High Concentrations Of Species Research Articles

Rediscover of the Iranian endemic alpine Arenaria bulica after 139 years and note of the related species (Caryophyllaceae)

The Zagros Mountain range is one of the biodiversity centers with the highest percent of endemic species in Iran. There are several peaks with more than 4000 m high in Zagros hosting many rare alpine species. Arenaria is one of the morphological complicated genera with a large number of species and endemism in SW-Asia with an high species concentration in Turkey and Iran. By recollecting the rare and endemic species of Arenaria bulica from locus classicus after 139 years and examining the herbarium specimens, it was found that the two species, A. minutissima and A. semiromica can be considered as its synonyms. A detailed description, original photos, habitat, distribution map, phytogeography, conservation status, seed micromorphology and growth form have been provided and discussed.

FLORISTIC-STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DEGRADED FOREST IN THE ARC OF DEFORESTATION, BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Floristic-structural characterization of degraded forest in the arc of deforestation, Brazilian Amazon. The purpose of this study was to characterize the floristic-structural aspects and the distribution of aboveground biomass (AGB) of degraded forests located in the arc of deforestation, southern Brazilian Amazon. In addition to characterizing the forest as a whole, analyses at the level of sampling units were established. Forest inventory data provided support to biomass estimates, as well as floristic-structural analysis. A survey was carried out, collecting from plots of 2,500 m² (50 x 50m) diameter at breast height (DBH >10cm) and total height (HT) of the trees. The forest showed a high concentration of species distributed in a few botanical families and a high number of locally rare species. The sampling units showed floristic similarity, identifiable by cluster analysis. On the other hand, they showed significant structural differences based on the DBH and HT variables. The AGB estimate for the area was 215.20 Mg ha-1 (± 83.73 Mg ha-1). Those results contribute to better understanding the changes in forest formations related to forest degradation in the southern Brazilian Amazon, as well as to the definition of conservation and restoration strategies for degraded forests.

Spatial richness analysis and an evaluation of extinction risk for the genus Pachyphytum (Crassulaceae), with the description of a new species from Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

Pachyphytum is a genus of rupicolous succulents endemic to central Mexico. Here, we present a comprehensive list of currently recognized taxa in Pachyphytum with a review of biogeographical distribution data, a spatial richness analysis, and conservation assessments based on herbarium records and field work. Pachyphytum has been documented in 11 Mexican states, with the highest concentration of species (14) occurring in xerophilous scrubland, Chihuahuan Desert, and the Sierra Madre Oriental. All species of Pachyphytum are narrow endemics and were therefore categorized as at-risk of extinction according to IUCN criteria. Currently, taxa in Pachyphytum do not have formal protected status due to lack of inclusion on Mexico’s list of endangered species. During fieldwork in preparation for this research, an undescribed Pachyphytum was encountered in Durango state, which we here describe as a new species based on a detailed morphological comparative study.

Combustion Intensification Mechanism in a Vortex-Tube Reactive Flow

The combustion intensification mechanism was revealed in a stratified vortex-tube combustor. The results show that a triple-flame structure is formed in this combustor and the peak heat release is located exactly at the triple-point position. The peak heat release rates in the five selected representative cases studied in this paper are all over . The stability limit is wide, and the lean stability limit is always lower than 0.2. The decreased mixing length and decreased velocity difference between the fuel and oxidant streams delay the mixing process and then bring about a stratified distribution of species. This is crucial for the generation of a triple-flame structure and the corresponding high species concentration in the vicinity of the reaction zone under lean conditions. The Damköhler numbers on the lines across the triple points were calculated with values above 1.0 in each of the cases, indicating that the species’ transport time is longer than the chemical reaction time. Therefore, the transport flux of species determines the final combustion strength. The synergistic coupling of the flowfield and species field gives rise to a large transport flux of the key species in the vicinity of the reaction zone. The results show that the corresponding fuel transport flux is large, with values all over . This is the principal reason for the high combustion intensity in this combustor. The different transport fluxes of the critical species are responsible for the different chemical reaction strengths on the triple point in each of the different cases.

