The δ2H and δ18O composition of 77 precipitation samples collected between January 2014 and April 2019 from two sites across the Guadalquivir Basin, SW Spain, were analyzed. Sampling was performed within intervals of at least 14 days basis if rain occurred but frequently intervals were longer according to the rainfall incidence. Precipitation weighted averages and local meteoric water lines are presented for use in hydrological applications. δ2H and δ18O values show a remarkably high variability attributed to the influence of Atlantic and Mediterranean vapor sources. Precipitation weighted average d-excess values of 12.5-13 ‰ confirm the Western Mediterranean influence. Temperature and amount effects were found to be weak but significant influence of secondary evaporation for single rainfall events during summer was identified by reduced d-excess values and enriched isotopic signatures plotting close or below the Global Meteoric Water line (GMWL). Isotopic signatures of both sites are very similar in general and any temperature related urban effects of Seville city compared to the rural site Doñana could not be identified with the present data

Objective: To examine the effect of maternal age on placental abruption Design: Prospective cohort study Setting: Fifteen regional centers across Japan Population: We identified 94,410 Japanese women (93,994 without placental abruption and 416 with placental abruption) who were recruited in the Japan Environment and Children’s study between January 2011 and March 2014. Methods: Multiple regression models were used to identify whether maternal age (<20 years, 20–24 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years, and ≥ 35 years) is a risk factor for placental abruption. The analyses were conducted while considering history of placental abruption, assisted reproductive technology, number of previous deliveries, smoking during pregnancy, body mass index before pregnancy, chronic hypertension, and uterine myoma as confounding factors. Main outcome measures: Maternal age as a risk factor for placental abruption Results: Besides advanced maternal age (≥35 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–2.5), teenage pregnancy was also a risk factor for placental abruption (aOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.5) when maternal age of 20–24 years was set as a reference. Conclusions: In the Japanese general population, besides advanced maternal age, teenage pregnancy was also a strong risk factor for placental abruption. The maternal age in Japan is changing since recent decades. Therefore, it is important for obstetric care providers to provide proper counseling to young women based on the up-to-date evidences. Funding: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study was funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Climate Forecast System Reanalysis data offer a promising database for overcoming the limitations in availability and reliability of climatological data and, hence, for understanding the hydrological processes. Using these data on grid-by-grid, seasonal and yearly scales, the present study attempts to advance the spatiotemporal evaluation of two radiation-based (Priestley–Taylor and Makkink) and three temperature-based (Hargreaves–Samani, Thornthwaite and Blaney–Criddle), against estimates of grass reference evapotranspiration (ETo) by FAO Penman-Monteith method (FAO-PM). The analysis was performed for the period 1979–2013, considering the second largest (79,000 km2) river system in Ethiopia, i.e. Omo-Gibe basin, which accommodates national parks and vast hydropower, cultivation and afforestation developments and discharges its flow to Lake Turkan in Kenya. To comprehensively explain the pattern of PET, the influences of temperatures, rainfall, wind speed, radiation, relative humidity and elevation on PET were also examined. The results emphasize the outperformance of Hargreaves-Samani method. In overall, both the annual and seasonal FAO-PM estimates are captured by this method for most of the grid locations. Annual trends in ETo in the upper region increased but rainfall trends decreased. These trends might negatively impact the rain-fed food production by reducing soil moisture availability in the river basin. Comparatively, trends in rainfall in the middle and lower regions increased with a higher magnitude while ETo increased with a smaller magnitude compared. The above-mentioned trends in ETo are attributable to rising temperature and decreasing relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, respectively. If these trends would continue, we would expect increase in soil moisture for sugarcane plantation in the middle and lower region and attenuation of water loss from reservoirs in the river basin. This study improves the understanding of the best potential evapotranspiration methods in similar data-scarce river basins in Ethiopia or other transboundary rivers in the region or worldwide.

