Changes in ocean heat content(OHC), salinity, and stratification provide critical indicators for changes in Earth’s energy and water cycles. These cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse...Changes in ocean heat content(OHC), salinity, and stratification provide critical indicators for changes in Earth’s energy and water cycles. These cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse gasses and other anthropogenic substances by human activities, driving pervasive changes in Earth’s climate system. In 2022, the world’s oceans, as given by OHC, were again the hottest in the historical record and exceeded the previous 2021 record maximum.According to IAP/CAS data, the 0–2000 m OHC in 2022 exceeded that of 2021 by 10.9 ± 8.3 ZJ(1 Zetta Joules = 1021Joules);and according to NCEI/NOAA data, by 9.1 ± 8.7 ZJ. Among seven regions, four basins(the North Pacific, North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern oceans) recorded their highest OHC since the 1950s. The salinity-contrast index, a quantification of the “salty gets saltier–fresh gets fresher” pattern, also reached its highest level on record in 2022,implying continued amplification of the global hydrological cycle. Regional OHC and salinity changes in 2022 were dominated by a strong La Ni?a event. Global upper-ocean stratification continued its increasing trend and was among the top seven in 2022.展开更多
The hydrogen peroxide, a green impregnating agent suitable for lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol process, was used to pretreat sugarcane bagasse by steam explosion. Two different concentrations of hydrogen peroxid...The hydrogen peroxide, a green impregnating agent suitable for lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol process, was used to pretreat sugarcane bagasse by steam explosion. Two different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide(0.2% and 1%) were investigated. Then, the biomass was hydrolyzed after pretreatment using cellulase. The amount released of:(i) cellobiose;(ii) monosaccharides, as glucose, xylose, arabinose and mannose and(iii) lignocellulose derived by-products, as furans and small organic acids(acetic, formic,and levulinic acid), was evaluated in the hydrolysate samples, previously pretreated both in the presence and absence of impregnating agent. By adding of hydrogen peroxide in steam-pretreatment, the average yield increase was 12% for glucose and as high as 34% for xylose, and cellobiose yield was decreased of about 30%. No significant increase has been observed in arabinose and mannose yield. Furthermore,the hydrogen peroxide seems not increased the formation of lignocellulose derived by-products during pretreatment process, with the exception of the levulinic acid.展开更多
In Europe,tropospheric ozone pollution appears as a major air quality issue,and ozone concentrations remain potentially harmful to vegetation.In this study we compared the trends of two ozone metrics widely used for f...In Europe,tropospheric ozone pollution appears as a major air quality issue,and ozone concentrations remain potentially harmful to vegetation.In this study we compared the trends of two ozone metrics widely used for forests protection in Europe,the AOT40(Accumulated Ozone over Threshold of 40 ppb)which only depends on surface air ozone concentrations,and the Phytotoxic Ozone Dose which is the accumulated ozone uptake through stomata over the growing season,and above a threshold Y of uptake(PODY).By using a chemistry transport model,we found that European-averaged ground-level ozone concentrations(−2%)and AOT40 metric(−26.5%)significantly declined from 2000 to 2014,due to successful control strategies to reduce the emission of ozone precursors in Europe since the early 1990s.In contrast,the stomatal ozone uptake by forests increased from 17.5 to 26.6 mmol O3 m^(−2)despite the reduction in ozone concentrations,leading to an increase of potential ozone damage on plants in Europe.In a climate change context,a biologically-sound stomatal flux-based standard(PODY)as new European legislative standard is needed.展开更多
Background: Land-use change and forest management may alter soil organic matter(SOM) and nutrient dynamics,due in part to alterations in litter input and quality. Acacia was introduced in eucalypt plantations establis...Background: Land-use change and forest management may alter soil organic matter(SOM) and nutrient dynamics,due in part to alterations in litter input and quality. Acacia was introduced in eucalypt plantations established in the Congolese coastal plains to improve soil fertility and tree growth. Eucalypt trees were expected to benefit from N2 fixed by acacia. However, some indicators suggest a perturbation in SOM and P dynamics might affect the sustainability of the system in the medium and long term. In tropical environments, most of the nutrient processes are determined by the high rates of organic matter(OM) mineralization. Therefore, SOM stability might play a crucial role in regulating soil-plant processes. In spite of this, the relationship between SOM quality, C and other nutrient dynamics are not well understood. In the present study, OM quality and P forms in forest floor and soil were investigated to get more insight on the C and P dynamics useful to sustainable management of forest plantations.Methods: Thermal analysis(differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and thermogravimetry(TGA)) and nuclear magnetic resonance(solid state13 C CPMASS and NMR and31 P-NMR) spectroscopy have been applied to partially decomposed forest floor and soils of pure acacia and eucalypt, and mixed-species