High frequency electro-optic measurement of strained silicon racetrack resonators

The observation of the electro-optic effect in strained silicon waveguides has been considered as a direct manifestation of an induced $\chi^{(2)}$ non-linearity in the material. In this work, we perform high frequency measurements on strained silicon racetrack resonators. Strain is controlled by a mechanical deformation of the waveguide. It is shown that any optical modulation vanishes independently of the applied strain when the applied voltage varies much faster than the carrier effective lifetime, and that the DC modulation is also largely independent of the applied strain. This demonstrates that plasma carrier dispersion is responsible for the observed electro-optic effect. After normalizing out free carrier effects, our results set an upper limit of $8\,pm/V$ to the induced high-speed $\chi^{(2)}_{eff,zzz}$ tensor element at an applied stress of $-0.5\,GPa$. This upper limit is about one order of magnitude lower than the previously reported values for static electro-optic measurements

Ontogenetic shift in the trophic role of the invasive killer shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus: a stable isotope study

none5noThe introduction of the amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus in European fresh waters is to date recognized as a threat to the integrity of invaded communities. Predation by D. villosus on native benthic invertebrates is assumed as the key determinant of its ecological impact, yet available information describe the species as a primary consumer as well as a carnivore depending on local conditions. Here, we assessed the trophic position (TP) of D. villosus in Lake Trasimeno, a recently invaded lentic system in central Italy, using the CN isotopic signatures of individuals captured in winter spanning two orders of magnitude in body size. TP estimations were compared with those characterizing the native amphipod Echinogammarus veneris and other representative invertebrate predators. On average, D. villosus showed a trophic position higher than E. veneris, and comparable with that of odonate nymphs. An in-depth analysis revealed that large-sized individuals had a trophic position of 3.07, higher than odonates and close to that of the hirudinean predator Erpobdella octoculata, while small-sized specimens had a trophic position of 2.57, similar to that of E. veneris (2.41). These findings indicate that size-related ontogenetic shifts in dietary habits may per se vary the nature of the interaction between Dikerogammarus villosus and native invertebrates from competition to predation. Information collated from published isotopic studies corroborated the generality of our results. We conclude that intra-specific trophic flexibility may potentially amplify and make more multifaceted the impact of the species on other invertebrate species in invaded food webs.openMancini F.; De Giorgi R.; Ludovisi A.; Vizzini S.; Mancinelli G.Mancini, F.; De Giorgi, R.; Ludovisi, A.; Vizzini, S.; Mancinelli, G

The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus in southern European coastal waters: distribution, impact and prospective invasion management strategies

[EN] The native distribution of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the western Atlantic extends from Nova Scotia to Argentina. Introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, it is currently recorded almost ubiquitously in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea. An overview of the occurrence, abundance, and ecological impact of the species in southern European waters is provided; additionally, we present a pragmatic assessment of its management scenarios, explicitly considering the dual nature of C sapidus as both an invasive species and a fishery resource. We emphasise that the ongoing expansion of C sapidus in the region may represent a stimulating challenge for the identification and implementation of future strategies in the management of invasive crustaceans. The impact of the invader could be converted into an enhancement of the services delivered by southern European coastal ecosystems, while mitigation costs could be transformed into profits for local populations. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Funding from FUR 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to G. M. is acknowledged. The European Fisheries Fund (FEP) Puglia Region (Italy) supported L. C. (CIP 04/OPI/010) as the scientific head of the MOLEVAR project (Pilot Project for the production of soft crabs from Carcinus aestuarii in Varano lagoon). The Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) supported F. R. (SFRH/BPD/46761/2008) with a post-doctoral research grant from the Programa Operacional Potencial Humano/Fundo Social Europeu (POPH/FSE). F. R. and P. C. were also supported by the strategic MARE plan - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (UID/MAR/04292/2013).Mancinelli, G.; Chainho, P.; Cilenti, L.; Falco, S.; Kapiris, K.; Katselis, G.; Ribeiro, F. (2017). The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus in southern European coastal waters: distribution, impact and prospective invasion management strategies. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 119(1):5-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.050S511119