Floristic Account of the Genus Lipocarpha R. Brown (Cyperaceae)

Lipocarpha R. Br. (s.. str.) a small genus with over 15 species distributed through the world with high species concentration in Africa. In India it is represented with 5 species with the addition of 2 species namely L. raynaliana Govind. and L. redyii Hooper to the earlier recorded 3 species (Clarke, 1893). The genus Lipocarpha R. Br. (s. str.) is mainly characterised by the two hypogynous scales which are very thin hyaline lightly adhering to nuts together with the capitate inflorescence. Clarke (1893) has shown its affinity with the sec. Micranthae under Scirpus (= Rikliella J. Raynal). The hypogynous scales of Lipocarpha have been variously interpreted. (For detail see Bentham J. Uinn. Soc. Bot. 15:509-10 & 518.1877. Clarke in Tnislten Dyer Fl. Tropical Africa 8:468-69.1902, Kern, in Steenis Fl. Malesiana 1.7(3):521). The present report is hoped to provide basic material for further research in Cyperaceae.

Evaluation of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in oviposition traps used in the integrated control of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera:Culicidae)

Egg collection traps have been studied to assist in the integrated control of arbovirus vectors. Many enhancements have been made over the years. This study evaluated the use of a hydrated superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in the egg collection of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in ovitraps. An experiment was conducted in the laboratory to determine the minimum concentration of the product to be used in traps in the field to prevent the development of larvae into adults. In the field, the use of polymers has been evaluated using a traditional model of ovitraps. The positive ovitrap index and mean number of eggs per trap indicator were calculated. In the laboratory, the larvae did not successfully develop to the adult stage, even at the lowest SAP concentration. In the field, the results showed that ovitraps with SAP proved to be effective for egg collection from both species. It was possible to identify sites with the highest concentration of species and expose the ovitraps for a longer period without larval development. There is a need for studies on the adequacy of this technology for control programs. However, the results showed that ovitraps with hydrogel were potentiated to capture eggs, configuring themselves as another tool for vector control.

Challenging Conditions for Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs)

The emission limit of non-volatile particles (i.e., particles that do not evaporate at 350 °C) with size >23 nm, in combination with the real driving emissions (RDE) regulation in 2017, resulted in the introduction of gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) in all light-duty vehicles with gasoline direct injection engines in Europe. Even though there are studies that have examined the particulate emissions at or beyond the current RDE boundary conditions, there is a lack of studies combining most or all worst cases (i.e., conditions that increase the emissions). In this study, we challenged a fresh (i.e., no accumulation of soot or ash) “advanced” prototype GPF at different temperatures (down to −9 °C), aggressive drive cycles and hard accelerations (beyond the RDE limits), high payload (up to 90%), use of all auxiliaries (air conditioning, heating of the seats and the rear window), and cold starts independently or simultaneously. Under hot engine conditions, the increase of the particulate emissions due to higher payload and lower ambient temperature was 30–90%. The cold start at low ambient temperature, however, had an effect on the emissions of up to a factor of 20 for particles >23 nm or 300 when considering particles <23 nm. We proposed that the reason for these high emissions was the incomplete combustion and the low efficiency of the three-way oxidation catalyst. This resulted in a high concentration of species that were in the gaseous phase at the high temperature of the close-coupled GPF and thus could not be filtered by the GPF. As the exhaust gas cooled down, these precursor species formed particles that could not be evaporated at 350 °C (the temperature of the particle number system). These results highlight the importance of the proper calibration of the engine out emissions at all conditions, even when a GPF is installed.

Emerging Major Role of Organic Aerosols in Explaining the Occurrence, Frequency, and Magnitude of Haze and Fog Episodes during Wintertime in the Indo Gangetic Plain.

