Identification, Enumeration, and Diversity Determinations for Fungi Enriched on Phthalates as Sole Carbon Source from Riverine Sediments Using Molecular Methods

Phthalates are a common chemical compound used as plasticizers in various industries that have been linked to several detrimental effects on health. Due to their widespread use, they have become a common environmental pollutant of soil and water. The persistence and distribution of phthalate esters in the environment has given rise to many microorganisms that are able to incorporate phthalates into various metabolic pathways and degrade them into harmless substances, with fungi being among those that are capable of such degradation of industrial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, the diversity of fungal communities in response to the presence of phthalates within soil will be assessed using metagenomic analysis and their capacity for phthalate degradation will be examined. This research has shown that all fungal isolates obtained from contaminated and uncontaminated soil were able to grow on media with phthalate as the sole carbon source. Vermillion River saw a similar level of Shannon diversity at the species level when compared to Big Marsh. A principal components analysis showed the carbon usage between sites did not differ greatly and a two-sample t-test showed no significance in diversity between sites. Several notable known degraders of phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were observed at each site including Sarocladium strictum, Irpex lacteus, and Fusarium culmorum. Several species of fungi not known to be capable of degrading phthalates were identified within phthalate-laced enrichments. This research suggests that the presence of such fungi at both sites may mean they are naturally predisposed to be capable of degrading phthalates and other xenobiotic compounds. Finally, the metagenomics analysis revealed the presence of several species not observed in the Unites States before

Reconstructing the Image Scanning Microscopy Dataset: an Inverse Problem

Confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) is one of the most popular optical architectures for fluorescence imaging. In CLSM, a focused laser beam excites the fluorescence emission from a specific specimen position. Some actuators scan the probed region across the sample and a photodetector collects a single intensity value for each scan point, building a two-dimensional image pixel-by-pixel. Recently, new fast single-photon array detectors have allowed the recording of a full bi-dimensional image of the probed region for each scan point, transforming CLSM into image scanning microscopy (ISM). This latter offers significant improvements over traditional imaging but requires an optimal processing tool to extract a super-resolved image from the four-dimensional dataset. Here we describe the image formation process in ISM from a statistical point of view, and we use the Bayesian framework to formulate a multi-image deconvolution problem. Notably, the single-photon detector suffers exclusively from the photon shot noise, enabling the development of an effective likelihood model. We derive an iterative likelihood maximization algorithm and test it on experimental and simulated data. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ISM dataset is redundant, enabling the possibility of obtaining reconstruction sampled at twice the scanning step. Our results prove that in ISM, under appropriate conditions, the Nyquist-Shannon sampling criterium is effectively relaxed. This finding can be exploited to speed up the acquisition process by a factor of four, further improving the versatility of ISM systems

A dynamic model of an innovative high-temperature solar heating and cooling system

In this paper a new simulation model of a novel solar heating and cooling system based on innovative high temperature flat plate evacuated solar thermal collector is presented. The system configuration includes: flat-plate evacuated solar collectors, a double-stage LiBr-H2O absorption chiller, gas-fired auxiliary heater, a closed loop cooling tower, pumps, heat exchangers, storage tanks, valves, mixers and controllers. The novelty of this study lies in the utilization of flat-plate stationary solar collectors, manufactured by TVP Solar, rather than concentrating ones (typically adopted for driving double-stage absorption chillers). Such devices show ultra-high thermal efficiencies, even at very high (about 200°C) operating temperatures, thanks to the high vacuum insulation. Aim of the paper is to analyse the energy and economic feasibility of such novel technology, by including it in a prototypal solar heating and cooling system. For this purpose, the solar heating and cooling system design and performance were analysed by means of a purposely developed dynamic simulation model, implemented in TRNSYS. A suitable case study is also presented. Here, the simulated plant is conceived for the space heating and cooling and the domestic hot water production of a small building, whose energy needs are fulfilled through a real installation (settled also for experimental purposes) built up close to Naples (South Italy). Simulation results show that the investigated system is able to reach high thermal efficiencies and very good energy performance. Finally, the economic analysis shows results comparable to those achieved through similar renewable energy systems

