Search Results (16)

The insect fauna overwintering under the bark of tree trunks is very rarely studied. Thrips (Thysanoptera) associated with the plane tree (Platanus x hispanica Mill. ex Münchh., syn. Platanus x acerifolia (Aiton) Willd.) have not been studied so far, especially those overwintering on the non-native tree in Poland. The study was carried out in March and April 2014 and 2015 and in February 2016 in 29 localities in southeastern Poland. The study sites were localized in urban and rural parks. Tree bark samples were taken from each trunk at a height of 1–2 m and collected in 4 L plastic bags (approximately 250 cm²). Thrips were sorted from the pieces of plane tree bark in the laboratory and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol; the species were identified on microscopic slides. Fifteen species, nine from the suborder Terebrantia and six from the suborder Tubulifera, were identified. Ten species were dendrophilous, among which all Tubuliferan species were fungivorous. A total of 494 thrips individuals were collected, with 84% representing the suborder Terebrantia. The most abundant thrips species included Dendrothrips degeeri Uzel, Phlaeothrips coriaceus Haliday, Thrips major Uzel, and Dendrothrips ornatus (Jablonowski). D. degeeri, i.e., the most numerous species, was found in the highest number of sites (22), while six species were only found in one site each. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis showed that the species composition was strongly associated with environmental such factors as insolation, the trunk circumference, and the number of trunks where the species overwintered. Our research has shown that the bark of plane trees (Platanus x hispanica) provided a suitable habitat for thrips overwintering. Full article

The dual challenges of global aging and intensifying urban heat demand innovative, evidence-based strategies to foster thermally and psychologically comfortable environments for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Despite the documented benefits of urban greenery, the species-specific impacts of urban trees on thermal comfort and well-being remain underexplored. This study investigates how distinct tree species—Camphora officinarum (camphor), Platanus acerifolia (London plane), and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo)—regulate urban microclimates and support elderly well-being during hot summer days. Conducted at five sites in Shanghai, including a control site and four vegetated plots, this study engaged 210 elderly participants. Microclimatic variables were measured using the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) alongside air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Physiological responses, assessed through heart rate variability (HRV), and psychological outcomes, evaluated via validated self-report scales, were analyzed. The results revealed that dense-canopy trees significantly reduced PET, enhanced thermal comfort, and improved ROS and SVS scores, while lower LF/HF ratios indicated reduced physiological stress. Correlation analyses underscored the pivotal role of canopy density (SVF) in fostering psychological and physiological well-being. Camphor and London plane trees consistently provided the greatest benefits, emphasizing the importance of species selection in urban greening strategies. These findings underscore the critical role of species selection in urban forestry to mitigate heat stress and foster age-friendly resilience. Practical implications emphasize integrating dense-canopy species into urban landscapes to enhance microclimate regulation and public health. Full article

The tree crown volume (CV), as a major indicator in the evaluation of ecological environment quality, can assess the health and carbon sequestration of urban trees. In this study, a new low-cost method, the plane calculation of angle disparity (PCAD), was employed to obtain the CV in China using satellite images from Google Earth. Meanwhile, primary data on street trees from four Western cities were acquired from online datasets. Nonparametric statistical methods showed no significant difference in CV per street tree between Beijing and Shanghai in China, ranging from 10 to 150 m³, almost one-seventh of that in the four cities (Paris and London in Europe and Los Angeles and Seattle in America). The CV of Platanus acerifolia in Paris and London exhibited values five times higher than those in Beijing and Shanghai. The annual crown volume increment (CVI) was less than 5 m³ in Beijing and Shanghai, significantly lower than in Seattle (66.55 m³). The purpose of the research was to verify the operability of the PCAD and compare the CVI in different cities all over the world, providing new ideas for urban tree management and carbon sequestration evaluation and a basis for government decision making in areas with a low CVI. Full article

Transcription and alternative splicing (AS) are now appreciated in plants, but few studies have examined the effects of changing ploidy on transcription and AS. In this study, we showed that artificially autododecaploid plants of London plane (Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd) had few flowers relative to their hexaploid progenitors. Transcriptome analysis based on full-length Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONTs) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed that the increased ploidy level in P. × acerifolia led to more transcribed isoforms, accompanied by an increase in the number of isoforms per gene. The functional enrichment of genes indicated that novel genes transcribed specifically in the dodecaploids may have been highly correlated with the ability to maintain genome stability. The dodecaploids showed a higher number of genes with upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with the hexaploid counterpart. The genome duplication of P. × acerifolia resulted mainly in the DEGs involved in basic biological pathways. It was noted that there was a greater abundance of alternative splicing (AS) events and AS genes in the dodecaploids compared with the hexaploids in P. × acerifolia. In addition, a significant difference between the structure and expression of AS events between the hexaploids and dodecaploids of Platanus was found. Of note, some DEGs and differentially spliced genes (DSGs) related to floral transition and flower development were consistent with the few flower traits in the dodecaploids of P. × acerifolia. Collectively, our findings explored the difference in transcription and AS regulation between the hexaploids and dodecaploids of P. × acerifolia and gained new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the few-flower phenotype of P. × acerifolia. These results contribute to uncovering the regulatory role of transcription and AS in polyploids and breeding few-flower germplasms. Full article

