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Non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) form a large group of biological objects found in palynological slides besides pollen grains. This includes various remains of algae and fungi, shells, resting stages and eggs of invertebrates, among others. Publications of NPP-types started in the 1970s with studies of BvG and colleagues, and large numbers of new types continue to be published every year. For an overview of this diverse world of “extra fossils”, we created the Non-Pollen Palynomorph Image Database (NPP-ID) to gather NPP knowledge, structured by acronyms and known taxonomy to assist identification and palaeoecological interpretation (https://nonpollenpalynomorphs.tsu.ru/). An integral part is a database of illustrations, descriptions and ecological background of NPPs. While numerical data are routinely stored in open access repositories, the NPP-ID enables the definitions, identification and interpretation of the NPP taxa to be shared. The NPP-ID operates as an open research project aiming to provide open access to descriptions and illustrations of NPPs. However, due to publication rights, access to some original images is restricted and registration by users is required. We encourage palynologists to contribute to the further growth of the database by uploading their own microphotographs or drawings under an open access license. Contributors will be acknowledged by co-authorship in publications on updates of the NPP-ID., Российский Фонд Фундаментальных Исследований (РФФИ) http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002261, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001659, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (1018), http://nonpollenpalynomorphs.tsu.ru/

International audience; The current status of the large decameter radio telescope UTR-2 (Ukrainian T-shaped Radio telescope) together with its VLBI system called URAN is described in detail. By modernization of these instruments through implementation of novel versatile analog and digital devices as well as new observation techniques, the observational capabilities of UTR-2 have been substantially enhanced. The total effective area of UTR-2 and URAN arrays reaches 200 000 m2, with 24 MHz observational bandwidth (within the 8-32 MHz frequency range), spectral and temporal resolutions down to 4 kHz and 0.5 msec in dynamic spectrum mode or virtually unlimited in waveform mode. Depending on the spectral and temporal resolutions and confusion effects, the sensitivity of UTR-2 varies from a few Jy to a few mJy, and the angular resolution ranges from ~ 30 arcminutes (with a single antenna array) to a few arcseconds (in VLBI mode). In the framework of national and international research projects conducted in recent years, many new results on Solar system objects, the Galaxy and Metagalaxy have been obtained. In order to extend the observation frequency range to 8-80 MHz and enlarge the dimensions of the UTR-2 array, a new instrument - GURT (Giant Ukrainian Radio Telescope) - is now under construction. The radio telescope systems described herein can be used in synergy with other existing low-frequency arrays such as LOFAR, LWA, NenuFAR, as well as provide ground-based support for space-based instruments.

Advanced knowledge of the mechanisms and kinetic parameters controlling the thermal decomposition of peat is of importance for understanding smouldering peat fires and quantify fire risk. Smouldering fires do not have the visual impact of the flaming front but constitute an important wildfire phenomenon because of the associated large carbon emissions and damage to a valuable ecosystem. Moreover, in case of extreme dry conditions or strong winds, smouldering fires develop easily into scrub or forest flaming fire. In this context, a thermal study on three different types of peat has been conducted: two high-moor peat types collected in Edinburgh (Scotland) and in Tomsk (Siberia), and one transition peat from Tomsk. The botanical composition, degree of decomposition and ultimate analysis were determined for the different samples and compared. These parameters were correlated to thermal behaviour obtained by Thermogravimetry experiments. Significantly different degradation behaviour is observed for the different peat types. A kinetic method to predict the temperature of the sample at high heating rates is applied. Comparison shows a good correlation between experimental and numerical results. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Peat is an organic and flammable material used for energy generation and involved in accidental wildfires. Smoldering combustion is governed by heterogeneous chemical reactions of drying and pyrolysis of the bulk solid and oxidation at the surface. In these phenomena, the drying process and its rate is an important mechanism. The aim of this research was to determine thermokinetic constants (TKCs) for the drying process at different scales for boreal peat samples from two regions and three depths. The drying experiments of various kinds of peat were mathematically described by two methods. To calculate the heat of water evaporation, inverse kinectic problems and the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose method were used. For the determination of kinetic parameters, dynamic for micro scale and isothermal for macro scale experiments were conducted. The experimental data and corresponding TKCs for each peat type do not differ significantly from each other. This suggests that neither the scale nor the peat origin have a strong influence on the kinetics of the drying process.

International audience; The biomineralization of CO2, in the form of carbonate minerals, is considered as one of the efficient solutions of atmospheric CO2 removal, allowing stable and sustainable storage of this greenhouse gas. Cyanobacteria are among the most powerful microorganisms capable of precipitating carbonate minerals, both in the present and in the past. In the modern environments, high Si concentration during geoengineering biomineralization could occur due to dissolution of Mg-bearing primary silicates such as olivine. However, most of experimental studies aimed to understand the formation of these carbonates were performed in Si-poor solutions. Thus, experimental characterizations of the nature, rate, and stoichiometry of precipitated minerals in Si-rich solutions in the presence of bacteria are lacking. The present study attempted to reproduce, in controlled laboratory experiments, the processes of biomineralization in a carbonate- and Mg-bearing medium having high Si concentrations (2–4 mM, which is below the saturation with respect to amorphous silica). These experiments have been carried out in the presence of three contrasting cyanobacteria: Synechococcus sp., Chroococcidiopsis sp. and Aphanothece clathrata in order to characterize the rate of formation, stoichiometry and mineralogical nature of precipitates. The results demonstrated significant role of cyanobacteria in the precipitation of carbonate and silicate minerals by increasing the pH of the medium during photosynthesis. Magnesium precipitation rates measured between 50 and 150 h of reaction time ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mmol h−1 gdry1 and decreased (Synechococcus sp. and Chroococcidiopsis sp.) or increased (A. clathrata) with an increase in the Si:Mg ratio in solution. The abiotic instantaneous rates of Mg and Si removal from alkaline solutions were similar to those in the presence of cyanobacteria at the same pH value suggesting that photosynthetically induced pH rise was the main factor of mineral formation. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic observations and associated analyses identified an amorphous magnesium silicate together with hydrous Mg carbonates (hydromagnesite). The formation of carbonate solid phase at high Mg: Si ratios indicated the potential for the removal of inorganic carbon at pH > 10. The difference in the degree of C removal between different species was primarily linked to different degree of pH rise during photosynthesis. Taken together, the results obtained in this study allowed an efficient reproduction of combined magnesium hydroxo-carbonates and hydrous silicates precipitation under cyanobacterial activity, suitable for geoengineering of biologically controlled CO2 sequestration in Si-Mg-carbonate-bearing solutions.

