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The long-term performance of geomembranes with 12 different resin–antioxidant master-batch combinations, including eight high-density polyethylene (HDPE), three linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and one blended polyolefin (BPO) base resins, is investigated. Results are reported for immersion tests in chlorinated water (0.5 ppm) for 35 months at 85 °C. The degradation trends show that the choice of resin type played a key role in the longevity of the geomembranes but also that some hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) packages contributed to better resistance to degradation in chlorinated water. The results show that the specific antioxidant package is more important than the initial oxidative induction time (OIT) in terms of long-term performance. Finally, it is shown that while increased thickness may be beneficial, a more resistant resin or antioxidant–stabilizer package can be more effective than increasing thickness in improving geomembrane performance in chlorinated water. The conclusion regarding the beneficial role of HALS is specific to chlorinated water and generally is not true in other cases of submerged or buried geomembranes.

An approach for selecting a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GMB) for a long design life is described and illustrated for five 2 mm thick textured GMBs when immersed in a simulated municipal solid waste leachate (L3) and two simulated leachates representative of low-level radioactive waste leachates (L7 and L9) for 9–16 months at a range of temperatures. Although made from the same nominal resin, substantial differences are reported in both the initial properties and the rate of antioxidant depletion for the five GMBs. At an expected operating liner temperature of 10 °C and immersed in L3, the projected time to antioxidant depletion for the five GMBs ranges from 125 to over 2000 years. The antioxidant depletion in leachates L7 and L9 were similar or slower than in leachate L3. There was no evidence of traditional thermal-oxidative degradation reported over the 9–16 months of monitoring; however, there was a significant reduction in stress crack resistance due to physical ageing ranging between 30% and 70% of the initial value. Two GMBs are considered highly likely to have service life well in excess of the required design life of 550 years. It is suggested that the proposed approach could be adopted for selecting GMBs for other projects that require a long design life.

Motivation: Trait variation within species can reveal plastic and/or genetic responses to environmental gradients, and may indicate where local adaptation has occurred. Here, we present a dataset of rangewide variation in leaf traits from seven of the most ecologically and economically important tree species in Europe. Sample collection and trait assessment are embedded in the GenTree project (EU‐Horizon 2020), which aims at characterizing the genetic and phenotypic variability of forest tree species to optimize the management and sustainable use of forest genetic resources. Our dataset captures substantial intra‐ and interspecific leaf phenotypic variability, and provides valuable information for studying the relationship between ecosystem functioning and trait variability of individuals, and the response and resilience of species to environmental changes. Main types of variable contained: We chose morphological and chemical characters linked to trade‐offs between acquisition and conservation of resources and water use, namely specific leaf area, leaf size, carbon and nitrogen content and their ratio, and the isotopic signature of stable isotope ¹³C and ¹⁵N in leaves. Spatial location and grain: We surveyed between 18 and 22 populations per species, 141 in total, across Europe. Time period: Leaf sampling took place between 2016 and 2017. Major taxa and level of measurement: We sampled at least 25 individuals in each population, 3,569 trees in total, and measured traits in 35,755 leaves from seven European tree species, i.e. the conifers Picea abies, Pinus pinaster and Pinus sylvestris, and the broadleaves Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica, Populus nigra and Quercus petraea. Software format: The data files are in ASCII text, tab delimited, not compressed.

Trees play a key role in the structure and function of many ecosystems worldwide. In the Mediterranean Basin, forests cover approximately 22% of the total land area hosting a large number of endemics (46 species). Despite its particularities and vulnerability, the biodiversity of Mediterranean trees is not well known at the taxonomic, spatial, functional, and genetic levels required for conservation applications. The WOODIV database fills this gap by providing reliable occurrences, four functional traits (plant height, seed mass, wood density, and specific leaf area), and sequences from three DNA-regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA), together with modelled occurrences and a phylogeny for all 210 Euro-Mediterranean tree species. We compiled, homogenized, and verified occurrence data from sparse datasets and collated them on an INSPIRE-compliant 10 × 10 km grid. We also gathered functional trait and genetic data, filling existing gaps where possible. The WOODIV database can benefit macroecological studies in the fields of conservation, biogeography, and community ecology.