In the late 1990s chemists were among the early adopters of open access (OA) publishing. As it happened with preprints, the early successful adoption of OA publishing from chemists subsequently slowed down. In 2016 chemistry was found to be the discipline with the lowest fraction of OA papers amid papers in all fields published between 2009 and 2015. To benefit from open science in terms of enhanced citations, collaboration, job and funding opportunities, chemistry scholars need updated information (and education) on open science of practical relevance. Suggesting avenues for quick uptake of OA publishing from chemists in both developed and developing countries, this study offers a critical perspective on academic publishing in the chemical sciences that will be useful to inform the aforementioned education.

Aims: To evaluate whether the plate model can effectively improve glycemic control and cardio-vascular risk markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while reducing the time devoted to edu-cation and avoiding weight gain. Methods: The study included 419 participants who were randomly divided into a plate group and a counting group. The plate model included three components: a low-literacy, color leaflet containing the explanation and composition of the plate model, health education, and medical visits. Patients in the counting group received health education, group medical visits, and a paper booklet containing traditional carbohydrate counting education. Primary outcomes were glycemic control and weight. Results: Participants in the plate model reduced HbA1c by 0.7% in the first three months, and re-duced to a greater extent at six months (1.44%), but this was not sustained, and HbA1c increased slightly over the following six months. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h postprandial glucose (2hPG) values were significantly reduced at the endpoint in the plate model (9.25 ± 1.72% vs. 7.44 ± 0.88%, P=0.008; 12.07 ± 2.94 vs. 8.35±1.99%; P=0.004); however, the 2hPG values decreased most significantly. Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased significantly in the plate group, which occurred at six months and lasted for 12 months. Conclusions: The plate model is more effective than counting education, associated with less weight gain, allows dietary freedom to most of patients, promotes behavior change, and requires less time for education. Plate model has the potential to improve education of those with low health literacy by reducing reading demands.

Multivariate flood frequency analysis has been widely used in the design and risk assessment of hydraulic structures. However, previous studies have mostly relied on the idealized linear reservoir model in which a linear routing process is assumed, and consequently the flood risk is likely to be over- or under-estimated. The present study proposes a nonlinear reservoir model in which the relationships of reservoir water level with reservoir volume and discharge are assumed to be nonlinear in order to more accurately describe the routing process as it takes into consideration the interactions between hydrological loading and different discharge structures. The structure return period is calculated based on the copula function and compared with that based on the linear reservoir model and the bivariate return period based on the Kendall distribution function. The results show that the structure return period based on the linear model leads to an underestimation of the flood risk under the conditions of high reservoir water level. For the same reservoir, linear and nonlinear reservoir models give quite different reservoir volume-water level and discharge-water level curves, and therefore they differ substantially in the sensitivity to flood events with different combinations of flood peak and volume. We also analyze the effects of the parameters involved in the reservoir volume-water level and discharge-water level relationships on the maximum water level at different return periods in order to better understand the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method for different hydraulic projects.

Objective The aim of our data is reveal correlation between Doppler in the Middle Cerebral Artery and fetal suffering during labor in uncomplicated pregnancies at 40 weeks and beyond. Design 1020 uncomplicated pregnant women at 40 weeks and beyond were examined by Doppler 48 hours before delivery. Population 260 women were included in the study because they met the inclusion criteria. Methods All women were divided into 2 groups according to fetus distress during labor (vaginal delivery and emergency Cesarean Section caused by fetal distress). And according to newborn’s condition just after delivery (Apgar score <=7 and >7 on the 1st minute) Result In group of women with caesarean section caused by fetal distress pulsatility indexes were significant lower, than in group of women with vaginal labor (PI=1,12 and 0,98 respectively P< 0,01; CPR 1,44 and 1,26 respectively P< 0,01). We found out trigger level for pulsatility indexes as 0.835, if pulsatility indexes less 0.835 we have adverse perinatal outcome during labor. When PI =< 0,835 fetal distress were in 66,7% cases, if PI > 0,835 in 39,1% cases (P<0,001;OR= 3,1). When PI =< 0,835 newborns had Apgar =< 7 in 37,5% and Apgar more than 8 in 20,3% (P< 0,01;OR-2,3) Conclusion Pulsatility indexes in Middle Cerebral Artery can be an indicator of fetal distress and can be useful as a marker of its poor outcome. On the basis of these, it is possible to identify groups of risk of women with gestation age of more than 40 weeks.