Aerosols are an important part of Earth’s atmosphere. They can absorb, scatter, or reflect the incoming solar radiation, which results in heating or cooling of Earth, thus impacting its climate. It affects the health of exposed human population adversely, reduces visibility, disturbs environmental systems, and causes material damage. This study summarizes the research carried out to understand the role of aerosol load and its physicochemical characteristics on occurrence, frequency, and magnitude of haze and fog events during wintertime within the Indo Gangetic Plain (IGP) in the past decade. For most species, the highest concentration was measured during foggy events at night-time over the winter season. A few species such as water-soluble organic and inorganic carbon (WSOC and WSIC), K+, SO42–, and NO3–, owing to their hygroscopic nature, were efficiently scavenged, resulting in their lower concentration within the interstitial aerosol during fog episodes. Oligomerization with hydroxy and carbonyl functional groups during AFP (activating fog period) and DFP (dissipating fog period), respectively, accompanied by acidic aerosol (having catalytic ability) and high aerosol liquid water content conditions was found to be significant. Whereas the fragmentation process was dominant along with functionalization of −RCOOH or carbonyl (aldehyde/ketone) and −RCOOH moieties during FP (fog period) and PoFP (post-fog period), respectively. Transition metals play an important role in aqueous production of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) especially during the night-time. Crustal sources had the highest scavenging efficiency along with WSOC playing an important role in nucleation scavenging. Fine droplets had a higher concentration of species with a larger fraction of highly oxidized organic matter (OM) as compared to coarse or medium size droplets. Also, a new approach to calculate absorption by black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) was proposed, which found the water-soluble brown carbon (WSBrC) absorption value in aerosol to be up to 1.8 times higher than that measured in their corresponding aqueous extracts. Organic aerosol plays a vital role in facilitating fog formation and is responsible for the longer residence time in the ambient atmosphere. Ammonia plays an important role in stabilizing organic aerosol and aids to this recurring haze–fog–haze cycle that is dominant during wintertime in the IGP. Therefore, controlling the major anthropogenic sources of organic aerosol and ammonia should be our top priority in this part of the world.

Factors affecting the reactivity of slag at early and late ages

This study investigates the difference between the reactivity of slag in NaOH solution (w/s = 100) and in cement paste (w/b = 0.4). The reactivity of slag is much higher in NaOH solution than in cement paste. When the NaOH solution is saturated with portlandite, the rate of reaction of slag decreases to approach that in cement paste. This suggests that the slower reaction of slag in cement paste might be due to the presence of calcium ions released by the clinker phases. At 28 days, relative humidity measurements indicate that water is only present in pores less than 6 nm. Above 6 nm, hydration cannot take place due to the lack of water. From a thermodynamic point of view, the small size of water filled pores may slow down the slag reaction due to the high concentration of species in solution required for hydrate growth to balance the increase of the surface energy.

Influence of reduced‐impact logging on Central Amazonian bats using a before‐after‐control‐impact design

AbstractTropical forests contain the highest concentration of species in terrestrial ecosystems. However, they are disappearing rapidly due to forest clearing to extract timber illegally. Reduced‐impact logging (RIL) is one of the main sustainability proposals for earning profits while still promoting biodiversity conservation. In the present study, we test the impacts of RIL on biodiversity and use the results to draw conclusions regarding the capacity of RIL to deliver conservation goals whilst also enabling minimal biodiversity impacts. We used a before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) study to assess the effects of RIL on a bat assemblage in Central Amazon. We sampled unlogged (control) and RIL areas before and after timber extraction. We also tested the relationship between forest canopy openness and bat assemblage before and after logging. For 64 nights, we captured 706 individuals of 33 Phyllostomidae species. Sampling time influenced total bat composition and phytophagous bat composition, both in logged and control sites. The time × site interaction influenced animalivorous bat composition and reduced the abundance and richness of animalivorous species in RIL sites. Sampling time, site, and the time × site interaction did not influence the number of species, total abundance, or phytophague abundance. The canopy was, on average, 3.4 times more open after the RIL and influenced animalivorous composition. Our results indicate that species sensitive to environmental changes, such as animalivorous bats, respond rapidly to forest logging. In more opportunistic guilds, such as phytophagues, the temporal change in the species composition in control and logged sites indicate that other temporal factors, besides logging, may have influenced bat assemblages. We suggest that RIL timber certification stimulates the protection of primary forest without logging within the area under exploration, which is not the case in the area we studied. We also recommend the application of BACI designs and monitoring environmental metrics in RIL impact studies.

