Small Precipitates Research Articles

Fuchs Heterochromic Iridocyclitis: Clinic, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) is a mild grade, chronic, non-granulomatous uveitis. Due to the asymptomatic course and variation of clinical findings, FHI is the uveitis with the highest number of late and wrong diagnosis. Decreased visual acuity due to floaters and cataracts are the most frequent complaints at presentation. It has characteristic features like unilateral involvement, diffuse, small stellate keratic precipitates, iris atrophy leading to heterochromia, abnormal angle vessels, and lack of posterior synechia or macular edema. Etiology is still uncertain however acquired rubella infection is the most approved. Visual prognosis is excellent in FHI. Cataract and glaucoma are among the major complications leading to visual loss. For the treatment, steroids might be used for the short term. Unnecessary long term use of steroids increases the risk for cataract and glaucoma

Selective laser melting of iron: Multiscale characterization of mechanical properties

The complex study of the mechanical properties of pure iron produced by selective laser melting (SLM) revealed enhanced values of the yield stress and ultimate tensile strength as compared to the material produced in a classic way. These values result from high dislocation density, presence of interstitial carbon and small precipitates. In-situ tensile experiments revealed that the basic mechanism of plastic deformation in this material, the structure of which was described in detail previously [Mater. Charact. 154 (2019) 222], is the emission of dislocations from dislocation walls in the material. From the yield drop at the stress-strain dependence, the effective binding energy of carbon to dislocations is estimated. SLM iron also exhibits anisotropy of nanohardness showing maxima for orientations in the middle of the orientation triangle but also at {100} and {110} corners. This anisotropy suggests that the deformation is affected by the splitting of ½⟨111⟩ dislocations on {110} planes into partials on {112} planes.

CREB1 INTEGRATES THE METABOLIC AND GROWTH NETWORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGING OF HUMAN GRANULAR CELLS

This study investigated whether changes in metabolism occur during granulosa cells (GCs) senescence and the mechanisms that regulate these changes. Experimental laboratory study. We used excessive oxidative stress to induce cell senescence and examined the phenotype of aging. Protein and gene expression of different enzymes related to metabolism in senescent granulosa cells were analyzed by qPCR, protein array or immunofluorescence. Further, we applied bioinformatics methods and integrated publicly available resources to study the role of CREB1 gene expression in reproduction. Here, we show that mitochondrial regulator CREB1 is induced by excessive oxidative stress (OS) in human HGL5 granulosa cells, and at the cellular level, OS-like activation of CREB1 impacts a network that integrates mitochondrial status with metabolism and growth parameters. Proteomics profiling reveals that diverse functions, including biogenesis pathways, growth, structure, and macromolecule homeostasis, are responsive to CREB1. Delayed cellular proliferation, altered cytoskeleton, and attenuated growth signaling through post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms were also identified as outcomes of CREB1-directed mitochondrial activation. Furthermore, endogenous CREB1 expression was correlated with this same metabolism and growth network. These data show that small changes in metabolism have broad consequences that arguably would profoundly alter cell function. We suggest that this CREB1 sensitive network may be the basis for the association between mitochondrial function and aging where small deficiencies precipitate loss of function across a spectrum of cellular activities.

Martensite tempering kinetics: Effects of dislocation density and heating rates

In this study, the combined effect of dislocation density and rapid thermal cycling on the tempering kinetics of fully martensitic steel has been investigated by straining the sheets to different deformation levels. It was found that the strain-induced dislocations created more nucleation sites for carbide precipitation, and decreased carbide growth time. Strain-enhanced precipitation caused the carbide morphology to change from elongated to small quasi-spherical precipitates. Plastic deformation also accelerated the decomposition of carbides and film-like retained austenite in the as-received martensite laths. After tempering the deformed martensite had higher microhardness than tempered unstrained martensite, resulting from finer and semi-coherent precipitates, a high retained dislocation density, and the presence of untempered and partially tempered martensite blocks.