Objective: To investigate the effect of delayed umbilical cord clamping on neonatal outcomes following caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: West China Second University Hospital Sample: Neonates born by caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia after 35 gestational weeks. Methods: Neonates were assigned to Groups A or B if they received early or delayed cord clamping, respectively. Main Outcome Measures: Umbilical arterial blood gas analysis indicators, Apgar scores, resuscitation procedure incidence, peak bilirubin, and neonatal morbidity were compared between the two groups. Results: Group A had 29 and Group B had 21 participants. There were no significant differences in any of the outcome measures between the two groups. We classified five periods during caesarean delivery: aesthetic induction (Period 1), skin incision (Period 2), myometrium incision (Period 3), delivery of the neonate (Period 4), and time of cord clamping (Period 5). One-minute Apgar scores were negatively correlated with cord-clamping time (r=-0.426, P=0.002). Peak bilirubin value was correlated with Periods 2, 3, and 5 (r=0.347, P=0.014; r=0.411, P=0.003; r=-0.289, P=0.042, respectively). The remaining secondary outcomes were not correlated with any of the five periods. The peak bilirubin value was(9.712+0.006 × Period 2+0.006 × Period 3-0.026 × Period 5) (R2=0.313). . Conclusions: In caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia, delayed cord clamping within a certain period may partially prolong the duration of neonatal exposure to general anaesthesia drugs. However, delayed cord clamping is a safe and feasible technique for clinical application.

The Ardières catchment, (150 km²), in Beaujolais (France), belongs to the first European catchments where surface water contamination by pesticides has been highlighted in the late 1980s. Research on this site mainly aims at better understanding organic pesticides and trace elements hydrological pathways to watercourses, and at evaluating subsequent contamination and impact on aquatic ecosystems. Landscape as well as instream processes are studied in order to highlight catchment vulnerability to contaminants and possible mitigation actions. A consistent hydrological and chemical monitoring of the Ardières River and one of its tributaries, the Morcille River, has been taking place since 2002. It was supplemented by biological measurements on aquatic micro-organisms and macroinvertebrates, more particularly after 2005. The results show the importance of long-term study to account for the kinetics of contaminant transfer in hydro-biogeochemical systems. Physico-chemical, ecological and ecotoxicological measurements all showed spatial and temporal variability in water quality and a gradient of impact on community structures and ecological functions as a function of the pressure of human activity. Results allowed to develop indicators of toxic impacts and resilience of communities and provided avenues for action to improve water quality.

