Search Results - (Author, Cooperation:R. Oren)

2011-11-19

Nature Publishing Group (NPG)

0028-0836

1476-4687

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Medicine

Natural Sciences in General

Physics

Air/analysis ; *Altitude ; Atmosphere/analysis ; Biophysical Processes ; Canada ; Climate ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Forestry ; Seasons ; *Temperature ; Trees/*growth & development ; United States

1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

There is growing evidence that plant stomata have evolved physiological controls to satisfy the demand for CO2 by photosynthesis while regulating water losses by leaves in a manner that does not cause cavitation in the soil–root–xylem hydraulic system. Whether the hydraulic and biochemical properties of plants evolve independently or whether they are linked at a time scale relevant to plant stand development remains uncertain. To address this question, a steady-state analytical model was developed in which supply of CO2 via the stomata and biochemical demand for CO2 are constrained by the balance between loss of water vapour from the leaf to the atmosphere and supply of water from the soil to the leaf. The model predicts the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) for which the maximum demand for CO2 is in equilibrium with the maximum hydraulically permissible supply of water through the soil–root–xylem system. The model was then tested at two forest stands in which simultaneous hydraulic, ecophysiological, and long-term carbon isotope discrimination measurements were available. The model formulation reproduces analytically recent findings on the sensitivity of bulk stomatal conductance (gs) to vapour pressure deficit (D); namely, gs = gref(1 − m × lnD), where m is a sensitivity parameter and gref is a reference conductance defined at D = 1 kPa. An immediate outcome of the model is an explicit relationship between maximum carboxylation capacity (Vcmax) and soil–plant hydraulic properties. It is shown that this relationship is consistent with measurements reported for conifer and rain forest angiosperm species. The analytical model predicts a decline in Vcmax as the hydraulic capacity of the soil–root–xylem decreases with stand development or age.

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1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

Variation in stomatal conductance is typically explained in relation to environmental conditions. However, tree height may also contribute to the variability in mean stomatal conductance. Mean canopy stomatal conductance of individual tree crowns (GSi) was estimated using sap flux measurements in Fagus sylvatica L., and the hypothesis that GSi decreases with tree height was tested. Over 13 d of the growing season during which soil moisture was not limiting, GSi decreased linearly with the natural logarithm of vapour pressure deficit (D), and increased exponentially to saturation with photosynthetic photon flux density (Qo). Under conditions of D= 1 kPa and saturating Qo, GSi decreased by approximately 60% with 30 m increase in tree height. Over the same range in height, sapwood-to-leaf area ratio (AS:AL) doubled. A simple hydraulic model explained the variation in GSi based on an inverse relationship with height, and a linear relationship with AS:AL. Thus, in F. sylvatica, adjustments in AS:AL partially compensate for the negative effect of increased flow-path length on leaf conductance. Furthermore, because stomata with low conductance are less sensitive to D, gas exchange of tall trees is reduced less by high D. Despite these compensations, decreasing hydraulic conductance with tree height in F. sylvatica reduces carbon uptake through a corresponding decrease in stomatal conductance.

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1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

We investigated radial patterns of sap flux density and wood properties in the sapwood of young loblolly pine (Finns taeda L.), mature white oak (Quercus alba L.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), which represent three major classes of wood anatomy: non-porous (coniferous), ring-porous and diffuse-porous. Radial measurements of xylem sap flux density were made in sections of xylem extending to 20 mm and 20–40 mm from the cambium. These measurements were compared with measurements of the relative water content (Rs) and sapwood specific gravity (ρr) of corresponding radial sections. In both hardwood species, sap flow differences were rarely significant between the two depth intervals. In pine, a 59% reduction in daily sap flux density from outer to inner sapwood was found. This could not be accounted for by a 3% drop in Rs; rather, an accompanying 9% reduction in ρr indicated a transition between the depth intervals from mature to juvenile sapwood, and is the probable cause of the lower flux rate in the inner xylem of pine.