acacia-eucalypt stands.Results: Thermal analysis and13 C NMR analysis revealed a more advanced stage of humification in forest floor of acacia-eucalypt stands, suggesting a greater microbial activity in its litter. SOM were related to the OM recalcitrance of the forest floor, indicating this higher microbial activity of the forest floor in this stand might be favouring the incorporation of C into the mineral soil.Conclusions: In relation with the fast mineralization in this environment, highly soluble orthophosphate was the dominant P form in both forest floor and soils. However, the mixed-species forest stands immobilized greater P in organic forms, preventing the P losses by leaching and contributing to sustain the P demand in the medium term.This shows that interactions between plants, microorganisms and soil can sustain the demand of this ecosystem.For this, the forest floor plays a key role in tightening the P cycle, minimizing the P losses.展开更多
A TEM cell designed to operate at 900 MHz for exposing small-restrained animals (e.g. mice) has been theoretically, numerically and experimentally characterized at 2.45 GHz, which is the central frequency of the WiFi ...A TEM cell designed to operate at 900 MHz for exposing small-restrained animals (e.g. mice) has been theoretically, numerically and experimentally characterized at 2.45 GHz, which is the central frequency of the WiFi protocol. This study aims at evaluating the influence of higher order modes on the field homogeneity. The results demonstrate the superimposition of a tolerable standing wave, due to reflections at the cell terminations, and a slight beat wave due to the interference between different modes. Nevertheless, the final outcome is that the system can still be efficiently used to expose small animals in specific WiFi channels, provided they are properly placed in correspondence to the maxima of the electric field along the guide length.展开更多
We discuss the generalized Lagrange structure of a deformed Minkowski space (DMS), , namely a (four-dimensional) generalization of the (local) space-time based on an energy-dependent “deformation” of the usual Minko...We discuss the generalized Lagrange structure of a deformed Minkowski space (DMS), , namely a (four-dimensional) generalization of the (local) space-time based on an energy-dependent “deformation” of the usual Minkowski geometry. In , local Lorentz invariance is naturally violated, due to the energy dependence of the deformed metric. Moreover, the generalized Lagrange structure of allows one to endow the deformed space-time with both curvature and torsion.展开更多
The extraction of the trivalent middle rare earths from chloride media by kerosene solutions of 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester as an extractant was studied. The separation factors between the elem...The extraction of the trivalent middle rare earths from chloride media by kerosene solutions of 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester as an extractant was studied. The separation factors between the elements using solution simulating wastes from NiMH spent batteries have been evaluated: the order of the extractive ability of extractant can be confirmed in Tb>Gd>Eu>Sm.展开更多
Breast cancer(BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The aetiology and carcinogenesis of BC are not clearly defined, although genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental risk factors have been establi...Breast cancer(BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The aetiology and carcinogenesis of BC are not clearly defined, although genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental risk factors have been established. The most common treatment for BC includes breast-conserving surgery followed by a standard radiotherapy(RT) regimen. However, radiation hypersensitivity and the occurrence of RT-induced toxicity in normal tissue may affect patients' treatment. The role of DNA repair in cancer has been extensively investigated, and an impaired DNA damage response may increase the risk of BC and individual radiosensitivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in DNA repair genes may alter protein function and modulate DNA repair efficiency, influencing the development of various cancers, including BC. SNPs in DNA repair genes have also been studied as potential predictive factors for the risk of RT-induced side effects. Here, we review the literature on the association between SNPs in base excision repair(BER) genes and BC risk. We focusedon X-ray repair cross complementing group 1(XRCC1), which plays a key role in BER, and on 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, which encode three important BER enzymes that interact with XRCC1. Although no association between SNPs and radiation toxicity has been validated thus far, we also report published studies on XRCC1 SNPs and variants in other BER genes and RT-induced side effects in BC patients, emphasising that large well-designed studies are needed to determine the genetic components of individual radiosensitivity.展开更多