The problem of parameter estimation by i.i.d. observations of an inhomogeneous Poisson process is considered in situation of misspecification. The model is that of a Poissonian signal observed in presence of a homogeneous Poissonian noise. The intensity function of the process is supposed to have a cusp-type singularity at the change-point (the unknown moment of arrival of the signal), while the supposed (theoretical) and the real (observed) levels of the signal are different. The asymptotic properties of pseudo MLE are described. It is shown that the estimator converges to the value minimizing the Kullback-Leibler divergence, that the normalized error of estimation converges to some limit distribution, and that its polynomial moments also converge.

International audience

Due to its insulating and draining role, assessing ground vegetation cover properties is important for high-resolution hydrological modeling of permafrost regions. In this study, morphological and effective hydraulic properties of Western Siberian Lowland ground vegetation samples (lichens, Sphagnum mosses, peat) are numerically studied based on tomography scans. Porosity is estimated through a void voxels counting algorithm, showing the existence of representative elementary volumes (REVs) of porosity for most samples. Then, two methods are used to estimate hydraulic conductivity depending on the sample's homogeneity. For homogeneous samples, direct numerical simulations of a single-phase flow are performed, leading to a definition of hydraulic conductivity related to a REV, which is larger than those obtained for porosity. For heterogeneous samples, no adequate REV may be defined. To bypass this issue, a pore network representation is created from computerized scans. Morphological and hydraulic properties are then estimated through this simplified representation. Both methods converged on similar results for porosity. Some discrepancies are observed for a specific surface area. Hydraulic conductivity fluctuates by 2 orders of magnitude, depending on the method used. Porosity values are in line with previous values found in the literature, showing that arctic cryptogamic cover can be considered an open and well-connected porous medium (over 99 % of overall porosity is open porosity). Meanwhile, digitally estimated hydraulic conductivity is higher compared to previously obtained results based on field and laboratory experiments. However, the uncertainty is less than in experimental studies available in the literature. Therefore, biological and sampling artifacts are predominant over numerical biases. This could be related to compressibility effects occurring during field or laboratory measurements. These numerical methods lay a solid foundation for interpreting the homogeneity of any type of sample and processing some quantitative properties' assessment, either with image processing or with a pore network model. The main observed limitation is the input data quality (e.g., the tomographic scans' resolution) and its pre-processing scheme. Thus, some supplementary studies are compulsory for assessing syn-sampling and syn-measurement perturbations in experimentally estimated, effective hydraulic properties of such a biological porous medium.

The electromagnetic response of 3D-printed periodic carbon structures was investigated numerically and experimentally in the microwave (26–37 GHz) and terahertz (0.2–1.2 THz) frequency ranges. The reflection, transmission and absorption spectra, as well as the effects of the concentration of electromagnetic waves, were analysed and discussed. High broadband absorption was observed for the 3D-printed cellular structures based on a moderately conductive (1–30 S m−1) skeleton, whereas perfect tuneable resonant absorption could be achieved by 3D meshes made of highly conductive (1200–2000 S m−1) glassy carbon. We show that laser stereolithography (SLA) or fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D-printing technique should be preferred for getting pre-defined required electromagnetic performances depending on the intended application.

International audience; Purpose: Geant4 is a multi-purpose Monte Carlo simulation tool for modeling particle transport in matter. It provides a wide range of settings, which the user may optimize for their specific application. This study investigates GATE/Geant4 parameter settings for proton pencil beam scanning therapy.Methods: GATE8.1/Geant4.10.3.p03 (matching the versions used in GATE-RTion1.0) simulations were performed with a set of prebuilt Geant4 physics lists (QGSP_BIC, QGSP_BIC_EMY, QGSP_BIC_EMZ, QGSP_BIC_HP_EMZ), using 0.1mm-10mm as production cuts on secondary particles (electrons, photons, positrons) and varying the maximum step size of protons (0.1mm, 1mm, none). The results of the simulations were compared to measurement data taken during clinical patient specific quality assurance at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust pencil beam scanning proton therapy facility. Additionally, the influence of simulation settings was quantified in a realistic patient anatomy based on computer tomography (CT) scans.Results: When comparing the different physics lists, only the results (ranges in water) obtained with QGSP_BIC (G4EMStandardPhysics_Option0) depend on the maximum step size. There is clinically negligible difference in the target region when using High Precision neutron models (HP) for dose calculations. The EMZ electromagnetic constructor provides a closer agreement (within 0.35 mm) to measured beam sizes in air, but yields up to 20% longer execution times compared to the EMY electromagnetic constructor (maximum beam size difference 0.79 mm). The impact of this on patient-specific quality assurance simulations is clinically negligible, with a 97% average 2%/2 mm gamma pass rate for both physics lists. However, when considering the CT-based patient model, dose deviations up to 2.4% are observed. Production cuts do not substantially influence dosimetric results in solid water, but lead to dose differences of up to 4.1% in the patient CT. Small (compared to voxel size) production cuts increase execution times by factors of 5 (solid water) and 2 (patient CT).Conclusions: Taking both efficiency and dose accuracy into account and considering voxel sizes with 2 mm linear size, the authors recommend the following Geant4 settings to simulate patient specific quality assurance measurements: No step limiter on proton tracks; production cuts of 1 mm for electrons, photons and positrons (in the phantom and range-shifter) and 10 mm (world); best agreement to measurement data was found for QGSP_BIC_EMZ reference physics list at the cost of 20% increased execution times compared to QGSP_BIC_EMY. For simulations considering the patient CT model, the following settings are recommended: No step limiter on proton tracks; production cuts of 1 mm for electrons, photons and positrons (phantom/range-shifter) and 10 mm (world) if the goal is to achieve sufficient dosimetric accuracy to ensure that a plan is clinically safe; or 0.1 mm (phantom/range-shifter) and 1 mm (world) if higher dosimetric accuracy is needed (increasing execution times by a factor of 2); most accurate results expected for QGSP_BIC_EMZ reference physics list, at the cost of 10-20% increased execution times compared to QGSP_BIC_EMY.