Подходы европейских экологов к типологии и картографированию местообитаний

Подходы европейских экологов к типологии и картографированию местообитаний

Transport Properties of Water in Salt Electrolytes (WiSE)

The emergence of new electrochemical technologies employing WiSE (Water in Salt Electrolytes) have proven the utility of high species concentrations (> 8 M) in enabling aqueous electrodeposition of metals (Li, Zn) with an improved solvent stability window. However, the transport of active species as well as the solvent become important in the WiSE concentration range and is not currently well understood. In order to understand the dynamic interplay of ionic strength and solvation, a transport model is developed using the concentrated solution theory as described by Newman. Steady state predictions suggest a thin boundary layer where the local concentration can exceed the solubility limit and cause precipitation of a salt film on the electrode surface. This effect has been shown in previous electrodeposition literature and could help explain loss of performance in WiSE battery systems over continuous cycling. In order to characterize the transition from aqueous solution to WiSE solutions, traditional experimental methods to determine physical properties (density, viscosity, and conductivity) as well as a a low frequency Electro-hydro-dynamic (EHD) Impedance technique are employed. The physical characterization can then be used to estimate important transport properties such as the cationic transference number (t+) and effective Schmidt number (Sc = ν/ρD) within the predicted mass transfer limited boundary layer as functions of electrolyte concentration within the WiSE regime (Cbulk > 8M).

Diversification rate vs. diversification density: Decoupled consequences of plant height for diversification of Alooideae in time and space.

While biodiversity hotspots are typically identified on the basis of species number per unit area, their exceptional richness is often attributed, either implicitly or explicitly, to high diversification rates. High species concentrations, however, need not reflect rapid diversification, with the diversity of some hotspots accumulating at modest rates over long timespans. Here we explore the relationship between diversification in time vs. diversification in space and develop the concept of diversification density to describe the spatial scale of species accumulation in a clade. We investigate how plant height is associated with both aspects of diversification in Alooideae, a large plant subfamily with its center of diversity in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. We first reconstruct a time-calibrated phylogeny for Alooideae and demonstrate an evolutionary tendency towards reduced plant height. While plant height does not correlate with diversification rate across Alooideae it does so with diversification per unit space: clades of small plants tend to have the highest diversification densities. Furthermore, we find that diversification in time vs. space are uncorrelated. Our results show that diversification rate and density can be decoupled, and suggest that while some biodiversity hotspots might have been generated by high diversification rates, others are the product of high diversification density.

Congruence of Endemism among Four Global Biodiversity Hotspots in India

Thirty-six global biodiversity hotspots harbour high concentrations of species and endemism 1 . India accommodates in parts four hotspots, viz. the Himalaya (44.37% of global hotspot), Indo-Burma (5.13%), Sundaland (1.28%) and the Western Ghats (64.95%) that exhibit high levels of floral and faunal diversity. Based on data on endemic plants collected, we present hotspot-wise congruence in plant endemism using field sampling data from 1264, 1114, 78 and 1004 plots in the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Sundaland and the Western Ghats respectively, using nested quadrates of 0.04 ha laid based on stratified random sampling 2 .