In this study, we have used a direct immunoassay where the simple binding between antigen and an antibody is detected. Immunoassays were performed in a drop system, monitoring the frequency decrease of the quartz-crys...In this study, we have used a direct immunoassay where the simple binding between antigen and an antibody is detected. Immunoassays were performed in a drop system, monitoring the frequency decrease of the quartz-crystal microbalance device because of mass increasing during immunoreaction. The QCM sensor was coated on both sides by gold electrodes, only one side of the crystal (liquid side) was in contact with the solution;the other side (contact side) was always dry. We tested a piezoelectric immunosensor for aflatoxin B1 (AFLA-B1) mycotoxin detection through the immo- bilization of DSP-anti-AFLAB1 antibody (AFLA-B1-Ab anti AFLAB1) on gold-coated quartz crystals (AT-cut/5 MHz). The DSP (3,3’-Dithiodipropionic-acid-di-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) was used for the covalent attachment of the proteins. The piezoelectric crystal electrodes were pretreated by DSP for 15 min, rinsed with water and dried in a gentle flow of nitrogen gas. Then the DSP-coated crystals were installed in a sample holder and exposed to the anti-AFLAB1 antibody and to the AFLA-BI. Frequency and resistance shifts (Δf and ΔR) were measured simultaneously. Δf versus AFLA-BI concentrations in the range of 0.5 - 10 ppb exhibited a perfect linear correlation with a coefficient of above 0.998.展开更多
The long-term warming of the ocean is a critical indicator of both the past and present state of the climate system. It also provides insights about the changes to come, owing to the persistence of both decadal variat...The long-term warming of the ocean is a critical indicator of both the past and present state of the climate system. It also provides insights about the changes to come, owing to the persistence of both decadal variations and secular trends,which the ocean records extremely well(Hansen et al., 2011;IPCC, 2013;Rhein et al., 2013;Trenberth et al., 2016;Abram et al., 2019).展开更多
The increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities traps heat within the climate system and increases ocean heat content(OHC). Here, we provide the first analysis of recent OHC cha...The increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities traps heat within the climate system and increases ocean heat content(OHC). Here, we provide the first analysis of recent OHC changes through 2021 from two international groups. The world ocean, in 2021, was the hottest ever recorded by humans, and the 2021 annual OHC value is even higher than last year’s record value by 14 ± 11 ZJ(1 zetta J = 1021 J) using the IAP/CAS dataset and by16 ± 10 ZJ using NCEI/NOAA dataset. The long-term ocean warming is larger in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans than in other regions and is mainly attributed, via climate model simulations, to an increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations. The year-to-year variation of OHC is primarily tied to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation(ENSO). In the seven maritime domains of the Indian, Tropical Atlantic, North Atlantic, Northwest Pacific, North Pacific, Southern oceans,and the Mediterranean Sea, robust warming is observed but with distinct inter-annual to decadal variability. Four out of seven domains showed record-high heat content in 2021. The anomalous global and regional ocean warming established in this study should be incorporated into climate risk assessments, adaptation, and mitigation.展开更多
Life sciences such as medical, nutritional, and those related to agrarian biotechnologies are experiencing a constant increase. Therefore, food consumption is today related to health state. Aiming to create an innovat...Life sciences such as medical, nutritional, and those related to agrarian biotechnologies are experiencing a constant increase. Therefore, food consumption is today related to health state. Aiming to create an innovative spinneret system that defines the tight correlation between high nutritional and nutraceutical value of foods and their beneficial effects on consumer’s health state, we tested the effects related to the administration of 40 g of the Tonda Gentile Romana Italian hazelnut cultivar (Viterbo, Italy). To this end, we enrolled 24 subjects for a period of 14 weeks, based on a crossover design. Although several papers and reviews on hazelnut intake benefits are available, few studies have investigated the effects of hazelnut-enriched diet on plasma key parameters commonly used to ascertain the individual’s well-being status. The primary endpoint of the trial was to assess LDL change related to hazelnut administration, which resulted in significant beneficial effects on cholesterol parameters (LDL dropped from 133.09 mg/dl to 119.18 mg/dl). Interestingly, despite within the normal ranges, uric acid and serum creatinine mean values significantly decreased after hazelnut intake. A significant increment was also observed for ALT (from 30.9 U/L to 35.22 U/L, P = 0.01), while GGT significantly decreased from 38.04 mg/dl at T0 to 35.27 mg/dl at T1 (P = 0.001). No significant changes were also observed in azotemia, serum iron, glycemia, AST, total bilirubin, Hb, WBCs, RBCs, platelet count, and total plasma proteins. All the blood parameters analyzed appeared to be reversible after 6 weeks from the end of the treatment. Mann-Whitney U test did not show any significant differences in T0 - T1 Δ% LDL considering gender, age and baseline LDL. These findings may be of help in the development of strategies for personalized nutrition and diseases management.展开更多