Uncovering the hillslope scale flow and transport dynamics in an experimental hydrologic systemMinseok Kim1, Till H. M. Volkmann1,2, Aaron Bugaj1, Yadi Wang3, Antônio A. Meira Neto4, Katarena Matos4, Ciaran J. Harman5,6, Peter A. Troch1,41Biosphere 2, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA,2Applied Intelligence, Accenture, Kronberg im Taunus, Germany, 3Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 4Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 5Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA,6Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USAHillslope scale water flow and transport dynamics have been extensively studied (Burt & McDonnell, 2015; Hewlett & Hibbert, 1963), but observing those internal dynamics in high spatial and temporal resolutions remains challenging. In this study, we uncover internal water flow and transport dynamics in an artificial hillslope in the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO), Biosphere 2, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA, using the experimental dataset collected in December 2016. Complete information about the hillslope and experiment can be found elsewhere (Pangle et al., 2015; Till H. M. Volkmann et al., 2018); Here, we only summarize some relevant information.The first part of the animation describes the experimental system and setup (time 00:12 – 04:14 in Animation S1). The LEO hillslope is 330 m3 (30 m long, 11 m wide, and 1 m deep) sloping soil lysimeter. The hillslope is primarily made up of loamy-sand textured basaltic tephra, and the most downslope 5.5 m3 is filled with gravel-textured basaltic tephra. A custom irrigation system supplies reverse osmosis filtered water onto the LEO surface. The downslope boundary is exposed to atmospheric pressure, creating the seepage face boundary condition. The sensor networks (including pressure transducers and volumetric water content sensors) and the water isotope sampling locations and intervals (7 hrs to 101 hrs) are illustrated in Animation S1 (time 02:09 – 03:01). The isotope composition of subsurface water is obtained from laser-based online measurements of vapor that is extracted via custom gas probes through equilibrium calculation (T. H.M. Volkmann & Weiler, 2014). The irrigation sequence of this experiment was designed to generate a periodic steady state, which allows the application of the PERidoic Tracer Hierarchy method (Harman & Kim, 2014) for the observation of the time-variable transit time distributions and the StorAge Selection functions. Deuterium-labeled water was irrigated during the first two irrigation events.The second part of the animation shows the dynamics of the perched water table and soil water content (time 04:15 – 06:53). The extent of the saturated zone was estimated using the pressure transducer data and Delaunay triangulation (Delaunay, 1934). The experimental data show the saturation from below mechanisms—wetting up from the bedrock surface into the soil profile (McDonnell, 1997)—and the saturation from downslope to upslope. The water table profile forms a wedge-like shape, which is a characteristic of hillslope with a high hillslope (Peclet) number (Berne et al., 2005; Brutsaert, 1994). The hillslope Peclet number of the LEO hillslope during the experiment is high (> 10) (Kim et al., 2020). Significant time delays in the water table dynamics are observed at some upslope locations (e.g., at 13 m upslope), which is mostly due to the delayed water supply from the convergent upslope area. The water content data indicates that the convergent upslope water content began to decrease around the timing of the water table peak at 13 m upslope.The third part of the animation shows the tracer dynamics (from time 06:43). The animated experimental data reveal two notable water transport dynamics. First, the vertical tracer movement is faster at the upslope. This faster movement at the upslope is, in a sense, counter-intuitive because the upslope region is drier than the downslope. This is due to the lateral flow in the saturated zone and the tension saturated zone, that are thicker at the downslope. While water velocity is higher at the downslope, the direction of velocity is not vertical but rotated towards the downslope in those zones.Second, the animated data illustrate that old water is present only at the downslope. This observation is a characteristic of hillslope with a high hillslope number, in which old water is preferentially discharged (Kim et al., 2020). Indeed, the observed SAS function in this hillslope is concave (Kim et al., 2020), indicating that the hillslope preferentially discharges old water that is stored at the downslope.

Here we propose an antipodal conjecture, which is based on the synthetic scheme of alkalide [K(C222)]+K- , to prepare K+[K(CO)8]-. By introducing the concept of antipodal salts of alkalides, K+[K(CO)8]- is defined as antipodal salt of [K(C222)]+K-. As Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table, the alkali metal K is conventionally considered to form chemical bonding through its 4s and 4p valence orbitals. Our theoretical results show that the 3d orbitals of K element in >[K(CO)8]- participate in chemical bonding of >[K(CO)8]-. This makes the alkali metal K shows typical transition metal chemical properties, which also provides the possibility for the synthesis of K+[K(CO)8]-. Based on the Born-Haber thermodynamic cycle, the upper-limit stable temperature of K+[K(CO)8]- is estimated to be 24.426 K . Our theoretical results indicate that antipodal salts of alkalides will be a new family of compounds with good synthetic prospects.