Simultaneous multiplane confocal microscopy using acoustic tunable lenses

Maximizing the amount of spatiotemporal information retrieved in confocal laser scanning microscopy is crucial to understand fundamental three-dimensional (3D) dynamic processes in life sciences. However, current 3D confocal microscopy is based on an inherently slow stepwise process that consists of acquiring multiple 2D sections at different focal planes by mechanical or optical z-focus translation. Here, we show that by using an acoustically-driven optofluidic lens integrated in a commercial confocal system we can capture an entire 3D image in a single step. Our method is based on continuous axial scanning at speeds as high as 140 kHz combined with fast readout. In this way, one or more focus sweeps are produced on a pixel by pixel basis and the detected photons can be assigned to their corresponding focal plane enabling simultaneous multiplane imaging. We exemplify this method by imaging calibration and biological fluorescence samples. These results open the door to exploring new fundamental processes in science with an unprecedented time resolution

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (L., 1758): specie di fiori visitate dalla femmina (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

BIOLOGY OF XYLOCOPA (XYLOCOPA) VIOLACEA (L., 1758): FEMALE FEEDING FLOWERS (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) Forty-two species and varieties of flowers on which X. violacea usually forage were identified. The nectar and pollen of 10 of them are used for pollen past preparation (larval food). In February females come out of their winter shelters between 10:30 and 13:30 at T 13°C; in March, instead, between 9:00 and 14:00, at T 17°C. In April-July they emerge from the nests even before 8:00 and go back into the nests even one hour after sunset. In August-October they seldom come out, and in November-January they almost never leave their shelters. The most important flower species for X. violacea life cicle are: Lamium purpureum (pre-mating period); Vicia faba (mating period); Actinidia sinensis and Papaver rhoeas (nesting period); Ocimum basi- licum (post-nesting period). Literature data shows that the Leguminosae are the most important family for the Xylocopa genus. Pollination of the “usual flowers” is performed by the ventral region of the carpenter bee. The colors of the “usual flowers” are in decreasing order of fre- quency, white, pink and yellow. The foraging biology of X. violacea appears remarkably plastic. Key words: Xylocopa violacea, feeding flowers, foraging biology, flower piercing Southern Italy.Sono state identificate 42 specie e varietà di piante su cui X. violacea abitualmente foraggia. Di queste, 10 sono specie il cui nettare e polline vengono impiegati per l’elaborazione della pasta pollinica o cibo della larva. Sono state inoltre identificate 21 specie su cui X. violacea occasionalmente è stata osservata foraggiare. A febbraio le femmine escono dai rifugi invernali a T 13°C, tra le 10,30 e le 13,30; in marzo invece a T 17°C, tra le 9,00 e le 14,00; se spira vento freddo o il cielo è nuvoloso, è molto improbabile che fuoriescano dai rifugi. In aprile-luglio, fuoriescono dal nido anche prima delle 8,00 e terminano anche 1 ora dopo il tramonto. In agosto-ottobre le uscite sono notevolmente rare. In novembre-gennaio le femmine non effettuano quasi mai voli. Le specie di fiori fondamentali per il ciclo vitale di X. violacea sono: nel periodo pre-riproduttivo Lamium purpureum; nel periodo degli accoppiamenti Vicia faba; nella fase della nidificazione Actinidia chinensis e Papaver rhoeas; nella fase post-riproduttiva Ocimum basilicum. Dalla bibliografia risulta che le Leguminose sono la famiglia più importante per il genere Xylocopa. L’impollinazione delle piante “abituali” avviene a carico della regione ventrale dell’ape carpentiera. Il colore dei fiori visitati è in ordine decrescente bianco, rosa, giallo. La biologia alimentare di X. violacea ne risulta notevolmente plastica. Parole chiave: Xylocopa violacea, piante nutrici, biologia del foraggiamento, incisione dei fiori, Sud-Italia.