Background: Progress in the field of evolutionary forest ecology has been hampered by the huge challenge of phenotyping trees across their ranges in their natural environments, and the limitation in high-resolution environmental information. Findings: The GenTree Platform contains phenotypic and environmental data from 4,959 trees from 12 ecologically and economically important European forest tree species: Abies alba Mill. (silver fir), Betula pendula Roth. (silver birch), Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech), Picea abies (L.) H. Karst (Norway spruce), Pinus cembra L. (Swiss stone pine), Pinus halepensis Mill. (Aleppo pine), Pinus nigra Arnold (European black pine), Pinus pinaster Aiton (maritime pine), Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine), Populus nigra L. (European black poplar), Taxus baccata L. (English yew), and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. (sessile oak). Phenotypic (height, diameter at breast height, crown size, bark thickness, biomass, straightness, forking, branch angle, fructification), regeneration, environmental in situ measurements (soil depth, vegetation cover, competition indices), and environmental modeling data extracted by using bilinear interpolation accounting for surrounding conditions of each tree (precipitation, temperature, insolation, drought indices) were obtained from trees in 194 sites covering the species’ geographic ranges and reflecting local environmental gradients. Conclusions: The GenTree Platform is a new resource for investigating ecological and evolutionary processes in forest trees. The coherent phenotyping and environmental characterization across 12 species in their European ranges allow for a wide range of analyses from forest ecologists, conservationists, and macro-ecologists. Also, the data here presented can be linked to the GenTree Dendroecological collection, the GenTree Leaf Trait collection, and the GenTree Genomic collection presented elsewhere, which together build the largest evolutionary forest ecology data collection available.

We present BeechCOSTe52; a database of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) phenotypic measurements for several traits related to fitness measured in genetic trials planted across Europe. The dataset was compiled and harmonized during the COST-Action E52 (2006–2010), and subsequently cross-validated to ensure consistency of measurement data among trials and provenances. Phenotypic traits (height, diameter at breast height, basal diameter, mortality, phenology of spring bud burst and autumn–leaf discoloration) were recorded in 38 trial sites where 217 provenances covering the entire distribution of European beech were established in two consecutive series (1993/95 and 1996/98). The recorded data refer to 862,095 measurements of the same trees aged from 2 to 15 years old over multiple years. This dataset captures the considerable genetic and phenotypic intra-specific variation present in European beech and should be of interest to researchers from several disciplines including quantitative genetics, ecology, biogeography, macroecology, adaptive management of forests and bioeconomy.We present BeechCOSTe52; a database of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) phenotypic measurements for several traits related to fitness measured in genetic trials planted across Europe. The dataset was compiled and harmonized during the COST-Action E52 (2006–2010), and subsequently cross-validated to ensure consistency of measurement data among trials and provenances. Phenotypic traits (height, diameter at breast height, basal diameter, mortality, phenology of spring bud burst and autumn–leaf discoloration) were recorded in 38 trial sites where 217 provenances covering the entire distribution of European beech were established in two consecutive series (1993/95 and 1996/98). The recorded data refer to 862,095 measurements of the same trees aged from 2 to 15 years old over multiple years. This dataset captures the considerable genetic and phenotypic intra-specific variation present in European beech and should be of interest to researchers from several disciplines including quantitative genetics, ecology, biogeography, macroecology, adaptive management of forests and bioeconomy.We present BeechCOSTe52; a database of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) phenotypic measurements for several traits related to fitness measured in genetic trials planted across Europe. The dataset was compiled and harmonized during the COST-Action E52 (2006–2010), and subsequently cross-validated to ensure consistency of measurement data among trials and provenances. Phenotypic traits (height, diameter at breast height, basal diameter, mortality, phenology of spring bud burst and autumn–leaf discoloration) were recorded in 38 trial sites where 217 provenances covering the entire distribution of European beech were established in two consecutive series (1993/95 and 1996/98). The recorded data refer to 862,095 measurements of the same trees aged from 2 to 15 years old over multiple years. This dataset captures the considerable genetic and phenotypic intra-specific variation present in European beech and should be of interest to researchers from several disciplines including quantitative genetics, ecology, biogeography, macroecology, adaptive management of forests and bioeconomy.