Remote sensed-based rainfall estimations over the East and West Africa regions for disaster risk management

Satellite precipitation products are very useful as proxies for gauged observations, especially in Africa, where there are sparse in-situ precipitation-measuring weather stations. The two most commonly used satellite precipitation products in Africa (Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and Tropical Applications of Meteorology Using Satellite and Ground-based Observations (TAMSAT)) and the relatively new Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM early run (IMERG-ER) of the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) with soil moisture (GPM+SM2RAIN) are evaluated in comparison to the in-situ observations from the Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO) project on daily, monthly and annual scales in West (Ghana) and East (Uganda) Africa. Statistical verification methods such as continuous and categorical methods were examined. For both countries, the results showed that all the products showed weak performance in capturing daily precipitation. For the monthly and seasonal scales, all the satellite product performances were very good. Also, small precipitation thresholds (2–5 mm/day) were relatively better detected by all the satellite products. All the products failed to detect intermediate (10–20 mm/day) and large threshold precipitation (>30 mm/day). When the products were examined for disaster management applications over a select number of stations in Ghana and Uganda, the results showed inconsistent and poor performances. Using all the metrics, both CHIRPS and TAMSAT showed similar performances, confirming that their common underlying algorithms are bias-adjusted, whereas GPM+SM2RAIN was different because of its independence from in-situ observations. All the products performed better in Ghana compared to Uganda, which may be due to the latter’s complex terrain. It is possible that CHIRPS and TAMSAT may be better suited for hydrological applications like seasonal forecasting, irrigation scheduling, reservoir operations than for daily or sub-daily processes like flash floods. While all these satellite products have their strengths and weaknesses for various environmental applications in Africa, there is a need for a central platform in Africa for a better or improved precipitation analysis based on the assimilation of climate forecasts, in-situ observations, radar, and satellite observations. This will provide higher temporal (3 hr–6 hr) and spatial (~2 km) resolutions. This study is applicable for scientists, water managers, and decision-makers involved in disaster risk management studies in Africa.

Flux pinning and microstructure of a bulk MgB2 doped with diverse additives

In bulk high-temperature superconductors, Ag is usually used as an additive thus improving mechanical performance. In MgB2 doped with Ag, the Ag reacts with Mg, forming Mg–Ag phases acting as a vortex pinning medium. In this work, we analyze the electromagnetic and pinning properties of bulk MgB2 doped with 1 wt% MgB4, 4 wt% Ag, and 1 wt% Dy2O3, prepared at the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo. In three compounds of MgxB2 + 4 wt% Ag with x = 1, 1.075, and 1.1, the effect of Mg excess was studied. The magnetic moment was measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Pinning was studied in terms of a pinning diagram, i.e. the field dependence of the normalized pinning force density, F n = F/F max. In all studied samples, the peak of the F n (b) dependence (b= B/B irr, B irr being the irreversibility field) was observed at around b= 0.2, indicating a prevailing flux pinning at grain boundaries. A slight shift of the peak with decreasing temperature indicated a defect size distribution in the pinning landscape. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a granular structure of all samples composed of MgB2 grains of about 230 nm (average size), with ensembles of small grains (22 nm in average) of Ag3Mg, AgMg, Ag, Dy2O3, and MgB4. While the large MgB2 grains control the main pinning mechanism, the small precipitates seem to determine details of the current flow through the grain boundaries.

Assessment of Precipitating Marine Stratocumulus Clouds in the E3SMv1 Atmosphere Model: A Case Study from the ARM MAGIC Field Campaign

AbstractThis paper presents a process-oriented evaluation of precipitating stratocumulus and its transition to cumulus in version 1 of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SMv1) using comprehensive case-study observations from a field campaign of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program (ARM). The E3SMv1 single-column model (SCM) of the marine boundary layer and its low clouds and precipitation are compared to observations including subcloud drizzle retrievals from a combination of Doppler radar and lidar backscatter measurements. The SCM is also compared to a large-eddy simulation (LES) of the same case. The combination of advanced remote sensing observations and LES is a powerful framework to evaluate the physical parameterizations of large-scale models. Given the observed large-scale environment, the E3SMv1 SCM realistically represents the evolution of clouds and boundary layer structure during the stratocumulus-to-cumulus transition. The model well simulates the liquid water path and its diurnal cycle in the stratocumulus period as well as the two-layer vertical thermodynamic structure and lower cloud fraction in the transition period. E3SMv1’s success in simulating the cloud in the stratocumulus period permitted examination of its precipitation processes. Here problems were identified with E3SMv1 producing an unrealistically small subcloud precipitation fraction, an unrealistic double peak in the vertical profiles of precipitation mass, and drizzle that evaporates too close to the surface. Further model diagnostics determined that these unrealistic characteristics resulted from an overly long microphysics time step and an unrealistic parameterization of the precipitation fraction. These results imply that careful consideration of these issues is needed in order to better simulate precipitation processes in marine stratocumulus.

