New perspectives in ecosystem services science as instruments to understand environmental securities

As societal demand for food, water and other life-sustaining resources grows, the science of ecosystem services (ES) is seen as a promising tool to improve our understanding, and ultimately the management, of increasingly uncertain supplies of critical goods provided or supported by natural ecosystems. This promise, however, is tempered by a relatively primitive understanding of the complex systems supporting ES, which as a result are often quantified as static resources rather than as the dynamic expression of human-natural systems. This article attempts to pinpoint the minimum level of detail that ES science needs to achieve in order to usefully inform the debate on environmental securities, and discusses both the state of the art and recent methodological developments in ES in this light. We briefly review the field of ES accounting methods and list some desiderata that we deem necessary, reachable and relevant to address environmental securities through an improved science of ES. We then discuss a methodological innovation that, while only addressing these needs partially, can improve our understanding of ES dynamics in data-scarce situations. The methodology is illustrated and discussed through an application related to water security in the semi-arid landscape of the Great Ruaha river of Tanzania.

A methodology for adaptable and robust ecosystem services assessment

Ecosystem Services (ES) are an established conceptual framework for attributing value to the benefits that nature provides to humans. As the promise of robust ES-driven management is put to the test, shortcomings in our ability to accurately measure, map, and value ES have surfaced. On the research side, mainstream methods for ES assessment still fall short of addressing the complex, multi-scale biophysical and socioeconomic dynamics inherent in ES provision, flow, and use. On the practitioner side, application of methods remains onerous due to data and model parameterization requirements. Further, it is increasingly clear that the dominant "one model fits all" paradigm is often ill-suited to address the diversity of real-world management situations that exist across the broad spectrum of coupled human-natural systems. This article introduces an integrated ES modeling methodology, named ARIES (ARtificial Intelligence for Ecosystem Services), which aims to introduce improvements on these fronts. To improve conceptual detail and representation of ES dynamics, it adopts a uniform conceptualization of ES that gives equal emphasis to their production, flow and use by society, while keeping model complexity low enough to enable rapid and inexpensive assessment in many contexts and for multiple services. To improve fit to diverse application contexts, the methodology is assisted by model integration technologies that allow assembly of customized models from a growing model base. By using computer learning and reasoning, model structure may be specialized for each application context without requiring costly expertise. In this article we discuss the founding principles of ARIES--both its innovative aspects for ES science and as an example of a new strategy to support more accurate decision making in diverse application contexts.

Drop rebound after impact: the role of the receding contact angle

Data from the literature suggest that the rebound of a drop from a surface can be achieved when the wettability is low, i.e., when contact angles, measured at the triple line (solid-liquid-air), are high. However, no clear criterion exists to predict when a drop will rebound from a surface and which is the key wetting parameter to govern drop rebound (e.g., the "equilibrium" contact angle, θeq, the advancing and the receding contact angles, θA and θR, respectively, the contact angle hysteresis, Δθ, or any combination of these parameters). To clarify the conditions for drop rebound, we conducted experimental tests on different dry solid surfaces with variable wettability, from hydrophobic to superhydrophobic surfaces, with advancing contact angles 108° < θA < 169° and receding contact angles 89° < θR < 161°. It was found that the receding contact angle is the key wetting parameter that influences drop rebound, along with surface hydrophobicity: for the investigated impact conditions (drop diameter 2.4 < D0 < 2.6 mm, impact speed 0.8 < V < 4.1 m/s, Weber number 25 < We < 585), rebound was observed only on surfaces with receding contact angles higher than 100°. Also, the drop rebound time decreased by increasing the receding contact angle. It was also shown that in general care must be taken when using statically defined wetting parameters (such as advancing and receding contact angles) to predict the dynamic behavior of a liquid on a solid surface because the dynamics of the phenomenon may affect surface wetting close to the impact point (e.g., as a result of the transition from the Cassie-Baxter to Wenzel state in the case of the so-called superhydrophobic surfaces) and thus affect the drop rebound.

Two color free-electron laser and frequency beating

We review the theory of two color high gain free-electron laser emission, derive the integral equation characterizing the evolution of the optical intensities, and provide a description of the relevant dynamics. The characteristic feature of this regime is the existence of a mutual bunching, whose origin and role are discussed.

Observation of time-domain modulation of free-electron-laser pulses by multipeaked electron-energy spectrum

We present the experimental demonstration of a new scheme for the generation of ultrashort pulse trains based on free-electron-laser (FEL) emission from a multipeaked electron energy distribution. Two electron beamlets with energy difference larger than the FEL parameter ρ have been generated by illuminating the cathode with two ps-spaced laser pulses, followed by a rotation of the longitudinal phase space by velocity bunching in the linac. The resulting self-amplified spontaneous emission FEL radiation, measured through frequency-resolved optical gating diagnostics, reveals a double-peaked spectrum and a temporally modulated pulse structure.