Analisi comparata dell’architettura e della costruzione dei nidi negli Xylocopinae (Hymenoptera: Apidae) I: i diaframmi delle celle pedotrofiche

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NEST ARCHITEPTURE AND CONSTRUCTION IN THE XYLOCOPINAE (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) I: PAEDOTROPHIC CELL DIAPHRAGMS The dimensional and qualitative characteristics of paedotrophic cell diaphragms and their construction by Xylocopa violacea are the aims of this contribute; moreover a review of data about this nesting activity has given for other Xylocopinae species. X. violacea build the diaphragms with spiral movements of metasomal apex and hindlegs, mixing shavings with saliva. Two diaphragm types has been recognized: end-nest diaphragms (1 per nest); separatory diaphragms of paedotrophic cells (1 per cell). Separatory diaphragms consisted of a thick corona (4.733 mm) and a thin spiral central portion (1.985 mm). The inside wall was always rough and flat, whereas the side facing the entrance was always smooth and concave; its weight was 0.1-0.3 g. The orien- tation of diaphragm spiral (2-4 per diaphragms) was clockwise direction in 111 cases (44.7%), and anticlockwise direction in 83 cases (33.5%); in 54 cases (21.8%) the spiral direction was not recognizable. In the end-nest diaphragm was not recognizable the spiral direction and the distinction between corona and central portion was rarely recognized; its mean thickness was 9.45 mm. The female obtained the shavings by scraping the inner surface of the nest with her jaws. The threadlike shavings are stored under the head of the female and then brought close to the pollen paste; here the female build the corona and then the spiral central portion by spiral movements. Scraping is not continuous. Comparative and cladistic data show that the ancestral structure of diaphragms is that of Xylocopini (uniconcave); Manuelini and Ceratinini show some derived characters: biconcave diaphragms, secondary diaphragms destructions, pregressive feeding and communal rearing of larvae-pupae; all Allodapini species do not build diaphragms. A new diaphragm types is showed by Xylocopini subgenera Stenoxylocopa (Neotropical) and Biluna (Oriental). Key words: Xylocopa violacea, diaphragms characters, nesting behaviours, Southern Italy, Xylocopinae diaphragm evolution.I propositi di questo contributo sono: delineare le caratteristiche dimensionali dei diaframmi dei nidi di Xylocopa violacea, il comportamento di costruzione e una riepilogazione comparativa di tali argomenti per le altre specie della stessa sottofamiglia. X. violacea edifica i diaframmi con movimenti spiralati dell’apice del metasoma aiutato dalle zampe posteriori miscelando trucioli con saliva. Sono stati individuati due tipi di diaframmi: diaframmi di fondo nido (1 per nido); dia- frammi separatori delle celle pedotrofiche (1 per cella). I secondi consistono di una spessa coro- na (4,733 mm) e di una sottile porzione centrale spiralata (1,985 mm). Il lato interno del diaframma è sempre ruvido e piatto, mentre il lato esterno sempre liscio e concavo; il suo peso è di 0,1- 0,3 g. Il verso della spirale centrale (2-4 giri per diaframma) è oraria in 111 casi (44,7%), ed antioraria in 83 casi (33,5%); in 54 casi (21,8%) la direzione non è stata riconoscibile. Nei diaframmi di fondo nido non è stato riconosciuto alcun verso della spirale ed inoltre raramente è stato possibile distinguere tra parte centrale e corona; lo spessore medio è di 9,45 mm. La femmina ottiene i trucioli raschiando con le mandibole la superficie interna del nido, vengono accumulati sotto il capo e portati fino alla pasta pollinica; qui essa costruisce prima la corona e poi il centro con movimenti a spirale. Il raschiamento è discontinuo. Dati cladistici e comparativi mostrano che la condizione ancestrale è presente negli Xylocopini (uniconcavo); Manuelini e Ceratinini invece mostrano una serie di caratteri derivati: diaframmi biconcavi, secondaria distruzione dei diaframmi, progressivo approvviggionamento ed allevamento in comune di larve e pupe; gli Allodapini invece non costruiscono diaframmi. Un nuovo tipo di diaframma è presente nei subgeneri di Xylocopini Stenoxylocopa (Neotropicale) e Biluna (Orientale). Parole chiave: Xylocopa violacea, caratteri dei diaframmi, comportamenti di nidificazione, Sud Italia, evoluzione dei diaframmi degli Xylocopinae.

Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea, (L., 1758): Giant Nest! (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The present paper aims to find an explanation for the presence of exceptionally long and branched nests in the Xylocopini species. Two giant nests of Xylocopa violacea (L., 1758), excavated in a Prunus persica trunk, were found in 1994: M94/1 and M94/2. The former was formed by seven tunnels, four of which were ascending and 111 mm in average length, and 3 were descending and 108 mm in average length; the total length of the nest was 795 mm. M94/2 showed 9 tunnels, 7 of them were ascending and 98 mm in average length, and 2 were descending and 66 mm in average length; the total length of the nest was 856 mm. Nests of similar or slightly larger sizes have been reported for X. frontalis (social and multivoltine), X. hirsutissima (social and multivoltine), X. subvirescens and Lestis bombylans (communal nesting and multivoltine). Giant nests are common in both social and multivoltine species, since the founder female is helped by the daughters of the 1st generation in the construction of the cells of the 2nd generation, nest lengthening, and even oviposition. Moreover, the nest can be reused for several years and therefore subjected to further lengthening. The explanation for these two giant nests is not simple for the following reasons: 1) X. violacea is considered by all the authors as univoltine and solitary without any mother-daughters interaction; 2) the M94 nests were excavated in 1994, and therefore cannot be the result of lengthening due to its reuse; 3) the M94 nests had an entrance each, and therefore cannot be the fortuitous, or otherwise, result of the mergence of two or more nests. Therefore, five hypotheses are here formulated, based on my 10-year observations and literature data on this and other co-generic species. The main conclusion is that it is necessary to reconsider the whole life cycle of X. violacea, by carrying out further investigations on the life of the founder female after the nest has been completed, as well as on the fecundity of the Xylocopini species from the evolutionary standpoint. Key Words: Nest-morphometrics, giant branched-nest, Xylocopini, Southern-Italy, Apidae.BIOLOGIA DI XYLOCOPA (XYLOCOPA) VIOLACEA, (L., 1758): NIDI GIGANTI! (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) Oggetto di questo studio è quello di trovare una spiegazione alla presenza di nidi eccezionalmente ramificati e lunghi nelle specie della tribù Xylocopini in seguito al ritrovamento di due nidi giganti in X. violacea nel 1994, scavati in un tronco di Prunus persica: M94/1 e 2. Il primo è dotato di 7 tunnel, di cui 4 ascendenti con una lunghezza media di 111 mm e 3 discendenti aventi una lunghezza media di 108 mm; la lunghezza totale del nido era di 795 mm. M94/2 è dotato di 9 tunnel, 7 ascendenti con una lunghezza media di 98 mm, e 2 discendenti con una lunghezza media di 66 mm; la lunghezza totale del nido era di 856 mm. Nidi di dimensioni simili o di poco maggiori sono stati riportati per X. frontalisi, X. hirsutissima e Lestis bombylans (comu- nali e multivoltine) e X. subvirescens. Per le specie sia sociali che multivoltine l’esistenza di nidi giganti è normale in quanto la fondatrice viene coadiuvata dalle figlie della I generazione nella costruzione delle celle della II generazione, per lo scavo del nido (ampliamento) ed anche nella deposizione delle uova. Inoltre il nido può essere usato per vari anni e quindi soggetto ad ulteriore ampliamento. I due nidi giganti M94 di X. violacea non trovano una semplice spiegazione per i seguenti motivi: 1) X. violacea è ritenuta da tutti gli autori univoltina e solitaria, senza interazione madre-figlie; 2) M94 non sono il frutto di ampliamenti dovuti al riuso; 3) M94 non sono il risultato casuale o non della fusione di due o più nidi. Vengono, per questi motivi, effettuate 5 ipotesi e vengono portati dati pro e contro di esse derivanti da 10 anni di studi su X. violacea e dalla letteratura disponibile sugli Xylocopini. La principale conclusione è che è necessaria una rivisitazione dell’intero ciclo vitale di X. violacea, di un’indagine sulla vita della fondatrice dopo l’ultimazione del nido (aspetto totalmente trascurato in bibliografia) e di un esteso studio sulla fecondità delle specie di Xylocopini in chiave evolutiva. Parole Chiave: Xylocopa violacea, morfometria nidi, nidi ramificati giganti, nidi giganti di Xylocopini, Sud-Italia.

Dynamic simulation of polygeneration systems for buildings

This thesis aims at investigating the polygeneration systems for buildings by dynamic simulation models. In particular, different polygeneration systems, supplied both by the solar renewable energy source and natural gas, were examined from the energy, exergy, economic and environmental point of view