Radiosounding: Possible change in aerological data due to instrument change

radiosounding system allows to measure the profile of some meteorological quantities (temperature, humidity, pressure) from the ground up to a certain altitude. Such systems are continuously used by meteorological services in order to perform periodical measurements during the day, at pre-determined times. The evolution of instrumentation technology leads to a fast obsolescence of equipment through time, so that, inevitably, new instrumentation replaces the old one. The new VAISALA Radiosound RS92 has been recently introduced to substitute previous model RS90. The RS90 is currently used by many national and international institutes, including the Italian Air Force Meteorological Service (Servizio Meteorologico dell’Aeronautica Militare). In order to assess the way in which the substitution of RS90s with the new RS92s would affect measures performed by the altitude observation network with regard also to the historical series, several comparative measurements have been conducted by the “Reparto Sperimentazioni di Meteorologia Aeronautica” at Vigna di Valle (Rome). During this testing series, Company VAISALA has given a remarkable level of cooperation by a continuous presence of technicians. The entire test has been performed according to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) protocols

Bioactive Polyphenols Modulate Enzymes Involved in Grapevine Pathogenesis and Chitinase Activity at Increasing Complexity Levels

The reduction of synthetic chemistry use in modern viticulture relies on either the biological control of microorganisms or the induction of pathogenesis-related proteins. In the present study, the effects of hydro-alcoholic plant extracts (PEs) (i.e., by-products of Vitis vinifera L., leaves of Olea europaea L. and Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) were tested on purified enzymes activity involved in plant-pathogen interactions. The polyphenolic composition was assayed and analyzed to characterize the extract profiles. In addition, suspension cell cultures of grapevine were treated with PEs to study their modulation of chitinase activity. Application of grape marc\u2019s PE enhanced chitinase activity at 4 g L 121. Additionally, foliar treatment of grape marc\u2019s PE at two doses (4 g L 121 and 800 g L 121 ) on grapevine cuttings induced a concentration-dependent stimulation of chitinase activity. The obtained results showed that the application of bioactive compounds based on PEs, rich in phenolic compounds, was effective both at in vitro and ex/in vivo level. The overall effects of PEs on plant-pathogen interaction were further discussed by applying a multi-criteria decision analysis, showing that grape marc was the most effective extrac

Germination performance of alien and native species could shape community assembly of temperate grasslands under different temperature scenarios

Rising temperatures due to climate change are expected to interplay with biological invasions, and may enhance the spread and growth of some alien species upon arrival in new areas. To successfully invade, a plant species needs to overcome multiple biological barriers. Among the crucial life stages, seed germination greatly contributes to the final species assembly of a plant community. Several studies have suggested that alien plant success is related to their high seed germination and longevity in the soil. Hence, our aim is to test if the germination potential of alien seeds present in the seed bank will be further enhanced by future warming in temperate dry grasslands, an ecosystem that is among those most prone to biological invasions. We designed a laboratory germination experiment at two temperatures (20 and 28 °C), to simulate an early or late heat wave in the growing season, using seeds from nine common grassland Asteraceae species, including native, archaeophyte and neophyte species. The test was performed on both single and mixed pools of these categories of species, using a full-factorial orthogonal design. The warmer germination temperature promoted neophyte success by increasing germination probability and germination speed, while negatively impacting these parameters in seeds of native species. The co-occurrence of native and archaeophyte seeds at the lower temperature limited the invasiveness of neophytes. These results provide important information on future management actions aimed at containing alien plant invasions, by improving our knowledge on the possible seed-bank response and interaction mechanisms of common species occurring in disturbed natural areas or restored sites. Graphical abstract: Summary of the experimental results. The colour of the flowers represent the status, divided as native (blue), neophyte (red) and archaeophyte (green). Each flower symbol represents the species pool for each plant category (i.e. NA = Buphthalmum salicifolium, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea scabiosa; NE = Artemisia annua, Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, Senecio inaequidens; AR = Centaurea cyanus, Cichorium intybus, Tripleurospermum inodorum). The number of flowers represent the germination percentage of the various category assembly. In the columns are divided the various combination. From up to bottom the trend of germination percentage at 20 and 28 °C are shown. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Vernalization affects the germination performance of the wetland endangered species Eleocharis carniolica