Development of new photon-counting detectors for single-molecule fluorescence microscopy

Two optical configurations are commonly used in single-molecule fluorescence microscopy: point-like excitation and detection to study freely diffusing molecules, and wide field illumination and detection to study surface immobilized or slowly diffusing molecules. Both approaches have common features, but also differ in significant aspects. In particular, they use different detectors, which share some requirements but also have major technical differences. Currently, two types of detectors best fulfil the needs of each approach: single-photon-counting avalanche diodes (SPADs) for point-like detection, and electron-multiplying charge-coupled devices (EMCCDs) for wide field detection. However, there is room for improvements in both cases. The first configuration suffers from low throughput owing to the analysis of data from a single location. The second, on the other hand, is limited to relatively low frame rates and loses the benefit of single-photon-counting approaches. During the past few years, new developments in point-like and wide field detectors have started addressing some of these issues. Here, we describe our recent progresses towards increasing the throughput of single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy in solution using parallel arrays of SPADs. We also discuss our development of large area photon-counting cameras achieving subnanosecond resolution for fluorescence lifetime imaging applications at the single-molecule level.

Service Path Attribution Networks (SPANs)

Ecosystem services are the effects on human well-being of the flow of benefits from ecosystems to people over given extents of space and time. The Service Path Attribution Network (SPAN) model provides a spatial framework for determining the topology and strength of these flows and identifies the human and ecological features which give rise to them. As an aid to decision-making, this approach discovers dependencies between provision and usage endpoints, spatial competition among users for scarce resources, and areas of highest likely impact on ecosystem service flows. Particularly novel is the model’s ability to quantify services provided by the absence of a flow. SPAN models have been developed for a number of services (scenic views, proximity to open space, carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, nutrient cycling, and avoided sedimentation/deposition), which vary in scale of effect, mechanism of provision and use, and type of flow. Results using real world data are shown for the US Puget Sound region.

10 ps resolution, 160 ns full scale range and less than 1.5% differential non-linearity time-to-digital converter module for high performance timing measurements

We present a compact high performance time-to-digital converter (TDC) module that provides 10 ps timing resolution, 160 ns dynamic range and a differential non-linearity better than 1.5% LSB(rms). The TDC can be operated either as a general-purpose time-interval measurement device, when receiving external START and STOP pulses, or in photon-timing mode, when employing the on-chip SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) detector for detecting photons and time-tagging them. The instrument precision is 15 ps(rms) (i.e., 36 ps(FWHM)) and in photon timing mode it is still better than 70 ps(FWHM). The USB link to the remote PC allows the easy setting of measurement parameters, the fast download of acquired data, and their visualization and storing via an user-friendly software interface. The module proves to be the best candidate for a wide variety of applications such as: fluorescence lifetime imaging, time-of-flight ranging measurements, time-resolved positron emission tomography, single-molecule spectroscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, diffuse optical tomography, optical time-domain reflectometry, quantum optics, etc.

Degradation of nitrocellulose-based paint by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 13541

Nitrocellulose is one of the most commonly used compounds in ammunition and paint industries and its recalcitrance to degradation has a negative impact on human health and the environment. In this study the capability of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 13541 to degrade nitrocellulose as binder in paint was assayed for the first time. Nitrocellulose-based paint degradation was followed by monitoring the variation in nitrate, nitrite and ammonium content in the culture medium using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy. At the same time cell counts and ATP assay were performed to estimate bacterial density and activity in all samples. Infrared spectroscopy and colorimetric measurements of paint samples were performed to assess chemical and colour changes due to the microbial action. Microscope observations of nitrocellulose-based paint samples demonstrated the capability of the bacterium to adhere to the paint surface and change the paint adhesive characteristics. Finally, preliminary studies of nitrocellulose degradation pathway were conducted by assaying nitrate- and nitrite reductases activity in D. desulfuricans grown in presence or in absence of paint. We found that D. desulfuricans ATCC 13541 is able to transform nitrocellulose as paint binder and we hypothesised ammonification as degradation pathway. The results suggest that D. desulfuricans ATCC 13541 is a good candidate as a nitrocellulose-degrading bacterium.

