal postprocessing techniques are investigated. Results: A significant decrease in the determined speckle contrast difference values is observed due to the presence of light-absorbing inclusions. However, local minima occur in the plots only under specific conditions. Subtracting individual distributions and determining symmetry deviations allow for localizing the inclusions. Conclusions: Detection and localization of optically distinct regions are possible using the introduced approach. Signal postprocessing is required in a general case.

Ovine congenital progressive muscular dystrophy (OCPMD) was first described in Merino sheep flocks in Queensland and Western Australia in the 1960s and 1970s. The most prominent feature of the disease is a distinctive gait with stiffness of the hind limbs that can be seen as early as 3 weeks after birth. The disease is progressive. Histopathological examination had revealed dystrophic changes specifically in type I (slow) myofibres, while electron microscopy had demonstrated abundant nemaline bodies. Therefore, it was never certain whether the disease was a dystrophy or a congenital myopathy with dystrophic features. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of OCPMD sheep and identified a single base deletion at the splice donor site (+ 1) of intron 13 in the type I myofibre-specific TNNT1 gene (KT218690 c.614 + 1delG). All affected sheep were homozygous for this variant. Examination of TNNT1 splicing by RT-PCR showed intron retention and premature termination, which disrupts the highly conserved 14 amino acid C-terminus. The variant did not reduce TNNT1 protein levels or affect its localization but impaired its ability to modulate muscle contraction in response to Ca2+ levels. Identification of the causative variant in TNNT1 finally clarifies that the OCPMD sheep is in fact a large animal model of TNNT1 congenital myopathy. This model could now be used for testing molecular or gene therapies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40478-020-01017-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The influence of surface roughness on its high temperature oxidation for an Ni-base superalloy was studied using laser profilometry, atomic force microscopy, mass change measurements, glow-discharge optical emission spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and positron annihilation methods. The isothermal and cyclic air oxidation tests were performed at 1000 &deg, C and showed dependence of oxidation behavior on surface roughness. Smoother surfaces oxidation resulted in the formation of a multilayered oxide scale consisting of NiO, Cr2O3, and internally oxidized Al2O3 while a rougher surface formed protective Al2O3 scale. The factors responsible for different oxidation behaviors were determined as higher concentration of vacancies and increased residual stresses in the near-surface region of studied alloys.

Urban tree cover provides benefits to human health and well-being, but previous studies suggest that tree cover is often inequitably distributed. Here, we use National Agriculture Imagery Program digital ortho photographs to survey the tree cover inequality for Census blocks in US large urbanized areas, home to 167 million people across 5,723 municipalities and other Census-designated places. We compared tree cover to summer land surface temperature, as measured using Landsat imagery. In 92% of the urbanized areas surveyed, low-income blocks have less tree cover than high-income blocks. On average, low-income blocks have 15.2% less tree cover and are 1.5⁰C hotter than high-income blocks. The greatest difference between low- and high-income blocks was found in urbanized areas in the Northeast of the United States, where low-income blocks in some urbanized areas have 30% less tree cover and are 4.0⁰C hotter. Even after controlling for population density and built-up intensity, the positive association between income and tree cover is significant, as is the positive association between proportion non-Hispanic white and tree cover. We estimate, after controlling for population density, that low-income blocks have 62 million fewer trees than high-income blocks, equal to a compensatory value of $56 billion ($1,349/person). An investment in tree planting and natural regeneration of $17.6 billion would be needed to close the tree cover disparity, benefitting 42 million people in low-income blocks.

The aim of this paper is to propose a new non-invasive methodology to estimate thermogenesis in newborns with perinatal asphyxia (PA) undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Metabolic heat production (with respect to either a neonate’s body mass or its body surface) is calculated from the newborn’s heat balance, estimating all remaining terms of this heat balance utilising results of only non-invasive thermal measurements. The measurement devices work with standard equipment used for therapeutic hypothermia and are equipped with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which allows one to record and monitor the course of the therapy remotely (using an internet browser) without disturbing the medical personnel. This methodology allows one to estimate thermogenesis in newborns with perinatal asphyxia undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. It also offers information about instantaneous values of the rate of cooling together with values of remaining rates of heat transfer. It also shows the trend of any changes, which are recorded during treatment. Having information about all components of the heat balance one is able to facilitate comparison of results obtained for different patients, in whom these components may differ. The proposed method can be a new tool for measuring heat balance with the possibility of offering better predictions regarding short-term neurologic outcomes and tailored management in newborns treated by TH.