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1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

Using a combination of model simulations and detailed measurements at a hierarchy of scales conducted at a sandhills forest site, the effect of fertilization on net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and its components in 6-year-old Pinus taeda stands was quantified. The detailed measurements, collected over a 20-d period in September and October, included gas exchange and eddy covariance fluxes, sampled for a 10-d period each at the fertilized stand and at the control stand. Respiration from the forest floor and above-ground biomass was measured using chambers during the experiment. Fertilization doubled leaf area index (LAI) and increased leaf carboxylation capacity by 20%. However, this increase in total LAI translated into an increase of only 25% in modelled sunlit LAI and in canopy photosynthesis. It is shown that the same climatic and environmental conditions that enhance photosynthesis in the September and October periods also cause an increase in respiration The increases in respiration counterbalanced photosynthesis and resulted in negligible NEE differences between fertilized and control stands. The fact that total biomass of the fertilized stand exceeded 2·5 times that of the control, suggests that the counteracting effects cannot persist throughout the year. In fact, modelled annual carbon balance showed that gross primary productivity (GPP) increased by about 50% and that the largest enhancement in NEE occurred in the spring and autumn, during which cooler temperatures reduced respiration more than photosynthesis. The modelled difference in annual NEE between fertilized  and  control  stands  (approximately  200 1;g 2;C 3;m−2 y−1)  suggest that the effect of fertilization was sufficiently large to transform the stand from a net terrestrial carbon source to a net sink.

Electronic Resource

1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

Responses of stomatal conductance (gs) to increasing vapour pressure deficit (D) generally follow an exponential decrease described equally well by several empirical functions. However, the magnitude of the decrease – the stomatal sensitivity – varies considerably both within and between species. Here we analysed data from a variety of sources employing both porometric and sap flux estimates of gs to evaluate the hypothesis that stomatal sensitivity is proportional to the magnitude of gs at low D (≤ 1 kPa). To test this relationship we used the function gs=gsref–m· lnD where m is the stomatal sensitivity and gsref=gs at D= 1 kPa. Regardless of species or methodology, m was highly correlated with gsref (average r2= 0·75) with a slope of approximately 0·6. We demonstrate that this empirical slope is consistent with the theoretical slope derived from a simple hydraulic model that assumes stomatal regulation of leaf water potential. The theoretical slope is robust to deviations from underlying assumptions and variation in model parameters. The relationships within and among species are close to theoretical predictions, regardless of whether the analysis is based on porometric measurements of gs in relation to leaf-surface D (Ds), or on sap flux-based stomatal conductance of whole trees (GSi), or stand-level stomatal conductance (GS) in relation to D. Thus, individuals, species, and stands with high stomatal conductance at low D show a greater sensitivity to D, as required by the role of stomata in regulating leaf water potential.

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1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

Many aspects of plant water use – particularly in response to soil drought – may have as their basis the alteration of hydraulic conductance from soil to canopy. The regulation of plant water potential (Ψ) by stomatal control and leaf area adjustment may be necessary to maximize water uptake on the one hand, while avoiding loss of hydraulic contact with the soil water on the other. Modelling the changes in hydraulic conductance with pressure gradients in the continuum allows the prediction of water use as a function of soil environment and plant architectural and xylem traits. Large differences in water use between species can be attributed in part to differences in their ‘hydraulic equipment’ that is presumably optimized for drawing water from a particular temporal and spatial niche in the soil environment. A number of studies have identified hydraulic limits as the cause of partial or complete foliar dieback in response to drought. The interactions between root:shoot ratio, rooting depth, xylem properties, and soil properties in influencing the limits to canopy water supply can be used to predict which combinations should optimize water use in a given circumstance. The hydraulic approach can improve our understanding of the coupling of canopy processes to soil environment, and the adaptive significance of stomatal behaviour.

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1365-3040

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

We investigated the hydraulic consequences of a major decrease in root-to-leaf area ratio (AR:AL) caused by nutrient amendments to 15-year-old Pinus taeda L. stands on sandy soil. In theory, such a reduction in AR:AL should compromise the trees’ ability to extract water from drying sand. Under equally high soil moisture, canopy stomatal conductance (GS) of fertilized trees (F) was 50% that of irrigated/fertilized trees (IF), irrigated trees (I), and untreated control trees (C). As predicted from theory, F trees also decreased their stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit by 50%. The lower GS in F was associated with 50% reduction in leaf-specific hydraulic conductance (KL) compared with other treatments. The lower KL in F was in turn a result of a higher leaf area per sapwood area and a lower specific conductivity (conducting efficiency) of the plant and its root xylem. The root xylem of F trees was also 50% more resistant to cavitation than the other treatments. A transport model predicted that the lower AR:AL in IF trees resulted in a considerably restricted ability to extract water during drought. However, this deficiency was not exposed because irrigation minimized drought. In contrast, the lower AR:AL in F trees caused only a limited restriction in water extraction during drought owing to the more cavitation resistant root xylem in this treatment. In both fertilized treatments, approximate safety margins from predicted hydraulic failure were minimal suggesting increased vulnerability to drought-induced dieback compared with non-fertilized trees. However, IF trees are likely to be so affected even under a mild drought if irrigation is withheld.