International audience; Background and aims Vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), and tantalum (Ta), recognized as Technology-Critical Element (TCE), are highly growing in demand for industrial development. Despite their economic relevance, little is known about their environmental concentrations, especially in marine ecosystems like mangroves. This paper describes concentrations and distribution patterns of Group Va elements (V, Nb and Ta) in plant organs and sediments from diverse mangroves of the Indian Sundarbans. Method Sediment cores and plant organs of eight dominant mangrove species were sampled and analyzed for V, Nb and Ta by ICP-MS. Stable carbon isotope (delta C-13) in mangrove leaves were analyzed by EA-IRMS. Result Mean concentrations (mg kg(-1)) of V, Nb and Ta decreased in the order V (84.7 +/- 12.5) > Nb (37.5 +/- 4) > Ta (3 +/- 0.8) in the sediment and V (0.6 +/- 0.6) > Nb (0.02) > Ta (0.002) in the mangrove plants. Species-specific variability in bioaccumulation factor (V: 0.012-0.035; Nb: 0.001-0.003; Ta: 0.001-0.005), translocation factor (V: 0.5-5.1; Nb: 0.26-7.06; Ta: 0.22-2.56) and enrichment factor (V: 0.008-0.027; Nb: 0.0002-0.001; Ta: 1.0 x 10(-5)-3.0 x 10(-6)) indicated different partitioning of Group Va elements within the plant organs and varying degree of mangrove uptake efficiency. Conclusion Results showed a general decrease in V, Nb and Ta concentrations with their increasing atomic weight. Their total concentrations in plants were related to the degree of enrichment of substrate sediments. The phytoextraction capacity varied amongst mangrove species depending on their CO2 uptake efficiency. Given increased demand for TCEs, results may have important implications for bioremediation processes.

It is considered the problem of localization on the plane of two radioactive sources by K detectors. Each detector records a realization of inhomogeneous Poisson process and the intensity function of this process is a sum of a signal arriving from the sources and the constant Poisson noise of known intensity. The time of the beginning of emissions of two sources is known and the main problem is the estimation of the position of the sources. The properties of the MLE and Bayessian estimators are described in the asymptotics of large signals in three situations of different regularities of the fronts of the signals: smooth, cusp-type and change-point type.

Due to the lack of specific collisional data, the abundance of NS+ in cold dense interstellar clouds was determined using collisional rate coefficients of CS as a substitute. To better understand the chemistry of sulfur in the interstellar medium, further abundance modeling using the actual NS+ collisional rate coefficients is needed. For this purpose, we have computed the first full 4D potential energy surface of the NS+–H2 van der Waals complex using the explicitly correlated coupled cluster approach with single, double, and non-iterative triple excitation in conjunction with the augmented-correlation consistent-polarized valence triple zeta basis set. The potential energy surface exhibits a global minimum of 848.24 cm−1 for a planar configuration of the complex. The long-range interaction energy, described using multipolar moments, is sensitive to the orientation of H2 up to radial distances of ∼50 a0. From this new interaction potential, we derived excitation cross sections, induced by collision with ortho- and para-H2, for the 15 low-lying rotational levels of NS+ using the quantum mechanical close-coupling approach. By thermally averaging these data, we determined downward rate coefficients for temperatures up to 50 K. By comparing them with the previous NS+–H2 data, we demonstrated that reduced dimensional approaches are not suited for this system. In addition, we found that the CS collisional data underestimate our results by up to an order of magnitude. The differences clearly indicate that the abundance of NS+, in cold dense clouds retrieved from observational spectra, must be reassessed using these new collisional rate coefficients.

This article presents the first results of long-term direct measurements of a few major components of carbon cycle in permafrost mire landforms in the sub-Arctic region of Western Siberia, Russia. It reveals the main features of geographical distribution of plant organic matter, including both the above-ground and below-ground fractions of live biomass, the biomass of dead roots (mortmass), and net primary production (NPP) in peat-accumulating flat palsa mires and in “khasyrei”—ecosystems of drained lakes in thermokarst depression on epigenetic permafrost. The study based on original methods of direct field measurements elaborated by authors for northern peatlands. In northern taiga, the NPP of palsa mires was found in the range of 300–580 g m−2 yr−1 and an average biomass of 1800 g m−2; in khasyrei, it accounts for 1100 g m−2 yr−1 and 2000 g m−2 of NPP and live biomass, respectively. In forest tundra, the live biomass of palsa mires was found in the range of 1000–1800 g m−2, and in khasyrei it was 2300 g m−2. The NPP of palsa mires were in the range of 400–560 g m−2 yr−1, and in khasyrei it was 800 g m−2 yr−1. Overall, we conclude that the south–north climatic gradient in Western Siberia is the main driver of plant organic matter accumulation. It was found different across mire ecosystems of the same types but located in different bioclimatic regions.

International audience; Assessment of the microbial impact on mineral dissolution is crucial for a predictive understanding of basic (Ca, Mg-bearing) silicate weathering and the associated CO2 consumption, bioerosion and CO2 storage in basaltic rocks. However, there are controversies about the mechanism of microbial effect, which ranges from inhibiting via nil to accelerating. Here we studied diopside interaction with the heterotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas reactants and the soil fungus Chaetomium brasiliense using a combination of mixed-flow and batch reactors and in-situ (AFM) and ex-situ (SEM) microscopy. The results provide new nano-level insights into the degree to which microorganisms modify silicate dissolution. Taking into account negligible effects of organic ligands on diopside dissolution as reported earlier, we conclude that the microbial effect on Ca-Mg silicates is weak and the acceleration of dissolution of "basic" silicate rocks in the presence of soil biota is solely due to pH decrease in porewaters.