Eleocharis carniolica W.D.J. Koch (Cyperaceae) is an endangered wetland spike rush mainly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Understanding the germination ecology of this species is essential to perform successful conservation and restoration actions. In this study, we investigated the effect of vernalization (i.e. cold stratification), gibberellic acid (GA3) and chemical scarification on seed germination of E. carniolica from wild populations in northern Italy. The results showed that vernalization (i.e. 8-weeks at 4 °C) significantly improved germination probability, speed, and uniformity compared to non-stratified seeds. Gibberellic acid treatment alone or in combination with vernalization did not show a significant improvement in germination. Chemical scarification using sodium hypochlorite increased germination probability, with 8 h of scarification showing the highest success rate. However, 24-h scarification had a negative impact on germination. Overall, vernalization was found to be the most effective method to enhance germination in E. carniolica. These findings provide valuable insights into the seed germination ecology of this endangered species, aiding in its exsitu conservation, propagation, and in-situ restoration efforts. Moreover, they have important implications on future germination dynamics of this endangered species, especially with predicted climate change scenarios

Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure increases hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in infants

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) is a worldwide health problem and it is considered a risk factor for pregnant women's and children's health, particularly for respiratory morbidity during the first year of life. Few significant birth cohort studies on the effect of prenatal TSE via passive and active maternal smoking on the development of severe bronchiolitis in early childhood have been carried out worldwide. METHODS: From November 2009 to December 2012, newborns born at ≥ 33 weeks of gestational age (wGA) were recruited in a longitudinal multi-center cohort study in Italy to investigate the effects of prenatal and postnatal TSE, among other risk factors, on bronchiolitis hospitalization and/or death during the first year of life. RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred ten newborns enrolled at birth were followed-up during their first year of life. Of these, 120 (5.4%) were hospitalized for bronchiolitis. No enrolled infants died during the study period. Prenatal passive TSE and maternal active smoking of more than 15 cigarettes/daily are associated to a significant increase of the risk of offspring children hospitalization for bronchiolitis, with an adjHR of 3.5 (CI 1.5-8.1) and of 1.7 (CI 1.1-2.6) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the detrimental effects of passive TSE and active heavy smoke during pregnancy for infants' respiratory health, since the exposure significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for bronchiolitis in the first year of lif

Blocking Connexin-43 mediated hemichannel activity protects against early tubular injury in experimental chronic kidney disease

Background: Tubulointerstitial fibrosis represents the key underlying pathology of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), yet treatment options remain limited. In this study, we investigated the role of connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannel-mediated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release in purinergic-mediated disassembly of adherens and tight junction complexes in early tubular injury. Methods: Human primary proximal tubule epithelial cells (hPTECs) and clonal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) were treated with Transforming Growth Factor Beta1 (TGFβ1) ± apyrase, or ATPγS for 48h. For inhibitor studies, cells were co-incubated with Cx43 mimetic Peptide 5, or purinergic receptor antagonists Suramin, A438079 or A804598. Immunoblotting, single-cell force spectroscopy and trans-epithelial electrical resistance assessed protein expression, cell-cell adhesion and paracellular permeability. Carboxyfluorescein uptake and biosensing measured hemichannel activity and real-time ATP release, whilst a heterozygous Cx43+/- mouse model with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) assessed the role of Cx43 in vivo. Results: Immunohistochemistry of biopsy material from patients with diabetic nephropathy confirmed increased expression of purinergic receptor P2X7. TGFβ1 increased Cx43 mediated hemichannel activity and ATP release in hPTECs and HK2 cells. The cytokine reduced maximum unbinding forces and reduced cell-cell adhesion, which translated to increased paracellular permeability. Changes were reversed when cells were co-incubated with either Peptide 5 or P2-purinoceptor inhibitors. Cx43+/- mice did not exhibit protein changes associated with early tubular injury in a UUO model of fibrosis. Conclusion: Data suggest that Cx43 mediated ATP release represents an initial trigger in early tubular injury via its actions on the adherens and tight junction complex. Since Cx43 is highly expressed in nephropathy, it represents a novel target for intervention of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD

Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings

Background: Ariadne's house, located at the city center of ancient Pompeii, is of great archaeological value due to the fresco paintings decorating several rooms. In order to assess the risks for long-term conservation affecting the valuable mural paintings, 26 temperature data-loggers and 26 relative humidity data-loggers were located in four rooms of the house for the monitoring of ambient conditions. Results: Data recorded during 372 days were analyzed by means of graphical descriptive methods and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed an effect of the roof type and number of walls of the room. Excessive temperatures were observed during the summer in rooms covered with transparent roofs, and corrective actions were taken. Moreover, higher humidity values were recorded by sensors on the floor level. Conclusions: The present work provides guidelines about the type, number, calibration and position of thermohygrometric sensors recommended for the microclimate monitoring of mural paintings in outdoor or semi-confined environments. © 2012 Merello et al.; licensee Chemistry Central Ltd.This work was partially supported by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion) under projects HAR2010-21944-C02-01 and HAR2010-21944-C02-02.Merello Giménez, P.; García Diego, FJ.; Zarzo Castelló, M. (2012). Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings. Chemistry Central Journal. 6:145-161. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153X-6-145S1451616Ribera A, Olcina M, Ballester C: Pompeya Bajo Pompeya, las Excavaciones en la Casa de Ariadna. Valencia: Fundación MARQ; 2007.World Monuments Fund: World Monuments Watch: 100 Most Endangered Sites. New York: World Monuments Fund; 1996.Anter KF: Colours in Pompeiian cityscape: Adding pieces to the puzzle. Color Res Appl 2006,31(4):331–340.Harris J: Protecting Pompeii and the Italian heritage in 2012. http://www.i-italy.org/bloggers/18935/protecting-pompeii-and-italian-heritage-2012Augusti S: La Tecnica Dell’antica Pittura Parietale Pompeiana. Napoli: Gaetano Macchiaroli Editore; 1950.Miriello D, Barca D, Bloise A, Ciarallo A, Crisci GM, De Rose T, Gattuso C, Gazineo F, La Russa MF: Characterisation of archaeological mortars from Pompeii (Campania, Italy) and identification of construction phases by compositional data analysis. J Arch Sci 2010, 37:2207–2223.Castriota M, Cosco V, Barone T, De Santo G, Carafa P, Cazzanelli E: Micro-Raman characterizations of Pompei’s mortars. J Raman Spectrosc 2008,39(2):295–301.Maguregui M, Knuutinen U, Castro K, Madariaga JM: Raman spectroscopy as a tool to diagnose the impact and conservation state of Pompeian second and fourth style wall paintings exposed to diverse environments (House of Marcus Lucretius). J Raman Spectrosc 2010,41(11):1400–1409.Genestar C, Pons C, Más A: Analytical characterisation of ancient mortars from the archaeological Roman city of Pollentia (Balearic Islands, Spain). Anal Chim Acta 2006, 557:373–379.Duran A, Perez-Maqueda LA, Poyato J, Perez-Rodriguez JL: A thermal study approach to roman age wall painting mortars. J Therm Anal Calorim 2010,99(3):803–809.Pérez MC, García Diego F-J, Merello P, D’Antoni P, Fernández Navajas A, Ribera Lacomba A, Ferrazza L, Pérez Miralles J, Baró JL, Merce P, D’Antoni H, Curiel Esparza J: Ariadne’s house (Pompeii, Italy) wall paintings: a multidisciplinary study of its present state focused on a future restoration and preventive conservation. Mater Constr in pressBernardi A: Microclimate in the British Museum. London. Museum Manag Curat 1990, 9:169–182.Bernardi A, Camuffo D: Microclimate in the Chiericati Palace Municipal Museum. Vicenza. Museum Manag Curat 1995, 14:5–18.Camuffo D, Bernardi A, Sturaro G, Valentino A: The microclimate inside the Pollaiolo and Botticelli rooms in the Uffizi Gallery. Florence. J Cult Herit 2002, 3:155–161.La Gennusa M, Rizzo G, Scaccianoce G, Nicoletti F: Control of indoor environments in heritage buildings: Experimental measurements in an old Italian museum and proposal of a methodology. J Cult Herit 2005,6(2):147–155.Camuffo D, Sturaro G, Valentino A: Thermodynamic exchanges between the external boundary layer and the indoor microclimate at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy: the problem of conservation of ancient works of art. Bound Lay Meteorol 1999, 92:243–262.Tabunschikov Y, Brodatch M: Indoor air climate requirements for Russian churches and cathedrals. Indoor Air 2004,14(Suppl 7):168–174.Loupa G, Charpantidou E, Kioutsioukis I, Rapsomanikis S: Indoor microclimate, ozone and nitrogen oxides in two medieval churches in Cyprus. Atmos Environ 2006, 40:7457–7466.Vuerich E, Malaspina F, Barazutti M, Georgiadis T, Nardino M: Indoor measurements of microclimate variables and ozone in the church of San Vincenzo (Monastery of Bassano Romano – Italy): a pilot study. Microchem J 2008, 88:218–223.García-Diego F-J, Zarzo M: Microclimate monitoring by multivariate statistical control: the renaissance frescoes of the cathedral of valencia (Spain). J Cult Herit 2010,11(3):339–344.Zarzo M, Fernández-Navajas A, García-Diego F-J: Long-term monitoring of fresco paintings in the Cathedral of Valencia (Spain) through humidity and temperature sensors in various locations for preventive conservation. Sensors 2011,11(9):8685–8710.Maekawa S, Lambert F, Meyer J: Environmental monitoring at Tiwanaku. Mater Res Soc Symp Proc 1995, 352:885–892.Lillie M, Smith R, Reed J, Inglis R: Southwest Scottish Crannogs: using in situ studies to assess preservation in wetland archaeological contexts. J Archaeol Sci 2008,35(7):1886–1900.Verdecchia F, Zoccatelli C, Norelli E, Miandro R: Integrated monitoring network for surface deformation in Capo Colonna archaeological area, Crotone. Italy. IAHS-AISH P 2010, 339:345–351.Nava S, Becherini F, Bernardi A, Bonazza A, Chiari M, García-Orellana I, Lucarelli F, Ludwig N, Migliori A, Sabbioni C, Udisti R, Valli G, Vecchi R: An integrated approach to assess air pollution threats to cultural heritage in a semi-confined environment: the case study of Michelozzo’s Courtyard in Florence (Italy). Sci Total Environ 2010,408(6):1403–1413.Hygrochron Temperature/Humidity Logger iButton with 8KB Data-Log Memory. Maxim Integrated Products. http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS1923.pdfTemperature Logger iButton with 8KB Data-Log Memory. Maxim Integrated Products. http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS1922L-DS1922T.pdfVisco G, Plattner SH, Fortini P, Di Giovanni S, Sammartino MP: Microclimate monitoring in the Carcer Tullianum: temporal and spatial correlation and gradients evidenced by multivariate analysis; first campaign. Chem Cent J 2012,6(Suppl 2):S11.UNI 10829: Works of Art of Historical Importance. Ambient Conditions for the Conservation. Measurement and Analysis. Milano: UNI Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione; 1999.DM 10/2001: Atto di Indirizzo sui Criteri Tecnico-scientifici e Sugli Standard di Funzionamento e Sviluppo dei Musei. Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali. Gazzeta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana (Official Bulletin of Italian Republica), Rome (Italy); 2001. DL 112/1998 art. 150 comma 6Camuffo D: Microclimate for Cultural Heritage. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science; 1998.ASTM E 104–02: Standard Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM Intl; 2012.Statgraphics Software. http://www.statgraphics.ne

