| 1. |
- Maes, S.L., et al.
(author)
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Environmental drivers of increased ecosystem respiration in a warming tundra
- 2024
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In: Nature. - : Springer Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 629:8010, s. 105-113
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Arctic and alpine tundra ecosystems are large reservoirs of organic carbon. Climate warming may stimulate ecosystem respiration and release carbon into the atmosphere. The magnitude and persistency of this stimulation and the environmental mechanisms that drive its variation remain uncertain. This hampers the accuracy of global land carbon–climate feedback projections. Here we synthesize 136 datasets from 56 open-top chamber in situ warming experiments located at 28 arctic and alpine tundra sites which have been running for less than 1 year up to 25 years. We show that a mean rise of 1.4 °C [confidence interval (CI) 0.9–2.0 °C] in air and 0.4 °C [CI 0.2–0.7 °C] in soil temperature results in an increase in growing season ecosystem respiration by 30% [CI 22–38%] (n = 136). Our findings indicate that the stimulation of ecosystem respiration was due to increases in both plant-related and microbial respiration (n = 9) and continued for at least 25 years (n = 136). The magnitude of the warming effects on respiration was driven by variation in warming-induced changes in local soil conditions, that is, changes in total nitrogen concentration and pH and by context-dependent spatial variation in these conditions, in particular total nitrogen concentration and the carbon:nitrogen ratio. Tundra sites with stronger nitrogen limitations and sites in which warming had stimulated plant and microbial nutrient turnover seemed particularly sensitive in their respiration response to warming. The results highlight the importance of local soil conditions and warming-induced changes therein for future climatic impacts on respiration.
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| 2. |
- Gottardo, A., et al.
(author)
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New Isomers in the Neutron-Rich Region Beyond 208Pb
- 2014
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X. - 9782759811755 - 9782759811762 ; 66, s. 02043-02043
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The region of neutron-rich nuclei beyond 208Pb has been very difficult to explore due to its high mass and exoticity. However, recent experimental improvements allowed one to perform a quite extended isomer decay spectroscopy of these nuclei.
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| 3. |
- Pietralla, N., et al.
(author)
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On the Road to FAIR: 1st Operation of AGATA in PreSPEC at GSI
- 2014
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X. - 9782759811755 - 9782759811762 ; 66, s. 02083-02083
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), under construction at Darmstadt will provide intense relativistic beams of exotic nuclei at its Superconducting-FRagment Separator. High-resolution in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy will be performed in the HISPEC experiment, using the European Advanced GAmma-ray Tracking Array (AGATA). The PreSPEC-AGATA campaign is the predecessor of HISPEC and runs from 2012 to 2014 at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH. Up to19 AGATA modules were used at GSI's F Ragment Separator in 2012. We report on the status of the experiment including preliminary results from performance commissioning.
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| 4. |
- Forsberg, Ulrika, et al.
(author)
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Spectroscopic Tools Applied to Element Z = 115 Decay Chains
- 2014
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X .- 2101-6275. - 9782759811755 - 9782759811762 ; 66, s. 02036-02036
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nuclides that are considered to be isotopes of element Z = 115 were produced in the reaction 48Ca + 243Am at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung Darmstadt. The detector setup TASISpec was used. It was mounted behind the gas-filled separator TASCA. Thirty correlated α-decay chains were found, and the energies of the particles were determined with high precision. Two important spectroscopic aspects of the offline data analysis are discussed in detail: the handling of digitized preamplified signals from the silicon strip detectors, and the energy reconstruction of particles escaping to upstream detectors relying on pixel-by-pixel dead-layer thicknesses.
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| 5. |
- Auer-Grumbach, Michaela, et al.