Classification and typification of Australian lycophytes and ferns based on Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification PPG I

The classification and typification of all Australian ferns and lycophytes is updated to reflect the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group I classification and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, presenting 8 new nomenclatural combinations as well as 85 lectotypifications. The Australian fern and lycophyte flora comprises 2 classes, 14 orders, 32 families, 134 genera and 528 species and subspecies with the addition of 8 newly recorded and 6 newly recognised species since the publication of the Flora of Australia fern volume in 1998. Overall, 208 species are endemic to Australia, with Queensland having the highest species diversity and endemism by state or territory, and Lord Howe Island having the highest concentration of species and endemics per unit area. The Australian fern and lycophyte flora shows diverse links with Africa, Asia and Oceania, with the largest overlaps being shared with Asia and Oceania. More species are endemic to Australia+Oceania than to Australia+Asia. Contrasting with the classification presented in the Flora of Australia, no genera of ferns and lycophytes are now considered to be wholly endemic to Australia.

New records of marine decapods and stomatopods in \xc1rea de Conservaci\xf3n Guanacaste (ACG): four years of marine biodiversity inventorying

The marine area of Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) contains a 43,000 ha formal marine protected area, a 732 ha special management zone in Bahía Santa Elena, and 150 km of wild protected coastline. In an effort to broaden the biodiversity knowledge of all marine taxa present in the area, an inventory was started in 2015 (BioMar-ACG Project). This initiative is being funded by the Guanacaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund (GDFCF) in collaboration with government staff at ACG, and is carried out by Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR, Center for Research in Marine Science and Limnology) and Museo de Zoología (Zoology Museum), both from Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). After four years of the project, 2650 specimens of marine decapod crustaceans and stomatopods have been collected, belonging to 209 species, out of which 99 are new records for ACG, four may be new species and nine (Cyrtoplax panamensis, Glyptoxanthus labyrinthicus, Pachyches marcortezensis, Petrolisthes donadio, Pylopagurus holmesi, Synalpheus pinkfloydi, Typton granulosus, Zenopontonia soror, Neogonodactylus pumilus) are new records for Costa Rica. With this contribution the total number of decapods (257 spp.) and stomatopods (14 spp.) for ACG is 271 species, more than half the species reported for Costa Rica, and more than a quarter of all crustaceans reported for the eastern tropical Pacific. The high concentration of species in ACG may be attributed to the diversity of habitats, the seasonal upwelling and to the recent sampling efforts. In only four years, the BioMar-ACG has increased the number of species in these groups of crustaceans by 37% over the past 85 years of previous studies in the ACG.

Achyranthemum N.G.Bergh, a new genus segregated from Syncarpha DC. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae)

The genus Syncarpha from the Cape region of South Africa has been shown to comprise two separate lineages based on phylogenetic analysis of plastid and nuclear DNA sequence data. The lineage that does not house the type of Syncarpha corresponds to the ‘Helichrysum paniculatum group’ of species. Here we erect a new genus, Achyranthemum, to house these species, make the necessary nomenclatural changes, and present a taxonomic revision with key, descriptions and distribution maps based on verified records. Achyranthemum comprises seven species confined to the Cape Floristic Region and with the highest concentration of species in the Port Elizabeth region. Species are distinguished by leaf shape and orientation, leaf and peduncle indumentum, colour of the involucral bracts, and capitulum arrangement, as well as other features including differences in edaphic habitat. Nomenclatural and taxonomic investigations indicate that Syncarpha chlorochrysum is a synonym of Syncarpha mucronatum, and that there are two species present in the taxon currently known as Syncarpha argentea.