Analysis of Small Scale Topography and Local Precipitation in Bangka Belitung Island

Weather early warning forecast has been developed using various method and data to investigate small scale weather characteristic. Each region, especially in low latitude has unique and dynamic local weather circulation. Bangka Belitung Island has a typical topography consists of hilly region and directly adjacent to the sea. Thus, this expected to have a high impact in local weather circulation. The used of in-situ data (air temperature, rainfall amount also wind surface speed and direction), weather satellite observation and meteorological model is chosen to investigates the local weather circulation characteristic. Findings in this study is that topography, has influencing and controlling local circulation such as the presence of land breeze and sea breeze supporting the formation of convective clouds around the hills in Bangka Belitung Island. Wind surface analysis shows that strong sea breeze activity occurred during the MAM period. Himawari satellite imagery analysis showed that rain occurred in the afternoon and only occurred in the mainland region of Bangka Belitung.

Effects of annealing treatment on microstructure and tensile behavior of the Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy

Abstract In the present study, the Mg-4Zn-0.6Y-0.5Nd alloy was hot extruded and annealed at 200°C, 225°C and 250°C for different time to optimize microstructure and mechanical properties. The results exhibit that the dual-size grain structure and linearly distributed secondary phase are the main feature of the as-extruded Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy, which can be described as the elongated grain is surrounded by the fine equiaxed grain. Moreover, the as-extruded alloy shows strong { 01 1 ¯ 0 } fiber texture feature, especially for the large elongated grains. The annealing treatment results in static recrystallization, which increases fine equiaxed grains but decreases large elongated grains. In addition, the equiaxed grains formed during the annealing treatment demonstrate relative random orientations, which weaken the { 01 1 ¯ 0 } fiber texture of the alloy. Moreover, during the annealing at 225°C and 250°C, the extension twins begin to form in the alloy and weaken the { 01 1 ¯ 0 } fiber texture of the alloy further. The annealing treatment has little influence on the linearly distributed secondary phase but promotes the coarsening of small precipitates at 250°C. The annealing treatment could increase the yield and ultimate strength, but the elongation decreases, especially at higher temperature. Such a variation can be ascribed to the evolution of texture, grain structure, twinning and precipitation during the annealing treatment.

Size effects of Y-enriched intermetallic precipitates in Fe-20Cr-5Al-0.25Y alloy on the spallation resistance of thermally grown α-Al2O3 scales

Standard ingot casting and twin-roll strip casting (TRSC) were used to process Fe-20Cr-5Al-0.25Y (wt.%) alloy, in which Y-enriched intermetallic precipitates with different sizes had been formed. Cyclic oxidation tests were carried out at 1200℃ in air, and the size effects of precipitates in alloy on the spallation resistance of thermally grown α-Al2O3 scales were investigated. The results clearly demonstrated that the spallation resistance of α-Al2O3 scales could be improved by refining the Y-enriched precipitates, which was attributed to the fact that the small precipitates can generate high density of interfacial oxides to effectively key the alumina scale to the substrate.

Pods as sails but not as boats: dispersal ecology of a habitat-restricted desert milkvetch.

Adaptive seed dispersal mechanisms are fundamental to plant fitness, but dispersal advantage is scale-dependent. We tested the hypothesis that informed dispersal in response to an environmental cue enables dispersal by wind on a local scale for Astragalus holmgreniorum, a desert species restricted to swales and wash skirts with overland flow, but prevents longer-distance dispersal by water into unfavorable wash habitats. Pod biomechanics in A. holmgreniorum lead to major shape modifications with changes in moisture content. We performed laboratory experiments to examine the interaction of pod shape with wind and water, and conducted field experiments in A. holmgreniorum habitat evaluating the roles of wind, water, and seed predators on dispersal. Dry pods exhibit a flattened crescent shape with partial dehiscence that facilitated wind dispersal by ground tumbling and seed scattering in laboratory experiments. Rain simulation experiments showed that even small precipitation events returned wetted pods to their cylindrical shape and opened the dorsal suture, exposing the seeds. In the field experiments, dry pods were moved locally by wind, whereas rain caused pod opening and washing out of seeds in place. Seed predators had minimal effect on pod movement. Astragalus holmgreniorum exhibits pod structural remodeling in response to environmental change in a striking and novel demonstration of informed dispersal. Wind-driven movement of dry pods facilitates local seed dispersal, but rain causes pods to open and release seeds, ensuring that they are not transported out of suitable habitats and into active washes where they would be lost from the seed bank.

