In the updated APOGEE-Kepler catalog, we have asteroseismic and spectroscopic data for over 3000 first ascent red giants. Given the size and accuracy of this sample, these data offer an unprecedented ...test of the accuracy of stellar models on the post-main-sequence. When we compare these data to theoretical predictions, we find a metallicity dependent temperature offset with a slope of around 100 K per dex in metallicity. We find that this effect is present in all model grids tested, and that theoretical uncertainties in the models, correlated spectroscopic errors, and shifts in the asteroseismic mass scale are insufficient to explain this effect. Stellar models can be brought into agreement with the data if a metallicity-dependent convective mixing length is used, with Δ ML,YREC ∼ 0.2 per dex in metallicity, a trend inconsistent with the predictions of three-dimensional stellar convection simulations. If this effect is not taken into account, isochrone ages for red giants from the Gaia data will be off by as much as a factor of two even at modest deviations from solar metallicity (Fe/H = −0.5).
The performance of different urban surface parameterizations in the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) in simulating urban boundary layer (UBL) was investigated using extensive measurements ...during the Texas Air Quality Study 2006 field campaign. The extensive field measurements collected on surface (meteorological, wind profiler, energy balance flux) sites, a research aircraft, and a research vessel characterized 3-dimensional atmospheric boundary layer structures over the Houston-Galveston Bay area, providing a unique opportunity for the evaluation of the physical parameterizations. The model simulations were performed over the Houston metropolitan area for a summertime period (12–17 August) using a bulk urban parameterization in the Noah land surface model (original LSM), a modified LSM, and a single-layer urban canopy model (UCM). The UCM simulation compared quite well with the observations over the Houston urban areas, reducing the systematic model biases in the original LSM simulation by 1–2 °C in near-surface air temperature and by 200–400 m in UBL height, on average. A more realistic turbulent (sensible and latent heat) energy partitioning contributed to the improvements in the UCM simulation. The original LSM significantly overestimated the sensible heat flux (~200 W m−2) over the urban areas, resulting in warmer and higher UBL. The modified LSM slightly reduced warm and high biases in near-surface air temperature (0.5–1 °C) and UBL height (~100 m) as a result of the effects of urban vegetation. The relatively strong thermal contrast between the Houston area and the water bodies (Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico) in the LSM simulations enhanced the sea/bay breezes, but the model performance in predicting local wind fields was similar among the simulations in terms of statistical evaluations. These results suggest that a proper surface representation (e.g. urban vegetation, surface morphology) and explicit parameterizations of urban physical processes are required for accurate urban atmospheric numerical modeling.
We present a structurally flexible copper-iodide-pyridine-based coordination polymer showing drastic variations in its electrical conductivity driven by temperature and sorption of acetic acid ...molecules. The dramatic effect on the electrical conductivity enables the fabrication of a simple and robust device for gas detection. X-ray diffraction studies and DFT calculations allow the rationalisation of these observations.
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Are the levels of circulating cell-derived microparticles (cMPs) in patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM) associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)?
SUMMARY ...ANSWER
cMPs in women with RM are not associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs).
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Previous studies have focused on cMP levels in RM patients. Most studies have shown higher levels of cMPs in RM patients whereas others have reported lower levels. Data regarding cMPs in patients with the APS are scanty in the literature.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A case–control study including three groups of patients. A total of 154 women were prospectively recruited from September 2009 to October 2013. Four patients refused to participate. The APS group consisted of 50 women that had been previously diagnosed with primary APS and had had ≥3 consecutive first trimester miscarriages. The uRM group included 52 couples with ≥3 consecutive first trimester miscarriages of unknown etiology. The fertile control (FER) group was composed of 52 healthy fertile women with no history of pregnancy losses. Miscarriage was defined as intrauterine pregnancy loss at <10 weeks' size on ultrasound.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Venous blood samples for coagulation studies and cMP determinations were obtained. All patients underwent a thrombophilia study.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
cMP levels were significantly higher in the APS and uRM groups versus the FER group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.009, respectively) (cMP number × 103/ml plasma mean ± SD: APS: 18.5 ± 13.6; uRM: 16.3 ± 13.8; FER: 9.7 ± 4.6). There were no statistically significant differences in cMP levels between the APS and uRM groups.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The sample size was arbitrarily decided according to previous studies analyzing cMPs in RM patients. Different cMP subtypes were not investigated.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The present study adds further data on the subject showing that patients with RM, irrespective of testing positive for aPLs, have increased levels of cMPs compared with healthy fertile controls. The presence of elevated cMPs in RM women may reflect an ongoing systemic pathological, albeit asymptomatic, status that can become deleterious in the setting of pregnancy.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was supported in part by grant from FIS-PI11/01560 within the ‘Plan Nacional de I+D+I’ and co-funded by the ‘ISCIII-Subdirección General de Evaluación’ and the ‘Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)’. The authors have no competing interests to disclose.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Not applicable.
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal essential compounds for plant growth and development. It was shown that the exogenous applications of BRs induce protection against different pathogens and can ...give plants tolerance/resistance to different abiotic stresses. The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effect against the fungal pathogen
Colletotrichum acutatum
, the causal agent of anthracnose disease, on strawberry plants treated with 24-epibrasinolide (EP24) and a formulation based on a brassinosteroid spirostanic analogue DI-31 (BB16). Treatment with both compounds induced a defense response in strawberry plants of the cv. Pájaro against avirulent isolate (M11) of
C. acutatum
, being more effective at the lower concentration of both steroids (0.1 mg l
−1
), although the analogue BB16 showed a stronger effect than EP24. The evaluation of biochemical defense markers showed that strawberry plants treated with EP24 and BB16 increased the production of H
2
O
2
, O
2
.-
, NO, calcium oxalate crystals and higher callose and lignin deposition as compared to the control plants. However, stomatal closure was only observed in plants treated with BB16. These results suggests that BB16 and EP24 can be used for the activation of innate immunity in strawberry plants, as a new strategy for crop health protection management, alternative to agrochemicals.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Cerinomyces (Dacrymycetes, Basidiomycota) is a genus traditionally defined by corticioid basidiocarps, in contrast to the rest of the class, which is characterized by gelatinous ones. In the ...traditional circumscription the genus is polyphyletic, and the monotypic family Cerinomycetaceae is paraphyletic. Aiming for a more concise delimitation, we revise Cerinomyces s.l. with a novel phylogeny based on sequences of nrDNA (SSU, ITS, LSU) and protein-coding genes (RPB1, RPB2, TEF1-α). We establish that monophyletic Cerinomyces s.s. is best characterized not by the corticioid morphology, but by a combination of traits: hyphal clamps, predominantly aseptate thin-walled basidiospores, and low content of carotenoid pigments. In our updated definition, Cerinomyces s.s. encompasses five well-supported phylogenetic clades divided into two morphological groups: (i-iii) taxa with arid corticioid basidiocarps, including the generic type C. pallidus; and (iv-v) newly introduced members with gelatinous basidiocarps, like Dacrymyces enatus and D. tortus. The remaining corticioid species of Cerinomyces s.l. are morphologically distinct and belong to the Dacrymycetaceae: our analysis places the carotenoid-rich Cerinomyces canadensis close to Femsjonia, and we transfer the clamps-lacking C. grandinioides group to Dacrymyces. In addition, we address genera related to Cerinomyces s.l. historically and morphologically, such as Ceracea, Dacryonaema and Unilacryma. Overall, we describe twenty-four new species and propose nine new combinations in both Cerinomycetaceae and Dacrymycetaceae.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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