Electronic Resource

1365-2486

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Geography

Forest floor CO2 efflux (Fff) depends on vegetation type, climate, and soil physical properties. We assessed the effects of biological factors on Fff by comparing a maturing pine plantation (PP) and a nearby mature Oak-Hickory-type hardwood forest (HW). Fff was measured continuously with soil chambers connected to an IRGA during 2001–2002. At both sites, Fff depended on soil temperature at 5 cm (T5) when soil was moist (soil moisture, θ〉0.20 m3 m−3), and on both T5 and θ when soil was drier. A model (Fff (T5, θ)) explained 〈inlineGraphic alt="geqslant R: gt-or-equal, slanted" extraInfo="nonStandardEntity" href="urn:x-wiley:13541013:GCB915:ges" location="ges.gif"/〉92% of the variation in the daily mean Fff at both sites. Higher radiation reaching the ground during the leafless period, and a thinner litter layer because of faster decomposition, probably caused higher soil temperature at HW compared with PP. The annual Fff was estimated at 1330 and 1464 g C m−2 yr−1 for a year with mild drought (2001) at PP and HW, respectively, and 1231 and 1557 g C m−2 yr−1 for a year with severe drought (2002). In the wetter year, higher soil temperature and moisture at HW compared with PP compensated for the negative effect on Fff of the response to these variables resulting in similar annual Fff at both stands. In the drier year, however, the response to soil temperature and moisture was more similar at the two stands causing the difference in the state variables to impel a higher Fff at HW. A simple mass balance indicated that in the wetter year, C in the litter–soil system was at steady state at HW, and was accruing at PP. However, HW was probably losing C from the mineral soil during the severe drought year of 2002, while PP was accumulating C at a lower rate because of a loss of C from the litter layer. Such contrasting behavior of two forest types in close proximity might frustrate attempts to estimate regional carbon (C) fluxes and net C exchange.

Electronic Resource

1365-2036

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Background: Methimazole, an anti-thyroid drug, was recently found to be useful in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, decreased thyroid hormone production is associated with a variety of immunological manifestations, such as reduced activation of CD4+ cells, increased CD8+ cell activity and reduced soluble IL-2 receptors. In the present study we examined the effects of methimazole and propylthiouracil on a rat model of experimental colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of 30 mg trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNB). Two weeks prior to induction of colitis, rats were treated by either methimaziole (0.04%) or propylthiouracil (0.01%) in drinking water after a week of free access to water. Rats were sacrificed 48 h or 7 days after induction of colitis. The colon was isolated, rinsed with ice-cold water and weighed. Damage was assessed both macroscopically and microscopically and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity determined. Results: All treated rats were hypothyroid as manifested by a significant elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), by comparison with the control groups (mean -1.82±0.40 versus 0.11±0.02 mmol/L, respectively). The inflammatory response elicited by TNB resulted in severe mucosal damage 48 h after damage induction, which persisted for 7 days. Pre-treatment with either methimazole 0.04% or propylthiouracil 0.01% significantly decreased mucosal damage macroscopically (lesion area, lesion score and segmental weight) microscopically and also significantly decreased MPO level at both time points (P〈0.01). Conclusions: Methimazole and propylthiouracil significantly reduce mucosal damage and colonic weight in a rat model of colitis. The mode by which they do so remains to be studied.

Electronic Resource

1365-2036

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that methotrexate may have an important therapeutic role in the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, who are either refractory or intolerant to traditional medical therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of low-dose oral methotrexate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods:Methotrexate (12.5 mg) was given orally to nine patients with inflammatory bowel disease: five with Crohn's disease, and four with ulcerative colitis, and to six patients with rheumatoid arthritis who served as a control group. Blood samples were drawn at specific intervals to evaluate methotrexate plasma levels.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉Results:Methotrexate was rapidly absorbed in all patients. Peak concentrations (Cmax) varied considerably, ranging from 0.25–0.87 μM . The mean Cmax values were similar in all patient groups (0.59 ± 0.12, 0.69 ± 0.16 and 0.54 ± 0.18 μM, P not significant) for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively. The mean area under curve in 120 min (AUC0–120) was also similar in all patient groups (32.9 + 11.3, 43.6 + 9.9 and 41.8 + 14.9 ng.min/mL, P not significant) for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively. The mean time to reach Cmax, (tmax), varied between patient groups (84, 112 and 95 min, respectively, with a significant difference, P〈0.02, between the Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis groups. A negative correlation was found between methotrexate dosage/kg and Cmax (r=−0.74) only in Crohn's disease patients but not in the other patient groups.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉Conclusions:Orally administered methotrexate is well absorbed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease including those with severe small bowel disease or resection. If methotrexate is proven to be effective in inflammatory bowel disease, it should be administered orally.