Regional species assemblages have been shaped by colonization, speciation and extinction over millions of years. Humans have altered biogeography by introducing species to new ranges. However, an analysis of how strongly naturalized plant species (i.e. alien plants that have established self-sustaining populations) affect the taxonomic and phylogenetic uniqueness of regional floras globally is still missing. Here, we present such an analysis with data from native and naturalized alien floras in 658 regions around the world. We find strong taxonomic and phylogenetic floristic homogenization overall, and that the natural decline in floristic similarity with increasing geographic distance is weakened by naturalized species. Floristic homogenization increases with climatic similarity, which emphasizes the importance of climate matching in plant naturalization. Moreover, floristic homogenization is greater between regions with current or past administrative relationships, indicating that being part of the same country as well as historical colonial ties facilitate floristic exchange, most likely due to more intensive trade and transport between such regions. Our findings show that naturalization of alien plants threatens taxonomic and phylogenetic uniqueness of regional floras globally. Unless more effective biosecurity measures are implemented, it is likely that with ongoing globalization, even the most distant regions will lose their floristic uniqueness., Humans have altered plant biogeography by introducing species from one region to another, but an analysis of how naturalized plant species affect the uniqueness of regional floras around the world was missing. This study presents an analysis using data from native and naturalized alien floras in 658 regions, finding strong taxonomic and phylogenetic floristic homogenization overall.

The Eurasian plant Stipa capillata is the most widespread species within feather grasses. Many taxa of the genus are dominants in steppe plant communities and can be used for their classification and in studies related to climate change. Moreover, some species are of economic importance mainly as fodder plants and can be used for soil remediation processes. Although large-scale molecular data has begun to appear, there is still no complete or draft genome for any Stipa species. Thus, here we present a single-molecule long-read sequencing dataset generated using the Pacific Biosciences Sequel System. A draft genome of about 1004 Mb was obtained with a contig N50 length of 351 kb. Importantly, here we report 81,224 annotated protein-coding genes, present 77,614 perfect and 58 unique imperfect SSRs, reveal the putative allopolyploid nature of S. capillata, investigate the evolutionary history of the genus, demonstrate structural heteroplasmy of the chloroplast genome and announce for the first time the mitochondrial genome in Stipa. The assembled nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes provide a significant source of genetic data for further works on phylogeny, hybridisation and population studies within Stipa and the grass family Poaceae.

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is globally expanding and has become the main vector for human arboviruses in Europe. With limited antiviral drugs and vaccines available, vector control is the primary approach to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. A reliable and accurate DNA sequence of the Ae. albopictus genome is essential to develop new approaches that involve genetic manipulation of mosquitoes.We use long-read sequencing methods and modern scaffolding techniques (PacBio, 10X, and Hi-C) to produce AalbF2, a dramatically improved assembly of the Ae. albopictus genome. AalbF2 reveals widespread viral insertions, novel microRNAs and piRNA clusters, the sex-determining locus, and new immunity genes, and enables genome-wide studies of geographically diverse Ae. albopictus populations and analyses of the developmental and stage-dependent network of expression data. Additionally, we build the first physical map for this species with 75% of the assembled genome anchored to the chromosomes.The AalbF2 genome assembly represents the most up-to-date collective knowledge of the Ae. albopictus genome. These resources represent a foundation to improve understanding of the adaptation potential and the epidemiological relevance of this species and foster the development of innovative control measures.

WOS:000464851100069; International audience; The mangrove ecosystems are known to efficiently sequester trace metals both in sediments and plant biomass. However, less is known about the chemistry of rare earth elements (REE) in the coastal environments, especially in the world's largest mangrove province, the Sundarban. Here, the concentration of REE in the sediment and plant organs of eight dominant mangrove species (mainly Avicennia sp.) in the Indian Sundarban was measured to assess REE sources, distribution, and bioaccumulation state. Results revealed that light REE (LREE) were more concentrated than the heavy REE (HREE) (128-144 mg kg(-1) and 12-15 mg kg(-1), respectively) in the mangrove sediments, with a relatively weak positive europium anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 1.03-1.14) with respect to North American shale composite. The primary source of REE was most likely linked to aluminosilicate weathering of crustal materials, and the resultant increase in LREE in the detritus. Vertical distribution of REE in one of the long cores from Lothian Island was altered by mangrove root activity and dependent on various physicochemical properties in the sediment (e.g., Eh, pH, organic carbon, and phosphate). REE uptake by plants was higher in the below-ground parts than in the above-ground plant tissues (root = 3.3 mg kg(-1), leaf + wood = 1.7 mg kg(-1)); however, their total concentration was much lower than in the sediment (149.5 mg kg(-1)). Species-specific variability in bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor was observed indicating different REE partitioning and varying degree of mangrove uptake efficiency. Total REE stock in plant (above + live below ground) was estimated to be 168 g ha(-1) with LREE contributing similar to 90% of the stock. This study highlighted the efficiency of using REE as a biological proxy in determining the degree of bioaccumulation within the mangrove environment.

International audience; Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia accompanied by the disruption of carbohydrate, lipid, and proteins metabolism and development of long-term microvascular, macrovascular, and neuropathic changes. This review presents the results of spectroscopic studies on the glycation of tissues and cell proteins in organisms with naturally developing and model diabetes and in vitro glycated samples in a wide range of electromagnetic waves, from visible light to terahertz radiation. Experiments on the refractometric measurements of glycated and oxygenated hemoglobin in broad wavelength and temperature ranges using digital holographic microscopy and diffraction tomography are discussed, as well as possible application of these methods in the diabetes diagnostics. It is shown that the development and implementation of multimodal approaches based on a combination of phase diagnostics with other methods is another promising direction in the diabetes diagnostics. The possibilities of using optical clearing agents for monitoring the diffusion of substances in the glycated tissues and blood flow dynamics in the pancreas of animals with induced diabetes have also been analyzed.