Herramientas científicas para la adaptación al cambio climático: Estimo y optimización de la eficiencia de provisión de los servicios de ecosistemas

<div data-canvas-width="378.77664773160035">Adaptation to the consequences of climate change can depend on efficient use of ecosys tem services (ES), i.e. a better use of natural services through management of the way in which they are delivered to society. While much discussion focuses on reducing consumption and increasing production of services, a lack of scientific instruments has so far prevented other mechanisms to improve ecosystem services efficiency from being addressed systematically as an adaptation strategy. This paper describes new methodologies for assessing ecosystem services and quantifying their values to humans, highlighting the role of ecosystem service flow analysis in optimizing the efficiency of ES provision.</div>

Preoperative methods to improve erythropoiesis

Preoperative anemia creates a challenge for surgical treatment and patient outcomes after major surgery. Prior to a surgical intervention, it is optimal to increase erythropoiesis to improve oxygen transport through the bloodstream for patients at high risk of anemia and to avoid the complications of allogeneic blood transfusion. In this way, patients could receive predeposited autologous blood or, during the surgical procedures, undergo acute normovolemic hemodilution. This approach is allowed by the use of recombinant human erythropoietin in association with erythropoiesis-inducing factors such as iron and folic acid. In this article, we discuss the recent clinical evidences.

New photon-counting detectors for single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging

Solution-based single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful new experimental approach with applications in all fields of natural sciences. Two typical geometries can be used for these experiments: point-like and widefield excitation and detection. In point-like geometries, the basic concept is to excite and collect light from a very small volume (typically femtoliter) and work in a concentration regime resulting in rare burst-like events corresponding to the transit of a single-molecule. Those events are accumulated over time to achieve proper statistical accuracy. Therefore the advantage of extreme sensitivity is somewhat counterbalanced by a very long acquisition time. One way to speed up data acquisition is parallelization. Here we will discuss a general approach to address this issue, using a multispot excitation and detection geometry that can accommodate different types of novel highly-parallel detector arrays. We will illustrate the potential of this approach with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and single-molecule fluorescence measurements. In widefield geometries, the same issues of background reduction and single-molecule concentration apply, but the duration of the experiment is fixed by the time scale of the process studied and the survival time of the fluorescent probe. Temporal resolution on the other hand, is limited by signal-to-noise and/or detector resolution, which calls for new detector concepts. We will briefly present our recent results in this domain.

Abstract P6-11-10: Full-Oral, Metronomic Schedule of Vinorelbine (VNB) and Capecitabine (CAPE) in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer (BC) Patients (Pts): A Single Institution, Dose-Finding Study

BACKGROUND: Choice of chemotherapy is a major problem in locally advanced (LABC) or metastatic BC pts already treated with anthracyclines and taxanes, or not suitable for these drugs. VNB and CAPE are two valid options, both tested as single agents or in combination in this setting of pts. Different studies have demonstrated that the metronomic treatment could achieve a significant rate of clinical response with an acceptable toxicity profile. Based on the results of metronomic Phase I/II trial, which fixed the dose of VNB at 60 mg/tot thrice a week and considering that the two drugs have a different safety profile, we designed a dose-finding study, aiming to determine the optimal dose of oral VNB in combination with CAPE, both administered in a metronomic way. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fixed dose of CAPE was 500 mg thrice a day, continuously. Level I dose of VNB was 20 mg/tot, three times a week for 3 weeks (1 cycle); subsequent cohorts started with 30 mg/tot Level II), 40 mg/tot (Level III) and 50 mg/tot (Level IV), respectively, if no Grade 3-4 toxicity was observed in the same dose level of the previous cohort.

Results: Twelve consecutive pts were enrolled. Median age was 67.5 years (49-81), 4 pts were LABC or metastatic at diagnosis, HR status was positive in 11/12 pts (91.6%), 2 pts were HER2+ but could not or no longer receive antiHER2 agents due to cardiac failure. All pts but 2 (83.3%) received anthracyclines, taxanes or both. Mean number of metastatic sites was 3 (1-5). At the 50 mg level of dose, 1 pt developed G3 neurological toxicity during the 3rd week of cycle 1 and 1 pt G4 neutropenia in the 2nd week of cycle 2. No pts treated with the 40 mg level of dose experienced G3 toxicity. The Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) was fixed at 40 mg thrice a week.

CONCLUSION: MTD of metronomic full-oral schedule of VNB in combination with fixed dose of CAPE was 40 mg thrice a week and was the recommended dose for the further ongoing Phase II study.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-10.

T-cell lymphoma of the oral cavity: a case report

Lymphomas are defined as heterogeneous malignancies of the lymphatic system characterized by a proliferation of lymphoid cells or their precursors. Malignant lymphoma of the oral cavity has been described previously although reports on the occurrence of intraoral extranodal T-cell lymphomas are scarce. Oral lesions may appear as a painless enlargement, erythematous, often with surface ulceration secondary to trauma. This is a report of a rare case in which a specific subtype of T-cell lymphoma appeared in the oral cavity.