The London plane (Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd.) street tree is a symbolic tree species in Nanjing City, which is known as the “city card”. However, accidents such as street trees falling over cars, affecting traffic, and hurting people have seriously affected the daily lives of citizens. Thus, it is of vital significance to accurately assess the potential for tree failure in London plane street trees in Nanjing City. This study comprehensively considers the growth condition of London plane street trees and their impact on traffic, establishes a scientific street tree failure assessment scheme that contains eight characteristics, creates a tree failure assessment database by thoroughly collecting data on trees, and develops a tree failure assessment model based on factor analysis and k-means clustering. The assessment results show that street trees that pose a high or medium potential for failure are present in proportions of 4.47% and 34.85%, respectively, and are mostly found in Gulou District, Xuanwu District, and Qinhuai District. The average tree failure score of London plane street trees on Changjiang Road in Xuanwu District is the highest, while the road with the lowest tree failure score is Mufu East Road in Gulou District. The results will provide a scientific basis for the maintenance of London plane street trees in Nanjing City and have reference significance for other street tree failure assessment studies. Full article

The London plane tree is frequently used in gardens, parks, and avenues in European urban areas for ornamental purposes with the aim to provide shade, and given its tolerance to atmospheric pollution. Nevertheless, unfortunately, over recent decades, bioaerosols such as Platanus pollen grains cause increasing human health problems such as allergies or respiratory tract infections. An aerobiological sampling of airborne Platanus pollen and Pla a 1 allergen was performed using two volumetric traps placed on the roof of the Science Faculty building of the city of Ourense from 2009 to 2020. A volumetric sampler Hirst–type Lanzoni VPPS 2000 (Lanzoni s.r.l. Bologna, Italy) was used for pollen sampling. Pla a 1 aeroallergen was sampled by using a Burkard Multi-Vial Cyclone Sampler (Burkard Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK) and by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data mining algorithms, C5.0 decision trees, and rule-based models were assessed to evaluate the effects of the main meteorological factors in the pollen or allergen concentrations. Plane trees bloom in late winter and spring months in the Northwestern Spain area. Regarding the trends of the parameters that define the Platanus pollen season, the allergen values fitted the concentrations of pollen in the air in most cases. In addition, it was observed that a decrease in maximum temperatures causes a descent in both pollen and allergen concentrations. However, the presence of precipitations only increases the level of allergens. When the risk of allergy symptomatology was jointly assessed for both the concentration of pollen and allergens in the study area, the number of days with moderate and high risk for pollen allergy in sensitive people increased with respect to traditional alerts considering only the pollen values. Full article

The aim of this paper is to analyze the mechanical properties of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust), Platanus × hybrida Brot. (London plane), Ulmus pumila L. (Siberian elm), and Populus alba L. (white poplar), estimated using ultrasound wave equipment (USLab y Sylvatest Duo) and impact wave equipment (Microsecond Timer) on standing trees, felled logs and on specimens obtained from different parts of the trees. Bending strength, axial compression strength and tension parallel to grain were determined for each specimen, in order to subsequently correlate the strength and stiffness with the acoustic properties determined in the standing tree. For the relationship between the static modulus of elasticity of the specimens and the dynamic modulus of elasticity determined in standing trees using the USLab, coefficients of determination were found to be between 0.30–0.92, between 0.52 and 0.80 using the Sylvatest Duo and between 0.60 and 0.94 with the Microsecond Timer. It would be necessary to determine whether the removal of bark for the correct coupling of the ultrasonic sensors would provide an entry route for pests or diseases that could affect the health of the tree. Full article