Human disturbance has substantially altered real-time flow regimes. The Headwater Area of the Yellow River (HAYR, above Huanghe’yan Hydrological Station) on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Southwest China has been undergoing extensively streamflow changes, permafrost degradation and ecological deterioration under a warming climate. However, the damming of the Yellow River complicates examining the relations between hydroclimatic variables and streamflow dynamics. In this study, monthly streamflow of the Yellow River (YR) at the Huanghe’yan Hydrological Station is reconstructed for 1955-2019 dusing the double mass curve (DMC) method and then forecasted for the next 20 years (2020-2040) using Elman Neural Network (ENN) time-series method. Construction of dam (1998-2000) has caused a reduction of 53.5%-68.4% in annual streamflow and a reduction of 71.8 %-94.4% in annual streamflow of dry years (2003-2005) in the HAYR and recent dam removal (September 2018) has boosted annual streamflow by 123% -210% (2018-2019). Post-correction trends of annual maximum (QMax) and minimum (QMin) streamflows and the ratio of the QMax/QMin of the YR in the HAYR (0.18 and 0.03 m3s1yr1 and -0.04 yr1) compared to those of pre-correction values (-0.25, -0.004 m3s1yr1 and 0.001 yr1) have revealed hydrological impacts of degrading permafrost. Based on the ENN model predictions, over the next 20 years, the increasing trend of the YR flow in the HAYR would generally be accelerated at a rate of 0.42 m3s1yr1. Boosting rates of spring (0.57 m3s1yr1) and autumn (0.18 m3s1yr1) YR flow would see an advance of snow-melt season and delayed arrival of winter. This suggests an elongating growing season, which indicates ameliorating phonological and soil nutrient and hydrothermal environments for vegetation in the HAYR. These hydrological and ecological change trends in the HAYR may potentially improve ecological safety and water supplies security in the HAYR and downstream YR basins.

Fed-batch culture currently represents the typical choice for the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the biopharmaceutical industry. However, the implementation of perfusion culture process combined with continuous manufacturing has gained attention due to increased productivity and resource savings. In this paper, we compared the host cell protein (HCP) production and profile of mAb1 between fed-batch and perfusion culture processes. Our work demonstrated differences in HCP production based on the type of cell culture process for the first time. We focused on HCPs that get carried through the purification process and are present in the final drug substance at levels impacting antibody quality and stability. Perfusion process had lower HCP levels and enabled higher clearance of problematic HCPs compared to fed-batch suggesting a viable alternative process. Furthermore, our work demonstrates proof of concept of the impact of cell culture process on specific product quality and help to navigate the process design when we move from traditional fed-batch to next-generation perfusion cell culture.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to women premature amenorrhea before the age of 40, elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In clinic, the etiology of POI remains unknown in most patients. In this study, seventy-four Chinese Han women with idiopathic POI were collected to analyze the genetic etiology. Triplet repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) was performed to screen the FMR1 (CGG)n premutation, and then 60 POI related genes were sequenced by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) in POI patients with normal FMR1. One patient (1/74) with FMR1 premutation was identified. Targeted NGS revealed that 15.07% (11/73) patients had pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of Mendelian genes (FOXL2, EIF2B2, CYP17A1, CLPP, MCM9, GDF9, MSH5, ERCC6, POLG). Ten novel variants in six Mendelian genes were identified, such as CLPP c.355A>C (p.I119L) and c.688A>C (p.M230L), MCM9 c.1157C>T (p.T386M) and c.1291A>G (p.M431V), GDF9 c. 238C>T (p.Q80X), MSH5 c.604G>C (p.G202R) and c.2063T>C (p.I688T), ERCC6 c.C1769C>T (p.P590L), POLG c.2832G>C (p.E944D) and c.2821A>G (p.I941V). This study enriched the variant spectrum of POI related genes and suggested targeted NGS was an efficient and optional further clinical test for POI patients without FMR1 premutation.

Metastases to the heart can have puzzling clinical presentation and require timely use of cardiac imaging for diagnosis. We present a unique case of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) recurrence with distant metastases to the heart presenting as pulmonary embolism.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, we performed a series of echocardiograms using subcostal views. After placing a patient in prone position during invasive mechanical ventilation, the echocardiogram transducer was placed under the patient in the left subcostal position. This performance allowed us to evaluate the function of the pulmonary valve and estimate pulmonary pressure. This is a complement to the monitoring with transthoracic echocardiogram in prone position.