H3 histamine receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase calpha inhibits the growth of cholangiocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Histamine regulates functions via four receptors (HRH1, HRH2, HRH3, and HRH4). The D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))/Ca(2+)/protein kinase C (PKC)/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway regulates cholangiocarcinoma growth. We evaluated the role of HRH3 in the regulation of cholangiocarcinoma growth. Expression of HRH3 in intrahepatic and extrahepatic cell lines, normal cholangiocytes, and human tissue arrays was measured. In Mz-ChA-1 cells stimulated with (R)-(alpha)-(-)-methylhistamine dihydrobromide (RAMH), we measured (a) cell growth, (b) IP(3) and cyclic AMP levels, and (c) phosphorylation of PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinase isoforms. Localization of PKC alpha was visualized by immunofluorescence in cell smears and immunoblotting for PKC alpha in cytosol and membrane fractions. Following knockdown of PKC alpha, Mz-ChA-1 cells were stimulated with RAMH before evaluating cell growth and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo experiments were done in BALB/c nude mice. Mice were treated with saline or RAMH for 44 days and tumor volume was measured. Tumors were excised and evaluated for proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of PKC alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-C, VEGF receptor 2, and VEGF receptor 3. HRH3 expression was found in all cells. RAMH inhibited the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells. RAMH increased IP(3) levels and PKC alpha phosphorylation and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. RAMH induced a shift in the localization of PKC alpha expression from the cytosolic domain into the membrane region of Mz-ChA-1 cells. Silencing of PKC alpha prevented RAMH inhibition of Mz-ChA-1 cell growth and ablated RAMH effects on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo, RAMH decreased tumor growth and expression of VEGF and its receptors; PKC alpha expression was increased. RAMH inhibits cholangiocarcinoma growth by PKC alpha-dependent ERK1/2 dephosphorylation. Modulation of PKC alpha by histamine receptors may be important in regulating cholangiocarcinoma growth. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(10):1704-13

Same diet, different strategies : variability of individual feeding habits across three populations of Ambrosi’s cave salamander (Hydromantes ambrosii)

European cave salamanders of the genus Hydromantes are a group of eight species endemic to Italy and south-eastern France. Knowledge on the trophic niche of European Hydromantes is poor, and the few available studies only partially investigate their feeding habits. We performed an indepth study on the trophic niche of the Ambrosi's cave salamander (H. ambrosii), assessing the potential divergences among three different populations. All the populations had a similar diet composition, showing a wider trophic niche in fall compared to spring. In only one population, "true specialists" were present; however, in all three populations, generalist individuals always represented the larger proportion. Interspecific and intraspecific competition did not play an important role in determining individual dietary specialisation in H. ambrosii; contrarily, the characteristics of the surrounding environment seemed to be an important factor. The best body conditions were observed in the population located in the site where the non-arboreal vegetation cover was the highest. Besides providing new information on the trophic niche of H. ambrosii, we here showed that studies encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors at the population level are needed to fully understand the trophic dynamics occurring among European cave salamanders

On the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun 1896) in southern European coastal waters: Time to turn a threat into a resource?