This paper is based on the results of an extensive (840-page) report of the Committee on National Spatial Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, entitled Studies on Spatial Chaos (edited by A. Kowalewski, T, Markowski and P. Śleszyński&mdash, Studia KPZK PAN, vol. 182, Warsaw 2018&mdash, in Polish). Its aim was to conduct a comprehensive and detailed study on the problem of spatial chaos (spatial disorder), including an estimate of economic costs in Poland. For this purpose, literature was queried (articles and reports, etc.) and special analyses were prepared for this purpose. The total annual costs of spatial chaos were estimated at not less than 20 billion euros per year. The conclusions also proposed solutions and suggestions (for the government and local governments), which may reduce the acute costs of spatial chaos in society and economy.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical autoantibody mediated disease. The autoantibodies in MG target structures within the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), thus affecting neuromuscular transmission. The major disease subtypes of autoimmune MG are defined by their antigenic target. The most common target of pathogenic autoantibodies in MG is the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), followed by muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) and lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4). MG patients present with similar symptoms independent of the underlying subtype of disease, while the immunopathology is remarkably distinct. Here we highlight these distinct immune mechanisms that describe both the B cell- and autoantibody-mediated pathogenesis by comparing AChR and MuSK MG subtypes. In our discussion of the AChR subtype, we focus on the role of long-lived plasma cells in the production of pathogenic autoantibodies, the IgG1 subclass mediated pathology, and contributions of complement. The similarities underlying the immunopathology of AChR MG and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are highlighted. In contrast, MuSK MG is caused by autoantibody production by short-lived plasmablasts. MuSK MG autoantibodies are mainly of the IgG4 subclass which can undergo Fab-arm exchange (FAE), a process unique to this subclass. In FAE IgG4, molecules can dissociate into two halves and recombine with other half IgG4 molecules resulting in bispecific antibodies. Similarities between MuSK MG and other IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases, including pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), are highlighted. Finally, the immunological distinctions are emphasized through presentation of biological therapeutics that provide clinical benefit depending on the MG disease subtype.

As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United States has been reporting an economy-wide Inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals since the mid-1990s (US EPA 2020). Forest land, harvested wood products (HWPs), and urban trees within the land sector collectively represent the largest net carbon (C) sink in the United States, offsetting more than 11 percent of total GHG emissions annually (US EPA 2020). Estimates of GHG emissions and removals are compiled by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service researchers and are based primarily on National Forest Inventory (NFI) data collected and maintained by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program within the USDA Forest Service. This report--the second in a new series of annual updates--provides an overview of the status and trends of GHG emissions and removals from forest land, woodlands in the grassland category, HWPs, and urban trees in settlements in the United States from 1990 to 2018. The estimates for the United States summarized here are based on the compilation reported in the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry chapter of the US EPA (2020) submission to the UNFCCC. New in this report, most of the national scale estimates are also reported by individual U.S. state (Fig. 1) and are available online for the entire 1990-2018 time series (see appendix).

Background: In the phase III eculizumab for refractory generalized myasthenia gravis REGAIN study [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01997229] and its open-label extension (OLE) [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02301624], patients with treatment-refractory antiacetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis had clinically meaningful improvements with eculizumab versus placebo. This subgroup analysis evaluated data from patients with a recent history of chronic intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) use before study entry. Methods: The subgroup comprised patients who had received IVIg at least four times in 1 year, with at least one IVIg treatment cycle during the 6 months before the first REGAIN study dose. Data from REGAIN and the OLE were analyzed. Response to eculizumab versus placebo was assessed using four validated, disease-specific measures. Incidences of exacerbations and safety endpoints were recorded. Results: The subgroup had similar patient and disease characteristics as the overall REGAIN population. Clinical assessments showed sustained eculizumab efficacy during REGAIN and the OLE over 18 months. Patients receiving placebo in REGAIN experienced rapid improvements in assessment scores when treated with eculizumab in the OLE. There was a lower rate of disease exacerbations with eculizumab than with placebo during REGAIN, and eculizumab was well tolerated. Conclusion: Eculizumab treatment, compared with placebo, results in meaningful clinical improvements and fewer disease exacerbations for patients who previously received chronic IVIg. Trial registration: REGAIN [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01997229]; REGAIN open-label extension [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02301624].