Antarctic cyanobacteria biodiversity was investigated by simultaneous sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS flanked by partial 16S and 23S), and Chloroplast tRNALeu UAA intron (TrnL), ex...Antarctic cyanobacteria biodiversity was investigated by simultaneous sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS flanked by partial 16S and 23S), and Chloroplast tRNALeu UAA intron (TrnL), exploring whether such morphotypes constitute distinct species and explaining their current distribution. We identified Nostocales, Chrococcales and Oscillatoriales species, collected in different habitats (soil, algal mats, lake sediments, ice-water) after their growth in cultures. By comparative sequence analyses available in Genbank, our results proved to be mostly in agreement with both TrnL and ITS, in the identification of the strains, particularly for Nostocales. Although ITS demonstrated more usefully than TrnL did in identifying Oscillatoriales and Chroococcales, due to the frequent lack of the intron in these groups, our results lead us to support an independent phylogenetic dataset of ITS and TrnL (the latter based on conserved regions) producing not only concordant clusters but also a secondary structure. Specific assignments of the secondary structure evidenced by different cyanobacteria groups, especially the D1-D1’ region of ITS and the P6b region of TrnL. For the latter region, the sequences analyzed for Nostoc species could be divided into the two classes previously identified, on the basis of different heptanucleotide repeats in P6b which were not展开更多
In this work, by using an indirect method based on the correspondence between the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and the quantity of fossil fuel in the Earth, the resources of fossil fuels were evaluated to be abo...In this work, by using an indirect method based on the correspondence between the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and the quantity of fossil fuel in the Earth, the resources of fossil fuels were evaluated to be about 1.9 × 1016 ton. Unluckily, only a small part of these fuels is easily accessible. Nevertheless, their quantity is so high that it is reasonable to assume that fossil fuels will continue to dominate the global energy scene for several years. The extensive use of fossil fuels alters the ratio between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The effects of this change are however so slow that they become important only on the geological time scale.展开更多
In the last decades, few days a week, several city centres in Italyare closed at vehicular traffic in order to limit the presence of particulate matter, often exceeding the limits set by law [1,2]. The particulate mat...In the last decades, few days a week, several city centres in Italyare closed at vehicular traffic in order to limit the presence of particulate matter, often exceeding the limits set by law [1,2]. The particulate matter have an impact on human health [3,4], in the cultural heritage and natural environment deterioration [5,6]. Many studies have been the carried out in air monitoring in urban areas while the targeted surveys to assess the impact on air quality of snow dispersion for ski activities are rare. Thanks to the Autonomous Province of Trento it has been possible to sample the snowpack in some ski areas inItalyand thanks to stratigraphic profiles it has been possible to observe variations of the chemical composition over time. Natural contribution is strictly related to winds and currents movement, for this reason a deep knowledge of these factors can help in the determination of the prevalent trajectories during the year [7,8]. During a penetrometeric and stratigraphic profile on Presena glacier, the main nivo-meteorological features, air temperature and temperature inside the different layers of the snowpack have been measured. Some snow samples has been collected and analyzed by SEM-EDS, ICP-MS and IC. These qualitative and quantitative analyses allow to obtain chemical and mineralogical composition to define the emitting source.展开更多
In this paper a new type of passive neutron detector based on the already existing one, CR39, is described. Its operation was verified by three different neutron sources: an Americium-Beryllium (Am241-Be) source;a TRI...In this paper a new type of passive neutron detector based on the already existing one, CR39, is described. Its operation was verified by three different neutron sources: an Americium-Beryllium (Am241-Be) source;a TRIGA type nuclear reactor;and a fast neutron reactor called TAPIRO. The obtained results, reported here, positively confirm its operation and the accountability of the new developed detecting technique.展开更多
This study shows a chemical and morphological characterization of snow samples collected near crossroads of urban area of Ferrara and near the Technological College of University of Ferrara (Italy) during three import...This study shows a chemical and morphological characterization of snow samples collected near crossroads of urban area of Ferrara and near the Technological College of University of Ferrara (Italy) during three important snowfalls. The field campaigns were carried out in the eastern part of Po Valley (Italy) in winter 2009-2010. The chemical composition of melted snow was compared with analyses of the same filtered samples of melted snow so as to give the composition of particles smaller than a few nm. The metal concentrations in the aerosol particles were analyzed with ICP-MS and IC methodologies, while the morphological features were described by SEM-EDS analyses. The results showed that snow samples were characterized by important amounts of allumo silicates with dimensions larger than 0.45 μm, from resuspension of the local soil, and IC analysis confirmed the anthropogenic pollution of the snow. Six main particles were classed and recognized: silica, carbonate, allumo silicate, sodium chloride and organic compounds, including biogenic materials and pollen (agricultural aerosols which are composed for 92% of single particles and for the remaining 8% of agglomerations of particles). We present here initial data on heavy metals in snow collected in Ferrara. They were obtained by analyzing fresh snow deposited during three snowfall events in December 2010, February and March 2011. The analyses were performed by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ion chromatography (IC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS).展开更多