Dans cet article, l’auteur nous présente les trois grandes stratégies possibles que peuvent utiliser les arbres pour faire face au changement climatique. Si la région méditerranéenne est parmi les plus impactées, c’est aussi celle qui abrite la plus grande diversité de ressources génétiques en France, fruit d’adaptationsmillénaires très précieuses. Les propriétaires et gestionnaires forestiers ont un rôle important à jouer dans ce cadre : par leurs actions d’expérimentation, ils peuvent en effet contribuer à une meilleure connaissancede l’adaptation des arbres au changement climatique.

Key message This review highlights some of the discoveries and applications made possible by “omics” technologies over the last 10 years and provides perspectives for pioneering research to increase our understanding of tree biology. Context A decade after the first forest tree genome sequence was released into the public domain, the rapidly evolving genomics and bioinformatics toolbox has advanced our understanding of the structure, functioning, and evolution of forest tree genomes. Aims and methods This review highlights some of the discoveries and applications that “omics” technologies have made possible for forest trees over the past 10 years. Results In this review, we start by our current understanding of genome evolution and intricacies of gene regulation for reproduction, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. We then skim over advances in interactome analysis and epigenomics, the knowledge of the extent of genetic variation within and between species, revealing micro- and macro-evolutionary processes and species history, together with the complex architecture of quantitative traits. We finally end with applications in genetic resource conservation and breeding. Conclusion The knowledge gained through the use of these technologies has a huge potential impact for adapting forests to the main challenges they will have to face changing demand from ecosystem services with potentially conflicting strategies in terms of conservation and use, as well as climate changes and associated threats. Genomics will undoubtedly play a major role over the next decade and beyond, not only to further understand the mechanisms underlying adaptation and evolution but also to develop and implement innovative management and policy actions to preserve the adaptability of natural forests and intensively managed plantations. © 2015, INRA and Springer-Verlag France.

The conservation and sustainable use of forests in the twenty-first century pose huge challenges for forest management and policy. Society demands that forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services, from timber products, raw materials and renewable energy to sociocultural amenities and habitats for nature conservation. Innovative management and policy approaches need to be developed to meet these often-conflicting demands in a context of environmental change of uncertain magnitude and scale. Genetic diversity is a key component of resilience and adaptability. Overall, forest tree populations are genetically very diverse, conferring them an enormous potential for genetic adaptation via the processes of gene flow and natural selection. Here, we review the main challenges facing our forests in the coming century and focus on how recent progress in genetics can contribute to the development of appropriate practical actions that forest managers and policy makers can adopt to promote forest resilience to climate change. Emerging knowledge will inform and clarify current controversies relating to the choice of appropriate genetic resources for planting, the effect of silvicultural systems and stand tending on adaptive potential and the best ways to harness genetic diversity in breeding and conservation programs. Gaps in our knowledge remain, and we identify where additional information is needed (e.g.;the adaptive value of peripheral populations or the genetic determinism of key adaptive traits) and the types of studies that are required to provide this key understanding. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

The long-term performance of three different high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes (GMBs) is investigated at 85°C using immersion tests. By comparing the degradation behavior of the three GMBs in different synthetic leachates, it is shown that different chemical constituents in the leachate affected different stages of the degradation, with surfactant having the greatest effect on antioxidant depletion (Stage I) and salts having the greatest effect on the degradation after antioxidant depletion (Stages II and III). The magnitude of the effect of these chemical constituents differed from one GMB to another. Thus, for the purpose of comparing the relative long-term performance of the three GMBs for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill applications, the GMBs were immersed in a synthetic leachate (Leachate A), which contained the primary constituents (i.e., salts, volatile fatty acids, surfactant, and trace metals under reduced conditions) present in the leachate from a large MSW landfill lea...