The Ni-base superalloys facing high temperature require further protection against high temperature oxidation. One of the most common methods providing high temperature oxidation resistance is the production of aluminide layers (NiAl-coatings). It is known that the thickness of produced diffusion layer can be controlled by the temperature and time of aluminization process. However, no research on the effect of surface roughness on aluminization kinetics was conducted so far. Then, to elucidate the effect of surface roughness on aluminization kinetics, diffusion layers were obtained by an in-pack aluminization method on the IN 617 alloy with differently prepared surfaces, namely polished, ground using 220 grit SiC paper and 80 grit SiC paper. The obtained results revealed that different surface preparation does not affect the chemical and phase composition of produced layers. However, a strong influence of surface preparation method on aluminide layers thicknesses was observed. Namely, it was found that the increase in substrate surface roughness results in an increase of aluminization kinetics. The dependence between surface roughness and thickness of aluminide layers was found to be logarithmic. Moreover, it was found that the aluminization kinetics is influenced, especially at early stages of the aluminization process.

Importance Many patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) have substantial clinical disability, persistent disease burden, and adverse effects attributable to chronic immunosuppression. Therefore, there is a significant need for targeted, well-tolerated therapies with the potential to improve disease control and enhance quality of life. Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of zilucoplan, a subcutaneously (SC) self-administered macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of complement component 5, in a broad population of patients with moderate to severe gMG. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial at 25 study sites across North America recruited participants between December 2017 and August 2018. Fifty-seven patients were screened, of whom 12 did not meet inclusion criteria and 1 was lost to follow-up after randomization but before receiving study drug, resulting in a total of 44 acetylcholine receptor autoantibody (AChR-Ab)–positive patients with gMG with baseline Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores of at least 12, regardless of treatment history. Interventions Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to a daily SC self-injection of placebo, 0.1-mg/kg zilucoplan, or 0.3-mg/kg zilucoplan for 12 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary and key secondary end points were the change from baseline to week 12 in QMG and MG Activities of Daily Living scores, respectively. Significance testing was prespecified at a 1-sided α of .10. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Results The study of 44 patients was well balanced across the 3 treatment arms with respect to key demographic and disease-specific variables. The mean age of patients across all 3 treatment groups ranged from 45.5 to 54.6 years and most patients were white (average proportions across 3 treatment groups: 78.6%-86.7%). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in primary and key secondary efficacy end points were observed. Zilucoplan at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg SC daily resulted in a mean reduction from baseline of 6.0 points in the QMG score (placebo-corrected change, –2.8;P = .05) and 3.4 points in the MG Activities of Daily Living score (placebo-corrected change, –2.3;P = .04). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements were also observed in other secondary end points, the MG Composite and MG Quality-of-Life scores. Outcomes for the 0.1-mg/kg SC daily dose were also statistically significant but slower in onset and less pronounced than with the 0.3-mg/kg dose. Rescue therapy (intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange) was required in 3 of 15, 1 of 15, and 0 of 14 participants in the placebo, 0.1-mg/kg zilucoplan, and 0.3-mg/kg zilucoplan arms, respectively. Zilucoplan was observed to have a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Conclusions and Relevance Zilucoplan yielded rapid, meaningful, and sustained improvements over 12 weeks in a broad population of patients with moderate to severe AChR-Ab–positive gMG. Near-complete complement inhibition appeared superior to submaximal inhibition. The observed safety and tolerability profile of zilucoplan was favorable. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03315130.