We are interested in estimating the location of what we call "smooth change-point" from $n$ independent observations of an inhomogeneous Poisson process. The smooth change-point is a transition of the intensity function of the process from one level to another which happens smoothly, but over such a small interval, that its length $\delta\_n$ is considered to be decreasing to $0$ as $n\to+\infty$. We show that if $\delta\_n$ goes to zero slower than $1/n$, our model is locally asymptotically normal (with a rather unusual rate $\sqrt{\delta\_n/n}$), and the maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimators are consistent, asymptotically normal and asymptotically efficient. If, on the contrary, $\delta\_n$ goes to zero faster than $1/n$, our model is non-regular and behaves like a change-point model. More precisely, in this case we show that the Bayesian estimators are consistent, converge at rate $1/n$, have non-Gaussian limit distributions and are asymptotically efficient. All these results are obtained using the likelihood ratio analysis method of Ibragimov and Khasminskii, which equally yields the convergence of polynomial moments of the considered estimators. However, in order to study the maximum likelihood estimator in the case where $\delta\_n$ goes to zero faster than $1/n$, this method cannot be applied using the usual topologies of convergence in functional spaces. So, this study should go through the use of an alternative topology and will be considered in a future work.

International audience; We demonstrate a new method for populating line-by-line spectroscopic databases with beyond-Voigt line-shape parameters, which is based on ab initio quantum scattering calculations. We report a comprehensive dataset for the benchmark system of He-perturbed H2 (we cover all the rovibrational bands that are present in the HITRAN spectroscopic database). We generate the entire dataset of the line-shape parameters (broadening and shift, their speed dependence, and the complex Dicke parameter) from fully ab initio quantum-scattering calculations. We extend the previous calculations by taking into account the centrifugal distortion for all the bands and by including the hot bands. The results are projected on a simple structure of the quadratic speed-dependent hard-collision profile. We report a simple and compact formula that allows the speed-dependence parameters to be calculated directly from the generalized spectroscopic cross sections. For each line and each line-shape parameter, we provide a full temperature dependence within the double-power-law (DPL) representation, which makes the dataset compatible with the HITRAN database. The temperature dependences cover the range from 20 to 1000 K, which includes the low temperatures relevant for the studies of the atmospheres of giant planets. The final outcome from our dataset is validated on highly accurate experimental spectra collected with cavity ring-down spectrometers. The methodology can be applied to many other molecular species important for atmospheric and planetary studies.

Pouteau, R., et al., [Aim] The number of naturalized (i.e. established) alien species has increased rapidly over recent centuries. Given the differences in environmental tolerances among species, little is known about what factors determine the extent to which the observed size of the naturalized range of a species and hence the extent to which the observed richness of naturalized species of a region approach their full potential. Here, we asked which region- and species-specific characteristics explain differences between observed and expected naturalizations. [Location] Global. [Time period] Present. [Major taxa studied] Vascular plants. [Methods] We determined the observed naturalized distribution outside Europe for 1,485 species endemic to Europe using the Global Naturalized Alien Flora (GloNAF) database and their expected distributions outside Europe using species distribution models. First, we investigated which of seven socio-economic factors related to introduction pathways, anthropogenic pressures and inventory effort best explained the differences between observed and expected naturalized European floras. Second, we examined whether distributional features, economic use and functional traits explain the extent to which species have filled their expected ranges outside Europe. Results: In terms of suitable area, more than 95% of expected naturalizations of European plants were not yet observed. Species were naturalized in only 4.2% of their suitable regions outside of Europe (range filling) and in 0.4% of their unsuitable regions (range expansion). Anthropogenic habitat disturbance primarily explained the difference between observed and expected naturalized European floras, as did the number of treaties relevant to invasive species. Species of ornamental and economic value and with large specific leaf area performed better at filling and expanding beyond their expected range. Main conclusions: The naturalization of alien plant species is explained by climate matching but also by the regional level of human development, the introduction pressure associated with the ornamental and economic values of the species and their adaptation to disturbed environments., Robin Pouteau was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 31901176) and Taizhou University (2018YQ001). Carsten Meyer acknowledges funding by the Volkswagen Foundation through a Freigeist Fellowship (A118199), and additional support by iDiv, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG–FZT 118, 202548816). Petr Pyšek and Jan Pergl were supported by the Czech Science Foundation (EXPRO grant 19-28807X) and the Czech Academy of Sciences (long-term research development project RVO 67985939). Idoia Biurrun and Juan Antonio Campos were supported by the Basque Government (IT936-16). Gianmaria Bonari, Milan Chytrý, Ilona Knollová, Anna Kuzemko and Corrado Marcenò were supported by the Czech Science Foundation (19-28491X). Rosario G. Gavilán was supported by Madrid Government project REMEDINAL (P2018/EMT-4338). Jens-Christian Svenning considers this work a contribution to his VILLUM Investigator project ‘Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World’ funded by VILLUM FONDEN (16549). Mark van Kleunen was supported by the German Research Foundation DFG (264740629). The authors appreciate the helpful comments by three anonymous referees and the Handling Editor, Melodie A. McGeoch.