The effect of geomembrane thickness (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm) on aging when immersed in a synthetic leachate is investigated over a period of approximately 7 years. Based on data at five different temperatures (55, 65, 70, 75, and 85°C), the predicted time required for a reduction in stress crack resistance to 150 h (half the typically specified value) at 35°C is 62% longer for the 2.5 mm than for the 1.5-mm geomembrane tested and 12% longer for the 2.0-mm than for the 1.5-mm geomembrane. Thus, other things being equal, the results suggest a longer time to nominal failure with increasing geomembrane thickness. It is also shown that the data from a proposed stage-parallel testing procedure collected over 2.5 years fit well with data from traditional incubation of virgin samples over almost 7 years and hence provides a viable means of obtaining good data in a reasonable period of time.

ABSTRACT: The susceptibility of a 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene geomembrane to brittle rupture from long-term stress cracking in a simulated municipal solid waste landfill liner is examined. The geomembrane was pre-aged in a leachate at 85°C to lower the notched constant tensile load stress crack resistance of the geomembrane to about 75 h. The aged geomembrane was then used as part of a composite liner system in geosynthetic liner longevity simulators (GLLSs) with a geosynthetic clay liner and sand foundation layer below the geomembrane and a 560 g/m2 geotextile protection layer and 50 mm drainage gravel above the geomembrane. The GLLSs allow the simulation of field conditions including elevated temperatures, overburden pressure, leachate circulation, and composite liner exposure conditions. The geomembrane experienced brittle rupture on the side slopes of the local gravel indentations for temperatures between 55 and 85°C. The higher the liner temperature, the shorter the time to rupture and the higher the tensile strain at rupture. Arrhenius modelling of the test data gave an activation energy of Ea = 112 kJ/mol.

Que peuvent faire les arbres forestiers et leurs écosystèmes en réponse aux changements climatiques qui s'installent sur la longue durée ? Comme tous les organismes vivants, ils peuvent mettre en place trois grandes stratégies : s'acclimater, s'adapter et/ou fuir. Dans cet article, l'auteur nous décrit les différents mécanismes d'adaptation génétique et propose de réfléchir à des pratiques sylvicoles permettant une gestion adaptative de la forêt méditerranéenne.

Breast cancers that overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) have a predilection to metastasize to the brain. Therapeutic options for brain metastases with systemic therapy remain a challenge in those patients since targeted and chemotherapeutic agents have limited penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Here we report the case of a patient with brain metastases from breast cancer overexpressing HER-2 who achieved a complete radiologic response after treatment by radiation and concurrent Lapatinib and Capecitabine.

Si on a décidé de planter, que planter ? Pour donner des éléments de réponse à cette question, revient, en terme de recherche, à mettre en uvre une démarche permettant entre autres, de tester l'adaptation potentielle d'un matériel végétal (espèce, provenance, famille, clone) à son futur milieu d'accueil. Ces résultats ont été obtenus au cousr des 30 dernières années par la mise en place d'un réseau expérimental de plus de 160 placettes sur 16 emplacements pour un total de plus de 450 000 plants d'une quinzaine d'espèces forestières méditerranéennes.

Le sapin de Céphalonie est installé en plantations comparatives en France par l'INRA depuis les années 1970. Les résultats acquis ont montré l'intérêt des provenances du Mainalon et du Parnon. Des expérimentations plus modestes sur sapin de Turquie, indiquent que le sapin de Bornmuller présente lui aussi des potentialités intéressantes. Parallèlement, des essais de comparaisons d'hybrides interspécifiques démontrent l'existence d'un effet d'hétérosis durable.