This method paper explains the i-Tree Cool River model algorithms for simulating the response of river water temperature to urban greening. The model captures the warming and cooling impacts of urban development and restoration through a water and energy budget. The water budget includes river inflows from urban storm sewers and reservoirs, and the associated water temperatures. The energy budget adjusts radiation fluxes due to riparian shading and evapotranspiration, and propagates temperature downstream. Restorative cooling of the river can be simulated through algorithms for cool groundwater, either as direct inflows or by river water replacement called hyporheic exchange. Novel features in the model include diurnal variation in riparian shading, use of the Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS model predicted river depths and velocities, and periodic boundary conditions to rapidly extend restoration scenarios.•Freely available code in C++ for Visual Studio, with a detailed manual and sample inputs and outputs at http://www.itreetools.org/research_suite/coolriver.•Useful for simulating river warming or cooling due to urban development or greening.•Well documented source code compatible with requirements of other modeling groups., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of nearly all forms of cervical cancer, which arises upon viral integration into the host genome and concurrent loss of regulatory gene E2. E2 protein regulates the expression and activity of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. Loss of E2 upon viral integration results in overexpression of E6 and E7 Loss of E2 upon viral integration results in overexpression of E6 and E7which in turn promotes carcinogenesis. Previous studies using gene-based delivery show that reintroduction of E2 into cervical cancer cell lines can reduce proliferative capacity and promote apoptosis. However, owing in part to limitations on transfection in vivo , E2 reintroduction has yet to achieve therapeutic usefulness. A promising new approach is protein-based delivery systems utilizing cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs readily traverse the cell9s plasma membrane and are able to carry with them biomolecular ‘cargos’ to which they are attached. Though more than two decades of research have been dedicated to their development for delivery of biomolecular therapeutics, the full potential of CPPs has yet to be realized as the field is hindered by the tendency of CPP-linked cargos to be trapped in endosomes as well as significant off-target potential in vivo. Using a CPP-adaptor system that reversibly binds cargo thereby overcoming the endosomal entrapment that hampers of CPP methods, bioactive E2 protein was delivered via CPP-adaptors into living cervical cancer cells, resulting in inhibition of cellular proliferation and promotion of cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that this nucleic acid- and virus-free delivery method could be harnessed to develop novel, effective protein therapeutics for treatment of cervical cancer.

i-Tree is a suite of computer software tools developed through a collaborative publicprivate partnership. These tools are designed to assess and value the urban forest resource, understand forest risk, and develop sustainable forest management plans to improve environmental quality and human health. This report provides details about the underlying methods and calculations of these tools, as well their potential limitations. Also discussed are the history of i-Tree, its future goals, and opportunities to facilitate new science and international collaboration. The appendixes can be accessed through the links below. Appendix 1: i-Tree Staff and Collaborators Appendix 2: i-Tree Links Appendix 3: Shading Coefficients Appendix 4: Conversion Factors for Leaf Area to Biomass Appendix 5: Conversion Factors for Shrub Volume to Biomass Appendix 6: Invasive Plant Species Appendix 7: Compensatory Value of Trees Appendix 8: Average Energy Costs Appendix 9: Energy Conservation Estimates for Buildings in non-U.S. Countries Appendix 10: New Biomass Equations Appendix 11: Wood Density Values Appendix 12: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Emission Rates Appendix 13: Equations for Tree Height, Crown Height, and Crown Width Appendix 14: Partial List of Publications Referencing i-Tree Tools

The Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment uses a combination of land use and land cover data to evaluate trends in the United States land base and project future changes. This publication describes how the RPA Assessment uses the National Resources Inventory, National Land Cover Database, and Forest Inventory and Analysis to support analyses of forest trends. The authors compare and contrast differences in definitions and approaches of these three major data sources and document the recent status and trends of land use and land cover area according to these sources. While the general definitions of land uses and land covers are superficially similar among these sources, understanding the conceptual and technical differences between them is necessary to evaluate and compare trends in the U.S. land base. Some differences can be rationalized based on the sensitivity of the different databases to the underlying drivers of landscape change over time. However, the major difference is the perception of the land base in terms of its intended human use versus its current biophysical cover. The RPA Assessment will continue to use both land use and land cover data separately and in combination because each source offers both unique and complementary perspectives on land base trends.