The objectives of the present study were to describe for first time the prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type-2 (PCV2) among pig farms in Greece and the association between risk factors and PRRSV, PCV2 PCR-status. PRRSV and PCV2 are the leading causes of huge financial losses in swine industry worldwide. Despite the implementation of control measures, both remain a major problem for the majority of pig farms. Identification of risk factors, which can lead to PRRSV and/or PCV2 infection, could be useful in preventing it. The study included 59 pig farms, across Greece, with a total population of 22.500 sows, which represent about 40% of the entire sow capacity of Greek swine production. Data regarding herd health management protocols were collected from each farm. Additionally, blood samples from breeding stock, weaners, growers and finishers were taken from each farm. The sera were tested for PRRSV and PCV2, the results indicated that both viruses remain a major challenge for the Greek swine industry. Finally, main risk factors involved in the infection process by these viruses were identified and could be used for future monitoring both diseases. In particular, vaccination programs such as the mass PRRSV vaccination with modified-live virus (MLV) in breeding stock during the last stages of gestation or with killed-virus (KV) during the middle of gestation are more likely to be associated with PRRSV seropositivity. Farms with low biosecurity level are associated with higher PRRSV circulation. It has, also, been revealed that breeding stock is more likely to be associated with PCV2 active circulation compared to weaners and growers. In conclusion, our results could be the basis of the development of surveillance protocols for a national monitoring system for PRRSV and PCV2, which could prevent future infection of Greek farms.

We report a COVID19 case with acute heart and kidney failure in a healthy young male. Echocardiography showed severe systolic and diastolic left ventricle dysfunction, with diffuse myocardial thickening. Cardiac MRI showed aspects of focal myocarditis, and hypertensive cardiomyopathy. Renal biopsy demonstrated limited acute tubular injury, and hypertensive kidney disease. Coronary angiography excluded critical stenoses. Unlike what we initially suspected, myocardial inflammation had a limited extent in our patient; severe hypertension causing cardiomyopathy and multi-organ damage, not diagnosed before, was primarily responsible for severe illness. Correct diagnosis and guidelines-directed treatment allowed a favorable course.

Coronary flow reserve is the capacity of the coronary circulation to augment the blood flow in response an increase in myocardial metabolic demands and has a powerful prognostic significance in different clinical situations. It might assess with invasive and non-invasive technique. Transthoracic echocardiography Doppler is an emerging diagnostic technique, noninvasive, highly feasible, safe for patient and physician, without radiation, able to detect macrovascular and microvascular anomalies in the coronary circulation. This review aims to describe the benefit and limits of noninvasive assessment of coronary flow reserve, in particular his evaluation with echocardiography.

Aim: In recent studies, three species of bat, Hypsignathus monstrosus, Myonycteris torquata and Epomops franqueti were identified as the most likely candidates to be reservoir for Ebolavirus. To help in epidemic preparedness and surveillance, species distribution modeling techniques are useful for predicting where these species are likely to occur in DR Congo. Methods: MaxEnt software was used to model the current and future distribution of the three species in DR Congo based on the occurrence data collected from global biodiversity information facility and environmental covariates collected from Worldclim and USGS. The future distribution were obtained based on two scenario (RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5) of the HadGEM2-CC an IPPC5 climate projections from global climate models (GCMs). Results: The suitable habitat of H. monstrosus, M. torquata and E. franqueti are essentially located from latitude -5° to 5° and longitude 17° to 30°. Overall, their favourable living areas are located in the territories along the entire northern border and the entire northern part of the eastern border of the DR Congo with varying degrees of importance depending on the territories and species. Three bioclimatic variables have shown to play major role in their spread, the precipitation of the driest quarter, the precipitation of coldest quarter and the temperature annual range. In the future, the suitable area of these species will be decreasing and being essentially located in the Kivu provinces. The change in the ecological niche of these species will differ with respect to future climate scenario. Climate of RCP 8.5 has shown to induce major decrease of their suitable habitat in DR Congo. Main conclusions: The MaxEnt model is potentially useful for forecasting the future adaptive distribution of the three bat species under climate change, and it provides important guidance for comprehensive management of the Ebolavirus risk.