(author)
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Rare Variants in MME, Encoding Metalloprotease Neprilysin, Are Linked to Late-Onset Autosomal-Dominant Axonal Polyneuropathies
- 2016
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In: American Journal of Human Genetics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9297 .- 1537-6605. ; 99:3, s. 607-623
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Axonal polyneuropathies are a frequent cause of progressive disability in the elderly. Common etiologies comprise diabetes mellitus, paraproteinaemia, and inflammatory disorders, but often the underlying causes remain elusive. Late-onset axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT2) is an autosomal-dominantly inherited condition that manifests in the second half of life and is genetically largely unexplained. We assumed age-dependent penetrance of mutations in a so far unknown gene causing late-onset CMT2. We screened 51 index case subjects with late-onset CMT2 for mutations by whole-exome (WES) and Sanger sequencing and subsequently queried WES repositories for further case subjects carrying mutations in the identified candidate gene. We studied nerve pathology and tissue levels and function of the abnormal protein in order to explore consequences of the mutations. Altogether, we observed heterozygous rare loss-of-function and missense mutations in MME encoding the metalloprotease neprilysin in 19 index case subjects diagnosed with axonal polyneuropathies or neurodegenerative conditions involving the peripheral nervous system. MME mutations segregated in an autosomal-dominant fashion with age-related incomplete penetrance and some affected individuals were isolated case subjects. We also found that MME mutations resulted in strongly decreased tissue availability of neprilysin and impaired enzymatic activity. Although neprilysin is known to degrade beta-amyloid, we observed no increased amyloid deposition or increased incidence of dementia in individuals with MME mutations. Detection of MME mutations is expected to increase the diagnostic yield in late-onset polyneuropathies, and it will be tempting to explore whether substances that can elevate neprilysin activity could be a rational option for treatment.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Carlborg, Carl Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Biosticker : patterned microfluidic stickers for rapid integration with microarrays
- 2011
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In: The 15th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences (microTAS 2011). - : Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society. - 9781618395955 ; , s. 311-313
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a one-step, reversible, and biocompatible bonding method of a stiff patterned microfluidic "Biosticker", based on off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE) polymers [1], to state-of-the-art spotted microarray surfaces. The method aims at improving and simplifying the batch back-end processing of microarrays. We illustrate its ease of use in two applications: a high sensitivity flow-through protein assay; and a DNA-hybridization test. Read-out was performed in a standard highvolume array scanner, and showed excellent spot homogeneity and intensity. The Biosticker is aimed to be a plug-in for existing microarray platforms to enable faster protein assays and DNA hybridizations through mass transport optimization.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Carpaneto, Giuseppe M., et al.
(author)
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Biological and distributional overview of the genus Eledonoprius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)mology : Rare fungus-feeding beetles of European old-growth forests
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Entomology. - 1210-5759 .- 1802-8829. ; 110:1, s. 173-176
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- All the information on the genus Eledonoprius was gathered to provide an up to-date overview of the geographical distribution and ecology of its species, and to assess their association with old-growth forests. Based on recent samples collected in deciduous forests and woodlands of Italy, the authors outline the habitats of these rare species and give an account of their trophic relations with bracket fungi. E. armatus is recorded in Central Italy and Sardinia for the first time; E. serrifrons is new to Basilicata (Southern Italy) and Syria.
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| 10. |
- Chiari, Stefano, et al.
(author)
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Monitoring presence, abundance and survival probability of the stag beetle, Lucanus cervus, using visual and odour-based capture methods: implications for conservation
- 2014
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In: Journal of Insect Conservation. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1366-638X .- 1572-9753. ; 18:1, s. 99-109
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A capture-mark-recapture study on the threatened saproxylic beetle Lucanus cervus was carried out in a chestnut (Castanea sativa) woodland located in northern Italy, using visual encounter surveys (VES) as well as aerial flight interception traps and pitfall traps (PT), both of which were baited with different odour lures. In total, 111 males and 25 females were captured, and VES was by far the most efficient method, accounting for 93 % of first captures, and 95 % of all captures. Stag beetles were not significantly attracted to any tested odour, and many PT were damaged by wild boars (Sus scrofa). Flying males were the most frequent adults observed during the season. The use of a net is necessary to capture the stag beetles, in order to evaluate the population parameters and to assess the local status of threat for the species. Capture data revealed that body size (i.e. body weight and elytron length) influences the survival probability of stag beetles, showing a lower survival probability for larger males. Felt-tip pen marking on the ventral sclerites of head and pronotum is a reliable and long lasting method for marking beetles, as proved by the use of an independent marking procedure with a small drill. Assessing the presence and threat status of L. cervus across Europe is urgently needed, and with no efficient odour-based strategy available, collection of adult beetles, dead or alive, by VES is the most reliable way to monitor this emblematic species.