The aim of the paper is to define the key spatial conflicts regarding planning relations be- tween the plans of protection tasks for Natura 2000 areas and local tools of spatial policy. The contents of all administrative court’s decisions related directly to the plans of protection tasks for Natura 2000 areas are analysed. The judgements issued in 2010 - 2019 are taken into account. Sixteen of such judgements have been distinguished in the Central Database of Judicial Decisions of the Supreme Administrative Court (in principle, grouping all of such rulings). They are classified, and the allegations made in the cases, as well as the contents of specific plans of protection tasks, are analysed. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the contents of the judicial decisions is conducted. Based on the analyses carried out, two main conclusions can be drawn up: - on the occasion of spatial conflicts pending before administrative courts, related to the contents of plans of protection tasks for Natura 2000 areas, space users, as a rule, submit very similar objections to those concerning the direct tools of spatial policy; - the contents of plans of protection tasks directly related to the contents of spatial policy tools are very often underdefined both in subjective and formal terms.

Background: The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to uncertainty regarding the best management practice for patients with chronic autoimmune neurological disorders (cANDs) who require immunosuppressive therapies (ISTs). While ISTs are often essential to control cANDs, there is concern that ISTs may make this patient population more susceptible to COVID-19 and related complications. Expert opinion consensus guidelines have emerged during the pandemic but there is a paucity of real-world data on the impact of COVID-19 in cANDs. Methods: We used TriNetX, which is a global health collaborative clinical research platform collecting real-time electronic medical records data, which has the largest known global COVID-19 database. We included patients with cANDs [multiple sclerosis (MS), myasthenia gravis (MG), inflammatory myositis, and chronic inflammatory neuropathies (CIN)], based on ICD-10 coding for one year before January 20th, 2020. We examined the rates of COVID- 19 infection, hospitalizations, intubations and deaths among these patients Findings: A total of 33,451 patients with autoimmune neuromuscular disorders (aNMDs) and 42,899 patients with MS were included. Among them, 111 (0.33%) patients with aNMDs and 115 patients (0.27%) with MS had COVID-19. Risk of COVID-19 was similar among patients with aNMD and MS. About one third of them required hospitalization. Immunosuppression did not appear to impact infection risk overall in either group; however, risk of hospitalization for immunosuppressed patients with aNMDs was higher (Odds ratio 2.86, p-value 0.011). Interpretation: Immunosuppression is unlikely to make patients with cANDs more vulnerable to COVID-19. ISTs can be continued during the pandemic, as previously suggested by expert opinion guidelines. However, it is important to consider individualizing immunotherapy regimens in some cases. Additional longitudinal physician reported registry-based data is needed to further confirm these findings. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: Dr. Kovvuru, Dr. Nalleballe, Dr. Onteddu, Dr. Sharma, Dr. Jasti, Dr. Kapoor, Dr. Veerapaneni, Dr. Yadala, Dr. Dandu, and Dr. Archer have no conflicts of interest to report. Dr. Nowak reports no conflicts directly related to this work. Dr. Nowak has received research support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Genentech, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, argenx, Annexon Biosciences, Ra Pharmaceuticals, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Momenta, Immunovant, and Grifols. He has served as consultant/advisor for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, argenx, CSL Behring, Grifols, Ra Pharmaceuticals, Immunovant, Momenta and Viela Bio. Dr. Roy reports no conflicts directly related to this work. He has served as a consultant for Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Ethics Approval Statement: The University of Arkansas Institutional Review Board (IRB) deemed this study to be ‘not human subject research’ (global de-identified COVID-19 Research Network data designated for research use), and gave it an exempt status.

In the present work the effect of surface roughness on oxidation behavior during the early stages of high temperature exposure of Ni-base superalloy IN 625 is described. The surface roughness was described using standard contact profilometer as well as novel method, fractal analysis. It was found that the different surface preparation resulted in a difference in roughness with a parameter increase of at least one order of magnitude for the ground sample as compared with the polished sample. The oxidation test was performed in a horizontal tube furnace. Post exposure analyses including glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD OES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed that grinding lowers the oxidation kinetics of IN 625. It was found that surface preparation influences the oxide scale composition and morphology. The hypothesis explaining the mechanism responsible for the changes in oxidation behavior is proposed as well., Comment: Accepted manuscript