International audience; Quantifying the link between cyanobacterial activity and the carbon isotope signature of precipitated carbonate minerals is crucial for reconstructing the environmental conditions present at the time of carbonate mineral formation. In this study, calcite was precipitated in the presence and absence of Synechococcus sp. cyanobacteria in batch reactors. The temporal evolution of the carbon isotope composition of calcite (δ13CCalcite) and dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) was monitored to evaluate the rate and degree to which the carbon isotope compositions in calcite are modified during and after its precipitation. The presence of cyanobacteria promoted calcium carbonate formation by increasing fluid pH and the CaCO3 saturation state. It also changed significantly the carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon due to the preferential incorporation of 12C into the biomass. This generated an isotope disequilibrium between the calcite and the aqueous fluid phase over time after the calcite precipitated. The carbon isotope composition of the calcite evolved continuously towards mineral-fluid isotope equilibrium after its precipitation, at geometric surface area normalized rates ranging from 1.75 × 10−14 to 1.71 × 10−13 mol 13C/m2/s. These rates are sufficiently fast such that the δ13CDIC value of aqueous fluids in calcite-rich rocks would be buffered by the δ13CCalcite value of the co-existing calcite. Mass balance calculations suggest that the carbon isotope composition of calcite could change noticeably when the calcite is in isotope disequilibrium with its co-existing fluid, for example through the presence of a local 12C sink such as photosynthetic microorganisms or 12C source such as decomposition of organic material.

The evolutionary history of organisms with poor dispersal abilities usually parallels geological events. Collisions of the Indian and Arabian plates with Eurasia greatly changed Asian topography and affected regional and global climates as well as biotic evolution. However, the geological evolution of Asia related to these two collisions remains debated. Here, we used Eranthis , an angiosperm genus with poor seed dispersal ability and a discontinuous distribution across Eurasia, to shed light on the orogenesis of the Qinghai–Tibetan, Iranian and Mongolian Plateaus. Our phylogenetic analyses show that Eranthis comprises four major geographical clades: east Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau clade (I-1), North Asian clade (I-2), west Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau clade (II-1) and Mediterranean clade (II-2). Our molecular dating and biogeographic analyses indicate that within Eranthis , four vicariance events correlate well with the two early uplifts of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau during the Late Eocene and the Oligocene–Miocene boundary and the two uplifts of the Iranian Plateau during the Middle and Late Miocene. The origin and divergence of the Mongolian Plateau taxa are related to the two uplifts of the Mongolian Plateau during the Middle and Late Miocene. Additionally, our results are in agreement with the hypothesis that the central part of Tibet only reached an altitude of less than 2.3 km at approximately 40 Ma. This study highlights that organismal evolution could be related to the formation of the three great Asian plateaus, hence contributing to the knowledge on the timing of the key tectonic events in Asia.

International audience; Vibrational energy levels of H 2 CO are reported using global variational nuclear motion calculations from new ab initio and empirically optimized full 6-dimensional ab initio potential energy surfaces in ground electronic state of the formaldehyde molecule. Ab initio calculations were carried out using extended electronic structure coupled-cluster calculations accounting for dynamic electron correlations including triple and quadruple excitations as well as relativistic and diagonal Born-Oppenheimer corrections. Variational nuclear motion calculations are compared in different set of coordinates with exact kinetic energy operator and in normal coordinates with Watson-Eckart kinetic energy operator. Our best ab initio potential energy surface including the above mentioned contributions provides the RMS (obs.-calc.) errors of 0.25 cm-1 for fifteen vibrational band centers without empirically adjusted parameters. The average error drops down to 0.08 cm-1 for an empirically optimized potential energy function with six adjusted parameters corresponding to quadratic force field terms. The estimation of the accuracy for the calculated vibrational levels in an extended range up to 4500 cm-1 shows that the set of ab initio vibrational levels could be more consistent than experimental levels obtained from earlier studies of low resolution spectra. The comparison of the calculated and experimental vibrational energy levels of the D 2 CO isotopologue is also reported.

Part 5: Short Contributions; International audience; Deriving tests with guaranteed fault coverage by FSM-based test methods is rather complex for systems with a large number of states. At the same time, formal verification methods allow to effectively process large transition systems; in particular, SMT solvers are widely used to solve analysis problems for finite transition systems. In this paper, we describe the known necessary and sufficient conditions of completeness of test suites derived by FSM-based test methods via the first-order logic formulas and use an SMT solver in order to check them. In addition, we suggest a new sufficient condition for test suite completeness and check the corresponding first-order logic formula via the SMT solver. The results of computer experiments with randomly generated finite state machines confirm the correctness and efficiency of a proposed approach.

International audience; In this study, the changes in Spatially Resolved Diffuse Reflectance and AutoFluorescence spectra acquired on ex vivo human skin during optical clearing process (topical application) are investigated and their impact on skin optical properties (absorption, scattering and fluorescence) analyzed using inverse problem solving and multidimensional data processing approaches.

Published in Proceeding SPIE 11553, Optics in Health Care and Biomedical Optics X, 115531B (10 October 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2575195; International audience

Published in Proceedings Volume 11553, Optics in Health Care and Biomedical Optics X; 115532P (10 October 2020); International audience; Optical Coherence Tomography has emerged as a label-free, non-traumatic and non-invasive method that can be used in vivo to image skin tissues (from stratum corneum to dermis). Some of the major limitations of OCT imaging techniques are a lower resolution compared to histology and a limited penetration depth due to skin tissues’ strong optical scattering. Optical clearing has been investigated for several years as one of the solutions to overcome these problems by inducing a reversible decreased scattering and thus allowing a better contrast and an improved light penetration depth within biological tissues. The current study aims at investigating the quantitative features (intensity profile, texture descriptors) that are best suited to quantify optical clarification kinetics from images acquired using Linefield Confocal-OCT device.

International audience

A 15-dimensional analytical form for the potential energy and dipole moment surfaces of the SF6 molecule in the ground electronic state is obtained using ab initio methods. In order to calculate th...

Four spectra of normal samples of CH4 in the 4300–4600 cm−1 region were recorded by using a Fourier transform spectrometer in Reims, France at long paths (202 m, 602 m, 1604 m, and 1804 m) and different pressures. Additional spectra of 12CH4 covering the same region were obtained at 80–123 K, and 93 m path length at SOLEIL Synchrotron in Paris for different pressures and were used to measure low-J lines. Line positions and intensities were retrieved by non-linear least-squares curve-fitting procedures and analyzed using effective Hamiltonian and effective dipole transition moment models. A new measured line list contains positions and intensities for 14,151 absorption features. Quantum assignments were made for more than 10,304 transitions of 12CH4, which represent ∼99% of the integrated line intensity observed in this region. Some 1699 hot band transitions for (Dyad – Tetradecad) system were assigned. The resulting list of lines is significantly more accurate than previous empirical compilations. Positions of 8605 cold band transitions for (GS – Octad) system were fitted with an RMS standard deviation of 0.0014 cm−1. The sum of observed intensities between 4300 and 4600 cm−1 fell within 8% of the predicted value from ab initio variational calculations reported in the TheoReTS database ( http://theorets.univ-reims.fr ; http://theorets.tsu.ru ).