A complex Sol-Gel process has been used for synthesis of silica glasses designed to contain high-level nuclear wastes. Cs, Sr, Co, and Nd (generically denoted Me) were used, the last as surrogate for actinides. Gels i...A complex Sol-Gel process has been used for synthesis of silica glasses designed to contain high-level nuclear wastes. Cs, Sr, Co, and Nd (generically denoted Me) were used, the last as surrogate for actinides. Gels in the form of powders and sintered compacts were prepared by hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethoxide/Me nitrate solutions, which contained ascorbic acid as a catalyst. Thermal treatment studies were conducted on the resulting gels. Transformation to final products was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Preliminary testing of Me leaching was also completed in quiescent water. Only a single dense form was resistant to展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 42122046 and 42076202)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB42040402)+4 种基金sponsored by the US National Science Foundationsupported by NASA Awards 80NSSC17K0565 and 80NSSC22K0046by the Regional and Global Model Analysis (RGMA) component of the Earth and Environmental System Modeling Program of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Biological & Environmental Research (BER) via National Science Foundation IA 1947282supported by NOAA (Grant No. NA19NES4320002 to CISESS-MD at the University of Maryland)supported by the Young Talent Support Project of Guangzhou Association for Science and Technology。
文摘Changes in ocean heat content(OHC), salinity, and stratification provide critical indicators for changes in Earth’s energy and water cycles. These cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse gasses and other anthropogenic substances by human activities, driving pervasive changes in Earth’s climate system. In 2022, the world’s oceans, as given by OHC, were again the hottest in the historical record and exceeded the previous 2021 record maximum.According to IAP/CAS data, the 0–2000 m OHC in 2022 exceeded that of 2021 by 10.9 ± 8.3 ZJ(1 Zetta Joules = 1021Joules);and according to NCEI/NOAA data, by 9.1 ± 8.7 ZJ. Among seven regions, four basins(the North Pacific, North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern oceans) recorded their highest OHC since the 1950s. The salinity-contrast index, a quantification of the “salty gets saltier–fresh gets fresher” pattern, also reached its highest level on record in 2022,implying continued amplification of the global hydrological cycle. Regional OHC and salinity changes in 2022 were dominated by a strong La Ni?a event. Global upper-ocean stratification continued its increasing trend and was among the top seven in 2022.
文摘The hydrogen peroxide, a green impregnating agent suitable for lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol process, was used to pretreat sugarcane bagasse by steam explosion. Two different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide(0.2% and 1%) were investigated. Then, the biomass was hydrolyzed after pretreatment using cellulase. The amount released of:(i) cellobiose;(ii) monosaccharides, as glucose, xylose, arabinose and mannose and(iii) lignocellulose derived by-products, as furans and small organic acids(acetic, formic,and levulinic acid), was evaluated in the hydrolysate samples, previously pretreated both in the presence and absence of impregnating agent. By adding of hydrogen peroxide in steam-pretreatment, the average yield increase was 12% for glucose and as high as 34% for xylose, and cellobiose yield was decreased of about 30%. No significant increase has been observed in arabinose and mannose yield. Furthermore,the hydrogen peroxide seems not increased the formation of lignocellulose derived by-products during pretreatment process, with the exception of the levulinic acid.
基金carried out with the contribution of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union in the framework of the MOTTLES project“Monitoring ozone injury for setting new critical levels”(LIFE15 ENV/IT/000183).
文摘In Europe,tropospheric ozone pollution appears as a major air quality issue,and ozone concentrations remain potentially harmful to vegetation.In this study we compared the trends of two ozone metrics widely used for forests protection in Europe,the AOT40(Accumulated Ozone over Threshold of 40 ppb)which only depends on surface air ozone concentrations,and the Phytotoxic Ozone Dose which is the accumulated ozone uptake through stomata over the growing season,and above a threshold Y of uptake(PODY).By using a chemistry transport model,we found that European-averaged ground-level ozone concentrations(−2%)and AOT40 metric(−26.5%)significantly declined from 2000 to 2014,due to successful control strategies to reduce the emission of ozone precursors in Europe since the early 1990s.In contrast,the stomatal ozone uptake by forests increased from 17.5 to 26.6 mmol O3 m^(−2)despite the reduction in ozone concentrations,leading to an increase of potential ozone damage on plants in Europe.In a climate change context,a biologically-sound stomatal flux-based standard(PODY)as new European legislative standard is needed.