Despite the rapid advances in drug R&D, there is still a huge need for antibacterial medications, specifically for the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Inspired by the research where a viable class of MRSA inhibitors was found in the species Platanus occidentalis, a S. aureus inhibition screening-guided phytochemical reinvestigation on Platanus × acerifolia (London plane tree) leaves were performed with four flavonoid glycosides garnered, including two new compounds, quercetin-3-O-α-l-(2″-E-p-coumaroyl-3″-Z-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside (E,Z-3′-hydroxyplatanoside, 1) and quercetin-3-O-α-l-(2″-Z-p-coumaroyl-3″-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside (Z,E-3′-hydroxyplatanoside, 2). All of the isolates showed significant S. aureus ATCC 25904 inhibitory activity with MICs ranging from 4 to 64 μg/mL, suggesting the potential of discovering drug leads for the control of S. aureus from such a rich, urban landscaping plant in the Platanus genus. Full article

Road traffic carbon emissions are an important cause of global warming, and street trees play an important role in regulating road carbon emissions. During urbanization, major differences in the planting management modes and growth status of the street trees in urban–suburban gradient may exist, leading to significant differences in the low-carbon values of the street trees in urban–suburban gradient. Based on this, this study took two typical urban–suburban gradient zones in Shanghai as an example to analyze the changes in the characteristics of street tree species, planting density, tree sizes, and low-carbon contribution with urban and rural changes, and proposed strategies for optimizing the low-carbon contribution of urban street trees. The results showed that, from the inner ring to the outer ring and the suburban ring, the proportion of London plane tree gradually changed from 82% to 11%, and the proportion of the camphor tree gradually changed from 9% to 70%; the average DBH of the trees gradually decreased from 28.81 to 23.74 cm. The number of plantings per unit road length gradually increased, and the number of plantings per unit area gradually decreased; therefore, the average low-carbon contribution of urban–suburban street trees is not significant, but the low-carbon contribution of upper street trees per unit area is higher, and suburban unit street trees have a higher low-carbon contribution. Finally, this article proposes different optimization strategies for future urban micro-renewal and suburban new-city construction. Full article

In this work, we report solvent-induced complexation properties of a new N₂S₂ tetradentate bis-thiosemicarbazone ligand (H₂L^I), prepared by the condensation of 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide with bis-aldehyde, namely 2,2’-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)dibenzaldehyde, towards nickel(II). Using ethanol as a reaction medium allowed the isolation of a discrete mononuclear homoleptic complex [NiL^I] (1), for which its crystal structure contains three independent molecules, namely 1-I, 1-II, and 1-III, in the asymmetric unit. The doubly deprotonated ligand L^I in the structure of 1 is coordinated in a cis-manner through the azomethine nitrogen atoms and the thiocarbonyl sulfur atoms. The coordination geometry around metal centers in all the three crystallographically independent molecules of 1 is best described as the seesaw structure. Interestingly, using methanol as a reaction medium in the same synthesis allowed for the isolation of a discrete mononuclear homoleptic complex [Ni(L^II)₂] (2), where L^II is a monodeprotonated ligand 2-(2-(2-(2-(dimethoxymethyl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzylidene)-N-phenylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide (HL^II). The ligand L^II was formed in situ from the reaction of L^I with methanol upon coordination to the metal center under synthetic conditions. In the structure of 2, two ligands L^II are coordinated in a trans-manner through the azomethine nitrogen atom and the thiocarbonyl sulfur atom, also yielding a seesaw coordination geometry around the metal center. The charge and energy decomposition scheme ETS-NOCV allows for the conclusion that both structures are stabilized by a bunch of London dispersion-driven intermolecular interactions, including predominantly N–H∙∙∙S and N–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonds in 1 and 2, respectively; they are further augmented by less typical C–H∙∙∙X (where X = S, N, O, π), CH∙∙∙HC, π∙∙∙π stacking and the most striking, attractive long-range intermolecular C–H∙∙∙Ni preagostic interactions. The latter are found to be determined by both stabilizing Coulomb forces and an exchange-correlation contribution as revealed by the IQA energy decomposition scheme. Interestingly, the analogous long-range C–H∙∙∙S interactions are characterized by a repulsive Coulomb contribution and the prevailing attractive exchange-correlation constituent. The electron density of the delocalized bonds (EDDB) method shows that the nickel(II) atom shares only ~0.8|e| due to the σ-conjugation with the adjacent in-plane atoms, demonstrating a very weak σ-metalloaromatic character. Full article

