Comparing strengths and weaknesses of three ecosystem services modelling tools in a diverse UK river catchment

Ecosystem services modelling tools can help land managers and policy makers evaluate the impacts of alternative management options or changes in land use on the delivery of ecosystem services. As the variety and complexity of these tools increases, there is a need for comparative studies across a range of settings, allowing users to make an informed choice. Using examples of provisioning and regulating services (water supply, carbon storage and nutrient retention), we compare three spatially explicit tools – LUCI (Land Utilisation and Capability Indicator), ARIES (Artificial Intelligence for Ecosystem Services) and InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs). Models were parameterised for the UK and applied to a temperate catchment with widely varying land use in North Wales. Although each tool provides quantitative mapped output, can be applied in different contexts, and can work at local or national scale, they differ in the approaches taken and underlying assumptions made. In this study, we focus on the wide range of outputs produced for each service and discuss the differences between each modelling tool. Model outputs were validated using empirical data for river flow, carbon and nutrient levels within the catchment. The sensitivity of the models to land-use change was tested using four scenarios of varying severity, evaluating the conversion of grassland habitat to woodland (0–30% of the landscape). We show that, while the modelling tools provide broadly comparable quantitative outputs, each has its own unique features and strengths. Therefore the choice of tool depends on the study question

Human prostate supports more efficient replication of HIV-1 R5 than X4 strains ex vivo

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In order to determine whether human prostate can be productively infected by HIV-1 strains with different tropism, and thus represent a potential source of HIV in semen, an organotypic culture of prostate from men undergoing prostatic adenomectomy for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) was developed. The presence of potential HIV target cells in prostate tissues was investigated using immunohistochemistry. The infection of prostate explants following exposures with HIV-1 R5, R5X4 and X4 strains was analyzed through the measure of RT activity in culture supernatants, the quantification of HIV DNA in the explants and the detection of HIV RNA+ cells <it>in situ</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall prostate characteristics were retained for 2^1/2weeks in culture. Numerous potential HIV-1 target cells were detected in the prostate stroma. Whilst HIV-1 R5_SF162strain consistently productively infected prostatic T lymphocytes and macrophages, the prototypic X4_IIIBstrain and a primary R5X4 strain showed less efficient replication in this organ.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The BPH prostate is a site of HIV-1 R5 replication that could contribute virus to semen. A limited spreading of HIV-1 X4 and R5X4 in this organ could participate to the preferential sexual transmission of HIV-1 R5 strains.</p

Caractérisation par la géochimie du Pb et du Sr des interactions eau-roche dans les formations sédimentaires jurassiques du site expérimental de l'ISPN à Tournemire (Aveyron)

MONTPELLIER-BU Sciences (341722106) / SudocSudocFranceF

A study of photo- and thermo-​initiated polymerized dimethacrylates by three thermal analysis techniques

International audienc

A study of photo- and thermo-​initiated polymerized dimethacrylates by three thermal analysis techniques

International audienc