[EN] The blue crab Callinectes sapidus is native to the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, and along the US coasts the species supports an important fishery. The crab was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. To date, the species is considered invasive and it has been extensively recorded in southern European waters (SEW), where it is starting to penetrate the shellfish market. Here, an integrated management strategy is proposed for the blue crab in SEW, including the Mediterranean and Black Sea and the eastern Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula. Taking as introductory examples two case studies represented by the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus and the green crab Carcinus maenas, a framework of key issues is reviewed, considering the double nature of the species as invaders and shellfish products. A SWOT analysis is eventually presented for C. sapidus, in order to perform a state-of-the-art synthesis of the proposed scenario, highlighting the potential opportunities as well as the weaknesses related with the limited knowledge of the ecological and economic impact of the species in invaded habitats. The review is concluded by an appraisal of the current trends in global and European crustacean fisheries. The ongoing expansion of C. sapidus might represent a useful management case study, where the need to control an invasive species and mitigate its ecological impact can be harmonized with the opportunity to value it as a fishery resource.Funding from FUR 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 to G. M. is acknowledged. The European Fisheries Fund (FEP) Puglia Region (Italy) supported L. C. (CIP 04/OPI/010). The Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) supported F. R. (SFRH/BPD/46761/2008). F. R. and P. C. were also supported by the strategic MARE plan Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (UID/MAR/04292/2013). Constructive comments from two anonymous reviewers on an earlier version of the paper are gratefully acknowledged. This paper is dedicated to Sofia Mancinelli, thy eternal summer shall not fade.Mancinelli, G.; Chainho, P.; Cilenti, L.; Falco, S.; Kapiris, K.; Katselis, G.; Ribeiro, F. (2017). On the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun 1896) in southern European coastal waters: Time to turn a threat into a resource?. Fisheries Research. 194:1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2017.05.002S1819

Impact of chronic heat stress on behavior, oxidative status and meat quality traits of fast-growing broiler chickens

This research aimed to investigate, through a multifactorial approach, the relationship among some in-vivo parameters (i.e., behavior and blood traits) in broilers exposed to chronic HS, and their implications on proximate composition, technological properties, and oxidative stability of breast meat. A total of 300 Ross 308 male chickens were exposed, from 35 to 41 days of age, to either thermoneutral conditions (TNT group: 20 degrees C; six replicates of 25 birds/each) or elevated ambient temperature (HS group: 24 h/d at 30 degrees C; six replicates of 25 birds/each). In order to deal with thermal stress, HS chickens firstly varied the frequency of some behaviors that are normally expressed also in physiological conditions (i.e., increasing "drinking" and decreasing "feeding") and then exhibited a behavioral pattern finalized at dissipating heat, primarily represented by "roosting," "panting" and "elevating wings." Such modifications become evident when the temperature reached 25 degrees C, while the behavioral frequencies tended to stabilize at 27 degrees C with no further substantial changes over the 6 days of thermal challenge. The multifactorial approach highlighted that these behavioral changes were associated with oxidative and inflammatory status as indicated by lower blood gamma- tocopherol and higher carbonyls level (0.38 vs. 0.18 nmol/mL, and 2.39 vs. 7.19 nmol/mg proteins, respectively for TNT and HS; p < 0.001). HS affected breast meat quality by reducing the moisture:protein ratio (3.17 vs. 3.01, respectively for TNT and HS; p < 0.05) as well as the muscular acidification (ultimate pH = 5.81 vs. 6.00, respectively; p < 0.01), resulting in meat with higher holding capacity and tenderness. HS conditions reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in the breast meat while increased protein oxidation. Overall results evidenced a dynamic response of broiler chickens to HS exposure that induced behavioral and physiological modifications strictly linked to alterations of blood parameters and meat quality characteristics

Characteristics of nursing homes and early preventive measures associated with risk of infection from COVID-19 in Lazio region, Italy: a retrospective case-control study