Activation of Murine Immune Cells upon Co-culture with Plasma-treated B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Recent advances in melanoma therapy increased median survival in patients. However, death rates are still high, motivating the need of novel avenues in melanoma treatment. Cold physical plasma expels a cocktail of reactive species that have been suggested for cancer treatment. High species concentrations can be used to exploit apoptotic redox signaling pathways in tumor cells. Moreover, an immune-stimulatory role of plasma treatment, as well as plasma-killed tumor cells, was recently proposed, but studies using primary immune cells are scarce. To this end, we investigated the role of plasma-treated murine B16F10 melanoma cells in modulating murine immune cells’ activation and marker profile. Melanoma cells exposed to plasma showed reduced metabolic and migratory activity, and an increased release of danger signals (ATP, CXCL1). This led to an altered cytokine profile with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and CCL4 being significantly increased in plasma-treated mono- and co-cultures with immune cells. In T cells, plasma-treated melanoma cells induced extracellular signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and increased CD28 expression, suggesting their activation. In monocytes, CD115 expression was elevated as a marker for activation. In summary, here we provide proof of concept that plasma-killed tumor cells are recognized immunologically, and that plasma exerts stimulating effects on immune cells alone.

Double-diffusive natural convection in an inclined enclosure with heat generation and Soret effect

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study numerically thermosolutal natural convection within an inclined rectangular cavity in the presence of Soret effect and heat generation. The enclosure is heated and salted from its long sides with constant but different temperatures and concentrations. The study focuses on the effects of three main parameters which are, the Soret parameter (Sr = 0 and –0.5), the internal to external Rayleigh numbers ratio 0 ≤ R ≤ 80 and the cavity inclination γ, varied from 0° (vertical position) to 60°. The combined effects of these parameters on fluid flow and heat and mass transfer characteristics are examined for the external Rayleigh number RaE = 105, the Prandtl number Pr = 0.71, the buoyancy ratio N = 1, the Lewis number Le = 2 and the aspect ratio of the cavity A = 2.Design/methodology/approachA hybrid lattice Boltzmann-finite difference method (LBM-FD) was used to tackle the problem under consideration. The LBM with the simple relaxation time was used for the fluid flow in the presence of the gravity force, while the temperature and concentration equations were solved separately using an explicit finite-difference technique at the Boltzmann scale.FindingsThe monocellular nature of the flow, obtained for R = 0 is not destroyed by varying the cavity inclination and the Soret parameter but rather by the increase of the parameter R. The Soret parameter and the cavity inclination become perceptible at high values of R. The inclination γ = 60° leads to high mean temperatures compared to the other inclinations. The effect of R on mean concentration is amplified in the presence of Soret effect but limited in the absence of the latter. The negative Soret parameter combined with high internal heat generation and a relatively high inclination is important when the objective is to maintain the fluid at a high concentration of species. The presence of bicellular flow combined with the important elevation undergone by the fluid temperature, makes both the cold and hot walls playing a cooling role with the most important exchanges taking place at the upper part of these walls. The analysis of the mean mass transfer shows that the increase of the inclination may lead to an increase or a decrease of the mass transfer depending on the range of R, in the case of Sr = 0. However, for Sr = −0.5, it is observed that the increase of γ is generally accompanied by a reduction of the mass transfer.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the hybrid LBM-FD was not used before to study such a problem. Combined effect of R and inclination may be useful in charging the fluid with species when the objective is to maintain high concentrations in the medium.

DIVERSIDAD Y DISTRIBUCIÓN DEL GÉNERO SALPICHROA (SOLANACEAE), CON ÉNFASIS EN LOS ANDES PERUANOS

This study provides information on the diversity and distribution patterns of Salpichroa species along the Andes. We analyzed a database of 855 georeferenced herbarium collections, of a total of 1205 studied specimens, of which 99 % came from Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina. Twenty two species are recognized, of which 19 are found in Peru, the country with the greatest diversity of Salpichroa , compared to Bolivia (8), Ecuador (5), Argentina (4), Chile (3), Colombia (2), Venezuela (2), Uruguay (1), Paraguay (1), and Brazil (1). In general, Salpichroa is distributed between 30° N and 37° S, with the highest species richness between 7° S and 17° S in Peru. Within Peru, the highest concentration of species is found in the department of Cusco. The greatest species diversity is found between 3000-4000 m elevation on both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes. The high diversity of the genus in the Peruvian Andes is likely due to the high environmental heterogeneity and habitat diversity present in the area.