基金supported by a TWAS-ENEA Research Training Fellowship Programme in Italy。
文摘Background: Land-use change and forest management may alter soil organic matter(SOM) and nutrient dynamics,due in part to alterations in litter input and quality. Acacia was introduced in eucalypt plantations established in the Congolese coastal plains to improve soil fertility and tree growth. Eucalypt trees were expected to benefit from N2 fixed by acacia. However, some indicators suggest a perturbation in SOM and P dynamics might affect the sustainability of the system in the medium and long term. In tropical environments, most of the nutrient processes are determined by the high rates of organic matter(OM) mineralization. Therefore, SOM stability might play a crucial role in regulating soil-plant processes. In spite of this, the relationship between SOM quality, C and other nutrient dynamics are not well understood. In the present study, OM quality and P forms in forest floor and soil were investigated to get more insight on the C and P dynamics useful to sustainable management of forest plantations.Methods: Thermal analysis(differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and thermogravimetry(TGA)) and nuclear magnetic resonance(solid state13 C CPMASS and NMR and31 P-NMR) spectroscopy have been applied to partially decomposed forest floor and soils of pure acacia and eucalypt, and mixed-species acacia-eucalypt stands.Results: Thermal analysis and13 C NMR analysis revealed a more advanced stage of humification in forest floor of acacia-eucalypt stands, suggesting a greater microbial activity in its litter. SOM were related to the OM recalcitrance of the forest floor, indicating this higher microbial activity of the forest floor in this stand might be favouring the incorporation of C into the mineral soil.Conclusions: In relation with the fast mineralization in this environment, highly soluble orthophosphate was the dominant P form in both forest floor and soils. However, the mixed-species forest stands immobilized greater P in organic forms, preventing the P losses by leaching and contributing to sustain the P demand in the medium term.This shows that interactions between plants, microorganisms and soil can sustain the demand of this ecosystem.For this, the forest floor plays a key role in tightening the P cycle, minimizing the P losses.
文摘A TEM cell designed to operate at 900 MHz for exposing small-restrained animals (e.g. mice) has been theoretically, numerically and experimentally characterized at 2.45 GHz, which is the central frequency of the WiFi protocol. This study aims at evaluating the influence of higher order modes on the field homogeneity. The results demonstrate the superimposition of a tolerable standing wave, due to reflections at the cell terminations, and a slight beat wave due to the interference between different modes. Nevertheless, the final outcome is that the system can still be efficiently used to expose small animals in specific WiFi channels, provided they are properly placed in correspondence to the maxima of the electric field along the guide length.
文摘We discuss the generalized Lagrange structure of a deformed Minkowski space (DMS), , namely a (four-dimensional) generalization of the (local) space-time based on an energy-dependent “deformation” of the usual Minkowski geometry. In , local Lorentz invariance is naturally violated, due to the energy dependence of the deformed metric. Moreover, the generalized Lagrange structure of allows one to endow the deformed space-time with both curvature and torsion.
文摘The extraction of the trivalent middle rare earths from chloride media by kerosene solutions of 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester as an extractant was studied. The separation factors between the elements using solution simulating wastes from NiMH spent batteries have been evaluated: the order of the extractive ability of extractant can be confirmed in Tb>Gd>Eu>Sm.
文摘Breast cancer(BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The aetiology and carcinogenesis of BC are not clearly defined, although genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental risk factors have been established. The most common treatment for BC includes breast-conserving surgery followed by a standard radiotherapy(RT) regimen. However, radiation hypersensitivity and the occurrence of RT-induced toxicity in normal tissue may affect patients' treatment. The role of DNA repair in cancer has been extensively investigated, and an impaired DNA damage response may increase the risk of BC and individual radiosensitivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in DNA repair genes may alter protein function and modulate DNA repair efficiency, influencing the development of various cancers, including BC. SNPs in DNA repair genes have also been studied as potential predictive factors for the risk of RT-induced side effects. Here, we review the literature on the association between SNPs in base excision repair(BER) genes and BC risk. We focusedon X-ray repair cross complementing group 1(XRCC1), which plays a key role in BER, and on 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, which encode three important BER enzymes that interact with XRCC1. Although no association between SNPs and radiation toxicity has been validated thus far, we also report published studies on XRCC1 SNPs and variants in other BER genes and RT-induced side effects in BC patients, emphasising that large well-designed studies are needed to determine the genetic components of individual radiosensitivity.