Selective Electron Beam Melting of TiAl Alloy: Metallurgical Defects, Tensile Property, and Determination of Process Window

Selective electron beam melting (SEBM) is a promising method to manufacture complex titanium aluminide (TiAl) alloy parts. Herein, the effects of beam current, scanning speed and energy density on surface appearance, porosity, and Al loss of Ti–47Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy samples fabricated by SEBM are investigated systematically. The porosity decreased initially and then increased, and Al loss increased gradually with an increase in beam current. The porosity increased continuously and the Al loss decreased gradually with an increase in scanning velocity. The tensile strength decreased when the porosity of SEBM‐produced TiAl alloy increased. The processing window for Ti–47Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy fabricated by SEBM is determined from the energy density and scanning speed, and the formation mechanisms of small pores and B2 phase precipitation around partially melted powder are explained in detail. The findings provide a valuable reference for fabricating Ti–47Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy by SEBM with a desired surface appearance, porosity and Al loss.

Reactive transport model of lab tests of lime-mortar, compacted bentonite and magnetite geochemical interactions

The geochemical interactions at the interfaces of the materials used for the engineered barrier system (EBS) of spent-fuel and high-level radioactive waste repositories may impact the long-term performance of the EBS. These materials include carbon steel, compacted bentonite and concrete. The geochemical reactions are commonly studied in laboratory and in situ tests and by numerical modelling. Cuevas et al. (2016) performed double interface (2I) lab tests to study the interactions of lime-mortar, bentonite and magnetite on cylindrical cells with an internal diameter of 5 cm and an inner length of 2.5 cm, which were hydrated with a synthetic argillaceous water and heated at 60 °C during 18 months. Here, we present a reactive transport model of the 2I tests of Cuevas et al. (2016). The model confirms the proposed conceptual geochemical model and quantifies the mineralogical alterations and the changes in porosity produced by the complex geochemical interactions of lime-mortar, bentonite and magnetite at 60 °C. The model predicts the dissolution of portlandite in the mortar and the precipitation of calcite, brucite, C1.2SH and C1.6SH in the mortar and the bentonite near the mortar/bentonite interface (MBI). Anhydrite precipitates in the mortar, but it is transformed into gypsum after the cooling of the sample. The model predicts a small precipitation of ettringite. Most of the mineralogical changes are predicted to occur at or near the MBI. The high pH front (pH > 8) penetrates 11 mm into the bentonite at the end of the 2I-3 test. The porosity of the mortar near the MBI increases 1% due to portlandite and gypsum dissolution. On the other hand, the porosity of the bentonite decreases 1% in a 0.2 mm thick band near the MBI due to the precipitation of calcite, brucite, sepiolite and Mg-saponite. Model results reproduce the water content, the saturation degree and the water intake measured at the end of the test and capture the main trends of the mineralogical observations. Model results, however, fail to predict the observed ettringite precipitation in the mortar. The predicted brucite precipitation in the mortar and the bentonite is not confirmed by the experimental data.

Influence of Ti3Ni4 precipitates on the indentation-induced two-way shape-memory effect in Nickel-Titanium

Nickel Titanium (NiTi) alloys have been used for many years based on their unique ability to exhibit the shape-memory and pseudoelastic effects. The indentation-induced two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) is a specific sub-capability of this alloy such that a repeatably switchable surface can be created by “training” the material through mechanical indentation and activated through temperature transitions between the austenitic and martensitic phases. This study sought to observe the effect Ti3Ni4 precipitate aging would have on the indentation-induced TWSME. Ti3Ni4 has previously been shown as an effective method to alter NiTi transformation temperatures, yet it was unclear what effect localized stress fields around precipitates would have on the TWSME. The results presented here indicate that growth of precipitates in the alloy before training suppresses the resultant indentation-induced TWSME, and small precipitates, which cause minimal lattice mismatch to the matrix (i.e. highest coherency), have the strongest role in suppressing the effect. It is suggest that lattice coherency acts to inhibit plastic deformation, suppressing the creation of the preferred microstructure under the indent required to guide the TWSME. Therefore, precipitate aging is not a recommended alternative to precise alloying in order to alter transformation temperatures with the goal of maximizing the indentation-induced TWSME effect within a targeted temperate transformation regime.