Electronic Resource

0003-9861

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Physics

Electronic Resource

0005-2728

(Ca^2^+ + Mg^2^+-ATPase ; (Rhodospirillum rubrum) ; ATPase complex ; Bacterial photosynthesis ; Chromatophore ; Coupling factor ; Oligomycin-sensitive F"0 . F"1

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Medicine

Physics

Electronic Resource

0014-5793

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Physics

Electronic Resource

1432-2285

Branch cross-sectional area ; Leaf area ; Leaf biomass ; Picea abies ; Sapwood area

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition

Summary The relationship of leaf biomass and leaf area to the conductive area of stems and branches was investigated in Picea abies. A total of 30 trees were harvested to determine if these relationships were different in different crown zones and in trees growing with and without competition for light. Two methods were compared. In the first, data were accumulated from crown zones situated at the top of trees to the bottom; in the second, data were used from individual crown zones. The results indicated that the latter method is much more sensitive in detecting differences in the relationship of leaf biomass or leaf area to conductive area. The analysis also indicated that ratios such as leaf area/sapwood area are frequently size-dependent. This size-dependency can in some cases result in the differences being abscured, but more often leads to the false impression that the relationship between the variables changes. The relationship between leaf biomass and leaf area and conductive area of stems or branches was different in different crown zones and under different growth conditions. The slopes of these regressions appear to increase with decreasing transpirational demand and decrease with increasing hydraulic conductivity. The intercepts are probably related to the amount of identified sapwood actually involved in water conductance.

Electronic Resource

1432-2285

P/V curve ; Picea abies ; Aerial uptake ; Bark permeability ; Mass flow

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition

Summary Uptake of water and magnesium chloride solution was investigated through the outer surface of twigs of Picea abies (L.) Karst. Water uptake was determined by using pressure/volume (P/V) curves of the twigs as a basis for calculation to avoid problems of superficial extraneous water. When water was sprayed on bark and needles of 3- to 7-year-old twigs at a xylem water potential of -1.00 MPa, they absorbed as much as 80 mm3 water in 200 min/g twig dry weight as the twig water potential recovered to -0.15 MPa. With fluorescent dyes, pathways for absorption of water and solutes through the twig bark were found, particularly through the radially orientated ray tissue. In addition to uptake by mass flow, magnesium could also diffuse along a concentration gradient from the twig surface into the xylem. In the field, the magnitude of these uptake processes would depend on the concentration of elements deposited by atmospheric precipitation, the concentration gradient between the plant surface and the xylem sap, the xylem water potential and the intensity and duration of each precipitation event.

Electronic Resource

0931-1890

Key words Tree transpiration ; Hydraulic resistance ; Hydraulic capacitance

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition

Abstract  The use of stem sap flow data to estimate diurnal whole-tree transpiration and canopy stomatal conductance depends critically upon knowledge of the time lag between transpiration and water flux through the stem. In this study, the time constant for water movement in stems of 12-year-old Pinus taeda L. individuals was estimated from analysis of time series data of stem water flux and canopy transpiration computed from mean daytime canopy conductance, and diurnal vapor pressure deficit and solar radiation measurements. Water uptake through stems was measured using a constant-heat sapflow probe. Canopy transpiration was correlated to stem uptake using a resistance-capacitance equation that incorporates a time constant parameter. A least-squares auto-regression determined the parameters of the resistance-capacitance equation. The time constants for ten loblolly pine trees averaged 48.0 (SE = 2.0) min and the time lag for the diurnal frequency averaged 47.0 (SE = 2.0) min. A direct-cross correlation analysis between canopy transpiration and sap flow time series showed maximum correlation at an approximately 30 min lag. Residuals (model-predicted minus actual stem flow data) increased with increasing soil moisture depletion. While the time constants did not vary significantly within the range of tree sizes studied, hydraulic resistance and capacitance terms were individually dependent on stem cross-sectional area: capacitance increased and resistance decreased with stem volume. This result may indicate an inverse adjustment of resistance and capacitance to maintain a similar time constant over the range of tree sizes studied.