文摘In this study, we have used a direct immunoassay where the simple binding between antigen and an antibody is detected. Immunoassays were performed in a drop system, monitoring the frequency decrease of the quartz-crystal microbalance device because of mass increasing during immunoreaction. The QCM sensor was coated on both sides by gold electrodes, only one side of the crystal (liquid side) was in contact with the solution;the other side (contact side) was always dry. We tested a piezoelectric immunosensor for aflatoxin B1 (AFLA-B1) mycotoxin detection through the immo- bilization of DSP-anti-AFLAB1 antibody (AFLA-B1-Ab anti AFLAB1) on gold-coated quartz crystals (AT-cut/5 MHz). The DSP (3,3’-Dithiodipropionic-acid-di-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) was used for the covalent attachment of the proteins. The piezoelectric crystal electrodes were pretreated by DSP for 15 min, rinsed with water and dried in a gentle flow of nitrogen gas. Then the DSP-coated crystals were installed in a sample holder and exposed to the anti-AFLAB1 antibody and to the AFLA-BI. Frequency and resistance shifts (Δf and ΔR) were measured simultaneously. Δf versus AFLA-BI concentrations in the range of 0.5 - 10 ppb exhibited a perfect linear correlation with a coefficient of above 0.998.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFA0603202)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB42040402)+4 种基金Key Deployment Project of Centre for Ocean Mega-Research of Science, CAS (Grant No. COMS2019Q01)sponsored by the US National Science Foundationsupported by NASA Award 80NSSC17K0565the Regional and Global Model Analysis (RGMA) component of the Earth and Environmental System Modeling Program of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Biological & Environmental Research (BER) via National Science Foundation IA 1844590partially supported by NOAA (grant NA14NES4320003 to CISESS-MD at the University of Maryland)。
文摘The long-term warming of the ocean is a critical indicator of both the past and present state of the climate system. It also provides insights about the changes to come, owing to the persistence of both decadal variations and secular trends,which the ocean records extremely well(Hansen et al., 2011;IPCC, 2013;Rhein et al., 2013;Trenberth et al., 2016;Abram et al., 2019).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42122046,42076202)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB42040402)+5 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42076202)National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2017YFA0603202)Key Deployment Project of Centre for Ocean Mega-Research of Science,CAS(Grant Nos.COMS2019Q01 and COMS2019Q07)NCAR is sponsored by the US National Science Foundationsupported by NASA Award 80NSSC17K0565the Regional and Global Model Analysis(RGMA)component of the Earth and Environmental System Modeling Program of the U.S.Department of Energy’s Office of Biological&Environmental Research(BER)via National Science Foundation IA 1844590。
文摘The increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities traps heat within the climate system and increases ocean heat content(OHC). Here, we provide the first analysis of recent OHC changes through 2021 from two international groups. The world ocean, in 2021, was the hottest ever recorded by humans, and the 2021 annual OHC value is even higher than last year’s record value by 14 ± 11 ZJ(1 zetta J = 1021 J) using the IAP/CAS dataset and by16 ± 10 ZJ using NCEI/NOAA dataset. The long-term ocean warming is larger in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans than in other regions and is mainly attributed, via climate model simulations, to an increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations. The year-to-year variation of OHC is primarily tied to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation(ENSO). In the seven maritime domains of the Indian, Tropical Atlantic, North Atlantic, Northwest Pacific, North Pacific, Southern oceans,and the Mediterranean Sea, robust warming is observed but with distinct inter-annual to decadal variability. Four out of seven domains showed record-high heat content in 2021. The anomalous global and regional ocean warming established in this study should be incorporated into climate risk assessments, adaptation, and mitigation.
文摘Life sciences such as medical, nutritional, and those related to agrarian biotechnologies are experiencing a constant increase. Therefore, food consumption is today related to health state. Aiming to create an innovative spinneret system that defines the tight correlation between high nutritional and nutraceutical value of foods and their beneficial effects on consumer’s health state, we tested the effects related to the administration of 40 g of the Tonda Gentile Romana Italian hazelnut cultivar (Viterbo, Italy). To this end, we enrolled 24 subjects for a period of 14 weeks, based on a crossover design. Although several papers and reviews on hazelnut intake benefits are available, few studies have investigated the effects of hazelnut-enriched diet on plasma key parameters commonly used to ascertain the individual’s well-being status. The primary endpoint of the trial was to assess LDL change related to hazelnut administration, which resulted in significant beneficial effects on cholesterol parameters (LDL dropped from 133.09 mg/dl to 119.18 mg/dl). Interestingly, despite within the normal ranges, uric acid and serum creatinine mean values significantly decreased after hazelnut intake. A significant increment was also observed for ALT (from 30.9 U/L to 35.22 U/L, P = 0.01), while GGT significantly decreased from 38.04 mg/dl at T0 to 35.27 mg/dl at T1 (P = 0.001). No significant changes were also observed in azotemia, serum iron, glycemia, AST, total bilirubin, Hb, WBCs, RBCs, platelet count, and total plasma proteins. All the blood parameters analyzed appeared to be reversible after 6 weeks from the end of the treatment. Mann-Whitney U test did not show any significant differences in T0 - T1 Δ% LDL considering gender, age and baseline LDL. These findings may be of help in the development of strategies for personalized nutrition and diseases management.