Microphysical Characteristics of Winter Precipitation in Eastern China from 2014 to 2019

To improve solid precipitation monitoring in the hydrology and meteorology field, 1-min precipitation data observed by the PARticle SIze VELocity (PARSIVEL) disdrometer in Nanjing, eastern China, from February 2014 to February 2019 for all days with solid precipitation, were used to study the microphysical characteristics of winter precipitation. In this study, the empirical V-D (velocity–diameter) relationships and observed surface temperature are used for matching precipitation types, and the precipitation data are divided into rain, graupel, wet snow and dry snow. The results show that dry snow and wet snow have maximum Dm (mass-weighted mean diameter) and minimum log10Nw (normalized intercept parameter), while rain shows the opposite. Additionally, the μ-Λ (shape parameter–slope parameter) curve of dry snow and wet snow is very close, and the μ value of dry snow and wet snow is higher than that of graupel and higher than that of rain for the same Λ value. Furthermore, the Ze-S (equivalent reflectivity factor–precipitation intensity) relationships among different types of precipitation are significantly different. If only the Ze-S relationship of rain is used for quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), then, for small precipitation intensity, solid precipitation will be overestimated, while, for large precipitation intensity, it will be underestimated.

Effect of alkali-mixed content and thermally untreated phosphate sludge dosages on some properties of metakaolin based geopolymer material

In the present work we investigate the possibility of reusing phosphate sludge, which is considered as a mining by-product from beneficiation plants of the Moroccan phosphate rocks (OCP, Youssoufia), through the geopolymerization process. This process allows to evaluate the alkaline behaviour of thermally untreated phosphate sludge (UPS) as a partial replacement of metakaolin. The geopolymers were synthesized with various activator modulus (Ms = 1.40, 1.30, 1.24, 1.20, and 1.15) made from a mixture of different alkaline (NaOH and KOH) solutions and sodium silicate. The effect of 0–60% untreated sludge (UPS) powder in metakaolin based geopolymer materials cured at 60 °C was investigated. Compressive strength and apparent porosity were determined after 28 days of curing and the reaction products were tested by different techniques including: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA) and Electron microscope scanning coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). For up to 50% of UPS, physical properties of the hardened products are induced, especially when the activator modulus (Ms = 1.30) is used. In these blends, the presence of UPS is favorable to ensure the better connectivity between grains in the system. In fact, the sludge has been suggested to have a dual role, it has a filler effect and/or a small precipitation of Ca-bearing phases co-existing with (Na, K)-A-S-H-type gel.

Development and accuracy assessment of a 12-digit hydrologic unit code based real-time climate database for hydrologic models in the US

Accurate daily weather data are critical for hydrologic models simulating and predicting hydrologic processes. Many researchers have focused on the impacts of precipitation on hydrologic simulations, but few studies integrated both temperature and precipitation data for historical and forecast periods in hydrologic models and evaluated the weather data accuracy at national scale. This study evaluated four extracting methods (mean (MN), median (MD), centroid (CT), and area-weighted (AW) approaches) for summarizing weather data for sub-watersheds defined in a hydrologic model. Firstly, an optimized extracting method was used to develop a real-time HUC-12 (12-digit Hydrologic Unit Code) level dataset for the Conterminous United States. The hydrologic model with the CT weather data performed the best, followed by MN, AW, and then MD. Secondly, per this method, a real-time dataset including historical and forecast data at HUC-12 level across the conterminous United States was created. Last, continuous daily forecast data at national scale displayed that large forecast overestimations were usually observed in large forecast precipitation events over 20 mm. Simultaneously, there were large underestimations in small forecast precipitation events less than 5 mm. Forecast maximum temperature showed a more substantial bias than that minimum temperature, with the largest underestimation for the lower forecast maximum temperature less than 15 °C. With regard to data stability of the historical observed temperature data, provisional and early temperature data from Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) in the most recent seven months are as reliable as the stable data that is subject to quality control measures before it replaces the provisional and early data. However, forecast data often included bias in the extreme weather conditions, such as heavy precipitation and scorching temperature. Forecast data, which is updated multiple times each day, was frequently subject to an opposite bias (trending toward less extreme values) in the presence of strong frontal systems presumably due to the exact location and speed of the front being difficult to predict. Fully processed weather data from this work will be published online to facilitate hydrologic modeling efforts in the US and inform users about the uncertainty in the forecast data.