Objectives To understand which organisational-structural characteristics of nursing homes - also referred to as long-term care facilities (LTCFs) - and the preventative measures adopted in response to the pandemic are associated with the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak. Setting LTCFs in Lazio region in Italy. Design The study adopts a case-control design. Participants We included 141 facilities and 100 provided information for the study. Cases were defined as facilities reporting a COVID-19 outbreak (two or more cases) in March-December 2020; controls were defined as LTCFs reporting one case or zero. The exposures include the structural-organisational characteristics of the LTCFs as reported by the facilities, preventative measures employed and relevant external factors. Results Twenty facilities reported an outbreak of COVID-19. In binary logistic regression models, facilities with more than 15 beds were five times more likely to experience an outbreak than facilities with less than 15 beds OR=5.60 (CI 1.61 to 25.12; p value 0.002); admitting new residents to facilities was associated with a substantially higher risk of an outbreak: 6.46 (CI 1.58 to 27.58, p value 0.004). In a multivariable analysis, facility size was the only variable that was significantly associated with a COVID-19 outbreak OR= 5.37 (CI 1.58 to 22.8; p value 0.012) for larger facilities (>15 beds) versus smaller (<15 beds). Other characteristics and measures were not associated with an outbreak. Conclusion There was evidence of a higher risk of COVID-19 in larger facilities and when new patients were admitted during the pandemic. All other structural-organisational characteristics and preventative measures were not associated with an outbreak. This finding calls into question existing policies, especially where there is a risk of harm to residents. One such example is the restriction of visitor access to facilities, resulting in the social isolation of residents

miR-34a Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification by Downregulating SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) and Axl (AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase).

Objective- Vascular calcification (VC) is age dependent and a risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. VC involves the senescence-induced transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) toward an osteochondrogenic lineage resulting in arterial wall mineralization. miR-34a increases with age in aortas and induces vascular SMC senescence through the modulation of its target SIRT1 (sirtuin 1). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether miR-34a regulates VC. Approach and Results- We found that miR-34a and Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2) expression correlates in young and old mice. Mir34a <sup>+/+</sup> and Mir34a <sup>-/-</sup> mice were treated with vitamin D, and calcium quantification revealed that Mir34a deficiency reduces soft tissue and aorta medial calcification and the upregulation of the VC Sox9 (SRY [sex-determining region Y]-box 9) and Runx2 and the senescence p16 and p21 markers. In this model, miR-34a upregulation was transient and preceded aorta mineralization. Mir34a <sup>-/-</sup> SMCs were less prone to undergo senescence and under osteogenic conditions deposited less calcium compared with Mir34a <sup>+/+</sup> cells. Furthermore, unlike in Mir34a <sup>+/+</sup> SMC, the known VC inhibitors SIRT1 and Axl (AXL receptor tyrosine kinase) were only partially downregulated in calcifying Mir34a <sup>-/-</sup> SMC. Strikingly, constitutive miR-34a overexpression to senescence-like levels in human aortic SMCs increased calcium deposition and enhanced Axl and SIRT1 decrease during calcification. Notably, we also showed that miR-34a directly decreased Axl expression in human aortic SMC, and restoration of its levels partially rescued miR-34a-dependent growth arrest. Conclusions- miR-34a promotes VC via vascular SMC mineralization by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing senescence through direct Axl and SIRT1 downregulation, respectively. This miRNA could be a good therapeutic target for the treatment of VC

A cogeneration power plant to integrate cold ironing and district heating and cooling

As in almost all the major maritime cities, Ancona harbour is very close to the urban area and hosts a multi-purpose port harbouring cruise boats, passenger ferries, commercial liners, and fishing boats. All the ships emit rather high amounts of airborne pollutants including PM10, a toxic mixture of low-diameter solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. A consistent part of the airborne pollutants is due to the vessels’ ‘hotelling’, i.e. their staying within the port. A significant reduction of pollutants emitted by ship engines during their hotelling in harbours can be achieved by applying a ground electrification of the docks to provide the electricity usually produced by the polluting engines of the ships. To check the technical and economic viability of such a technology we have designed a Trigeneration power plant (i.e. a CCHP or Combined Cooling, Heat and Power plant) to be located within Ancona Port. The CCHP plant would be able to provide most of the electricity required during the hoteling of bigger cruisers and ferries and the district heating and/or cooling of most of the buildings nearby. The plant was optimized to achieve the best energy performance by reducing the waste heat/cool and by tuning the electrical loads to those of ships