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| 11. |
- Novak, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
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A new species of Allecula (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Alleculinae)from cork oak stands of Italy
- 2012
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In: Zootaxa. - : Magnolia Press. - 1175-5326 .- 1175-5334. ; 3483, s. 29-38
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A new species of comb-clawed beetle, Allecula suberina Novák sp. nov., is described, illustrated and compared with allwestern Palaearctic species. The new species is probably saproxylic, as are other species in the genus, because allspecimens were collected by traps set within or near tree cavities on old hollow cork oaks (Quercus suber).
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| 12. |
- Ohlander, A., et al.
(author)
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DNA melting curve analysis on semi-transparent thin film microheater on flexible lab-on-foil substrate
- 2012
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In: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, MicroTAS 2012. - 9780979806452 ; , s. 797-799
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents genotyping on a novel microheater concept using semi-transparent copper microheaters manufactured by roll-to-roll and lift-off on polyethylene napthalate (PEN) foil. Using a mesh structure, heater surfaces have been realized in one single metallization step with a manufacturing robustness higher than conventional meander structures. The thermal distribution of the meshes, evaluated using thermochromic-liquid-crystals (TLC), produced more homogenous heating characteristics compared to meanders. Parylene coated heaters were functionalized using copolymer poly(DMA-NAS-MAPS) to enable covalent DNA immobilization and successful melting curve analysis was performed differentiating between match and mismatch oligonucleotides.
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| 13. |
- Zauli, Agnese, et al.
(author)
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Antennal fine morphology of the threatened beetle Osmoderma eremita (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), revealed by scanning electron microscopy.
- 2016
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In: Microscopy Research and Technique. - : Wiley. - 1059-910X. ; 79, s. 178-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to characterize the antennal morphology of Osmoderma eremita, a threatened scarab beetle inhabiting tree hollows. O. eremita males produce a sex pheromone, (R)-(+)-γ-decalactone, responsible mainly for the attraction of females but also other males. Gross and fine morphology of microstructures including sensilla, microsculpture and pores were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The antenna of O. eremita showed the typical lamellicorn shape of scarab beetles, with a basal scape, a pedicel, a funicle composed of five antennomeres and a club composed of three lamellae. Six different subtypes of sensilla chaetica (Ch.1 - 6), Böhm sensilla (Bo), one subtype of sensilla basiconica (Ba.1), two subtypes of sensilla coeloconica (Co.1 - 2), two subtypes of sensilla placodea (Pl.1 - 2), pores and peculiar folds were described. The two sexes did not show any significant differences in the occurrence and number of the sensilla placodea, known to be responsible for the pheromone reception. Instead, some sexual differences were found on the occurrence and topology of three different microstructures: (1) one subtype of sensillum chaeticum (Ch.2) occurring on the pedicel only in males; (2) a characteristic pore occurring on the funicle only in males; (3) a peculiar fold occurring on different antennomeres of the funicle in the two sexes, on the fourth in males and on the fifth in females. A comparison between sensilla of O. eremita and those of other Scarabaeoidea is provided. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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| 14. |
- Zauli, Agnese, et al.
(author)
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Assessing the taxonomic status of Osmoderma cristinae (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae), endemic to Sicily, by genetic, morphological and pheromonal analyses
- 2016
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In: Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0947-5745 .- 1439-0469. ; 54:3, s. 506-514
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Resolving complexes of closely related and cryptic insect species can be challenging, especially when dealing with rare and protected taxa that are difficult to collect for genetic and morphological analyses. Until recently, populations of the genus Osmoderma (Scarabaeidae), widespread in Europe, were treated as a single species O. eremita (Scopoli, 1763) in spite of observed geographic variation in morphology. A previous survey using sequence data from the mtDNA cytochrome C oxidase I gene (COI) revealed the occurrence of at least two distinct lineages within this species complex: O. eremita in the west and O. barnabita Motschulsky, 1845, in the east. Interestingly, beetles confined to Sicily have been described as a distinct species, O. cristinae Sparacio, 1994, based on morphological traits. Only few Sicilian specimens were included in the former genetic analysis, and the results led to a still questionable taxonomic rank for these populations. To explore the robustness of the previous taxonomic arrangement for O. cristinae, a combination of genetic, morphological and pheromonal analyses was used. A 617-bp fragment of the COI gene, aligned with O. cristinae and O. eremita sequences already available in GenBank, showed a clear genetic divergence between the two species (interspecific mean distance = 6.6%). Moreover, results from AFLP markers sustained the distinction of the two species. In addition, geometric morphometric analyses of the shape of male genitalia revealed a clear differentiation between the two species. Via scent analysis and field trapping, we demonstrated the production of the sex pheromone (R)-(+)-γ-decalactone by males of O. cristinae, the attraction by conspecific individuals (mostly females) to this compound, and a lack of antagonistic effect of (S)-(-)-γ-decalactone. The fact that O. eremita and O. eremita use the same compound for mate finding suggests that this sex pheromone has not undergone a differentiation and probably the allopatry of these two species compensates for the absence of a mechanism to avoid cross-attraction. Our genetic and morphological data support the divergence of the two species and confirm the species status for O. cristinae, while sex pheromones are confirmed to be invariant among different species of the genus Osmoderma.