The analyses were performed on a right third premolar (P₃) of a white rhinoceros female (Ceratotherium simum, Burchell 1817). The specimen was born in captivity at London Zoo (Zoological Society of London), then in the 1970s transferred to Kiev Zoo (Peremohy Avenue), Ukraine, and was kept there until it died at a documented chronological age of 48 years. The female died because of its age, which indicates it was kept in good conditions adequate to the requirements of this species. Photographs and micrographs with radiological documentation were taken on the said tooth. Its structural characteristics were determined, and on the occlusal surface areas and points of anatomical constitution of its crown were identified. The tooth was also histologically evaluated via sections taken horizontally in a mesial-distal plane through the crown, horizontally in a mesial-distal plane through the coronal portion of the root, and longitudinally in a lingual-buccal plane through the crown and the root. Preparations with ground sections were made and observed in white, polarized, and reflected light. In the subsequent stage X-ray and SEM imaging has also been used, for analysis of the distribution of annual growth layers of mineralized dental tissues of cement and dentine, counted from the root canal center to the buccal surface. An attempt was also made to confirm the annual season in which the animal died, based on cement growth lines. It was observed that the growth lines were visible in all the analyzed sections, in dentine and cement. In the cement, the lines were relatively few and did not represent the attested age of the animal. The analysis of the coloration of the cement lines indicated that the animal was regularly fed a diet that was not seasonally differentiated. From the X-ray examination comes a conclusion that the animal did not suffer from periodontal diseases. Visible growth lines were observed on the dentine. On the horizontal section through the crown growth lines in the dentine were few and unclear. On the longitudinal section, both on the caudal and rostral roots, these lines were clearly visible and much more numerous than expected considering the known age of the animal, as more than 50 were counted. On horizontal sections through the upper part of both roots, distinct growth lines were observed in the dentine, and their number—48 for both roots—corresponded precisely to the age of the animal. The results of our study indicate that this method has significant potential for application to verify the age at death for modern and fossil representatives of rhinoceros. Full article

The magnetic field $h_z$ of a moving Pearl vortex in a superconducting thin-film in $(x,y)$ plane is studied with the help of the time-dependent London equation. It is found that for a vortex at the origin moving in $+x$ direction, $h_z(x,y)$ is suppressed in front of the vortex, $x>0$, and enhanced behind ($x<0$). The distribution asymmetry is proportional to the velocity and to the conductivity of normal quasiparticles. The vortex self-energy and the interaction of two moving vortices are evaluated. Full article

In this work, an efficient analysis is presented to accurately predict the resonant frequency and bandwidth of superconducting microstrip antenna fed through a slot cut into the ground plane. The effect of the superconductivity of the rectangular patch is introduced in the Full-wave analysis based on Gorter-Casimir two fluid model together with London brothers equations. In order to check the accuracy of the proposed approach, the obtained results have been compared with theoretical and experimental data reported in the literature. Finally, the influence of the slot on the resonant frequency and half-power bandwidth of the superconducting antenna has been investigated. Full article

Many ornamental species growing in cities have considerable allergenic potential and pose a risk to allergy sufferers. Such species include members of the genus Platanus, or London plane tree, which is increasingly prevalent in a number of southern European cities. Analysis of airborne pollen concentrations enables biological air quality to be assessed, and also provides information on the local distribution of vegetation. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in annual Platanus pollen concentrations in central Spain and to determine the extent to which they are linked to the presence of this species in urban green spaces. The results point to a correlation between the growing number of plane trees and an increase both in the annual pollen index and in the number of days on which allergy sufferers are at risk. Analysis suggests that variations in the diversity and abundance of allergenic ornamental species in urban green spaces may account for the trends observed in the dynamics and behavior of airborne pollen from these species. The results obtained in studies of this kind should be reflected in urban green-space management plans, in order to decrease the allergenic load and thus both reduce exposure to allergenic pollen and improve air quality in these spaces. Full article

This article presents a novel methodology for the characterization of tree vegetation phenology, based on vegetation indices time series reconstruction and adapted to urban areas. The methodology is based on a pixel by pixel curve fitting classification, together with a subsequent Savitzky–Golay filtering of raw phenological curves from pixels classified as vegetation. Moreover, the new method is conceived to face specificities of urban environments such as: the high heterogeneity of impervious/natural elements, the 3D structure of the city inducing shadows, the restricted spatial extent of individual tree crowns and the strong biodiversity of urban vegetation. Three vegetation indices have been studied: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Red Edge Index 1 (NDRE1), which are mainly linked to chlorophyll content and leaf density and Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) mostly correlated to water content and leaf density. The methodology has been designed to allow the analysis of annual and intra-annual vegetation phenological dynamics. Then, different annual and intra-annual criteria for phenology characterization are proposed and criticized. To show the applicability of the methodology, this article focuses on Sentinel-2 (S-2) imagery covering 2018 and the study of groups of London planes in an alignment structure in the French city of Toulouse. Results showed that the new method allows the ability to 1) describe the heterogeneity of phenologies from London planes exposed to different environmental conditions (urban canyons, proximity with a source of water) and 2) to detect intra-annual phenological dynamics linked to changes in meteorological conditions. Full article