In this paper, we report a series of transformations for the construction of a Hamiltonian model for nonrigid polyatomic molecules in the framework of the Hougen-Bunker-Johns formalism (HBJ). This model is expressed in normal mode coordinates for small vibrations and in a specific coordinate ρ to describe the large amplitude motion. For the first time, a general procedure linking the "true" curvilinear coordinates to ρ is proposed, allowing the expression of the potential energy part in the same coordinate representation as the kinetic energy operator, whatever the number of atoms. A Lie group-based method is also proposed for the derivation of the reference configuration in the internal axis system. This work opens new perspectives for future high-resolution spectroscopy studies of nonrigid, medium-sized molecules using HBJ-type Hamiltonians. Illustrative examples and computation of vibrational energy levels on semirigid and nonrigid molecules are given to validate this method.

Knowledge of highly excited rovibrational states of ozone isotopologues is of key importance for modelling the dynamics of exchange reactions, for understanding longstanding problems related to isotopic anomalies of the ozone formation, and for analyses of extra-sensitive laser spectral experiments currently in progress. This work is devoted to new theoretical study of high-energy states for the main isotopologue 48O3 = 16O16O16O and for the family of 18O-enriched isotopomers 50O3 = {16O16O18O, 16O18O16O, 18O16O16O} of the ozone molecule considered using a full-symmetry approach. Energies and wave functions of bound states near the dissociation threshold are computed in hyperspherical coordinates accounting for the permutation symmetry of three identical nuclei in 48O3 and of two identical nuclei in 50O3, using the most accurate potential energy surface available now. The obtained vibrational band centers agree with observed ones with the root-mean-squares deviation of about 1 cm-1, making the results appropriate for assignments and analyses of future experimental spectra. The levels delocalized between the three potential wells of ozone isomers are computed and analyzed. The states situated deep in the three (for 48O3) or two (for 50O3) equivalent potential wells have similar energies with negligible splitting. However, the states situated just below the potential barriers separating the wells, are split due to the tunneling between the wells resulting in the splitting of rovibrational sub-bands. We evaluate the amplitudes of the corresponding effects and consider possible perturbations in vibration-rotation bands due to interactions between three potential wells. Theoretical predictions for the splitting of observable band centers are provided for the first time.

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) target transcripts by sequence complementarity serving as guides for RNA slicing in animal germ cells. The piRNA pathway is increasingly recognized as critical for essential cellular functions such as germline development and reproduction. In the Anopheles gambiae ovary, as much as 11% of piRNAs map to protein-coding genes. Here we show that ovarian mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are processed into piRNAs that can direct other transcripts into the piRNA biogenesis pathway. Targeting piRNAs fuel transcripts either into the ping-pong cycle of piRNA amplification or into the machinery of phased piRNA biogenesis, thereby creating networks of inter-regulating transcripts. RNAs of the same network share related genomic repeats. These repeats give rise to piRNAs, which target other transcripts and lead to a cascade of concerted RNA slicing. While ping-pong networks are based on repeats of several hundred nucleotides, networks that rely on phased piRNA biogenesis operate through short ∼40-nucleotides long repeats, which we named snetDNAs. Interestingly, snetDNAs are recurring in evolution from insects to mammals. Our study brings to light a new type of a conserved regulatory pathway, the snetDNA-pathway, by which short sequences can include independent genes and lncRNAs in the same biological pathway.AUTHOR SUMMARYSmall RNA molecules are essential actors in silencing mobile genetic elements in animal germ cells. The 24-29-nucleotide-long Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) target transcripts by sequence complementarity serving as guides for RNA slicing. Mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae species complex are the principal vectors of malaria, and research on their germline is essential to develop new strategies of vector control by acting on reproduction. In the Anopheles gambiae ovary as much as 11% of piRNAs originate from protein-coding genes. We identified piRNAs which are able to target transcripts from several distinct genes or long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), bringing together genic transcripts and lncRNAs in a same regulation network. piRNA targeting induces transcript slicing and production of novel piRNAs, which then target other mRNAs and lncRNAs leading again to piRNA processing, thus resulting in a cascade of RNA slicing and piRNA production. Each network relies on piRNAs originating from repeated genetic elements, present in all transcripts of the same network. Some of these repeats are very short, only ∼40-nucleotides long. We identified similar repeats in all 43 animal species that we analysed, including mosquitoes, flies, arachnidae, snail, mouse, rat and human, suggesting that such regulation networks are recurrent, possibly conserved, in evolutionary history.

A methane line list for the HITEMP spectroscopic database, covering 0-13,400 cm$^{-1}$ ($>$746 nm), is presented. To create this compilation, ab initio line lists of $^{12}$CH$_{4}$ from Rey et al. (2017) ApJ, 847, 105 (provided at separate temperatures in the TheoReTS information system), are now combined with HITRAN2016 methane data to produce a single line list suitable for high-temperature line-by-line calculations up to 2000 K. An effective-temperature interpolation model was created in order to represent continuum-like features at any temperature of interest. This model is advantageous to previously-used approaches that employ so-called ``super-lines'', which are suitable only at a given temperature and require separate line lists for different temperatures. The resultant HITEMP line list contains $\sim$32 million lines and is significantly more flexible than alternative line lists of methane, while accuracy required for astrophysical or combustion applications is retained. Comparisons against experimental observations of methane absorption at high temperatures have been used to demonstrate the accuracy of the new work. The line list includes both strong lines and quasi-continuum features and is provided in the common user-friendly HITRAN/HITEMP format, making it the most practical methane line list for radiative transfer modeling at high-temperature conditions., 25 pages, 12 figures, submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series