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| 15. |
- Zauli, Agnese, et al.
(author)
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Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the antennal sensilla in therare saproxylic beetle Elater ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
- 2016
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In: Italian Journal of Zoology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1125-0003 .- 1748-5851. ; 83:3, s. 338-350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This work provides the first morphological analysis (both at gross and fine level) of the antennal structures in the genusElater (Coleoptera, Elateridae). The typology, number and distribution patterns of the antennal sensilla in the rare saproxylicElater ferrugineus (both male and female) were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The serrate antennae ofE. ferrugineus consisted of a scape, a pedicel, and nine flattened flagellomeres. Overall, 10 types of sensilla were identifiedaccording to their morphological features: one type of sensilla chaetica (Ch), one type of Böhm sensilla (Bo), three types ofsensilla trichodea (Tr.1–3), two types of sensilla basiconica (Ba.1–2), one type of sensilla styloconica (St), one type ofgrooved peg sensilla (Gp) and one type of sensilla campaniformia (Ca). A marked sexual dimorphism was found at bothgross and fine scale. The male antenna was bigger (8.6 mm) than the female one (7.0 mm) and carried one type of sensillatrichodea (Tr.2) absent in female antennae possibly responsible for reception of the female-emitted sex pheromone. Thefemale antenna carried a higher number of sensilla (~ 9800) than the male one did (~7,000), with more abundant sensillachaetica (Ch) and basiconica (Ba.1 and Ba.2).
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| 16. |
- Zauli, Agnese, et al.
(author)
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Using odour traps for population monitoring and dispersal analysis of the threatened saproxylic beetles Osmoderma eremita and Elater ferrugineus in central Italy
- 2014
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In: Journal of Insect Conservation. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1366-638X .- 1572-9753. ; 18:5, s. 801-813
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pheromone-based monitoring could be a very efficient method to assess the conservation status of rare and elusive insect species, but there are still few studies for which pheromone traps have been used to obtain information on presence, abundance, phenology and movements of such insects. We performed a mark-recapture study of two threatened saproxylic beetles, Osmoderma eremita (Scarabaeidae) and its predator Elater ferrugineus (Elateridae), in two beech forests of central Italy using pheromone baited window traps and unbaited pitfall traps. Two lures were used: (1) the male-produced sex pheromone of O. eremita (racemic γ-decalactone) to attract females of both species, and (2) the female-produced sex pheromone of E. ferrugineus (7-methyloctyl (Z)-4-decenoate), to attract conspecific males. In total, 13 O. eremita and 1,247 E. ferrugineus individuals were trapped. For E. ferrugineus, males were detected earlier than females, and 7-methyloctyl (Z)-4-decenoate was much more efficient lure compared to racemic γ-decalactone in detecting its presence. The population size at the two sites were estimated to 520 and 1,369 individuals, respectively. Our model suggests a sampling effort of ten traps checked for 3 days being sufficient to detect the presence of E. ferrugineus at a given site. The distribution of dispersal distances for the predator was best described by the negative exponential function with 1 % of the individuals dispersing farther than 1,600 m from their natal site. In contrast to studies on these beetles in Northern Europe, the activity pattern of the two beetle species was not influenced by variation in temperature during the season.
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