Maxent is commonly used species distribution modelling (SDM) program due to its better performance over other SDM programs. But model complexity and selecting optimal models are two important concerns for Maxent users. In order to help advance the field we built 44 sets of models by combining 11 regularization multipliers and four feature classes for 10 fish and 28 odonate species of Bhutan with small occurrence data. We then selected optimal models using four sequential optimal model selection approaches: two ORTEST approaches which combined threshold dependent test omission rate (OR) followed by area under receiver operating curve for test data (AUCTEST), and two AUCDIFF approaches that combined OR followed by difference between training AUC and AUCTEST (AUCDIFF) and then AUCTEST. We then screened for ecologically plausible binary suitable/unsuitable model for each species among the optimal models selected by the sequential approaches or from the remaining models using expert knowledge (EXP approach). We then compared different model features and the predicted binary habitat of the optimal models selected by the five approaches. Models selected by ORTEST approaches matched better with ones selected by EXP approach despite them selecting more complex models compared to AUCDIFF approaches. Further, models selected through AUCDIFF approaches overpredicted the habitat more often than the models selected through ORTEST approaches when compared to models chosen by EXP approach. We recommend use of ORTEST approaches for model selection either as the first line of model screening or by their own when less restrictive thresholds are used to produce binary habitat maps as we did here. First, this would reduce time required for expert screening of multiple models for ecologically plausible models when many species are studied. Second, when used alone, ORTEST approaches can avoid either selecting models that under predict or over predict the suitable habitat.

Background: Phthalates can cause respiratory and immunological disorders. However, little is known about the role of serum periostin and YKL-40 levels in mediating the effects of phthalates. We investigated the mediating role of these biomarkers in the relationship between phthalates and airway dysfunction. Methods: A total of 487 children (aged 10 to 12 years-old) were examined. Four high-molecular-weight phthalate (HMWP) [Σ4HMWP] metabolites and 3 low-molecular-weight phthalate (LMWP) [Σ3LMWP] metabolites in urine samples were measured. Serum periostin and YKL-40 levels were measured. Airway function was measured using impulse oscillometry. A mediation model was used to quantify the mediating effects of periostin and YKL-40 on airway dysfunction. Results: After adjustment for height, gender, BMI z-score, aeroallergen sensitization, secondary smoking, and vitamin D level, the level of urinary Σ3LMWP metabolites was significantly associated with respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (Rrs5; adjusted β: 0.020, 95% CI: 0.005 to 0.034; P = .010). The levels of urinary Σ4HMWP and Σ3LMWP metabolites were significantly associated with periostin level, but not with YKL-40 level. In addition, the periostin level was associated with Rrs5 (adjusted β: 0.048, 95% CI: 0.015 to 0.081; P = .005) and Rrs20-5 (adjusted β: 0.040, 95% CI: 0.011 to 0.069; P =.007). Serum periostin level had a significant effect in mediating the relationship between Σ3LMWP and Rrs5 (13.9%, 95% CI: 10.7 to 77.0; P < .001). Conclusion: Exposure to LMWPs was significantly associated with airway dysfunction, and this effect was partially attributable to increased serum periostin level.

Le leggi che si sono succedute dal 1948 ad oggi hanno modificato e dato forza alla tutela del paesaggio, stabilendo che per paesaggio si intende la stratificazione delle azioni antropiche e naturali. Per sottolineare la complessità e l’importanza del paesaggio è stato proposto il caso studio di un impianto eolico off-shore. Attraverso la relazione paesaggistica è stato esaminato lo stato attuale del paesaggio naturale ed urbano in cui è inserito il progetto ed è stata stimata l’incidenza che tale progetto avrà sul contesto.

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