Copper export and mobility in acid mine drainage are difficult to understand with conventional approaches. Within this context, Cu isotopes could be a powerful tool and here we have examined the relative abundance of dissolved (0.22 mu m) and bed sediments samples. Our goals were to 1) assess Cu sources variability at the upstream point under contrasted hydrological conditions and 2) investigate the conservative vs. non conservative Cu behavior along a stream. Average delta Cu-65 values varied from -0.47 to -0.08%0 (n = 9) upstream and from -0.63 to -0.31%0 downstream (n = 7) demonstrating that Cu isotopes are heterogeneous over the diel cycle and along the Meca River. During dry conditions, at the upstream point of the Meca River the Cu isotopic composition was heavier which is in agreement with the preferential release of heavy isotopes during the oxidative dissolution of primary sulfides. The more negative values obtained during high water flow are explained by the contribution of soil and waste deposit weathering. Finally, a comparison of upstream vs. downstream Cu isotope composition is consistent with a conservative behavior of Cu, and isotope mass balance calculations estimate that 87% of dissolved Cu detected downstream originate from the Tharsis mine outlet. These interpretations were supported by thermodynamic modelling and sediment characterization data (X-ray diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy). Overall, based on contrasted hydrological conditions (dry vs flooded), and taking the advantage of isotope insensitivity to dilution, the present work demonstrates the efficiency of using the Cu isotopes approach for tracing sources and processes in the AMD regions.

Pure rotational transitions of 12CH3D having intensity down to 7.9 × 10−30 cm/molecule were studied with a high sensitive spectrometer with radio-acoustic detection of absorption. Among the 14 measured spectral lines, 11 correspond to the rotational transitions within the first three excited states of 12CH3D. The theoretical description was carried out using an effective polyad model expressed in irreducible tensor form including a Triad of interacting bands. An accurate set of ground state rotational and centrifugal distortion constants was determined using a simultaneous weighted fit of experimental transitions available in the literature together with the new subTHz measurements. The pressure broadening and shifting parameters of the JK = 10–00 ground state rotational lines were measured. The shift coefficients of the ground state rotational lines QR(J,K) with Jmax = 5 were estimated using the data for the lines of excited vibrational bands and confirmed our experimental results. The information on pressure shifting allowed evaluating possible systematic errors of determining line positions.

Background The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is globally expanding and has become the main vector for human arboviruses in Europe. With limited antiviral drugs and vaccines available, vector control is the primary approach to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. A reliable and accurate DNA sequence of the Ae. albopictus genome is essential to develop new approaches that involve genetic manipulation of mosquitoes. Results We use long-read sequencing methods and modern scaffolding techniques (PacBio, 10X, and Hi-C) to produce AalbF2, a dramatically improved assembly of the Ae. albopictus genome. AalbF2 reveals widespread viral insertions, novel microRNAs and piRNA clusters, the sex-determining locus, and new immunity genes, and enables genome-wide studies of geographically diverse Ae. albopictus populations and analyses of the developmental and stage-dependent network of expression data. Additionally, we build the first physical map for this species with 75% of the assembled genome anchored to the chromosomes. Conclusion The AalbF2 genome assembly represents the most up-to-date collective knowledge of the Ae. albopictus genome. These resources represent a foundation to improve understanding of the adaptation potential and the epidemiological relevance of this species and foster the development of innovative control measures.

International audience; Bromination of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) was carried out using a saturated vapor of Br2 at room temperature with or without a pretreatment in bromine water. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that ultrasound pretreatment modified the chemical state of bromine in the product. The binding energies of the Br 3d electrons in the pre-sonicated DWCNT sample were between those characteristic of the covalent C–Br bonds and the negatively charged Br2 molecules, observed when the pretreatment was not performed. Raman spectroscopy, however, clearly evidenced Br–Br vibrations in both brominated samples. Calculations of CNT–Br2 models within density functional theory were used to propose that the electronic state of a Br2 molecule depends on the adsorption site. The bromine molecules prefer to be located near edge hydroxyl groups, which acept the electron density from Br2. This increases the binding energy of Br 3d levels as compared to that for Br2 molecules in other adsorption sites.

International audience; Background: Irritability is frequently comorbid with ADHD. Although irritability alone has been linked to deleterious mental health and adaptive issues, the joint developmental course of ADHD and irritability symptoms during childhood as well as its association with later mental health and suicidal outcomes is not fully understood. We aimed to describe the developmental trajectories of childhood ADHD and irritability symptoms and to quantify their association with adolescent mental health and suicidal outcomes.Methods: The Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD) included 1407 participants from the general population followed up from age 5 months to 17 years. We used a multitrajectory approach to identify developmental trajectories of childhood (6-12 years) ADHD and irritability symptoms. Outcome measures were adolescent (13-17 years) mental health (psychiatric symptoms/functional impairment) and suicidal outcomes.Results: We identified distinct developmental profiles: combined absent or very low ADHD and absent or very low irritability (940 [66.8%]; reference group), moderately high irritability and low ADHD (158 [11.2%]), moderately high ADHD and low irritability (198 [14.1%]), and combined high ADHD and high irritability (111 [7.9%]). Multivariate modeling showed that, compared to children in the reference group, those in the combined high ADHD and high irritability profile showed higher levels of ADHD continuity (d ranges = 0.40-0.50), externalizing (d ranges = 0.25-0.59), internalizing (d ranges = 0.20-0.29), and functional impairments (d ranges = 0.17-0.48) and suicidal behaviors (odds ratio (OR) = 2.12, confidence interval (CI) = 1.47-3.06) in adolescence.Conclusions: The presence of persistently high levels of irritability along with ADHD symptoms during childhood significantly predicts adolescent ADHD continuity, externalizing, internalizing, and suicidal outcomes. Systematic consideration of irritability when assessing and treating ADHD may improve long-term mental health outcomes.