Electronic Resource

0931-1890

Key words Capacitance ; Time lag ; Transpiration ; Xylem sap flux

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition

Abstract  Using constant heat sap flow sensors, xylem water fluxes in ten tree species and two liana species were monitored for 5–10 days during the beginning of the wet season in May, 1993. For a subset of the trees, a branch was also monitored at the top of the crown for 5 days. Xylem flux (J S) was related diurnally in all plants to vapor pressure deficit (D) measured within the upper-third of the canopy, and to incoming shortwave radiation R S above the canopy. Cross-correlation analysis was used to estimate time lags between diurnal patterns of J S and D or R S, and between J S in stems and branches. The maximum correlation coefficient from cross-correlation of J S with R S (range=0.57–0.92) was often higher than the maximum of J S with D (range=0.43–0.89), indicating that diurnal J S was more dependent on R S than D. Time lags (lag corresponding to maximum correlation) of J S at stem-base with D was shorter (0–45 min) than with radiation (5–115 min), highly variable within a species, and uncorrelated to the height or exposure of tree crowns or liana in the canopy. On a stand level, not accounting for the diel lag between stem sap flux and canopy flux resulted in errors in estimated canopy transpiration of up to 30%.

Electronic Resource

1432-1939

Key words  Pinus taeda ; Xylem cavitation ; Soil water transport ; Root-shoot relations ; Stomatal regulation

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Abstract  We analyzed the hydraulic constraints imposed on water uptake from soils of different porosities in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) by comparing genetically related and even-aged plantations growing in loam versus sand soil. Water use was evaluated relative to the maximum transpiration rate (E crit) allowed by the soil-leaf continuum. We expected that trees on both soils would approach E crit during drought. Trees in sand, however, should face greater drought limitation because of steeply declining hydraulic conductivity in sand at high soil water potential (Ψ S). Transport considerations suggest that trees in sand should have higher root to leaf area ratios (A R:A L), less negative leaf xylem pressure (Ψ L), and be more vulnerable to xylem cavitation than trees in loam. The A R:A L was greater in sand versus loam (9.8 vs 1.7, respectively). This adjustment maintained about 86% of the water extraction potential for both soils. Trees in sand were more deeply rooted (〉1.9 m) than in loam (95% of roots 〈0.2 m), allowing them to shift water uptake to deeper layers during drought and avoid hydraulic failure. Midday Ψ L was constant for days of high evaporative demand, but was less negative in sand (–1.6 MPa) versus loam (–2.1 MPa). Xylem was more vulnerable to cavitation in sand versus loam trees. Roots in both soils were more vulnerable than stems, and experienced the greatest predicted loss of conductivity during drought. Trees on both soils approached E crit during drought, but at much higher Ψ S in sand (〈–0.4 MPa) than in loam (〈–1.0 MPa). Results suggest considerable phenotypic plasticity in water use traits for P. taeda which are adaptive to differences in soil porosity.

Electronic Resource

1432-1939

Picea abies ; Forest decline ; Stomatal response ; Photosynthesis ; Mg-deficiency

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Summary CO2 assimilation rate (A) and leaf conductance (g) were measured in the field on intact branches of 35-year-old Picea abies (L.) Karst. trees, in five plots each in a healthy and a declining stand. The declining site included trees with yellow needles. In order to separate atmospheric effects on gas exchange from effects of nutrient deficiency, direct effects of atmospheric pollutants were studied on green needles of different age classes in plots of trees at different stages of visible decline. The effects of nutrient deficiency on gas exchange were studied on a different group of trees showing needles of various degrees of yellowing. CO2 assimilation of green needles at the same leaf conductance fell somewhat only when needles had reached 5 years of age, the oldest age examined in this study. Leaf conductance decreased with increasing needle age, but green needles in the declining stand had leaf conductances similar to those of needles in the healthy stand. Stomata of needles with different magnesium concentrations responded to light and air humidity in all age classes. Thus, as long as needles were green, no dese effect was detectable up to 5 years of exposure to atmospheric emissions. Since all needles, green and yellow, were exposed to the same pollution levels, differences in gas exchange between green and yellow needles could not be explained simply in terms of long-term direct effects of air pollution. Needle magnesium contents were correlated with needle yellowing. Neither needle color change nor the magnesium concentration were related to g, but CO2 uptake at ambient CO2 levels declined with lower magnesium concentration and greater degrees of needle yellowing.

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