Trees impact surface stormwater runoff, soil moisture, streamflow, water quality, and air temperatures by intercepting precipitation (rain and snow), enhancing soil water infiltration, shading surfaces, and evapotranspiring water. These impacts affect human health and well-being. Many of these tree impacts remain to be more accurately quantified and valued, particularly related to water quality aspects such as mass (e.g., sediments), chemical (e.g., nutrients, metals, pesticides), biological (e.g., pathogens, microbes), and thermal loads. Urban trees can help mitigate many of the negative hydrologic effects created by the relatively large amount of impervious surfaces in cities. Urban tree impacts are generally positive but can create negative outcomes if improperly managed (e.g., leaves or branches clogging drains or streams). Although more and better valuation of tree impacts is needed, studies to date value tree effects on reducing runoff into water bodies in the range of millions of dollars per year at the city or watershed scale.

[Objective] To develop, test, and iterate a comprehensive neuromuscular targeted gene panel in a national referral center., [Methods] We designed two iterations of a comprehensive targeted gene panel for neuromuscular disorders. Version 1 included 336 genes, which was increased to 464 genes in Version 2. Both panels used TargetSeqTM probe‐based hybridization for target enrichment followed by Ion Torrent sequencing. Targeted high‐coverage sequencing and analysis was performed on 2249 neurology patients from Australia and New Zealand (1054 Version 1, 1195 Version 2) from 2012 to 2015. No selection criteria were used other than referral from a suitable medical specialist (e.g., neurologist or clinical geneticist). Patients were classified into 15 clinical categories based on the clinical diagnosis from the referring clinician., [Results] Six hundred and sixty‐five patients received a genetic diagnosis (30%). Diagnosed patients were significantly younger that undiagnosed patients (26.4 and 32.5 years, respectively; P = 4.6326E‐9). The diagnostic success varied markedly between disease categories. Pathogenic variants in 10 genes explained 38% of the disease burden. Unexpected phenotypic expansions were discovered in multiple cases. Triage of unsolved cases for research exome testing led to the discovery of six new disease genes., [Interpretation] A comprehensive targeted diagnostic panel was an effective method for neuromuscular disease diagnosis within the context of an Australasian referral center. Use of smaller disease‐specific panels would have precluded diagnosis in many patients and increased cost. Analysis through a centralized laboratory facilitated detection of recurrent, but under‐recognized pathogenic variants., Research funding: The Fred Liuzzi Foundation, Australian Postgraduate Award, Australian Genomics Health Alliance. Grant Number: GNT1113531, Fundación Alfonso Martín Escudero, Junta de Andalucía‐Consejería de Salud. Grant Number: B‐0005‐2017, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Grant Numbers: APP1117510, APP1122952, APP1080587, Western Australian Department of Health Future Health’s WA Merit Award.

Background and Objectives: The structural diversity of an urban forest affects ecosystem service provision, and can inform management, planning, as well as policy. Trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) is amongst the most common measures of tree structure due to its ease of measurement and strong relationships with other structural and non-structural urban forest characteristics. Materials and Methods: In this study, the DBH distributions of urban forests are summarised for 38 American cities with a combined population of over 30 million people and a range of geographic, climatic, and demographic conditions. The Anderson&ndash, Darling (AD) test was used to test the hypothesis that all DBH distributions came from a common population. Moreover, structural diversity was compared using the Shannon&ndash, Wiener index. Results: The AD test results failed to identify any statistically significant differences in DBH distributions. However, qualitatively, the DBH distributions have two primary forms, which have important functional, management, and planning implications. The vast majority of cities have an exponentially inverse-proportional distribution, such that the proportion of trees in each successively larger DBH class decreases exponentially. The Shannon&ndash, Wiener index indicates an uneven DBH distribution in the cities with an exponentially inverse-proportional diameter distribution, these cities are dominated by trees in the smallest diameter class. Potential explanations for a large proportion of trees in the smallest diameter classes include a large number of small, naturally regenerating trees, a preference for smaller trees in urban areas, or a recent increase in tree planting efforts. Conclusions: Despite no statistical differences in DBH distributions for the 38 study cities, the functional, management, and planning implications will differ considerably.