The WMO Field Intercomparison of Rain Intensity Gauges

The first Field Intercomparison of Rainfall Intensity (RI) gauges was organised by WMO (the World Meteorological Organisation) from October 2007 to April 2009 in Vigna di Valle, Rome (Italy). The campaign is held at the Centre of Meteorological Experimentations (ReSMA) of the Italian Meteorological Service. A group of 30 previously selected rain gauges based on different measuring principles are involved in the Intercomparison. Installation of the instruments in the field was preceded by the laboratory calibration of all submitted catching-type rain gauges at the University of Genoa. Additional meteorological sensors (ancillary information) and the observations and measurements performed by the Global Climate Observing System/Global Atmosphere Watch (GCOS/GAW) meteorological station of Vigna di Valle were analyzed as metadata. All catching-type gauges were tested after installation using a portable calibration device specifically developed at the University of Genoa, simulating an ordinary calibration inspection in the field. This paper is dedicated to the summary of preliminary results of the Intercomparison measurements. It offers a view on the main achievements expected from the Intercomparison in evaluating the performance of the instruments in field conditions. Comparison of several rain gauges demonstrated the possibility to evaluate the performance of RI gauges at one-minute resolution in time, as recommended by the WMO Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observations (WMO-CIMO). Results indicate that synchronised tipping-bucket rain gauges (TBR), using internal correction algorithms, and weighing gauges (WG) with improved dynamic stability and short step response are the most accurate gauges for one-minute RI measurements, since providing the lowest measurement uncertainty with respect to the assumed working reference