Color measurements as a reliable method for estimating chlorophyll degradation to phaeopigments

The application of biocides is a traditional method of controlling biodecay of outdoor cultural heritage. Chlorophyll degradation to phaeopigments is used to test the biocidal efficacy of the antimicrobial agents. In the present study, the usefulness of color measurements in estimating chlorophyll degradation was investigated. An aeroterrestrial stone biofilm-forming cyanobacterium of the genus Nostoc was chosen as test organism, comparing its different behaviour in both planktonic and biofilm mode of growth against the isothiazoline biocide Biotin T®. Changes in A(435 nm)/A(415 nm) and A(665 nm)/A(665a nm) and in the chlorophyll a and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cell content were compared with the variations in the CIELAB color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*(ab) and h(ab)). Our findings showed that both the phaeophytination indexes are useful in describing degradation of chlorophyl a to phaeopigments. Moreover, the CIELAB color parameters represented an effective tool in describing chlorophyll degradation. L* CIELAB parameter appeared to be the most informative parameter in describing the biocidal activity of Biotin T® against Nostoc sp. in both planktonic and biofilm mode of growth.

Feasibility of removing surface deposits on stone using biological and chemical remediation methods

The study was conducted on alterations found on stone artwork and integrates microbial control and a biotechnological method for the removal of undesirable chemical substances. The Demetra and Cronos sculptures are two of 12 stone statues decorating the courtyard of the Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento (Italy). An initial inspection of the statues revealed putative black crusts and highlighted the microbial contamination causing discoloration. In 2006, the Cultural Heritage Superintendence of Trento commissioned us to study and remove these chemical and biological stains. Stereomicroscopy characterised the stone of the sculptures as oolitic limestone, and infrared analyses confirmed the presence of black crusts. To remove the black crusts, we applied a remediation treatment of sulphate-reducing bacteria, which removes the chemical alteration but preserves the original stone and the patina noble. Using traditional and biomolecular methods, we studied the putative microbial contamination and confirmed the presence of biodeteriogens and chose biocide Biotin N for the removal of the agents causing the discolouration. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fluorescent in situ hybridisation established that Cyanobacteria and green algae genera were responsible for the green staining whereas the black microbial contamination was due to dematiaceous fungi. After the biocide Biotin N treatment, we applied molecular methods and demonstrated that the Cyanobacteria, and most of the green algae and dematiaceous fungi, had been efficiently removed. The reported case study reveals that conservators can benefit from an integrated biotechnological approach aimed at the biocleaning of chemical alterations and the abatement of biodeteriogens.

Anti-inflammatory profile of circulating immune cells after surgery for seizure

AIM

The central nervous system has been described as the coordinator of the inflammatory response to infection through the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and the autonomic nervous system. Brain lesions have been associated with impaired immunity and postoperative infections. We studied alterations of the inflammatory response in relation to neurohormonal patterns after neurosurgery for seizure.

METHODS

Nine patients were studied before, during and immediately after operation, and then on days 1, 2 and 4 post-operatively. Monocyte HLA-DR (mHLA-DR) expression and plasma interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 and MIF were measured ex vivo and after an in vitro 6-h our lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of whole blood. Corticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, arginine vasopressin, prolactin, epinephrine and norepinephrine were quantified in plasma. The effect of plasma mediators on LPS stimulation was studied by replacing plasma with standard culture medium.

RESULTS

Surgery resulted in decreased ex vivo mHLA-DR expression, but no change in IL-10 or IL-12 plasma levels. mHLA-DR was low in LPS culture over the 4 postoperative days, whereas IL-10 release was increased and not counterbalanced by IL-12p40 production. The hormonal plasma pattern showed increased prolactin during anesthesia and peaks of cortisol, ACTH and arginine vasopressin during waking, but no alteration in catecholamine levels. mHLA-DR expression in LPS culture was not modified by plasma replacement, except immediately after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Postoperatively, mHLA-DR expression was associated with an anti-inflammatory phenotype of whole blood. The anti-inflammatory profile was not related to the plasma mediators measured, suggesting that neural control might take place upstream in the circulation, at the level of progenitors in bone marrow.

Etiology of respiratory failure is related to mortality in critically ill patients affected by a hematological malignancy: a retrospective study

AIM

The outcomes of patients affected by hematologic malignancies (HM) admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) because of life-threatening complications are still considered to be poor. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and impact of cardiac dysfunction on the outcome of these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of the 48 patients (both adult and pediatric) with HM admitted in our ICU over the last four years, collecting data on admission diagnosis, type of HM, laboratory values and organ failure.

RESULTS

All patients were admitted with respiratory failure. The overall mortality rate was 50% and the mortality rates were similar among patients with different types of HM. Septic shock and multiple organ failure were the leading causes of death. The overall incidence of cardiac dysfunction was high (31%). Interestingly, the ICU mortality of this subgroup was 27%, while the mortality of the rest of the population was 61% (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ICU patients with HM have high mortality. Respiratory failure caused by cardiac dysfunction seems to be associated with a lower risk of death.