5 research outputs found
Estrogen receptor alpha mediates neuronal differentiation and neuroprotection in PC12 cells: critical role of the A/B domain of the receptor
Climate and Atmosphere Simulator for Experiments on Ecological Systems in Changing Environments
Grand
challenges in global change research and environmental science
raise the need for replicated experiments on ecosystems subjected
to controlled changes in multiple environmental factors. We designed
and developed the Ecolab as a variable climate and atmosphere simulator
for multifactor experimentation on natural or artificial ecosystems.
The Ecolab integrates atmosphere conditioning technology optimized
for accuracy and reliability. The centerpiece is a highly contained,
13-m<sup>3</sup> chamber to host communities of aquatic and terrestrial
species and control climate (temperature, humidity, rainfall, irradiance)
and atmosphere conditions (O<sub>2</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations).
Temperature in the atmosphere and in the water or soil column can
be controlled independently of each other. All climatic and atmospheric
variables can be programmed to follow dynamical trajectories and simulate
gradual as well as step changes. We demonstrate the Ecolabās
capacity to simulate a broad range of atmospheric and climatic conditions,
their diurnal and seasonal variations, and to support the growth of
a model terrestrial plant in two contrasting climate scenarios. The
adaptability of the Ecolab design makes it possible to study interactions
between variable climateāatmosphere factors and biotic disturbances.
Developed as an open-access, multichamber platform, this equipment
is available to the international scientific community for exploring
interactions and feedbacks between ecological and climate systems