Further Insight into Interfacial Interactions in Iron/Liquid Zn-Al System

In the galvannealing process, steel strips are immersed in molten zinc containing 0.100 to 0.135 wt pct Al at 450 °C. The coating obtained is composed of a thin intermetallic compounds’ layer called the inhibition layer (200 nm) covered with a thick zinc layer (10 µm). The nature of this inhibition layer has been investigated here for a galvanizing bath with a low Al content. The inhibition layer formed on industrial low-alloyed steels was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The inhibition layer is composed of a thin Fe2Al5Znx layer (20 nm), covered with a thicker δ layer (200 nm). The Fe2Al5Znx layer is discontinuous at the lowest bath Al content. Small precipitates (20 nm in diameter) with a stoichiometry corresponding to Fe3Al-containing Zn were also found for the first time in the δ phase. The microstructure of the inhibition layer can be described with diffusion paths drawn in the Al-Fe-Zn ternary section at 450 °C. This means that all interfaces of the inhibition layer are at thermodynamic equilibrium. The Fe2Al5Znx layer is formed on the steel surface before the δ layer. The nucleation and growth of the Fe3Al-Zn particles probably occur in the liquid metal at the same time as δ.

Assessment of the hydrological response of an urban watershed to rainfall-runoff events in different land use scenarios - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Intense urbanization results in greater soil sealing and a consequent increase in surface runoff. When high soil sealing rates and high slopes are encountered in small catchments, high volume and short duration precipitation events increase the probability of flash floods. This study evaluates the hydrological response of an urban catchment with regard to rainfall-runoff events in the following scenarios: current land use, without a detention basin which has been part of the system since the 1970s, with the maximum soil sealing allowed by legislation, and with green infrastructure implantation in 100%, 50% and 10% of the suitable area. Hydrological modelling was performed using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Six level gauges installed along the length of the stream provided the data used in model calibration and validation. The model calibration process provided adequate results: the average Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient was 0.72, the mean error of peak flow was 11% and the mean error of the runoff volume was 12%. Rainfall based on 2-, 10-, 50- and 100-year events were simulated for each scenario, as well as two observed events. In the scenario without the detention basin, an average elevation of 10% in the peak flow was observed in the catchment outlet. In the scenario with maximum soil sealing, the catchment outlet peak flow increased by 30% on average. On the other hand, in the scenario with green infrastructure implementation in 100%, 50% and 10% of the available areas, the outlet peak flow was reduced by 60%, 30% and 5%, respectively. Results indicated the efficiency of the detention basin to reduce flooding, the importance of green area preservation to reduce peak flows, as well as the catchment potential of green infrastructure implementation and the hydrological benefits that they can provide, increasing infiltration and reducing runoff volume and peak flow.

Subtle precipitation differences yield adaptive adjustments in the mesic Nothofagus dombeyi

Climate change is impacting on natural systems and forests worldwide have suffered from massive mortality due to extreme droughts. That is the case of mesic Nothofagus dombeyi forests of northern Patagonia, whereas no climate-driven mortality was recorded towards drier areas. The aim was to examine population differences in relation to a small precipitation gradient at morphological, physiological, and genetic scales. Adaptive differences between seedlings collected from dry and mesic sites of N. dombeyi on the eastern slopes of the Andes were studied combining common garden and water stress manipulative experiments with genomic analyses. We recorded mortality, plant architectural and leaf traits during cultivation in the greenhouse. A set of plants were subjected to water deficit experiments and water potential was measured. Genomic differences were analyzed by Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Plants from the mesic site grew taller with more branches and number of larger leaves, and greater stomatal density under optimum conditions yet with slightly more negative midday water potentials due to induced desiccation. Adaptive SNPs yielded similar divergence than quantitative traits which were greater than that of neutral SNPs. Five adaptive loci had a significant association to whole plant and leaf traits. These results show that in spite of the small climatic differences between sites and continuous gene flow populations showed adaptive adjustments and differed significantly in growth, ecophysiology, and genetically. This information can be used in climate-oriented restoration efforts.