文摘Antarctic cyanobacteria biodiversity was investigated by simultaneous sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS flanked by partial 16S and 23S), and Chloroplast tRNALeu UAA intron (TrnL), exploring whether such morphotypes constitute distinct species and explaining their current distribution. We identified Nostocales, Chrococcales and Oscillatoriales species, collected in different habitats (soil, algal mats, lake sediments, ice-water) after their growth in cultures. By comparative sequence analyses available in Genbank, our results proved to be mostly in agreement with both TrnL and ITS, in the identification of the strains, particularly for Nostocales. Although ITS demonstrated more usefully than TrnL did in identifying Oscillatoriales and Chroococcales, due to the frequent lack of the intron in these groups, our results lead us to support an independent phylogenetic dataset of ITS and TrnL (the latter based on conserved regions) producing not only concordant clusters but also a secondary structure. Specific assignments of the secondary structure evidenced by different cyanobacteria groups, especially the D1-D1’ region of ITS and the P6b region of TrnL. For the latter region, the sequences analyzed for Nostoc species could be divided into the two classes previously identified, on the basis of different heptanucleotide repeats in P6b which were not
文摘In this work, by using an indirect method based on the correspondence between the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and the quantity of fossil fuel in the Earth, the resources of fossil fuels were evaluated to be about 1.9 × 1016 ton. Unluckily, only a small part of these fuels is easily accessible. Nevertheless, their quantity is so high that it is reasonable to assume that fossil fuels will continue to dominate the global energy scene for several years. The extensive use of fossil fuels alters the ratio between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The effects of this change are however so slow that they become important only on the geological time scale.
文摘In the last decades, few days a week, several city centres in Italyare closed at vehicular traffic in order to limit the presence of particulate matter, often exceeding the limits set by law [1,2]. The particulate matter have an impact on human health [3,4], in the cultural heritage and natural environment deterioration [5,6]. Many studies have been the carried out in air monitoring in urban areas while the targeted surveys to assess the impact on air quality of snow dispersion for ski activities are rare. Thanks to the Autonomous Province of Trento it has been possible to sample the snowpack in some ski areas inItalyand thanks to stratigraphic profiles it has been possible to observe variations of the chemical composition over time. Natural contribution is strictly related to winds and currents movement, for this reason a deep knowledge of these factors can help in the determination of the prevalent trajectories during the year [7,8]. During a penetrometeric and stratigraphic profile on Presena glacier, the main nivo-meteorological features, air temperature and temperature inside the different layers of the snowpack have been measured. Some snow samples has been collected and analyzed by SEM-EDS, ICP-MS and IC. These qualitative and quantitative analyses allow to obtain chemical and mineralogical composition to define the emitting source.
文摘In this paper a new type of passive neutron detector based on the already existing one, CR39, is described. Its operation was verified by three different neutron sources: an Americium-Beryllium (Am241-Be) source;a TRIGA type nuclear reactor;and a fast neutron reactor called TAPIRO. The obtained results, reported here, positively confirm its operation and the accountability of the new developed detecting technique.
文摘This study shows a chemical and morphological characterization of snow samples collected near crossroads of urban area of Ferrara and near the Technological College of University of Ferrara (Italy) during three important snowfalls. The field campaigns were carried out in the eastern part of Po Valley (Italy) in winter 2009-2010. The chemical composition of melted snow was compared with analyses of the same filtered samples of melted snow so as to give the composition of particles smaller than a few nm. The metal concentrations in the aerosol particles were analyzed with ICP-MS and IC methodologies, while the morphological features were described by SEM-EDS analyses. The results showed that snow samples were characterized by important amounts of allumo silicates with dimensions larger than 0.45 μm, from resuspension of the local soil, and IC analysis confirmed the anthropogenic pollution of the snow. Six main particles were classed and recognized: silica, carbonate, allumo silicate, sodium chloride and organic compounds, including biogenic materials and pollen (agricultural aerosols which are composed for 92% of single particles and for the remaining 8% of agglomerations of particles). We present here initial data on heavy metals in snow collected in Ferrara. They were obtained by analyzing fresh snow deposited during three snowfall events in December 2010, February and March 2011. The analyses were performed by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ion chromatography (IC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS).
基金part of studies that will be contin-ued within Polish Governmental Project“Technology Supporting Development of Safe Nuclear Power,”Part“Development of Techniques and Technologies Supporting Management of Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste.”
文摘A complex Sol-Gel process has been used for synthesis of silica glasses designed to contain high-level nuclear wastes. Cs, Sr, Co, and Nd (generically denoted Me) were used, the last as surrogate for actinides. Gels in the form of powders and sintered compacts were prepared by hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethoxide/Me nitrate solutions, which contained ascorbic acid as a catalyst. Thermal treatment studies were conducted on the resulting gels. Transformation to final products was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Preliminary testing of Me leaching was also completed in quiescent water. Only a single dense form was resistant to
